12

INTRODUCTION
TO WORLD RELIGIONS
& BELIEF SYSTEMS

1st Quarter: Module 6

Mary Ann C. Doctor

Rogelio DG. Burce
Module Writer

Department of Education • Republic of the Philippines

Content Standard

The learner demonstrates understanding of the elements of Islam;

a. Founder: Prophet Muhammad (570-632 A.D.)

b. Sacred texts: Qur’an, Hadith
c. Doctrines: Five Pillars of Islam (Shahadah-declaring there is no other god but
Allah and Muhammad is His messenger, Salat-ritual prayer five times a day,
Sawm-fasting during Ramadan, Zakat-alms giving to the poor, and Hajj pilgrimage
to Mecca at least once in a lifetime)
d. God: Allah
e. Practitioners: Sunni, Shi’ite, Sufi
f. Issues: Gender Inequality, Militant Islam, Migration

Performance Standard

The learner conducts a panel discussion on Muslim beliefs and practices (when
possible inviting a Muslim).

Most Essential Learning (Week 5)

Examine the brief history, core teachings, fundamental beliefs, practices, and
related issues of Islam.

Learning Competency

 Read the opening lines of Qur’an preferably from an English version.

 Retell the life and times of Prophet Muhammad
 Explain the core teaching of Islam ;is there only one God and Muhammad is
His final and greatest messenger.
 Conduct a panel discussion on Muslim beliefs and practices (when possible
invite a Muslim)

EXPECTATIONS

 The lessons included in your module teach you the basic concepts on the
beliefs and practices of Islam.
 It also helps you to identify the founder of Islam and how this belief started.
 In addition, it will help you to understand the concept of monotheism as one
of the greatest influences of Judaism to Islam.
 Moreover, it helps you to analyze the related issues concerning to the beliefs
of Islam.

Let’s get started……tune up!!!!

Intro to World Religion. Qr.1.Wk5 2

 PRE-TEST

Multiple Choice: Read the questions carefully. Write the letter of your correct
answer on the space provided.
1.________ This religion was established around 7th century and noted as the
youngest among world’s major religion.
a. Hinduism b. Christianity c. Islam d. Judaism
2.________For Islam, they considered Him as a messenger and the last prophet sent
by God to human kind.
a. Moses b. Muhammad c. Jesus Christ d. Abu Bakr
3.________Which country in Asia has the largest adherents of Islam.
a. Saudi Arabia b. Pakistan c. Philippines d. Indonesia
4._______It is the sacred space or the house of worship for Islam.
a. Mosque b. Synagogue c. Temple d. Church
5._______ The following belongs to Five Pillars of Islam except;
a. Shahada b. Virgin Birth of Jesus
c. Salat d. Zakat
6._______ What is the sacred text or scripture of Islam?
a. Quran b. Tripitaka c. Bible d. Torah
7._______Which of the following does not belong to the sects of Islam?
a. Sunni b. Roman Catholic c. Shi’a d. Sufi
8._______It is the sacred month for Islam, it was the ninth month in their calendar.
Muslims on this day are expected to observe sawm.
a. Ramadan b. Sabbath c. Holy Week d. Muharram
9. _______It is known as the flight of Muhammad from Mecca to Medina to escape
from persecution of Meccans.
a. Hijra b. Hadji c. Shawwal d. Muharram
10._____ Which of the following does not belong to the issues concerned to Islam?
a. Holy War b. Salvation c. Sexuality d. Migration

LOOKING BACK

Fill in the blank: Choose your answer from the boxes below and write it on the
space provided.

1. ____________Christian believes that he is the messiah sent by God.

2. ____________It is the sacred writings of Christianity.
3. ____________What is the most important days for Christians especially Catholic,
it is where they commemorate the passion of Jesus Christ.
4. ____________In what country in Asia Christianity were started?
5. ____________What do you call the system of belief in one god?

