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BRANCHES  OF  ISLAM
BASIC  BELIEFS  AND  TEACHINGS - 14229_97

Religious Program Specialist 3 & 2, Module 01-Personnel Support
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Aga  Khan  IV  is  the  49th  Imam  of  the  Ismaili  Khoja  Moslems,  a  branch that  dates  almost  from  the  beginning  of  Islam.  Members  of  this  group, numbering  about  10,000,000,  are  scattered  throughout  Asia  and  Africa. Until recently, Islam had no organized missionary movement. But today Al Azhar University of Cairo, the intellectual center of Islam, trains students for  missionary  work.  Several  Islamic  branches,  especially  the  Ahmadiyya  of Pakistan,   work   as   missionaries   throughout   Europe,   America,   Asia,   and Africa. ORGANIZATIONAL   STRUCTURE In general, Islam has no centralized authorities, no class of clergymen, or group  of  priests.  The  individual’s  bond  with  God  is  considered  to  be  direct with no intermediary. There are religious scholars or teachers (Imans) who, in  view  of  their  academic  attainment  or  understanding  of  the  Koran,  can answer questions and serve in leadership roles, and are regarded as authori- ties on theological questions. There are also Islamic organizations in America of  which  the  Council  of  Imams  may  be  regarded  as  the  highest  body  on Islamic  theology  and  canon  law. The  Rector  of  Al-Azhar  University,  Cairo,  Egypt,  is  regarded  as  the  top authority  on  Islamic  theology. Leadership The Imam, or leader, is the chief officer in the mosque. His main duty is to  lead  the  people  in  prayer.  The  Prophet  Mohammed  led  prayers  in  his mosque  in  Medina  and  in  the  mosque  of  the  Kaaba  in  Mecca.  The  Caliphs led  the  people  in  all  religious  and  political  matters,  so  they  were  the  chief Imams. On special occasions, a distinguished visitor or religious teacher may lead  the  public  prayers.  Islam  does  not  have  an  organized  priesthood.  As  a rule, any virtuous and able Moslem can lead prayers in the average mosque, but  usually  the  Imam,  chosen  for  his  piety  and  scholarship,  handles  the services of the mosque. Music and singing are not utilized within the service but the  Koran  may  be  chanted  by  professional  chanters  (Muqr’i). WORSHIP  REQUIREMENTS The Mosque, or Moslem place of worship, is the most important building for  Moslems.  Mosque  comes  from  the  Arabic  masjad,  meaning  a  place  of kneeling. It has a mihrab, or niche, which points to Mecca. There is a pulpit for  the  preacher  and  a  lectern  for  the  Koran.  A  mosque  has  at  least  one minaret, or tower, from which the muezzin chants the call to prayer. A court and  water  fountain  provide  for  the  ceremonial  washing  before  prayer.  The mosque  is  usually  decorated  with  colorful  arabesques  and  Koranic  verses written  in  large,  beautiful  Arabic  letters.  Most  mosques  have  a  religious elementary  school  where  young  scholars  learn  to  read  and  memorize  the Koran. Some mosques, especially in Moslem countries, also have a madrasah, or religious  college,  where  students  may  complete  their  religious  education.  A graduate of a madrasah, called a mullah, may teach in a primary school or a madrasah,  or  preach  in  a  mosque. 2-68







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