Worldwide alert: the real Muslim mission - YJ Draiman

Worldwide alert: the real Muslim mission.

Israel has no choice but to continue to fight for its survival.  Thus, it is time for a Clarion Call unifying all Israelis on a national scale, as well as all Jews worldwide.

I have long stated the real Arab Muslim mission in Israel is NOT about alleged “occupied” land. Rather, the real Arab Muslim mission is the extermination of Israel as a nation; the extermination of Judaism as a religion; and the genocide of Israelis and their culture.  The reason for such an Arab Muslim mission has been repeatedly stated by their leaders: their belief they “have the right to kill all non believers”.

Posit the following, what if there was no “Holy Land” as part of modern day Israel? Would the Arab Muslims still demand land which they have no legal right to claim? Would they still use terroristic tactics to kill innocent Israeli Jews wishing for a peaceful co-existence?  The irrefutable answer, as proven by their unfounded rhetoric and actions is an emphatic YES.  The reality is, the Arab Muslims use of “contested land rights” is a thinly disguised façade to hide their true mission: the genocide of Jews and extermination of Israel at any cost.

History proves the Arab countries terrorized and expelled over a million Jewish families and their children. In so doing the Arab countries confiscated all Jewish assets, businesses, homes and real estate totaling over 120,000 sq. km. or 75,000 sq. miles, (which is 6 times the size of Israel), and valued in the trillions of dollars. The reason they were expelled, hatred and greed. Those expelled Jewish families were resettled in Israel and account for over half the population of Israel today.

Those in power in the Arab-Palestinian leadership have rejected again and again any and all attempts to recognize Israel's right to exist.  Although sometimes occupied, there has been a Jewish Nation in the land of Israel for the past 4000 years. In fact, the Jews are the ONLY surviving indigenous people toIsrael.  Yet, even though history proves there has never been an Arab-Palestinian Nation, the Arab Muslims falsely claim they have a right to Israel.  Said false claim exposes the true mission of the Arab Muslims: extermination of Israel and the genocide of Jews.  

An examination of what Arab Muslims teach their children further exposes their true mission. They continue to teach their children to hate, enslave, terrorize and kill Jews, and all non-believers by any means possible.  Ironically, the world idly sits by allowing such hatred and violence to exist and expand thinking it is only an Israeli problem (Déjà vu Hitler and Nazism). 

The Muslim mission in the world is not only Israel but the rest of the world, and all “infidel non-believers”.  Though there are constant instances of terroristic acts throughout the world which support the above statement, we need not consider any other than September 11, 2001.  On 9/11 Arab Muslim terrorists killed close to 3,000 innocent people, including children in America. It is time for the world to accept the fact the Arab Muslim mission of worldwide genocide of ALL non-Muslims, and even some Muslims, will continue until education and humanity replaces such hatred, or eliminates it altogether.

History proves Arab Muslims have killed over 500 million people since its inception 1500 years ago. Moreover, the number of deaths by Arab Muslims continues to grow every day.  They have colonized the Middle East over the years. Now they are slowly but surely taking over Europe. Rest assured if we are not careful to protect ourselves, they will attempt to take over the United States and all other countries. Then we the non-believers and our children will be forced to kneel before a sword wielding Arab Muslim, having committed no other crime than having a different religious belief.

It is time for the world to wake up and face stark reality:  wherever there are Arab Muslims there is hatred fueled conflict and terrorism in an ongoing mission of genocide.

I hope Israel understands it cannot concede to any of the Arab Muslim demands, or give up any more land. To do so will only weaken Israel, making it more vulnerable and endangering the safety and security of its citizens. Israel must retract all previous concessions since the Arab Muslims have not abided by any of the agreements.  It is time to expose the real mission of the Arab Muslims: worldwide genocide.

YJ Draiman

Soon UNESCO will pass a resolution that the Vatican is not Christian - Temple Mount is Jewish - YJ Draiman

Soon UNESCO will pass a resolution that the Vatican is not Christian, do you think it will be accepted? 

After all the Muslims are forcing all Christians to leave their countries.

I think most educated people know the truth. UNESCO and UN resolutions are paper documents that have less value than toilet paper. The UN and its agencies are building up to their own demise, which is coming soon.

Supreme Muslim Council: Temple Mount is Jewish

The widely-disseminated Arab claim that the Temple Mount isn't Jewish has been debunked - by the Supreme Muslim Council (Waqf), in a 1925 pamphlets

First Publish: 9/1/2008, 5:34 PM

The widely-disseminated Arab Muslim position that the Temple Mount is not Jewish has been debunked - by the Supreme Muslim Council (Waqf) of Jerusalem, in a Temple Mount guide published in 1925.

Wakf guidebook, 1925, cover
The Temple Institute

http://www.raptureforums.com/IsraelMiddleEast/guide.pdf

https://www.templeinstitute.org/wakf-1925-guidebook.htm

Supreme Muslim Council: Temple Mount is Jewish

 The widely-disseminated Arab claim that the Temple Mount isn't Jewish has been debunked - by the Supreme Muslim Council (Waqf), in a 1925 pamphlet - Draiman

Supreme Muslim Council: Temple Mount is Jewish The widely-disseminated Arab claim that the Temple Mount isn't Jewish has been debunked - by the Supreme Muslim Council (Waqf), in a 1925 pamphlet - Draiman

Supreme Muslim Council: Temple Mount is Jewish

The widely-disseminated Arab claim that the Temple Mount isn't Jewish has been debunked - by the Supreme Muslim Council (Waqf), in a 1925 pamphlet.

Click here for the 1925 Temple Mount Guide.

One of the most disturbing end times propaganda being promoted today is the absurd notion that the Jews never had a presence on the famous Temple Mount area in Jerusalem. Anyone who is knowledgeable about history and aware of the recent archaeological discoveries on the Temple Mount area over the years knows that the propaganda being perpetuated by the Islamics, United Nations, and other ungodly organizations is simply a political ploy to deny the Jews their historical capital of Jerusalem and the sacred Temple Mount area. The Temple Mount area is the holiest place in Judaism and the remnants of the Second Temple area visible in the form of the "Wailing Wall" where religious Jews flock from around the world in order to pray near the site of the First and Second Temples. Some of the outstanding quotes from the official Temple Mount Guide are as follows:
“The site is one of the oldest in the world. Its sanctity dates from the earliest times. Its identity with the site of Solomon’s Temple is beyond dispute. This, too, is the spot, according to universal belief, on which David built there an altar unto the Lord, and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings” (2 Samuel 24:25).

Rather than the rules allowing non-Muslims to ascend the Mount being from 2006, as was cited in Wikipedia, the rules have remain unchanged since 1924, as can be seen in an online copy of “A Brief Guide to Al-Haram Al-Sharif,” published by the Supreme Moslem Council in Jerusalem, in 1924, with this copy from 1925.
A link to the document can be found here

Temple Mount Institute

“We are tired of hearing anything from anyone associated with the U.N.

The U.N. is a parasitic and criminal enterprise dominated by our mortal enemies. The U.N. cannot create states, it can only recommend and so can other nations only recommend and not create a state that never existed before in history.” Israel was legally re-constituted in its historical land and other Arab State were legally assigned their territory of over 12 million sq. km. under International treaties and laws agreed to by the Supreme Allied powers after WWI when and after the Ottoman Empire ceded its occupied ownership to the Allied powers.

Presentation on theme: "Ancient Israel. The Arab – Israeli Conflict. ► This war has been going on for thousands of years… ► Its roots lie in competition for land, property, spiritual."— Presentation transcript:

Presentation on theme: "Ancient Israel. The Arab – Israeli Conflict. ► This war has been going on for thousands of years… ► Its roots lie in competition for land, property, spiritual."— Presentation transcript:

1 Ancient Israel 

2 The Arab – Israeli Conflict. ► This war has been going on for thousands of years… ► Its roots lie in competition for land, property, spiritual rights, attention, proof of cultural superiority etc. ► It is enshrined in essence in a Bible legend….. 

