Introduction to World Religion - Islamic Religion

Introduction to World Religion - Islam

1. Introduction to World Religions and Belief Systems Islam

2. K -Describe significant beliefs and traditions of the Islamic faith. S - Differentiate the teachings of Islam to Christianity. A - Relate some values espoused by Islamic faith to one’s own beliefs. At the end of the module, you should be able to:

3. Read and analyze the statements below. Then choose the letter of the correct answer, and write them in your activity notebook. Activity 1.The term “Islam” means a. submission b. peace c. fortitude d. thankfulness 2. The chapters that compose the Quran are known as a. Surahs b. Sunnahs c. Shari’ah d. Sufis 3. The word jihad means a. pilgrimage b. to strive or struggle c. fasting d. prophecy 4. Which of the following is true about the Sunnah? a. It is the way of life of the prophet Muhammad. b. Muslims can learn about the Sunnah from the hadith literature. c. It is the mystical tradition of Islam d. Both a and b 5. The hadith reports a. Tell about what Muhammad said and did b. Were collected by those closest to Muhammad c. Were compiled in several authoritative collections d. all of the above

4. Activity 6. The hijra is a. The journey of the early Muslim community from Mecca to Medina b. The annual pilgrimage to Mecca c. The written reports of how Muhammad lived his life d. The term for Islamic law 7. The salat is a. The five daily prayers Muslims are expected to perform b. The term for Islamic law c. The term for a chapter of the Qur’an d. The term for the Ramadan fast 8. Which of the following is not one of the Five Pillars of Islam? a. Fasting during the month of Ramadan b. Jihad c. Declaration of faith d. Prayer five times daily 9. During the month of Ramadan, Muslims are required to fast from dawn to dusk, which means they a. Abstain from food and drink b. Abstain from food, drink, and sex c. Abstain from eating meat d. Abstain from food, but may consume liquids 10. When he received the revelation of the Qur’an, Muhammad a. Was about 40 years old b. Was already recognized as a prophet c. Was married to Aisha d. Was a teenager

5. Answer Key a. submission a. Surahs b. to strive or struggle d. Both a and b d. all of the above a. The journey of the early Muslim community from Mecca to Medina a. The five daily prayers Muslims are expected to perform b. Jihad b. Abstain from food, drink, and sex a. Was about 40 years old

6. Prophet Mohammad as the Founder of Islam Muhammad (570-632) was an orphan from a poor Bedouin tribe who became a caravan worker. At age 40, he began receiving revelations from God, which he recited as the Qur'an, the holy book of Islam. His teachings, which included social justice, were opposed by wealthy Meccan clans but supported by the poor. In 622, Muhammad and his followers migrated to Medina, an event called the Hijrah, marking the start of the Islamic calendar. He later returned to Mecca, defeated his opponents, and established it as the center of Islam. The Qur'an, compiled after his death, became the foundation of the Islamic faith.

7. Origin of Islam: According to Secular History The origin of Islam can be traced back to 7th century Saudi Arabia. Islam is thus the youngest of the great world religions. The prophet Muhammad (circa 570-632 A.D.) introduced Islam in 610 A.D. after experiencing what he claimed to be an angelic visitation. Muhammad dictated the Qur'an, the holy book of Islam, which Muslims believe to be the preexistent, perfect words of Allah.

8. Origin of Islam: According to Islam While the origin of Islam is often attributed to the Prophet Muhammad, devout Muslims believe that Islam existed long before him. According to the Qur'an, Muhammad did not originate the teachings but received them from God through the angel Gabriel. The Qur'an describes itself as a divine revelation delivered in Arabic to Muhammad, confirming previous scriptures and offering guidance to believers.

9. The Origin of Islam: The "Previous Scriptures" The origin of Islam is debated, particularly regarding its connection to earlier scriptures like the Torah, Psalms, and Gospels, which the Qur'an recognizes but also contradicts, especially about Jesus' crucifixion. A major conflict arises from the identity of the "child of promise" in God's covenant with Abraham. The Bible says it's Isaac, through whom Israel and Jesus would come, while the Qur'an names Ishmael, leading Muslims to believe the covenant, including the land of Palestine, belongs to Ishmael's descendants. This difference has contributed to ongoing conflict between Israel and its Arab neighbors.

10. Origin of Islam: The God of the Bible? When discussing the origin of Islam, a common question is whether the God of the Qur'an and the God of the Bible are the same. The answer is no. While the Qur'an references biblical figures like Abraham, the characters and their stories differ significantly from those in the Bible. The God of the Bible is presented as one God in three Persons: the Father, the Son (Jesus Christ), and the Holy Spirit, a concept known as the Trinity. The Qur'an, however, explicitly denies the Trinity, Jesus' divine Sonship, His deity, and His pre-existence before incarnation, all of which are affirmed in the Bible.

11. Origin of Islam: The Qur'an vs. the Bible Islam traces its origins to the Prophet Muhammad, who claimed to receive a divine revelation meant to confirm and surpass the earlier scriptures like the Torah, Psalms, and Gospels. However, the Qur'an contradicts these scriptures. Muslims reconcile this by asserting that the earlier texts were lost or corrupted, labeling them as forgeries. This creates a paradox: the Qur'an relies on the authority of these scriptures, yet it undermines them due to contradictions. Additionally, the Qur'an contains discrepancies, such as confusing Jesus' mother Mary with Moses' sister Miriam and claiming a Samaritan sculpted the golden calf, despite historical inaccuracies.