Monotheism Palestine Israel Holy Jesus Qur’an Bible

Week Christ

Intro to World Religion. Qr.1.Wk5 3

 INTRODUCTION OF THE LESSON

Let’s Ponder!!
Are you familiar with this symbol? Where did
you see this symbol? How would you
interpret the symbol? In what religion does
this symbol use?

(https://www.google.com/search?q=symbols+of+islam&safe=active&rlz=1C1RLNS
)

What Is It

“Islam” is commonly used as the name of a religion whose followers are

referred to as Muslims. In Arabic, however, the word Islām literally means
“submission (to God)” so Muslim refers to “one who submits (to God).” Another
cognate of the word Islam is the Arabic word for peace, Salām.
Established around seventh century C.E., Islam is the youngest among
world’s largest religion. Like Christianity and Judaism, Islam emerged in the
Middle East, but is now truly a world religion. There are more than 1.5 billion
Muslims across the globe, second to the largest group and one of the fastest
growing religions in the world. There are 49 countries in the world that are
Muslim-majority or comprises 50% of the population. More than 60% of the
Muslims can be found in Asia like Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Turkey, Iran, Iraq,
and Indonesia, which most numbers of Muslim is 87% of their population
practicing Islam.

 Who was Muhammad?

The rise of Islam is intrinsically linked with the Prophet Muhammad,

believed by Muslims to be the last in a long line of prophets that included Moses
and Jesus. Because Muhammad was the chosen recipient and messenger of the
word of God through the divine revelations, Muslims from all walks of life strive to
follow his example. After the holy Qur'an, the sayings of the Prophet (hadith) and
descriptions of his way of life (sunna) are the most important Muslim texts.
Muhammad was born into the most powerful tribe in Mecca, the Quraish,
around 570 A.D. The power of the Quraish derived from their role as successful
merchants. Several trade routes intersected at Mecca, allowing the Quraish to
control trade along the west coast of Arabia, north to Syria, and south to Yemen.
Mecca was home to two widely venerated polytheistic cults whose gods were
thought to protect its lucrative trade. After working for several years as a
merchant, Muhammad was hired by Khadija, a wealthy widow, to ensure the safe
passage of her caravans to Syria. They eventually got married.
When he was roughly forty, Muhammad began having visions and hearing
voices. Searching for clarity, he would sometimes meditate at Mount Hira, near
Mecca. On one of these occasions, the Archangel Gabriel (Jibra'il in Arabic)
appeared to him and instructed him to recite "in the name of [your] lord." This was
the first of many revelations that became the basis of the Qur'an, the holy book of

