Islam 101

1
Islam 101
For Next Slide Please Click on
M-A-T.Org
In the Name of Allah, the Most Compassionate, the
Most Merciful

• A comprehensive but basic course about Islam
• By
• Prof. Syed B. Soharwardy
• Muslims Against Terrorism
• M-A-T.org

2
Introduction
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• Introductions
• Logistics
• Why Islam 101? - Background and Need
• Desire to know and understand Islam in the
  Western World
• Stereotyping about Islam and Muslims in the
  Western Media
• Stereotyping in Muslim Countries about the West
• Activities of interest groups for and against
  Islam
• Communication gaps between Islam and the Western
  World
• Why Now?
• September 11 terrorist attacks on WTC and the
  Pentagon, and the backlash against Muslims
• Countering Terrorism through rational approach
  NOT through terror or war
• Muslims Against Terrorism (MAT)
• MAT was established on January 11, 1999 in
  Calgary, Alberta, Canada
• Objectives of MAT

3
Islam 101 - Topics
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• Module 1 Introduction to Islam
• Module 2 Basic Beliefs
• Module 2a Jesus, Part of Islamic Faith
• Module 3 The Five Pillars of Islam
• Module 4 Dealings and Behaviours
• Module 5 Jihad
• Module 6 Muslim World

• Module 7 Islams Social System
• Module 8 Role of Women in Islam
• Module 8a Relationship between Man and Woman
• Module 9 Economic System
• Module 10 Political System
• Module 11 Judicial System
• Module 12 The Differences
• Module 13 Islam in the West

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Important Rules
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• This is a class based course and requires class
  room discussion.
• Please consult the handouts for details. This
  presentation requires explanation of all points.
• There is no such thing as stupid question. Please
  ask questions or send your questions to
  m-a-t.org_at_home.com
• At the end of each class, there will be a Q A
  session
• Constructive criticism is a part of this course
• We may disagree on some issues but we must
  respect each others opinion
• This presentation can be copied or used by anyone
  but please acknowledge M-A-T.Org

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Module 1 Introduction to IslamIslam, the most
misunderstood religion in the western world
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• Origin of Islam
• The first man on earth (Adam, peace be upon him)
  was a Muslim
• Meanings of Muslim
• Meanings of Islam
• First Muslims
• Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jesus and Muhammad
  (peace be upon them)
• Brief History of Islam
• History of Prophets
• History of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)
• Early Muslims
• Prophet Muhammads Family (Aaal-e-Nabi)
• Prophet Muhammads Companions (Sahabah)

• The followers of the Companions (Taab-e-een)
• Famous Muslims
• Highlights of Islamic History
• Contribution of Muslim scientists and researchers
  for mankind
• Attributes of Islam
• Islam is not a mere religion
• Islam is a way of life
• Islam is the most structured religion
• Islam touches and guides each and every aspect of
  human life
• Islam is a complete package. There is no pick and
  choose in Islam.
• Islam requires complete submission to Allah

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Module 1 Introduction to Islam (Continue)
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• Islam is the religion of moderation not extremism
• The Last Book - Holy Quran
• Attributes of Glorious Quran
• Whose Book is this?
• This is Allahs Book
• Whats in Holy Quran?
• Guidance for all humanity
• Every verse in holy Quran has a context. If a
  verse is read or understood without its context
  then there is a huge possibility of
  misunderstanding the Quranic verses.
• How to read and understand Holy Quran?
• Where to find the context?
• Context is in Sunnah / Hadith
• What is Sunnah / Hadith?
• Actions and sayings of Prophet Muhammad (peace be
  upon him)

• Sunnah / Hadith provides the details and
  interpretation of Glorious Quran
• Islam Quran Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon
  him)
• Difference between Quran and Hadith
• In holy Quran every thing is from Allah. Its
  words, taxonomy, arrangements, chapters, indexing
  are all from Allah.
• In Hadith, the message and the commandments are
  from Allah but the words are of Prophet Muhammad
  (peace be upon him)
• Hadith is the most essential and important source
  for understanding Quran.

