Muslim: Explanation and Study Guide

What is a Muslim?

A Muslim is a follower of the religion of Islam. The word "Muslim" is derived from the Arabic word "Islam," which means "submission to the will of God."

Beliefs of Muslims

Muslims believe in the following:

One God (Allah): Muslims believe in the oneness of God and that there is no god but Allah.
Prophets: Muslims believe in the prophets sent by God, including Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jesus, and the final prophet, Muhammad.
Quran: The holy book of Islam, believed to be the word of God as revealed to Prophet Muhammad.
Five Pillars of Islam: These are the five basic acts of worship that are considered the foundation of a Muslim's faith and practice.

Practices of Muslims

Some of the key practices of Muslims include:

Salah (Prayer): Muslims are required to pray five times a day facing the Kaaba in Mecca.
Zakat (Almsgiving): Muslims are obligated to give a portion of their wealth to those in need.
Sawm (Fasting): Muslims fast from dawn to sunset during the month of Ramadan.
Hajj (Pilgrimage): Muslims who are physically and financially able are required to perform the pilgrimage to Mecca at least once in their lifetime.

Spread of Islam

Islam originated in the Arabian Peninsula in the 7th century and spread through trade, conquest, and missionary activities. It eventually reached regions across Africa, Asia, and Europe.

Impact of Islam

Islam has had a profound impact on various aspects of society, including art, architecture, science, and literature. It has also influenced the legal and political systems in many Muslim-majority countries.

Conclusion

Studying the religion of Islam and the Muslim community is essential for understanding the rich cultural, historical, and religious diversity in the world.

◂Social Studies Worksheets and Study Guides Eighth Grade. Phoenicia

The resources above cover the following skills:

National Curriculum Standards for Social Studies (NCSS)

TIME, CONTINUITY, AND CHANGE

SOCIAL STUDIES PROGRAMS SHOULD INCLUDE EXPERIENCES THAT PROVIDE FOR THE STUDY OF THE PAST AND ITS LEGACY.

KNOWLEDGE - Learners will understand:

Key historical periods and patterns of change within and across cultures (e.g., the rise and fall of ancient civilizations, the development of technology, the rise of modern nation-states, and the establishment and breakdown of colonial systems).

National Center for History in Schools (NCHS)

Historical Thinking Standards

Historical Comprehension

Reconstruct the literal meaning of a historical passage.

World History Content Standards

Era 3: Classical Traditions, Major Religions, and Giant Empires, 1000 BCE-300 CE

The emergence of Aegean civilization and how interrelations developed among peoples of the eastern Mediterranean and Southwest Asia, 600-200 BCE.

The student understands the development of the Persian (Achaemenid) empire and the consequences of its conflicts with the Greeks.

Major global trends from 1000 BCE-300 CE.

The student understands major global trends from 1000 BCE to 300 CE.