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World Religions: Islam

Learn about one of the three major, monotheistic Abrahamic faiths in the world whilst understanding its principles, sacred text, and history.

Islam, a monotheistic and Abrahamic religion, is the second largest faith in the world after Christianity, with about 1.8 billion Muslims worldwide. Though Islam's roots go back further, scholars typically date the creation of Islam to the 7th century, making it the youngest of the major world religions. Islam started in Mecca, located in modern-day Saudi Arabia, during the time of the Prophet Muhammad's Peace Be Upon Him (PBUH) life. Today, Islam is spreading rapidly throughout the world. 

If you're currently a student within either the state of Texas or are someone from out of state, linked below are two websites that give more information on Muslim Student Associations:

As-salamu alaykam, or may peace be upon you

Crash Course: Islam

The word "Islam" comes from the act of "submission to the will of God." Followers of Islam are called Muslims. Muslims are monotheistic and worship one God, who, in Arabic is known as Allah. To learn more about Muslims and Islam in general, here are some videos explaining Islam, it's basic principles, and it's origins in a nutshell:

          

Common Phrases

Transcription provided in Word document

Top 5 Largest Mosques Worldwide

Great Mosque of Mecca

The Great Mosque of Mecca, or in Arabic: al-Masjid al-Ḥarām, is located in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, built to enclose the Kaaba, the holiest shrine in Islam. Muslims from all around the world come to perform their holy pilgrimage here.

The Prophet's Mosque

Al-Masjid an-Nabawī also called the Prophet's Mosque, is a mosque established and originally built by the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), located in the city of Medina. It's the second largest mosque in the world.

Grand Jamia Mosque

Grand Jamia Mosque, is a cultural complex under construction in Bahria Town Karachi, Pakistan. When completed, the complex will include Pakistan's largest and the world's third-largest mosque according to capacity. The mosque will be able to accommodate 800,000 worshippers at a time.

Imam Reza Shrine

Imam Reza Shrine, also known as Imam Reza Sanctuary, is among the largest mosques in the world. Covering an area of about a million square meters, it is a complex containing the mausoleum of Imam Reza, Goharshad Mosque, a museum, a library, four seminaries, prayer halls, and more. 

Al-Aqsa Mosque

Al-Aqṣā Mosque is a mosque located in what is modern-day Jerusalem. 

Muslims In Our World Today

What's it like to be a Muslim? Below are three well-known content creators/influencers within the YouTube sphere who detail their experiences being practicing Muslims in America.              

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  


Additionally, here are some podcasts made by Muslim content creators that discuss Islam in different ways. Firstly, we have a playlist showcasing some Islamic podcast favorites. 

The Digital Sisterhood is a platform that aims to unite women of color and counter the pre-existing narrative on what it means to be a Muslim woman.

Mindful Muslimah Speaks which is about a young woman who is passionate about self-work and creating space for meaningful conversations. She continues to inspire and educate young women across the globe, on how they can bridge the gap between their Muslim and “modern” selves, without compromising their Islamic identity.

The Being Muslim podcast is all about learning something new, discovering your purpose and motivating yourself to embrace life's challenges. 

Resources

At Lone Star College

This student-led event coordinated by Salmah Siddiqi consisted of displays of refined hijab-centered, modest fashions followed by a panel discussion on the hijab, Islam, and being a Muslim woman in America. Event took place Tuesday, October 15, 2019 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM(CT)

Hijab Fashion Show, LSC-North Harris Library

Additional Resources

For students at specific Lone Star College campuses, there exist safe spaces for meditation, reflection, and/or prayer. Listed below are some resources on where to go to find these reflection rooms. 

About This Guide

Created by: Salmah Siddiqi 

Maintained by: Megan Hopwood

First Published: Fall 2022