Day 1 (1/28) Welcome to Semester 2 of World History Class!

• Review basic ideas related to the Rise of Islam (ch. 10.1) from slideshow and video clip below:

Day 2 (1/29) -- Islam Today

Why are we studying Islam? Who are Muslims today? Before we take a historical look at Islam as a world religion and the impact that it has culturally, politically and historically, we must dispel some myths about Muslims today. As a class, we will view the following two video clips and answer and discuss the related questions.

Days 3-4 (1/30-1/31): The Basic Beliefs and Practices of Islam

Part I: Basic Beliefs and Practices of Islam

1. Begin by brainstorming a list of things that you know about Islam. Record their thoughts about Islam privately, without discussing the responses as a class. Hold on to your responses.
2. In this lesson you are going to learn about the basic beliefs of Islam and focus on learning about the core duties of Muslims, the Five Pillars. Access the following website:

Muslims Teachers Guide FRONTLINE PBS

Read the sections: "Beliefs of Muslims" and "Major Practices/Duties of Muslims" and record, on your Student Response Sheet 1: The Five Pillars of Islam, the six major beliefs and the name of each of the Five Pillars and a description of that pillar.

Part II: The Five Pillars of Islam

Shahadah

1. The first pillar of Islam is Shahadah,or belief. To begin, go to the BBC website www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/islam/customs/shahadah/index.shtml.

Read about what it means to proclaim faith or belief as a Muslim. Why do you think that this statement is a significant part of being a Muslim? Record your thoughts on your Student Response Sheet 2: The Five Pillars of Islam handout, and be prepared to discuss these questions as a class.

• How is this statement of belief similar to other religions? How is it different? Some examples are the Shema Israel and the Thirteen Articles of Faith in Judaism or the Nicene Creed in Christianity.

Salat

1. Next, look closely at the second pillar, which is Salat or prayer. Watch the Muslim Prayer video as well as read the information from the BBC at www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/islam/customs/salat/index.shtml.
   • Describe the process that Muslims go through to prepare to pray.
   • Describe the process of praying in Islam. How many times each day, and when, do Muslims pray?
   • What do the prayers sound like?
   • What do the movements look like?
   • In which direction do Muslims pray?
   • Why do they face this way?
   • What are some of the things Muslims say during prayer?
   • Why do Muslims pray?
   • How is prayer in Islam similar to prayer in other religions?
   • How is it different?
   • Why is prayer important in Islam

Zakaat

1. Next, you will examine the third pillar, which is Zakaat or almsgiving. Watch the Zakaat video and read the information about Zakaat at www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/islam/customs/zakat/index.shtml. Consider the following questions:
   • What is Zakaat?
   • What is emphasized in Zakaat?
   • Why do Muslims make donations?
   • How much money is a person expected to give to charitable causes?
   • What is the relationship between prayer and money?
   • How is zakaat different from ordinary charity that Muslims might give?
2. What other religions ask believers to donate money? How is this similar to other religions? How is this different.

Sawm

1. Next, you will examine the fourth pillar, which is fasting or Sawm. Watch the Ramadan is Here video and read the information at www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/islam/customs/sawm/index.shtml. Consider the following questions:
   • Why is Ramadan described as "expecting a month long guest?"
   • Explain the guidelines for fasting during Ramadan. When is eating allowed? At what age does a Muslim begin fasting? Does fasting only occur during Ramadan? Are there other rules?
   • Describe some of the challenges one might encounter when fasting during Ramadan. Describe some of the benefits.
2. How does fasting from eating and other activities affect people's spiritual state of mind? What other religions include fasting? How is Sawm similar to fasting in other religions? How is it different?

Hajj

1. Finally, examine the fifth pillar, which is pilgrimage or Hajj. View The Hajj: Islamic Sacred Pilgimage video from WGBH.
   • What is the goal or focus of the Hajj?
   • What is the purpose of the special garments that the pilgrims wear?
   • How do these American Muslims react to the Hajj? In what ways is it a meaningful experience for them? What unanticipated responses did they have during their journey to Arabia?
2. What do they think it is like to be a pilgrim in Mecca? Why do they think Hajj is one of the Five Pillars? What other religions incorporate the idea of pilgrimage?

Day 5 (2/1)

• Rise of Islam -- Quiz #1
• Read and take notes on text Chapter 10.2 (p. 269-272).

Day 6 (2/4)

To further our understanding of the roots of Islam, view the following episode entitled 30 Days as a Muslim. Here you will follow an average American man named Dave as he immerses himself in Muslim culture for 1 month. Pay attention to the concepts we have discussed in class -- from the importance of the 5 pillars to the common origination of Judaism and Christianity.

Day 7 (2/5):

• Review and discuss Chapter 10.2 -- The Spread of Islam (see slideshow below)
• Finish "30 Days as a Muslim"
• Assignment: Read Chapter 10.3.