Intro to World Religion. Qr.1.Wk5 4

Islam. These early revelations pointed to the existence of a single God,
contradicting the polytheistic beliefs of the pre-Islamic Arabian Peninsula.
Initially overwhelmed by the significance of what was being revealed to him,
Muhammad found constant support in his wife and slowly began to attract
followers. His strong monotheistic message annoyed many of the Meccan
merchants. They were afraid that trade, which they believed was protected by the
pagan gods, would suffer. From that point forward, Muhammad was ostracized in
Mecca. For a time, the influence and status of his wife and his uncle, Abu Talib,
the chief of the clan, protected Muhammad from persecution. After they died,
however, Muhammad's situation in Mecca became dreadful.
In 622, they headed to Medina, another oasis town, where they were
promised freedom to practice their religion. The move from Mecca to Medina is
known as the “hijra”—the flight—and marks year 1 of the Islamic, or hijri,
calendar. Emigration became the only hope for Muhammad and his followers'
survival. Muhajirun (those who made hegira) are the Muslim followers who followed
Muhammad on his journey and Ansar (helper) are those who supported him in
Medina.
In Medina, Muhammad continued to receive divine revelations and built an
ever-expanding community around the new faith. The conflict with the Quraysh
continued, but after several years of violent clashes, Mecca surrendered.
Muhammad and his followers soon returned and took over the city, destroying all
its pagan idols and spreading their belief in one God.
One night, while the Prophet was sleeping, the Archangel Gabriel came and
led him on a journey. Mounted on the heavenly steed Buraq, Muhammad traveled
from the Ka'ba in Mecca to the "Farthest Mosque," which Muslims believe to be the
Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem. There he prayed with other prophets such as Moses,
Abraham, and Jesus, and ascended to the skies, where he was led by Gabriel
through Paradise and Hell, and finally came face to face with God. He then
returned to earth to continue spreading the message of Islam. According to Islamic
belief, Muhammad was the only person to see Heaven and Hell while still alive.
When Muhammad died in 632, he had not named a successor. One faction, the
Shi'a, believed that only individuals with direct lineage to the Prophet could guide
the Muslim community righteously. They thought that 'Ali, Muhammad's closest
surviving blood male relative, should be their next leader (caliph). The other
faction, the Sunnis, believed that the Prophet's successor should be determined by
consensus and successively elected three of his most trusted companions,
commonly referred to as the Rightly Guided Caliphs (Abu Bakr, 'Umar, and
'Uthman), as leaders of the Muslim community; 'Ali succeeded them as the fourth
caliph.
Today the Islamic community remains divided into Sunni and Shi'i
branches. Sunnis revere all four caliphs, while Shi'is regard 'Ali as the first
spiritual leader. The rift between these two factions has resulted in differences in
worship as well as political and religious views. Sunnis are in the majority and
occupy most of the Muslim world, while Shi'i populations are concentrated in Iran
and Iraq, with sizeable numbers in Bahrain, Lebanon, Kuwait, Turkey, Pakistan,
and Afghanistan.

(https://www.metmuseum.org/learn/educators/curriculum-resources/art-of-
the-islamic-world/unit-one/the-prophet-muhammad-and-the-origins-of-islam)

Intro to World Religion. Qr.1.Wk5 5

  Symbols of Islam

The Star and Cresent:

The star and crescent moon is the best-known symbol used to represent
Islam. The symbol is not Muslim in origin, it was a polytheistic icon
adopted during the spread of Islam, and its use today is sometimes
controversial in the Muslim world. The crescent and star are often said
to be Islamic symbols, but historians say that they were the insignia of
the Ottoman Empire, not of Islam as a whole.

“ Allah" in Arabic:
The words "Allah" in Arabic script or characters can be regarded as
visually representing Islam as a symbol.

(https://www.google.com/search?q=symbols+of+islam&safe
http://religious-symbols.net/islam-symbols.html

 The Sacred Book of Islam

In Islam, there are two main sacred texts: the Quran (also spelled "Koran") and
the Hadith (or Hadeeth). These books teach and illustrate Islamic beliefs, values,
and practices. They are also important historical documents (especially the Quran),
which tell the story of the origins of the Islamic faith.
The Quran is the most important book in Islam. It contains the teachings and
story of the chief prophet of Islam, Muhammad. The Quran, whose name means
"recitation" in Arabic, is the sacred text of Muslims and the highest authority in
both religious and legal matters.
The Quran is roughly the length of the Christian New Testament. It is divided
into 114 surahs (chapters) of widely varying length, which, with the exception of
the opening surah (fatihah), are generally arranged from longest to shortest. As the
shortest chapters seem to date from the earlier period of Muhammad's revelation,
this arrangement results in a reverse chronological order. Muhammad relayed his
message to his secretary Zayd Ibn Thabit, who wrote them on leather scraps, stone
pieces, ribs of palm leaves, shoulder blades of animals and parchments. (Ong and
De Jose, 2016)
Each surah has a heading, which usually incorporates the following elements:
A title (e.g. "The Bee," "The Cow") taken from a prominent word in the Surah, but
one that does not usually represent its overall contents.
The basmalah, a formula prayer (e.g. "In the name of God the Merciful, the
Compassionate")
An indication as to whether it was received at Mecca or Medina. In 29 of the
Surahs, fawatih, or "detached letters" of unclear significance. They may be
abbreviations, initials of owners of early manuscripts, or have some esoteric
meaning.
The verses (ayat, "signs") also vary in length, with the shortest usually found
in the earlier surahs. In these verses, the form closely resembles the rhymed prose
of the seers (kahins) of Muhammad's time. The later verses are more detailed and
less poetic.
Most of the Quran is written in the first person plural, with Allah as the
speaker. When Muhammad himself speaks, his words are introduced by "Say," to
clarify he is being commanded by Allah to speak.
The vocabulary of the Qur'an is overwhelmingly Arabic, but some terms are
borrowed from Hebrew and Syriac, cultures with which Muhammad was familiar.

Intro to World Religion. Qr.1.Wk5 6

Such words include injil (gospel), taurat (law, Torah), Iblis (Devil), amana (to
believe) and salat (prayer).

The sacred text called the "Hadith," which is Arabic for "narrative" or
"report," is a record of Islamic tradition: it is a record of the words and deeds of the
prophet Muhammad, his family, and his companion.
The sacred text called the "Hadith," which is Arabic for "narrative" or
"report," is a record of Islamic tradition: it is a record of the words and deeds of the
prophet Muhammad, his family, and his companions. It is the second most
important text in Islam next to the Quran. Although not regarded as the spoken
Word of God like the Quran, the Hadith is an important source of doctrine, law,
and practice.
It is "revered in Islam as a major source of religious law and moral guidance"
{1} and has been studied in Muslim religious colleges since the Middle Ages by both
male and female scholars. {2} The word "Hadith" technically refers to a single piece
of tradition (ahadith is the Arabic plural), but in English it is used to refer to the
entire body of Muslim tradition as well.
Each Hadith consists of two parts: the tradition itself, or matn (for instance,
the words of the Prophet) and the isnad (chain of authorities). The isnad indicates
the human transmitters through which the tradition was relayed.

(http://www.religionfacts.com/hadith)

 Major Beliefs and Principles of Islam

The Five Pillars of Islamic Faith

1. The Shahada- The Profession of Faith

The shahada, (The Profession of Faith)—is the most fundamental expression of
Islamic beliefs. It simply states that “There is no God but God and Muhammad is
his prophet.” It underscores the monotheistic nature of Islam. It is an extremely
popular phrase in Arabic calligraphy and appears in numerous manuscripts and
religious buildings.

2. Salat- Daily Prayer

Muslims are expected to pray five times a day. This does not mean that they need
to attend a mosque to pray; rather, the salat, or the daily prayer, should be recited
five times a day. Muslims can pray anywhere; however, they are meant to pray
towards Mecca. Every Friday, many Muslims attend a mosque near midday to pray
and to listen to a sermon, khutba.

3. Zakat- Alms-Giving
The giving of alms is the third pillar. Although not defined in the Qu’ran, Muslims
believe that they are meant to share their wealth with those less fortunate in their
community of believers.

4. Saum- Fasting during Ramadan

During the holy month of Ramadan, the ninth month in the Islamic calendar,
Muslims are expected to fast from dawn to dusk. While there are exceptions made
for the sick, elderly, and pregnant, all are expected to refrain from eating and
drinking during daylight hours.

Intro to World Religion. Qr.1.Wk5 7

5. Hajj- Pilgrimage to Mecca
All Muslims who are able are required to make the pilgrimage to Mecca and the
surrounding holy sites at least once in their lives. Pilgrimage focuses on visiting the
Kaaba and walking around it seven times. Pilgrimage occurs in the 12th month of
the Islamic Calendar.

https://www.khanacademy.org
/humanities/ap-art-
history/introduction-cultures-
religions-apah/islam-
apah/a/the-five-pillars-of-islam

Fact Box- The Kaaba also refal-erred as Al Kaaba Musharrafah, is a building at

thecenter of Islam’s most sacred mosque, Al-Masjid al-Haram, in Mecca,al-Hejaz,
Saudi Arabia. It is the most sacred site in Islam.

 Subdivisions of Islam

Islam appeared to be a solid religion based on the simplicity of their doctrine and
tradition. But like other religions, it was also confronted by different variations, as
it grew and developed.

1. Sunni Muslims- include 84-90% of all Muslims. Sunni means “Followers of the
Smooth Path.” Sunni regard themselves as those emphasize following the
traditions of Muhammad (sunnah-customary practices) on the first two generations
of the community of Muslim that followed Muhammad. They believe that any
Muslims can be a ruler and does not need to prove his lineage to Muhammad as
long he gets the confidence and consensus of the ummah or community. Every
Muslim country has Sunni majority except Iran, Iraq, Azerbaijan, Yemen, and
some of the Gulf States (Ong, De Jose 2016)

2. Shi’ite Muslims-comprise 10%-16% of all Muslims. Shi’a or Shi’ites are the

“party of Ali”, who believe that Muhammad’s son-in-law was his designated
successor(Imam)and that the Muslim community should be headed by a
designated descendant of Muhammad. We can found Shi’a in India, Yemen, and
parts of Africa.

3. Sufis or Islamic Mystics-this Muslim concern mainly dwell for a mystical union
with God.
Their name originated from the word suf that means woolen since they wore coarse
wool garments or robes to symbolize poverty and denunciation of worldly
pleasures. A Sufi can be Sunni or Shi’ite Muslims.

 Selected Issues on Islam

Like any other religions in the world, Islam has gone through two principal
periods of growth in its relatively young history: first, at the onset of its

Intro to World Religion. Qr.1.Wk5 8

 founding and second, during the twentieth century. Islam has affected
every facet of human society.
1. Islam and Women

All Muslim are required to observe the “Five Pillars of Islam.” However,
congregational prayers tend to be dominated by men while this activity remains
optional for women. Women in Islam are prohibited to lead prayers. They are also
prohibited to enter in mosque during the time of their menstrual period. In some
other countries, Muslim women are required to cover their faced and bodies when
in company with men and other immediate relatives. They must also be obedient to
their father and husband. However, in Quran, despite of so many restrictions, it
assures women the right to own property, dispose, inherit properties and earnings,
receive education, participate in political exercise and to sue for divorce. Husbands
are also encouraged to treat her wife well. In Quran teaching, mother should be
treated the best way possible.

2. The Jihad
The literal meaning of Jihad is struggle or effort, and it means much more
than holy war. Muslims use the word Jihad to describe three different kinds of
struggle:
 A believer's internal struggle to live out the Muslim faith as well as possible
 The struggle to build a good Muslim society
 Holy war: the struggle to defend Islam, with force if necessary
Many modern writers claim that the main meaning of Jihad is the internal spiritual
struggle, and this is accepted by many Muslims. However, there are so many
references to Jihad as a military struggle in Islamic writings that it is incorrect to
claim that the interpretation of Jihad as holy war is wrong.

3. Militancy and Terrorism

Since Islam is a religion of peace and mercy, terrorism in all its forms are hated by
Muslims. Destructions of human lives, buildings, infrastructures, shrines and
other properties are despicable in the light of various Islamic texts(Ong, De Jose
2106) Muslims who promote terrorism and mass slaughter of innocent and
helpless civilians do not embody Islamic ideals. The presence of violence in Islamic
states cannot be attributed to the teachings of Islam but to the failings of human
adherents of the religion. A person committing an act of terrorism is guilty of
violating Islamic laws for that matter.

4. Migration

Significant migration of Muslims from Syria, Lebanon, Jordan and to the United
State happened after the Second World War, European countries encourage
emigration from former colonies to augment manpower shortages. United Kingdom
today is home to more than two million Muslims, France five million and Germany
which has four million.

The Muslim population in Europe and in the US continue to rise in the present
century. Islam has now become an American religion which around six million
Muslims comprising population. Almost two million are Americans converts that
are mainly African Americans and four million for Muslim immigrants and their
American-born children.

Intro to World Religion. Qr.1.Wk5 9

  Sura Al-Fatiha-“The Opening”
Sura Al-Fatiha is the first chapter of the Qur’an, the sacred book of Islam.
Its verses are a prayer for god’s guidance and stress the lordship and mercy
of Allah. This chapter has special role in daily prayers(Salat), being recited
at the start of each unit of prayer.

English Translation of Sura Al-Fatiha

“In the name of Allah, the most gracious, the most merciful:

All praise is due to Allah, Lord of the Universe,

The most Gracious, the most Merciful

Owner of the Day of Judgement,

You alone do we worship, and You alone we return for help.

Guide us to the straight path;

The Path on those on whom You have bestowed for your Grace,
Not (the way) of those who have earned your anger,
Nor of those who went astray.
(https;//www.en.wikepedia.com.org)

What’s More (Activity 1)- Take the route to Medina

From this graphic organizer, provide needed information about the life of
Muhammad.

Place of His Secretary’s name who wrote all the message

Meaning of Birth he receives from God
Muhammad

Year of
Birth The Angel who appeared to him

His Wife
The Chief of the clan who help him
Year of
from persecution
Death

Term given to his escape from Mecca Five Pillars of Islam

(https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Browse/Search:blank%20graphic%20orga
nizer)
Guide Questions:
1. What are the similarities of Christian and Islam?
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________.
2. Which among the doctrines of Islam do you think is appealing to ordinary
people? Explain your answer.

Intro to World Religion. Qr.1.Wk5 10

_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
________
3. Do you think Islam teaching has a high respect for women? Justify your answer.
_________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________

Activity 2- Know the Difference. Fill the graphic organizer, the similarities and
differences of Qur’an to Hadith. Write at least three statements.

Text All statemet 3

Support are
suppoted
by the text.
Placement All the 4
statements
in the circle
are not
similar
within the
two outside
circle.
No.of Make at 3
Quality least 3-5
Statement statements
for
comparison
in each
circle.
Total 10pts.

(https://www.template.net/designtemplates/print/blank venn diagram)

What I have learned.

Fill up the table the basic facts about Islam.

Founder

God

Sacred Texts

Doctrines

Intro to World Religion. Qr.1.Wk5 11

Sects

Issues

Sacred Space

CHECKING YOUR UNDERSTANDING

What I Can Do
Definition of Terms. Provide simple definitions for the following terms.
1. Muslim _______________________________________________________________________

2. Qur’an_______________________________________________________________________

3. Khadijah____________________________________________________________________

4. Saudi Arabia________________________________________________________________

5. Muhammad__________________________________________________________________

6. Hegira_______________________________________________________________________

7. Ramadan____________________________________________________________________

8. Sunni________________________________________________________________________

9. Shi’a_________________________________________________________________________

10. Sura Al-Fatiha _____________________________________________________________

POST TEST

A. Matching Type: Match column A with Column B. Write the correct letter on the
space provided.
a. Qur’an _________1. Rightly Guided Caliphs
b. Kaaba _________ 2. Most important book for Muslim
c. Shahada _________ 3. Holy month for Muslim
d. Zakat __________4. Holy symbols for Islam
e. Hadji __________5. The black stone
f. Sunni __________6. Followers of the Smooth Path

Intro to World Religion. Qr.1.Wk5 12

g. Jihad __________7. Declaration of Faith
h. Star and Crescent __________8. Pilgrimage to Mecca
i. Ramadan ___________9. Struggle or effort
j. Abu Bakr __________10. Alms-Giving

ENRICHMENT

Answer the following questions;

1. In what way does Five Pillars of Islam give a sense of unification to the Muslim
adherents worldwide?
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
________
2. Read the Sura Al-Fatiha, write your own reflection on what this prayer wants to
tell us.
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
______

3. Interview a Muslim parent or couple thru Fb messenger. Ask them why they
choose to become Muslim and what specific beliefs and practices they adhere to.
Finally, ask them how they live their faith as Muslim especially now that terrorism
in the Middle East still exists.

_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________
________

Intro to World Religion. Qr.1.Wk5 13