3 Historical Overview ► Ancient Israel is the birthplace of the 3 great monotheistic religions of the world: Judaism, Christianity and Islam ► Ancient Israel dates back approximately 4000 years to the books of the Old Testament ► Great patriarchs of Judaism: Abraham, Jacob, Moses, Joshua ► Hebrews, Israelites, Jews, Semites: have all undergone persecution throughout history; from Babylonian Captivity, Exodus, Diaspora, Spanish Inquisition, Holocaust 

4 What is in a name? ► Hebrew means “From across”- name given to Abraham and his followers ► Israelites: Abraham’s grandson Jacob renamed Israel which means “he who has wrestled with God”. His descendants were called “Israelites” ► Jews: named after Jacob’s son Judah, ancient father of tribe of King David’s dynasty 

5 Tracing Roots of Israel’s History ► Nomadic tribes wandered into Palestine from east in approximately 1900 BCE ► Mesopotamian society dominated by polytheism ► God (Yahweh) appeared before Patriarch Abraham and told Abraham “to go and raise a great nation” ► This began the monotheistic tradition of the Hebrew faith with the establishment of the “Covenant”, “Chosen People” and “Promised Land” ► Abraham settled in Canaan ► Story: Sacrifice of Abraham 

7 Jacob (grandson of Abraham) ► Abraham’s grandson Jacob took name “Israel” which means “God ruled” and organized Israelites into 12 tribes ► Some tribes settled in Egypt (due to drought and famine) and where subjected to Pharaoh rule and slavery 

8 The story of Abram ► Abram ‘Exalted father’ lived in Iraq. ► He had a vision from God that he should move and create a great nation of people. ► Abram left home and walked into history along with maybe a 1,000 followers. 

9 ► Abram undertook a huge journey across the Middle East from modern day Iraq to Israel. The names were different then, with the land being called ‘Mesopotamia’. ► He travelled far and wide. ► He fought off hostile peoples. 

10 ► Abram was puzzled. God had said he would father a nation but he was childless. His wife-Sarai- was 75! How was God’s Will to happen? ► Sarai suggested that Abram had a child with another woman. This arrangement was allowed by law in cases where a couple were childless. The child would be treated as their own. ► Abram selected Hagar, their Egyptian maid. The resulting child was called Ishmael and was heir to Abram. ► Abram was now told by God to change his name to Abraham ‘father of a multitude’. 

11 ► At this point the unbelievable happened and Sarai herself fell pregnant! ► The resulting child was called Isaac. Sarai changed her name to Sarah. ► There was now a conflict of inheritance. Sarah was determined on Isaac being the true heir. ► Sarah persuaded Abraham to abandon Hagar and Ishmael in the desert to die of thirst. ► Isaac married Rebekah and one of his children was called Jacob. Jacob later became known as ‘Israel’ and the people after him became known as ‘Israelis’. 

12 Hagar and Ishmael did not die in the desert however. Hagar was visited by an angel after running frantically to find water. The angel showed her a well and they both survived. Ishmael is regarded as the Father of the Arab nations. Muslims call Abraham ‘Ibrahim’. 

13 ► Hagar’s searching in the desert is commemorated in the Muslim Hajj where pilgrims walk up and down a huge corridor between the great Mosque and the well at Zamzam. The great corridor where, even today, Muslim pilgrims re-enact Hagar’s frantic search for water. 

14 AbrahamAbraham ► Isaac-Hebrew Ishmael-Arab ► Mosses - 1 st Covenant-Ten Commandments Mohammad ► Old Testament-Torah Quran ► Jews-Judaism Islam YahwehAllah YahwehAllah Jesus (Jew)- 2 nd Covenant Jesus (Jew)- 2 nd Covenant The Apostles Old and New Testament G-d G-d Hagar-EgyptianSarah-Hebrew The Same Father!!! 

