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Pre-Class: Reading from the Qur’an (handout)
Place a checkmark (5 total) next to each conclusion you can make about Islam
based on the excerpts AND underline the evidence for each conclusion checked.
Understanding Islam
Why should we study the religion of Islam?
There are over 1 billion Muslims in the world.
Islam Identifications
• Muslim: person who follows Islam
• Ka’aba: Islam’s holiest shrine – located in Mecca – Arabic for cube
• Qu’ran: secret text, holy book of Islam
• Mecca: birth place of Islam, holiest city, Saudi Arabia
• Mosque: Muslim house of worship
• Allah: Arabic for God same as J and C
• Medina: first Islamic community, 2nd Holy city, Muhammad gains political and religious power – City of the Prophet
• Hejira: 622 – Muhammad’s journey from Mecca to Medina; marks first expansion of Islam
• Jerusalem: 3rd Holiest city to Islam – Dome of the Rock
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Five Pillars of Islam
• Islam means: (#2)– to submit/submission
• Five Pillars of Islam: (#3)• Declaration of Faith (Shahada)• Prayers (Salah) • Charity (Sawm)• Fasting (Zakat)• Pilgrimage (Hajj)
The Rise and Spread of
Islam
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Arabia in the 7th Century
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Arabian People
• Nomads/Bedouins• Farmers• Traders• Tribes
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Paganism
• Worshipped many gods
• Chief god was “Allah” meaning simply “the God.”
Al-Uzza
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Mecca
Arabia
These Arab people were pagans, meaning they worshipped many gods.
The center of Arabic pagan worship was in a town called Mecca.
Pilgrims would travel to Mecca to worship the KaabaThe Kaaba: sacred shine that housed images of all the Arab gods. Also contained a black stone-probably a meteorite, which the Arabs thought was sent from heaven
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Trade Routes
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Muhammad (#4)
• Born CE 570• From Quraysh tribe• Marries Khadija• Merchant/trader• Meditated in desert• Daughter Fatima
married to cousin Ali
• Video 3:29
Muhammad: Founder of Islam
• Muhammad was born in Mecca about 570.
• His parents died when he was very young, but he was sent to live with his uncle, who was a Bedouin tribesman, even before they died.
• Muhammad became a merchant.
• When he was 25, he met a wealthy widow named Khadija, and married her.
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Muhammad (#5)
• Final Prophet/Founder of Islam– Means to
surrender/submit (#2)
• Messages from God compiled in the Qur’an
• Spread the message of one God
The Quran
• Muhammad memorized, word for word, everything the Angel Gabriel spoke to him. It was eventually written down by scribes.
• These writings are known as the Quran.
• Quran means “recitation.”
• it is the holy book for Muslims, containing guidance in all matters
The Quran (Koran)
• The Quran provides guidance on every aspect of human life: from history and economics to morality, criminal and civil law, gender issues, social values, Judaism and Christianity, past prophets, and even science*
• Any translation of the Quran from Arabic into a different language means that it is not entirely accurate
Similarities with Christianity and Judaism
Universality of Humankind
•Along with Judaism and Christianity, Islam emphasizes the dignity and equality of humankind:
“No Arab has any superiority over a non-Arab…Nor does a white man have any superiority over a black man, or the black man any superiority over the white man. You are all the children of Adam, and Adam was created from clay.”
Similarities with Christianity and Judaism
Belief in an Afterlife
•Along with Jews and Christians, Muslims believe that we will be held accountable for our actions in the next life:
“We shall set up scales of justice for the day of Judgment, so that not a soul will be dealt with unjustly in the least.”
The Hejira• Muhammad began to speak
about this new religion to the Arab tribes people around Mecca.
• Some began to follow him. Others did not like his message, and plotted to kill both him and his followers.
• In 622, Muhammad and his followers fled from Mecca to Yathrib, a town to the north.
• This journey was known as the hejira.
• Yathrib was later renamed Medina, which means “City of the Prophet.”
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Medina and Hejira 622 Marks the beginning of expansion of Islam (#10)
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Sacredness of Jerusalem• “Night Journey” from the nearest
mosque to the farthest (“al-Aqsa”) mosque - 619 AD in Jerusalem
• Is believed to be when Muhammad “flew” to Jerusalem and met with the old Prophets: Abraham and Moses
The Night Journey
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People of the Book (# 6)
• Muhammad’s Term for Jews and Christians– Cause followed Gods teachings
• Old and New Testament were God’s words but had been corrupted over time
• Christianity and Judaism influenced Islam
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Return to Mecca – 628AD
Mecca
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Kaaba
• Housed 360 idols• Muhammad Smashed idols
and dedicated to God (360) (#5)
• Pilgrimages during holy month Dhul-Hijjah
Ka’bah
Al-Masjid al-Haram in Mecca
.