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Module 1 Introduction to Islam (Continue)
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• Attributes of Muslim defined by holy Qur'an and
  Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)
• Believes in unseen (Ghaib)
• Obedient to parents
• Best in manners
• Caring and loving to all human beings
• Activist to promote good and stop evil
• Fears only Allah
• Completely submits his/her desires to Allah
• Respectful towards elders, loving and caring
  towards youngsters
• Does not harm anyone with his tongue or hands
• Environmentally sensitive

• Introduction to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon
  him)
• Some Attributes of Prophet Muhammad (peace be
  upon him)
• Birth of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)
• Family Background
• Early childhood
• As a teenager
• As an adult
• Marriage
• Business
• Announcing Prophethood
• Life in Makkah
• Life in Madinah
• Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) in the eyes
  of non-Muslims

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Module 2 Basic Beliefs
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• Basic Beliefs in Islam
• God, Prophets, Divine books, Angels, Hereafter,
  Fate / Luck
• Five pillars of Islam
• Believe in ONE God?
• The Arabic translation of God is Allah.
• Allah is the deity who is worshipped alone
  without any partners and associates. He is the
  Creator of all things. Allah has no boundaries,
  shapes and bodies. There is nothing like Allah.
  Allah does not manifest Himself into any person
  or thing.
• Why Muslims call God Allah?
• Muslims prefer to call God Allah because some of
  the

• religions in the world use or associate the word
  God for things / personalities other than
  GOD, the Creator and Sustainer of all things
  and mankind.
• Some most famous attributes of Allah
• Believe in Prophets and Messengers
• Allah sent His messengers and Prophets to guide
  human beings. The exact number of Prophets and
  Messengers are known to Allah. However, according
  to one of the famous Hadith, Allah did send from
  time to time 124,000 Prophets and Messengers
  towards humanity. A Muslim must believe and
  respect all Prophets and Messengers of Allah.

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Module 2A Jesus, Part of Islamic Faith
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• Every nation or region had received Allahs
  Messengers
• Five most famous Prophets of Allah
• Noah (Peace be upon him)
• Abraham (Peace be upon him)
• Moses ((Peace be upon him)
• Jesus (Peace be upon him)
• Muhammad (Peace be upon him)
• Jesus Christ (Peace be upon him) is the most
  mentioned Prophet in the Quran. He is the only
  Prophet whose life time events are discussed in
  detail compared to other Prophets.
• Muslims believe that Jesus did not die. He was
  raised towards the Heavens alive.

• He is still alive and shall return to this world
  to fight against evil. He then will die in the
  Jihad (struggle against evil) and will be buried
  in in Prophet Muhammads (Peace be upon him)
  mosque in Madinah near Prophet Muhammad (Peace be
  upon him)
• Jesus and Mary (Peace be upon them) in holy
  Quran
• Behold! the angels said "O Mary! Allah hath
  chosen thee and purified thee chosen thee above
  the women of all nations. (343)
• "O Mary! worship thy Lord devoutly prostrate
  thyself and bow down (in prayer) with those who
  bow down. (344)

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Module 2A Jesus, Part of Islamic Faith
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• Behold! the angels said "O Mary! Allah giveth
  thee glad tidings of a Word from Him his name
  will be Christ Jesus. Christ the son of Mary held
  in honor in this world and the Hereafter and of
  (the company of) those nearest to Allah. (345)
• "He shall speak to the people in childhood and
  in maturity and he shall be (of the company) of
  the righteous. (346)
• "And Allah will teach him the Book and Wisdom the
  Law and the Gospel. (348)
• Behold! Allah said "O Jesus! I will take thee
  and raise thee to Myself and clear thee (of the
  falsehoods) of those who blaspheme I will make
  those who follow thee superior to those who
  reject Faith to the Day of Resurrection then
  shall ye all return unto Me and I will judge
  between you of the matters wherein ye dispute.
  (355)