15 Judaism ► Judaism predates Christianity – it is the foundation of Christianity but is not a part of it ► Jesus was Jewish, as were his followers and the Apostles ► Jews do not believe that Jesus was anything more than a good and wise man who lived and died 2000 years ago – Jews still await their messiah ► The Jewish messiah would not be divine. He would be a political figure who restores the Hebrew monarchy and causes peace to reign on Earth ► Jews are not concerned about salvation and the “world to come” 

16 Moses ► An illustrated story of Moses Moses 

17 Moses & Exodus: “Let My People Go!” ► Moses received revelations from God: burning bush, rod / staff, 10 plagues, parting of the Red Sea ► End of 13 th century BCE- Moses led the Israelites out of bondage in Egypt during Ramses II reign called the EXODUS ► Moses led the 12 Tribes of Israel to Mount Sinai where Yahweh gave him the 10 Commandments, uniting the Hebrews under one God ► Moses and Hebrews searched for the “Promised Land” or the land of milk and honey, however they wandered in the desert for 40 years 

18 Understanding Datelines ► ► OLD WAY-BC (before Christ) and AD (Anno Domini – in the Year of Our Lord) ► ► NEW WAY-BCE (Before the Common Era) and CE (Common Era). 

21 Kings of Israel ► 1230 BCE, Israelites guided by Joshua, invaded Canaan (Promised Land) ► 1020 BCE: first king of Israelites was Saul, then David, then Solomon ► Under King David the Israelites captured city of Jerusalem ► King Solomon built the Temple of Jerusalem, to house the Arc of the Covenant (sacred box to hold Torah) ► Solomon’s Temple was destroyed during Babylonian invasion, rebuilt in 6 th century BCE, and destroyed again in 70 CE by the Romans ► Only remaining part of Solomon’s Temple is the Western Wall 

22 Lost Tribes of Israel ► After the death of Solomon, Kingdom of Israel split into two (north= Israel; south= Judah) ► Israel was conquered by Assyrians in 722 BCE and the scattered people were known as the ‘Lost Tribes of Israel’ ► Judah was eventually destroyed by Babylon in 586 BCE and inhabitants were held in captivity (called the Exile or Babylonian Captivity) ► Emergence of synagogues and rabbis during Exile ► Released by Persians in 538 BCE and returned to Jerusalem to rebuild temple 

23 Diaspora ► Diaspora is a Greek word meaning “sowing of seed” or “dispersal” which refers to Jewish population living outside of Israel ► In 332 BCE, Jewish people in fell under Hellenization (Greek culture) as Alexander the Great conquered Persia, Egypt and India ► 164 BCE, group of Jews called the Maccabees revolted against Greek rule, took control of Jerusalem and rededicated the Temple to God (Hanukkah) ► 64 BCE, Jerusalem fell to Romans and the Kingdom of Judah became one of the provinces of the Roman Empire (Judea). The people living there were called Judeans, and it is from this word that we get the word Jew ► In 66 CE the people of Judea revolted against Rome. This uprising was crushed and the temple was destroyed for a second time in 70 CE ► Despite the dispersion of Jewish people throughout Europe after 70 CE, their culture and religious beliefs have been by far the most influential of all the ancient cultures of the Near East 

24 Impact of Ancient Israel ► Covenant = formal agreement between Hebrews and God (Yahweh); Hebrews worshipped God and only God, and in return, they would be God’s Chosen People and given Canaan as the Promised Land ► Spiritual ideas profoundly influenced Western culture, morality, ethics and conduct ► Three of the world’s most dominant religions: Judaism, Christianity and Islam all derive their roots from the spiritual beliefs of the Ancient Israelites 

