University of Phoenix Material
Islam Worksheet
When studying Islam, it is important to understand the essential elements of the faith, how they are practiced, and the distinctions among the three branches: Shiite Islam, Sunni Islam, and Sufism.

Write a 1- to 2-paragraph response for each of the following directives and note where there are differences among the three branches of Islam.

1. Explain the meaning of the name, Islam.

The word “Islam” is derived from the Arabic root “asalama” it means peace, purity and submission. Islam means “surrender to the Almighty” and Muslim means “one who is in a state of submission”. It is understood that this submission is to the will of
God, as is stated in the Quran.

2. Explain the basic concepts of Islam.

The most basic concept of Islam is that there is only one God (also known as Allah in
Arabic). It emphasis the existence of one God, his prophet Muhammad who is the Last
Prophet in a long line of prophets sent throughout time and to every civilization, and the
Quran as the word of God revealed to Muhammad through the angel Jibrael. Muslims believe that God is one and incomparable and the purpose of life is to worship him and to adhere to his word, as laid down in the Quran and in Sunnah, as closely as possible.

3. Describe the practices of Islam.

Muslims accept as true that all requirements that God asks them to do or avoid doing are for their own good. Muslims believe that following the teaching of Islam, and with prayers, fasting, pilgrimage, charity, purification, and animal sacrifices, is the only way to achieve real happiness in this life and afterwards as well.

4. Describe the goals of Islam.

The most important goal of Islam is to benefit from eternal life, both physical and spiritual. It is the sacred duty of Muslims to convert others to the Islamic faith. Islam