• This similitude of Jesus before Allah is as that
  of Adam He created him from dust then said to
  him "Be" and he was. (359)
• And behold! Allah will say "O Jesus the son of
  Mary! didst thou say unto men worship me and my
  mother as gods in derogation of Allah"? He will
  say "Glory to Thee! never could I say what I had
  no right (to say). Had I said such a thing Thou
  wouldst indeed have known it. Thou knowest what
  is in my heart though I know not what is in
  Thine. For Thou knowest in full all that is
  hidden. (5116)
• Some important attributes of Prophet Muhammad
  (Peace be upon him)
• Relationships with other Prophets
• Last Messenger of Allah
• Prophet of Mercy and Messenger of Allah towards
  all humanity

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Module 2Basic Beliefs (Continue)
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• Believe in Divine Books
• Muslims believe in all divine books including
• Divine Booklets
• Psalms of David (Zaboor)
• Torah (old Testament)
• Bible (Enjeel) (new Testament)
• Quran
• Holy Quran is the continuation of the books
  before Quran and it is the last book in which
  Allah has completed His message for the humanity.
• Common message of all divine books
• Quran verifies Torah and Enjeel
• Allah has completed His message/ guidance towards
  humanity

• Believe in Angels
• Muslims believe in all angels.
• Angels are made of light (noor) and do nothing
  but what Allah asks them to do. They are very
  obedient to Allah. The actual population of
  angels is only known to Allah.
• Some famous Angels
• Gabriel (Peace be upon him)
• (Was responsible to bring revelations to Allahs
  Prophets and Messengers)
• Mekaiel (Peace be upon him)
• (Responsible for weather and agriculture)
• Izraiel (Peace be upon him)
• (Responsible for taking people's soul and hence
  causing them to die

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Module 2 Basic Beliefs (Continue)
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• Israfiel (Peace be upon him)
• (responsible to blow the Horn in order to end
  this universe and blow the Horn again to make
  them alive in order to face the judgment day.
• Kiraman Katebeen (Two respectful writers)
• Every human being is accompanied by two angels at
  all times and in all situations. Symbolically,
  one is on the right shoulder and the other is on
  the left shoulder. The angel on the right side
  writes whatever good is done by the person and
  the angel on the left side writes whatever bad is
  done by the person. This whole record of good and
  bad deeds will be handed over to the person on
  the Judgment Day.

• Believe in Hereafter
• Life after death
• According to Islam every human being is
  responsible for his/her actions and he or she
  will be accountable in front of Allah on the
  Judgment Day about two things
• Allah will ask, I had given you life, where and
  how did you spend it?
• I had given you means for your life, where and
  how did you spend those means (wealth, resources,
  power, etc...)?
• Muslims believe that Allah already knows
  everyone's deeds. The above process is only for
  reminding every individual what kind of life they
  had in this world.

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Module 2 Basic Beliefs (Continue)
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• Description of Hell in holy Quran
• A very horrible place in which humans, Jinn and
  rocks will burn.
• Believe in Fate / Destiny
• A Muslim believes that no one can cause harm or
  benefit except Allah. Whatever good or bad
  happens in this world, it is according to the
  wish of Allah.
• But Allah does not force anyone to choose certain
  beliefs or lifestyle. It is the persons decision
  and the person will be responsible for the
  decisions.
• The balance between the above two points is
  critical

• Once every individual pays his / her accounts to
  Allah, then Allah alone will decide who will be
  punished and sent to Hell and who will be
  rewarded with Heaven.
• The Mercy of Allah will play a very important
  role and Allah may forgive whoever he wants
  regardless of the numbers and quantity of sins.
• Allah loves to forgive but the criteria of
  forgiveness is defined by Allah alone. No body
  else.
• The entry into Heaven depends upon the mercy of
  Allah.
• Description of Heaven in holy Quran
• A very loving, peaceful, unimaginable place where
  the creation will be able to see the Creator and
  worship Him

