World Religions: Islam Islam is a monotheistic religion. The Arabic word for God is Allah. • They believe that Allah dictated the holy book called the Koran (Qur’an) to a man named Mohammed who lived in the Arabian Peninsula in 622. • Mohammed is seen as the last of a series of prophets that included Abraham, Moses, and Jesus. • Islam is the name of the religion. A follower of that religion is called a Muslim. • Muslims see Jesus as a great prophet, but do not believe that he is the Son of God or God as Christians do. • Muslims have five core beliefs: • There is no God but Allah and Mohammed was the final prophet of God • All Muslims should take a pilgrimage (religious journey) called Hajj to the Holy City of Mecca • All Muslims should pray five times a day facing Mecca • All Muslims should fast during the month of Ramada. From sunrise to sunset • All Muslims should give alms to help the poor • Muslims have strict dietary laws. Any food from a pig is forbidden. Alcohol is forbidden • The place of worship for a Muslim is called a mosque. With it is usually a minaret, a tall tower from which calls to prayer are given. • Mecca and Jerusalem are seen as holy cities. Only Muslims are permitted in Mecca. Any non-Muslim attempting to enter would be killed. • For some countries such as Saudi Arabia the Koran is their constitution. This is called Sharia Law. • Under Sharia, women must wear a head covering when out of their homes. Women may not be on the street unless with a man. In some countries girls may not attend school. The penalty for adultery is beheading, but usually this only happens to the woman. The penalty for stealing is to have your hand cut off. In some countries men may marry up to four wives. • Mohammed conquered militarily. When he died, Muslims split into two groups: