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Islam
The Arabic meaning of Islam is submission to God/Allah; the creator of the universe. Islam provides a comprehensive concept to humanitys eternal question: who are we? Islam is a comprehensive and balanced system of life encompassing the spiritual and the temporal realms.
The Creator
Attributes
Genderless and beyond imagination Mercy We are his honoured creatures Direct relationship between God and the believers Worship is intimate & personal
The Prophet
His background
An orphan of a noble, but not well-to-do, family that lived in Mecca. His father died before his birth. His mother died when he was six. His uncle raised him. He was known for being honest and truthful before prophethood. Worked as a shepherd and later as a trader Married his first wife Khadija, and the mother of his surviving children, when he was 25. She was 40.
The Prophet
His prophethood
In 610, he received his first revelation at 43. These revelations were compiled later into the Quran; the holy book of Muslims The nobles of Mecca refused his call, ostracized and persecuted him and his followers. After 12 difficult years, he immigrated in 622 to Medina whose people welcomed him. In Medina, he was a prophet and a statesman. In 633, he died in Medina after 11 years at 63 His personality revolves around the traits of mercy, generosity and forgiveness.
The Prophet
The message
The oneness of God, the creator of the whole universe Islam is the continuation of divine messages that God sent to humanity through prophets like Abraham, Isaac, Moses, and Jesus. The moral principles of the ten commandments are reflected in the message of Muhammad. It acknowledges the diversity of the human race and freedom of religions
The Quran
The revelation of God to Muhammad It has been preserved as revealed 14 centuries ago. It consists of 114 chapters of various lengths. In Arabic, it numbers about 604 pages. The translation of its meaning is available in English, French and most of the worlds languages
The Quran
Appeals to the mind to reflect on creations and the creator Glad tidings for the believers Admonitions to the nonbelievers Stories of previous messengers of God such as Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Moses, Jesus, Mary, etc. Rulings on social and commercial issues.
The Mosque
The Muslims house of God Muslims are encouraged to pray their daily prayers in congregation at the mosque. Consists, in Canada, of a prayer hall, offices, washrooms, multi-purpose hall. The mosque is run by a board or a committee.
The Imam (religious leader) leads the prayers and delivers sermons. His powers vary but normally limited to just that. Persons entering the mosque are supposed to have cleansed themselves. As a courtesy, and to avoid embarrassment or offence, non-Muslims should seek permission before entering the mosque.
Young: 27% of the Muslims are in age group 25 to 44 years and have one or more university degrees, 60% higher than the population as a whole. Muslim families derive only 4% of their total income from social security programs. The Canadian average is 7%. There are only five people working to support one in retirement in the country, among Muslims there are 15 workers to support each retiree. The income of Muslims is below the national average. In Toronto, about 60% of Muslim children live below poverty line, compared with 14% for Jewish children.
Islamic Terrorism
1. The expression 2. New phenomenon for Muslims.
3. Politically, and not religiously, rooted. 4. Grows with despair and hopelessness.
a. Hijacking b. Suicide bombing
Myths
Realities
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Muslims have existed fundamentally and irreparably in a state of conflict with the Judeo-Christian civilization. Islam is fundamentally aggressive or totalitarian. Jihad can always have a radicalizing potential upon any and all Muslims. Muslims have different sets of standards or rules when dealing with non-Muslims
2. 3. 4.
American policy
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Police in countries of origin represents the repression of the state and the corruption of its apparatus.
The perception, growing stronger everyday, about a hidden agenda against Islam and Muslims.
US policies (foreign and domestic) are perceived as biased against Islamic issues.
Muslims feel under siege especially with increased scrutiny, stereotype and frenzy.
Show respect and understanding: soft approach works better than hard one.