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Module 2 Basic Beliefs (Continue)
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• Cleanliness is the most important requirement
  for worshipping Allah
• Wudhu (Ablution)
• Requirements
• Steps
• Taking Shower
• Requirements
• Conditions
• Steps
• Cleanliness when using Toilet
• Dress
• Place
• Mosques (Masjid)
• Place for worship
• Respect for Mosques
• Value of praying in the mosque
• Prayer in congregation

• What is Sharia? (Jurisprudence)
• Sources Principles
• Intention
• Why intention is important?
• Celebrations in Islam
• Eid ul Fitr
• Youmul Arafa (Hajj day)
• Eid ul Adhha
• Animal Slaughtering
• Ramadhan
• The Night of Power (Lailatul Qadr)
• Anniversary of Holy Quran
• Other Events

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Module 3 Five Pillars of Islam
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• Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said that
  Islam is based upon the following five pillars.
  Anyone who demolishes (does not practice) these
  five pillars, in fact, he /she demolishes the
  building of Islam.
• Shahadah, testifying that there is no God but
  Allah and Muhammad (peace be upon him) is His
  last Messenger
• Five mandatory prayers (Salat)
• Fajr (Morning prayers before Sunrise)
• Dhohr (Zohar) Prayer (Noon Prayer but after the
  noon time)
• Asr (Afternoon prayers but before sunset)
• Maghrib (right after the sunset prayers)
• Isha (late evening prayers at night) Movie on
  Salat

• A person can offer optional prayers and may
  remember (Dhikr) Allah at any time
• Zakat A Muslim with certain amount of savings
  must pay 2.5 of his savings to the poors every
  year. This is called Zakat. The optional charity
  called Sadqah can be given at any time and in any
  quantity
• Fasting in Ramadhan, every Muslim adult, men or
  women must fast everyday from Dawn to Sunset in
  the month of Ramadhan. During fasting, the
  fasting person must avoid eating, drinking,
  smoking and sexual relationships. Certain people
  are exempted from fasting, such as children,
  sick, elderly (weak), travelers and women in
  periods.

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Module 3 Five Pillars of Islam (Continue)
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• Module 3 (Continue)
• In certain situations person has to complete his
  / her missed fasts later on or feed the poor to
  compensate for missed fasting days
• (Movie on Fasting)
• Hajj, Every Muslim adult, men or women who has
  enough resources and physically capable to travel
  to Makkah must perform Hajj, at least once in the
  lifetime.
• History of Kaba
• Movie on Hajj
• Other Components
• Adhan and Iqamah (call for prayer)
• Friday Prayer
• Significance of Friday

• Other Components (Continue)
• Islamic Calendar
• Start, months, important dates
• Eid Prayers
• Other Optional Prayers
• Optional Fasting
• Optional Charity
• Umrah (Small Pilgrimage)
• Supplications
• Rituals performed at Birth
• Adhan Iqamah in ears
• Aqiqah
• Rituals performed at the time of death and burial
• Ghusl, Kafn, Salatul Janazah, Burial, Grave,
  Graveyard, Dua for the deceased

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Module 4 Dealings and Behaviours
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• Martyrdom, the most sacred and desirable in Islam
• Difference between Martyrdom and Suicide
• Death
• No one has the right to take someones or his /
  her own life
• Death, a call ONLY from God
• Repentance, most desirable action
• Forgiveness, a blessing of Allah
• Life, an opportunity
• Counter Terrorism in Islam
• Prophet Muhammads (Peace be upon him) Journey to
  Taif
• Conquest of Makkah
• The Agreement of Hudaibiyah
• No compulsion in Islam

• Anger Management
• What to do when one is angry?
• Stress Management
• Satisfaction of Heart and Soul is in the
  remembrance of Allah
• Avoiding Violence
• The violence on the lands and in the seas is
  earned by human hands.
• Revenge
• Overcoming the revenge
• Forgiveness is better than revenge
• Arrogance
• Dangers of arrogance
• Problems of arrogance
• Suicide is forbidden in Islam
• A person who will commit suicide will go to hell.

