Document Page: First | Prev | Next | All | Image | This Release | Search

                          THE ARAB PEOPLE

Reli~ion and ?Iistory

      Islam, from the Arabic word `1aslama" (submission), is a way
of life for the Arab world.   The Islamic religion began in 621
AD.   It was revealed to Mohammed, the last prophet of the one
god, Allah.  Mohammed was born in Mecca in 570 AD.    At age 40, he
had a visitation from the Archangel Gabriel, who revealed to him
the contents of the Koran, the Moslem holy book, and gave him the
task of cleansing Mecca of pagan shrines.    Forced to flee Mecca
because of his teachings, he returned at the head of an army of
followers and made it the main holy city of Islam.    Within a
short period, Islamic armies conquered and spread the faith in an
area greater than that of the Roman Empire.    With the death of
Mohammed, the worshippers of Islam split into two factions,
Sunnites and Shiites.   The Sunni, which comprise 85 percent of
today's 800 million Moslems, believe that the leadership of Islam
can pass to any individual according to merit, much as secular
leaders emerge.   The Shia number approximately 80 million and
take their title from Shiat Ali (Partisans of Ali).    Ali was the
son-in-law and cousin of Mohammed.   They believe that only direct
descendants of Mohammed should be leaders of Islam.    Whatever
their sect, Moslems practice the five duties required by the
Koran (the five pillars of Islam):

           Shahadah  Profession of the faith - "There is no god
                     but god (Allah), and Mohammed is his prophet.

           Sal at    The recitation of prayers five times a day
                     while facing towards Mecca (dawn, noon,  late
                     afternoon, sunset, and evening).

           Zakat     The giving of alms for charitable purposes.

           Sawm      Fasting between first light and sunset during
                     the holy month of Ramadan.

           Hai~      Completion of a pilgrimage to Mecca by all
                     belivers able to do so at least once in their
                     life.

Islamic Thaw

      Islamic law, known as the Shari'a is perhaps the one aspect
of the Arab culture which arouses the most prejudices among
individuals not of the Islamic faith.   The Shari'a is often
thought of by non-Moslems as barbaric, cruel,   inhuman, and
uncivilized.   It is often believed that judicial judgements such
as the cutting off of a thief's hand or the stoning of the
adulterer (as practiced primarily in Saudi Arabia) comprise the
substance of Islamic law.   These notions are incorrect.   It is
true that the law is very strict and harsh against the guilty.


                                 13

Document Page: First | Prev | Next | All | Image | This Release | Search