25 Hanukkah Festival of Lights, is an eight-day Jewish holiday commemorating the rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem at the time of the Maccabean Revolt of the 2nd century BCE. Hanukkah is observed for eight nights, and may occur from late November to late December on the Gregorian calendar. According to the Talmud, at the re- dedication following the victory of the Maccabees over the Seleucid Empire, there was only enough consecrated olive oil to fuel the eternal flame in the Temple for one day. Miraculously, the oil burned for eight days, which was the length of time it took to press, prepare and consecrate fresh olive oil. Festival of Lights, is an eight-day Jewish holiday commemorating the rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem at the time of the Maccabean Revolt of the 2nd century BCE. Hanukkah is observed for eight nights, and may occur from late November to late December on the Gregorian calendar. According to the Talmud, at the re- dedication following the victory of the Maccabees over the Seleucid Empire, there was only enough consecrated olive oil to fuel the eternal flame in the Temple for one day. Miraculously, the oil burned for eight days, which was the length of time it took to press, prepare and consecrate fresh olive oil.Jewish holidayHoly TempleJerusalemMaccabean Revolt2nd century BCEGregorian calendarTalmudMaccabeesSeleucid Empireolive oilJewish holidayHoly TempleJerusalemMaccabean Revolt2nd century BCEGregorian calendarTalmudMaccabeesSeleucid Empireolive oil 

Presentation on theme: "Judaism is… “A 4000 year old tradition with ideas about what it means to be human and how to make the world a holy place” (Rabbi Harold Kushner, To Life)"— Presentation transcript:

Presentation on theme: "Judaism is… “A 4000 year old tradition with ideas about what it means to be human and how to make the world a holy place” (Rabbi Harold Kushner, To Life)"— Presentation transcript:

1 Judaism is… “A 4000 year old tradition with ideas about what it means to be human and how to make the world a holy place” (Rabbi Harold Kushner, To Life) A “covenant relationship” between God and the Hebrew people A celebration and sanctification of life A faith, a people, a way of life… 

2 A 4000 year old tradition… The Patriarchs: Abraham, Isaac, Jacob (“Israel”) – origins of the Hebrew people (more than 3800 years ago) Enslaved in ancient Egypt and freed by Moses (more than 3300 years ago) Hebrew monarchy in the “Promised Land” (The Land of Israel), ends 6th century BCE 

3 As a faith, Jews Believe… In one God, creator of the universe, personal but non-corporeal In prophets of old – especially Moses, through whom Torah was revealed to the Hebrew people In Torah (first five books of the Bible), containing religious, moral and social law which guides the life of a Jew the Hebrew Bible does not include the New Testament 

4 As a people, Jews are… A nation in Diaspora (dispersed) 15 – 16 million in worldwide population United by a common heritage (an “ethnic” religion), divided in contemporary practice: Orthodox: Modern Chasidic (Ultra Orthodox) Reformed (18 th century Germany) Conservative – moderates, response to reform Reconstructionalism (20 th century America) 

5 As a way of life, Judaism is based on… 613 commandments found in Torah (“Written Law”) Talmud (“Oral Law”) – commentary of ancient rabbis that elaborates on how to apply God’s Law in everyday life through: Dietary rules (Kashrut/Kosher) Dress and other symbols Prayer and devotion to the one God The Temple and Temple rites Observance of Holy days Proper social relations between male and female, in business, judicial rulings, etc. Thus sanctifying life, blessing it in every way 

6 How does Judaism sanctify life? Life cycle celebrations: Bris – ritual circumcision, sign of the covenant Bar/Bat Mitzvah – full adult status and responsibility within the religion Marriage - "Be fruitful and multiply" (Gen. 1:22) Death – funerals, mourning (sitting “Shiva”), and memorials (“Yartzeits”) 

7 How does Judaism sanctify time? The Jewish Holidays: High Holidays: Rosh Hashanah (Jewish New Year) Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement) Sukkot, the “Festival of Booths” (fall harvest festival) Simchat Torah – celebrating Torah Chanukah, the “Festival of Lights” 