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Module 5 Jihad
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• Warfare in Islam
• The battles during Prophet Muhammads (peace be
  upon him) time
• Do not kill innocent civilians
• Women and children must not be harmed
• Places of worship of other religions must not be
  destroyed
• Water should not be contaminated
• Green trees should not be cut
• Elderly and sick should not be killed
• Those who surrender must be protected
• Forgiveness must prevail over revenge
• Killing someone just because of his/her
  nationality or religion is a crime

• What is Jihad?
• Jihad means struggle for the sake of Allah and
  must not include any personal ambitions and
  interests.
• Types of Jihad
• Jihad bin Nafs (Struggle within against the evil
  desires)
• Jihad bil Qalam / Lisaan (Struggle against evil
  through writing or/and speaking)
• Jihad Bis Saif (Warfare to stop evil)
• Conditions for Jihad (warfare)
• Can people make their groups and announce Jihad
  (warfare)?
• Who is responsible for declaring Jihad (warfare)?
• Kidnapping and hijacking innocent civilians is a
  crime

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Module 6 Muslim WorldModule 7 Islams Social
System
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• Module 6 Muslim world
• Whats happening in the Muslim world?
• Impacts of colonial era on Muslim countries
• Continuation of imperialism/ dictatorships in
  Muslim countries
• Effects of Capitalism - IMF and World Bank
• Stereotyping of Western Society by Muslims
• Stereotyping of Muslims by Western non-Muslims
• Communication gaps, insecurity, and exploitation
• Characteristics of a model Islamic State?

• Module 7 Social System
• Is Western Culture Christian?
• Islamic culture OR Islamic values
• The most important unit of Islams social system
  is FAMILY.
• Islam wants to establish a very strong moral and
  spiritual society.
• Marriage Vs common law relationship
• pornography and nudity
• Local cultures in Muslim countries compare to
  Islamic values
• Tribal systems and feudal lords
• Misinterpretation of holy Quran and Sunnah for
  exploitation

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Module 7 Islams Social System (Continue)
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• Halal and Haraam
• Dietary restrictions in Islam
• No pig and alcohol products
• Paintings and Statues
• Photography
• Jokes and picnics (Having fun)
• Tourism
• The effects of five pillars of Islam on Muslims
  social life
• Relationships with non-Muslims
• Environmental sensitivity
• Animal Cruelty
• Absolutely forbidden in Islam
• Some examples from Islamic history
• Care for pets

• Male domination
• Social gatherings in Islam
• Separation of Female from Male in social
  gatherings
• Marriages
• Prophet Muhammads (Peace be upon him) marriages
• Arranged marriages
• Islamic way of weddings
• Divorce
• Clothing
• Male clothing
• Female clothing
• Arts Craft
• Music and Dance
• Food

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Module 8 Role of Women in Islam
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• What Quran says about Women?
• Those who slander chaste women indiscreet but
  believing are cursed in this life and in the
  Hereafter for them is a grievous Penalty. On the
  Day when their tongues their hands and their feet
  will bear witness against them as to their
  actions. On that Day Allah will pay them back
  (all) their just dues and they will realize that
  Allah is the (very) Truth that makes all things
  manifest. (Surah Noor, 2423,24,25)
• What Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) says
  about women?
• Woman as mother
• The highest achievement of any men is under
  womans feet
• Woman as Wife
• Prophet Mohammed's relationship with his wives
• Woman as daughter

• A Muslim who raises three daughters with good
  education and character will be in Heaven with
  Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)
• Woman as co-workers
• Woman as professionals
• Prophet Muhammads (peace be upon him) own wife,
  Khadijah (May Allah be pleased with her) was the
  most successful business women of her time.
• Exploitation of women in the west in the name of
  freedom
• Exploitation of women in Islamic countries in the
  name of Islam
• Hijab
• What is Hijab?
• Bikini or mini skirt Vs. modest dress

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Module 8B Relationship between Man and Woman
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• Intimate relationship is sacred. Not for display
• Marrying woman ONLY for sexual pleasure is not
  sacred
• What is meant by man is more powerful over
  woman?
• Monogamy Vs. polygamy
• Is Western Society monogamous?
• Children out of wedlock in the West
• No secret in Islam
• Islam prefers single marriages
• Multiple marriages allowed but discouraged
• Which way is better? Multiple marriages with
  accountability and responsibility OR have
  multiple partners with no accountability and
  responsibility.

