Islam, the Quran, and the Five Pillars

Hijrah

"Flight" the Migration of Muhammad from Mecca in 622 A.D. to Medina

Shi'a

A branch of Islam whose members acknowledge Ali and his descendants as the rightful successors of Muhammad

Sunni

A branch of Islam whose members acknowledge the first four caliphs as the rightful successors of Muhammad

Jihad

A holy struggle or striving by a Muslim for a moral or spiritual or political goal. "struggle in the way of God"

Muhammad

Arab prophet; founder of religion of Islam.

Allah

Arabic word for God

Sharia

Codified Islamic law which is ethically based on the Qur'an and the Hadith. Body of Islamic law that includes interpretation of the Quran and applies Islamic principles to everyday life

Abu Bakr

Companion of 1st muslim leader after Muhammad. Regarded by Sunni's as the 1st caliph and rightful succesor. The Shi'ah regard him as a traitor of Muhammad. Known as best interpretter of dreams following Muhammad's death.

Ali

Muhammad's son-in-law; the Sunni believe he should have been the first caliph. Believed Muhammed took his hand and said the faith should follow him

Five Pillars of Islam

True Muslims were expected to follow (principle of Salvation): belief in Allah, pray 5 times a day, giving of alms, fasting during Ramadan, pilgrimage to Mecca once in a lifetime

Mecca & Medina

Two most important cities in the Muslim faith; center of faith (Kaaba), the other city is where the faith was created

The Qur'an (Koran)

holy book that contains what Muslims believe to be Allah's message to Muhammad, sacred scripture of Islam