8 More Holy Days… Purim (“Lots”) – a carnival (commemorates events told in book of Esther) Pesach (“Passover”) – commemorates the exodus from Egypt (events told in Exodus) Shavuot (“weeks,” Pentecost) – commemorates receipt of Torah at Sinai Other, minor festivals Shabbat (Sabbath, 7 th day, on Saturday) – the “Day of Rest” 

9 How is Judaism related to Christianity? Judaism predates Christianity – it is the foundation of Christianity but is not a part of it Jesus was Jewish, as were his followers and the Apostles Jews do not believe that Jesus was anything more than a good and wise man who lived and died 2000 years ago – Jews still await their messiah The Jewish messiah would not be divine. He would be a political figure who restores the Hebrew monarchy and causes peace to reign on Earth Jews are not concerned about salvation and the “world to come” 

10 What are Jews really concerned about? Tikkun Olam - “repairing this world” through justice and righteousness; through “deed, not creed” The heart of Judaism is in the home and family, social responsibility and doing Mitzvot (“good deeds” based on God’s commandments) Through education and hard work we make our lives, the lives of others, and the world, what God intended it to be – Holy! 

11 What is Christianity? A diverse, 2000 year old religion followed by almost one third of the world’s population! Based on the life, teachings, death and resurrection of a first century Jew known as Jesus, believed to be the Christ (messiah, savior) by his followers (thus called “Christians”) 

12 Who was the historical Jesus? Born, bred, lived, and died a Jew in first century Roman occupied Palestine Around age 30, took on a mission of preaching, teaching, and healing as an itinerant teacher Had a following of 12 primary disciples and countless multitudes attracted by his miracles and words of wisdom A political threat to Roman and Jewish authorities, is put to death through torturous crucifixion (a Roman punishment) 

13 What did Jesus do & teach? A story telling teacher who taught through parables about the Kingdom of God (“the Kingdom of God is like…”) A miracle worker and faith healer (“your faith has made you whole”) A religious and social reformer (love and the spirit of the law, over the letter of the law) Preaching forgiveness of sin over punishment for sin Inspirational words of wisdom: The “Sermon on the Mount” The “Greatest commandment”: Love God and love others as you love yourself The “Golden Rule”: Do unto others as you would have others do unto you The “Lord’s Prayer” (“Our Father who art in heaven…”) 

14 The Christian Bible Old Testament (the Hebrew Bible) New Testament (written after Jesus’ death, by his followers, during the first century; not canonized until the 4 th century) Four gospels (“good words”) about the birth, life, teaching, acts, death, and resurrection of Jesus The Book of Acts of the apostles – earliest history of the developing church Epistles (“letters”) of Paul and other evangelists addressed to the churches they founded and led throughout the Mediterranean The Book of Revelation – a vision of the future, the ultimate destiny of mankind, the culmination of God’s plan for humanity 

15 What do Christians believe? – “Who do men say that I am?” The “Christ” - born of a virgin in fulfillment of Jewish messianic expectation to be “king of the Jews” The “Son of God” – fully divine and fully human The savior of humanity – saving us from sin through his sacrifice on the cross Risen from the dead (resurrection) “on the third day” – overcoming death so that we too may have “eternal life” Ascended into heaven, residing with God “the father” to intervene on our behalf Will come again at the “end of days” to judge the living and the dead 

16 The Holy Trinity God the Father residing in heaven (same God worshiped by Jews and Muslims) God the Son (Jesus, the Christ) who “came down from heaven” to dwell among us, as one of us God the Holy Spirit (“Holy Ghost”) The spirit of God residing within everyone who accepts the sacrifice of Christ and thus becomes a Christian Communion with God the Father is through the Son and the Holy Spirit 

17 What else do Christians believe? Original sin: all humanity is inherently separated from God The sacrifice of Jesus – a sinless representative of humanity (a “scapegoat”) - as the ultimate atonement for the sins of humanity Heaven and Hell: Eternal life for those who are “saved by the blood of the lamb (Jesus)” Eternal damnation for those who are not so saved 