• Who is better or Superior?
• In Islam, the criteria of being better or
  superior does not depend upon
• Gender, Colour, Language, nationality, etc..
• The better person among you is he or she who is
  more pious among you.
• Relationship between husband and wife in Islam
• They are like garments for each other
• Mutual respect
• Comforting for each other
• Protecting each other
• Beauty of each other
• Trusting each other
• Satisfying each other
• Compromise

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Module 9 Economic System Module 10 Political
System
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• Module 9 Economic System
• Highlights
• Responsibilities of State
• Welfare State
• Fiscal Discipline
• Taxes (Zakat Jizyah)
• Social Security
• Pension
• Employment
• Earnings
• Economic exploitation is absolutely forbidden in
  Islam
• Interest vs. Profit
• Taking Loans
• Stay away from loans if you can
• Challenges of modern economic system
• Charities

• Module 10 Political System
• The Constitution - Quran and Sunnah
• Electoral System of Islam
• Head of State (Ameer ul Momeneen)
• Consultative Council (Legislation)
• Responsibility Accountability
• Freedom defined by God vs. freedom defined by man
• The Best Charter of Human Rights
• The Last Sermon of Prophet Muhammad (Peace be
  upon him)
• Protection of freedom and Constitution
• The event of Karbala sets the standards
• Every individual is important
• Is majority rule always perfect?

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Module 11 Judicial System of IslamModule 12
The Differences
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• Module 11 Judicial System
• Judiciary independent of Administration
• Accountable to Allah
• When you make decisions among people, make
  decisions with justice
• Some cases between Muslims and Non-Muslims during
  Prophets (peace be upon him) time.
• A Muslim Vs. a Jew
• A son Vs. a Father case
• Women Vs. Men
• Justice starts within the family
• Capital punishment
• Pre-requisites
• Requirements
• Importance of witnessing
• Womens witness

• Module 12 The Differences
• Sunni and Shia Muslims
• No difference in basic beliefs
• No difference in Quran
• No difference about Prophet Muhammad (Peace be
  upon him) and his family
• Differences on mostly political issues such as
  succession of Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon
  him)
• Minor differences within Sunnis
• Minor differences within Shias
• Some non Muslim groups emerged from Islamic faith
• Daruze
• Bahai
• Ahmady / Qadyani

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Module 13 Islam in the West
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• Islam in the West
• Freedom of Religion
• Mosques and Islamic Schools Everywhere
• Muslim Students
• Muslim Population
• Muslims Born in the West
• Islam, the fastest growing religion
• Laws to protect from Discrimination and hate
  crimes
• Muslims participation in local politics and
  Activities

• Relationships between Christians and Muslims
• Few extremist groups in the West do not represent
  the entire western community
• Sympathy and goodwill for Muslims
• Backlash against Muslims after September 11 and
  support from Christian community
• Desire to learn and understand Islam
• Ignorance about the west in Muslim countries
• Next Step

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End
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• May Allah Guide Us and Open Our Hearts And Minds,
  And Save Us From Evil. Ameen
• Thanks for Participating in Islam 101
• Acknowledgment
• We are very thankful to Islamic Supreme Council
  of Canada Br. Syed M. Buhari, National President
  of MAT, Malaysia Sister, Farzana Shahid,
  President, MAT Mississauga Br. M. Farooq Khan,
  President MAT Canada and Br. Afroz Ali, President
  MAT, Australia for their suggestions and Support
• Special thanks to the participants of Islam 101
  classes and Presentations

Muslims Against Terrorism (M-A-T) Calgary,
Alberta, Canada