12. The Rise and Development of Islam Islam, derived from Judaism and Christianity, recognizes prophets from both religions and worships the same God. Muslims consider themselves descendants of Abraham through Ishmael. Unlike the other two religions, Islam is based exclusively on revelations to Muhammad (the Quran) and his teachings (the Sunna). Islamic law, or Shari'ah, codified a couple of hundred years later, established the Arabic societal order for future generations.

13. The Quran, meaning "recitation," is the sacred text of Islam, believed to be the literal word of God revealed to Muhammad by the angel Gabriel starting in 610 C.E. Muslims regard the Quran as a perfect, unaltered scripture that serves as the ultimate authority in matters of faith, theology, and law. Initially memorized and later compiled by Muhammad's followers, the Quran was fully codified about 20 years after Muhammad's death. It contains 114 chapters (surahs) of varying lengths and is revered in its original Arabic form. Sacred texts: Qur’an, Hadith The Hadith, a collection of sayings and actions of Muhammad, is the second most important text in Islam, shaping many religious practices and laws. Unlike the Quran, the Hadith was compiled generations after Muhammad's death, with the most respected collections being the Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim. These texts provide additional guidance on rituals, obligations, and legal matters, complementing the teachings of the Quran.

14. Sacred texts: Qur’an, Hadith Aspect Quran Hadith Meaning Recitation Tradition or "Report" Source Revelation from God through angel Gabriel Sayings and actions of Prophet Muhammad Time of Compilation Fully codified about 20 years after Muhammad's death Compiled generations after Muhammad's death Content 114 chapters (surahs), varying in length Collection of sayings, actions, and approvals of Muhammad Language Originally in Arabic, considered perfect and unaltered Various languages, originally passed down orally Authority Supreme authority in matters of faith, theology, and law Second in authority after the Quran Role Foundation of Islam; guide for all aspects of life Provides additional guidance on rituals, obligations, and legal matters Collections Single unified text Multiple collections, with Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim being most respected Use in Islamic Law Basis of Shari'ah law Complements Quranic teachings, also a source for Shari'ah law

15. Five Pillars of Islam, or arkan al-din The fundamental obligations that all Muslims must observe, providing structure and unity to the Islamic faith. These duties are essential to avoid condemnation on the "Day of Judgment." The Creed (Shahada): The testimony that there is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is His messenger. This declaration, known as shahada, is recited during prayers and rituals. 2. Obligatory Prayer (Salat): Performing ritual prayers five times a day, which is a core aspect of Islamic practice. 3. Fasting (Sawm): Muslims fast from dawn to sunset during the month of Ramadan, a practice meant to cultivate spiritual discipline. 4. Poor Tax (Zakat): Giving a portion of one's wealth to the poor and needy, which is an obligation that purifies wealth and supports the community. 5. Pilgrimage to Mecca (Hajj): Every Muslim who is physically and financially able must undertake a pilgrimage to Mecca at least once in their lifetime. The ibadah, or acts of worship, include all duties besides the shahada and are meant to instill discipline and distinguish true believers from impostors in the Islamic faith.

16. God: Allah In Islam, Allah is the absolute, all-powerful, and all-knowing ruler of the universe and the creator of everything. Allah is strictly singular, unique, inherently One, all-merciful, and omnipotent. Allah is neither material nor spiritual, and according to the Quran, while no vision can fully comprehend Him, His knowledge encompasses everything.

17. Sunni Muslims (The Sunnis): Representing 87% to 90% of all Muslims, Sunnis follow the traditional path established by the Prophet Muhammad and guided by the first four righteous caliphs. Their practices are based on the sunnah, the orally transmitted record of Muhammad's actions and sayings. Practitioners: Sunni, Shi’ite, Sufi Shi’a (The Shi’ites): The Shi'ites are a significant faction within Islam that split from the main community after the death of Muhammad in 632 C.E. They emphasize leadership by Muhammad's family and close associates, with the caliphate originally being a unifying agency before it became hereditary. Sufi Muslims: Focus on achieving a mystical union with God, often practicing asceticism and wearing coarse wool garments to symbolize poverty. Sufis can be either Sunni or Shi'ite and are part of a movement that began around the 9th century C.E., advocating for a simpler, more austere life.

18. Gender Inequality The role of women in Muslim societies varies widely, with some facing harsh restrictions on legal rights and employment, while others have risen to leadership roles. Islamic teachings often depict men as superior, requiring women to be obedient to their fathers and husbands. ISSUES:

19. Holy War (Jihad) Jihad is often misunderstood and can mean both a personal spiritual struggle or, in some interpretations, a physical battle. While some associate jihad with violence, Islamic law opposes all forms of violence except in cases of war or legal punishment. The concept of jihad is intended to promote justice and moral conduct, not to justify aggression or harm against innocents. ISSUES:

20. Militant Islam and Terrorism Islam is a religion of peace that forbids terrorism. Despite this, some Muslims have distorted its teachings to justify violence, which is a violation of Islamic principles. These acts of terror are widely condemned by the majority of Muslims, who view them as misrepresentations of their faith. The actions of extremists have unfortunately contributed to widespread misconceptions about Islam. ISSUES:

21. Migration Significant Muslim migration to the US and Europe began in the late 19th century, continuing to grow in the 20th and 21st centuries. This has resulted in large Muslim populations in Western countries, with Islam now being a major religion in places like the United States. ISSUES:

22. Summary The history of Islam is closely bound with the life story of Muhammad who is recognized by the Muslims as the last of the prophets. The sacred writing of the Muslims is called Quran (or Koran in English) that literally means “recitation” or “reading.” The basic obligations of Muslims are called the Five Pillars of Islam or arkan al-din and all Muslims believe and accept the entirety of these obligations. The Five Pillars give structure and unity to all believers of the Islamic religion. The major denominations of Islam include Sunni, Shi’a, and Sufi.