18 Who are Christians? The Eastern church: Orthodox Christianity Greek, Russian, Coptic, and other national churches of Eastern Europe, North Africa, and Asia The Western church: Roman Catholicism unified under the Pope (bishop of Rome) found throughout western Europe and the Americas Over 900 million (half of all Christians worldwide) These two original church bodies officially broke from each other in 1054 CE 

19 What about the Protestants? Broke from Catholic church beginning in 16 th century Diverse church bodies, denominations, sects, and independent churches of European background: Lutheran (early 16 th century) Church of England (Anglican, Episcopal) (16 th century) “Reformed” churches: Presbyterian, Congregational, etc. (16 th century, based on teachings of John Calvin) Anabaptist and other sectarian churches break away from these original (“mainline”) churches: Baptist, Methodist, Brethren (Puritan), Mennonite, Amish, Quaker, etc. 

20 American born Christian groups 19 th and 20 th century developments include: Mormons (1830’s) Seventh-Day Adventist (1840’s) Christian Science and Unity (1880’s) Jehovah’s Witness (20 th century) Evangelicals and Pentecostals (20 th century) Unification Church (20 th century, Korean origin) Some newer sectarian churches are sometimes considered to be “cults” by “mainstream” Christians Also: independent, non-denominational churches (generally modeled after Protestant belief and practice) 

21 How do Christians practice their faith? Sacraments: 1. Baptism 2. Communion (Eucharist, Mass, the Lord’s Supper) 3. Confirmation 4. Confession of sins, penance, atonement 5. Marriage (“Holy Matrimony”) 6. Ordination (“Holy Orders”) 7. Healing (anointing, “Holy Unction”, “Last rites”) Sabbath celebrated on Sunday with prayer, scripture readings, singing of hymns, a sermon or lesson from the pastor/minister/priest, recitation of creedal statement, confession of sins, communion (format varies from church to church) 

22 What are some Christian holy days? Two major seasons in the Christian calendar: Christmas – celebrating the birth of Jesus Easter – commemorating the resurrection of Christ Christmas: Advent (four weeks leading up to Christmas day) Christmas Day (December 25 th ) Epiphany (the “twelfth day of Christmas”) 

23 More Christian holy days: Easter: (early spring, date varies) Ash Wednesday and lent (40 days before Easter, a period of sacrifice and spiritual renewal in preparation for Easter) Holy Week including: Palm Sunday (Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem) Munday Thursday (inauguration of the communion meal) Good Friday (Jesus’ Passion and crucifixion) Easter Sunday (celebrating the resurrection) Pentecost: the 50 th day (seven weeks) after Easter (commemorates the coming of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles) 

24 What is Islam and how is it related to Judaism and Christianity? Islam = “peace,” “submission” Muslim = “submitter” Not “Mohammedanism” Abraham’s two sons: Isaac  the Hebrews (Judaism  Christianity) Ishmael  the Arabs (Islam) Islam respects the two earlier Abrahamic religions as “Peoples of the Book” 

25 Who was Muhammad b. 570 CE, d. 632 CE Prophet/founder; human, not divine Lived in Arabia, near Mecca Orphaned by age 6, raised by grandfather and uncle Worked as a caravan driver for a woman – Khadija – 15 years his senior Age 25: accepted offer to marry Khadija Sired six children; only one daughter – Fatimah – had children of her own Age 40: Revelation begins 610 CE, continues throughout remainder of the Prophet’s lifeRevelation begins 

26 What is the Qur’an? Holy book of Islam Revealed to Muhammad by God through angel Gabriel Written piecemeal by scribes during or shortly after Muhammad’s life Compiled as a whole about 20 years after Muhammad’s death Comprised of 114 chapters (called surahs) Other Sources: Hadith and Sunnah (stories, sayings, and traditions of Muhammad) Qur’an + Hadith and Sunnah = Shariah (Islamic Law) 

