Islamic Geometric Art

In a religious context, Muslims do not draw human figures or animals because the Qur’an teaches that only God should be worshipped.  Secular Muslim artworks do include human and animal images – this is strictly kept to the secular decoration, as anything that might be mistaken as idols or idolatry is prohibited. 

In religious Islamic art, geometric designs, floral designs, and calligraphy are all commonly used.  The beautiful geometric designs create the impression of unending repetition, which is believed by some to encourage the contemplation of the infinite nature of God. 

Islamic Accomplishments and Inventions

The Fifth Pillar of Islam: Hajj

The pilgrimage to the holy city of Makkah.

• This takes place in the Islamic year's 12th month.
• Every Muslim who can do so are expected to make the hajj once during their lifetime. 
• Millions of people come together for this event at Makkah.

Ramadan

During Ramadan, Muslims are also encouraged to avoid arguments and bad deeds, to give thanks, and to forgive people. 

The Fourth Pillar of Faith: Siyam

Siyam is daily fasting.  It is performed from sunrise to sunset during Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar.

• Muslims break their fast after dark 
• The end of Ramadan is celebrated with prayers, food, and gifts
• Ramadan also encourages generosity, equality, and charity

The Third Pillar of Faith: Zakat

Muslims believe that wealth is purified by giving some of it away, that sharing helps control greed, and that giving reminds people of God's gifts.

• They give 2.5% of their annual income
• Zakat pays for orphanages, hospitals, soup kitchens, and shelter for the poor.  
• Jews and Christians also believe in giving charity

The Second of Pillar Faith: Salat

Perhaps the most well-known practice among non-Muslims is ritual prayer, or Salat, which is performed 5 times a day: at dawn, midday, afternoon, sunset, and evening.  

• Muslims prayer 5 times a da, wherever they are
• They always face the direction of the Ka'ba in Mecca
• A qibla is used to determine the correct direction
• A prayer mat is used so that a person does not have to kneel directly on the floor
• Before prayer, Muslims perform ritual washings of the hands, arms, face, and feet
• A muezzin makes the call to prayer
• The imams are prayer leaders

The First of Pillar: "Shahada"

The declaration of faith.

To show belief in one God and in Muhammad's prophethood, a Muslim says,

"The only God is Allah and Mohammad is his prophet."

• According to Muslims, Allah is the one, all-powerful God who crated the universe
• Muslims believe that all three monotheistic religions (Jews, Christians, and Muslims) believe in the same God.
• Muslims believe that angels do Allah's work throughout the universe.  They believe that everyone will face God's jugement; some will go to paradise, others to hell

The Five Pillars of Faith

Watching the Election Results?

This video may help you understand the Electoral College as you watch the result from the election come in.

Happy Guy Fawkes Day!

Guy Fawkes Day is a British holiday annually held on November 5.  It is sometimes known as Bonfire Night and marks the anniversary of the discovery of the plot organized by Catholic conspirators to blow up the English House of Parliament in London in 1605.  It is celebrated with bonfires, fireworks, and effigies of the conspirators are burned.  Initially it was held as a celebration that the conspiracy was foiled and Parliament was saved, however, in recent years the holiday has come to celebrate the conspirators and the spirit of rebellion.  

In recent years, the Fawkes' legacy has expanded.  He provided the inspiration for aleen Moore's classic graphic novel, V for Vendetta, in which a crusader wearing a Guy Fawkes' mask embarks on a terrorist campaign against a totalitarian British dystopia.  The novel has also been adapted in a major motion picture staring Nataile Portman.  And today, the Occupy Wall Street protestors are recognizing the English holiday by wearing Guy Fawkes' masks at the various protests all across the country. 

The Sunnah

The Sunnah of Mohammad includes his specific words, habits, practices, and silent approvals.  This book is significant because it addresses ways of life dealing with friends, family, and government. 

The Qur'an

The Qur'an is the central religious text of Islam, which Muslims believe to be the verbatim word of God.  It is regarded as the finest piece of literature in the Arabic language.  

The Qur'an and The Sunnah

"Jannah" is the Islamic conception of paradise.

These two books are considered to be the the sources of Islam.  The Qur'an is the Muslim Holy Book, which is believed to be inspired by God.  The Sunnah provides the examples Mohammad set during his time on Earth.  

People of the Book

Muslims believe that God had previously revealed Himself to the earlier prophets of the Jews and Christians, such as Abraham, Moses, and Jesus. Muslims therefore accept the teachings of both the Jewish Torah and the Christian Gospels. They believe that Islam is the perfection of the religion revealed first to Abraham (who is considered the first Muslim) and later to other prophets. Muslims believe that Jews and Christians have strayed from God's true faith but hold them in higher esteem than pagans and unbelievers. They call Jews and Christians the "People of the Book" and allow them to practice their own religions. Muslims believe that Muhammad is the "seal of the prophecy," by which they mean that he is the last in the series of prophets God sent to mankind. Muslims abhor the followers of later prophets. This attitude serves to explain the extreme Muslim animosity toward Bahais, followers of a nineteenth-century prophet, who in the Muslim mind is false.

A BIG Thank-You To My Room 5 Family

I just wanted to take a minute to thank all my students and their families.  

The Dia De Los Muertos alter was especially beautiful this year.   

Thank you so much for participating and getting so excited.

It really is a beautiful holiday and I enjoyed celebrating it with you all more than I can say.

Haylei Torres

Feliz Dia De Los Muertos

Click here to learn how to draw a Dia de Los Muertos skull!

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An educational film made by a college student.