27 The Development of Islam Early persecution by Meccans Year 619: wife and uncle both die Year 622: Hijrah - migration to Yathrib (Medina = “City of the Prophet”) (year 1 AH) Success in Medina, defense against Meccan attacks Year 630: Reclaiming of Mecca Year 632: first Muslim pilgrimage (hajj) to Mecca, led by Muhammad who died a few months later, having united the Arab tribes under the banner of Islam Within 100 years, spread east toward India and west into north Africa and Spain 

28 Who are Muslims? More than one billion Muslims in the world today Two major groups: Sunni: 80% in many locations throughout the world Shi’ite: 15%, mostly in Iran Difference is political, basic beliefs and practices are the same Sufis are Muslim mystics, come from both Sunni and Shi’ite backgrounds Most Muslims are not Arab and not all Arabs are Muslim 

29 What do Muslims Believe? One God (Allah) Spiritual beings: Angels, Jinn and the Devil (“Iblis,” “Shaitan”) Prophets & Messengers: Adam, Abraham, Moses, David, Jesus, Muhammad… Holy Books: Torah, Psalms, Gospels, Qur’an Decrements (destiny) – Inshallah (“if God wills”) End Times (eschatology) Resurrection, Judgment day, Heaven & Hell 

30 The Five Pillars Shahada – Witness: “There is no God but The God (Allah) and Muhammad is the Prophet of God Salat – Prayer, five times every day Zakat – alms giving to the poor and needy Zakat Sawm – fasting, sun-up to sun-down during month of Ramadan Sawm Hajj – Pilgrimage to Mecca (at least once in a Muslim’s life, if able) Hajj 

31 Feast Days Eid-al-Fitr - Feast at the close of the Ramadan fast Eid-al-Adha - Feast of Sacrifice, at the close of the annual Hajj Eid-al-Adha 

32 The Ka’aba Older than Islam Supposedly first built by Abraham Eastern corner houses “the Black Stone” Covered in black silk with gold Shahada Entrance to interior is strictly limited 

33 What is the Ka’aba? Located in the center of Mecca Pre-dates Islam (said to have been built by Abraham and Ishmael as an altar to God) Used by pre-Muslim Arabs for worship of their many tribal gods (idols) Year 630: reclaimed by Muhammad, cleansed and rededicated to Allah Center of Islam to this day – place of annual pilgrimage and direction of prayer for Muslims from all corners of the globe 

34 The Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem Sacred Places The Great Mosque in Mecca The Prophet’s Mosque in Medina 

35 What is a Mosque? A place for prayer, study, socializing No shoes in prayer hall Women cover head, separate from men Wudu room for ritual cleansing before prayer Minaret for call to prayer (Adhaan)Adhaan Prayer hall oriented toward Mecca (qibla) Imam (prayer leader) stands in mirahb (niche) 

36 Islam as a Way of Life Shariah (Islamic Law) Based on Qur’an + Hadith and Sunnah Concerned with preserving human dignity through five principles: preservation of life preservation of progeny (family) preservation of intellect (education) preservation of wealth (property) preservation of religion not just for the individual but for the society 

37 Prohibitions Halal (permissible) and Haram (prohibited) No eating of pork (other dietary regulations = halal) No gambling No intoxicants No fornication (homosexuality, adultery, prostitution, etc.) No usury (charging or paying interest on loans) (the rich shall not profit from helping the poor) No usury 

38 What about Jihad? “Struggle” not “Holy War” Inner: spiritual and moral struggle between good and evil Outer: struggle to maintain proper social setting according to God’s will Struggles in the Holy Land Palestinian vs. Israeli, not Muslim vs. Jew (political, not religious) 

39 What about Women in Islam? Respected and Protected by Men “Modest dress” for both men and women “Hijab” differs from culture to culture Heavy cover and veil not a religious requirement