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What do you think?What are some of the implications that flowed from
Muhammad’s smashing the idols at the Ka’bah?
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“Farewell Speech”
• Tribes throughout Arabia acknowledged Muhammad’s authority and converted to Islam
• Muhammad delivered farewell speech in 632
• Muhammad died without designating a successor Mosque of the Prophet, Medina
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Spread of Muslim Rule
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Spread of Muslim Rule
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Spread of Muslim Rule
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Spread of Muslim Rule
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Spread of Muslim Rule
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Spread of Muslim Rule
Two Main Branches of Islam
Battle of Karbala: 661 A.D.
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Schism• Disagreement over style and qualifications
• Bloody massacre
• (#11) Split into Sunni and Shi’a during Umayyad Dynasty – Mid 600’s
• over the choosing of caliph – successor to Muhammad as leader of Islamic community (#11)
• (#12) Sunni – 80% caliph based on merit – anyone
• Shi'ite/Shi’a – caliph descendent of Muhammad
Shrine at Karbala
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Concept of Jihad
• According the the Quran:
”You may fight “in the cause of God” against those who attack you, but do not aggress. God does not love the aggressors.” 2:190
• This directive has often been misinterpreted as sanctioning “Holy War.”
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7. Hadith, Quran, and Sunnah make up the ShariaSharia – sacred law of Islam
Hadith: accounts and sayings of MuhammadSunnah: custom; the way of life of Muhammad
8. oneness of God and Muhammad Final Prophet9. Birth, Marriage, Death
10. Hejira (622), Muslim Army united by Jihad (to struggle to be the best Muslim/Holy War) and promise of riches, resentment of foreign rule,
Conversion (equality of believers), tolerance
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11. Umayyad, choosing a caliph12. Shi’a (Shiite) and Sunni
13. HalalIn Arabic, the word halal means permitted or lawful. Halal foods are foods that are allowed under Islamic
dietary guidelinesNo pork or alcohol
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Five Pillars of Islam
• Declaration of Faith (Shahada)• Prayers (Salah) • Charity (Sawm)• Fasting (Zakat)• Pilgrimage (Hajj) Video 2:00
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Ramadan (#14)• 9th month of the Islamic/lunar calendar• Month that Qur'an to Muhammad• Fasting from sunup to sundown• Focus on relationship with God/spiritually• Night of Power:
– last days of the month it is believed that Muhammad first received the Qur'an.
• Eid ul-Fitr: – holiday that marks the end of Ramadan and fasting
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Islam, Christianity, and Judaism Similarities
• Monotheism• Prophethood• Old Testament• Golden Rule • 10 Commandments• Jerusalem Holy• Judgment Day • Heaven• Prayer
• Fasting• Charity• Coming of Age• Pilgrimage• Dietary Laws
Early Islamic Empires
The Spread of Islam
• Within 120 years of the Prophet Muhammad’s death, the religion of Islam had spread from the Arabian Peninsula to include the following areas:
• http://www.explorethemed.com/RiseIslam.asp
Early Caliphates
Umayyad Dynasty(661-750
A.D.)
Umayyad Dynasty(661-750
A.D.)
Capital: Damascus,
Syria
Capital: Damascus,
Syria
Emphasis on Arab Culture &
Language
Emphasis on Arab Culture &
Language
Sunni MuslimSunni Muslim
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Umayyads (661–750)
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Umayyad Culture
Dome of the Rock, Jerusalem
Al-Aqsa (“furthest”) mosque, built CE 715
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Shi’ism Today
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Umayyad Decline
• Fragmentation– split
• Non-Arabs• Leadership
problems
Early Caliphates
Abbassid Dynasty (750-1250 AD)
Included People from other cultures
Persians
Turks
Indians
Golden Age of Muslim Civilization
Capital: Baghdad
• Advances in architecture• Control of trade routes• Advances in science,
medicine, mathematics• Poetry and philosophy
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Abbasids (750–1258)First 100 years 1st Golden Age (#15)
Because of economic power, medicine, science, math, and architecture
Islam’s First Golden Age
The Abbassid Caliphate was established in 750 A.D.
The capital of this new Islamic Empire was established in Baghdad, not Damascus. Founded by al-Mansur, the second caliph of the Abbassid Dynasty.
This new caliphate was more inclusive of different people, including Persians, Turks, and Indians, which gave it more appeal.
Islam’s First Golden Age
Commerce and Economics
This new empire controlled the trade routes between the East (India and China) and the Mediterranean, Africa, and Europe.This led to thriving, wealthy cities, such as Baghdad. To help trade prosper, the Abbassids developed many useful business practices.
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Abbasid Culture
• Trade revival• Arabic numerals• Algebra
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Science and Medicine• Astrolabe• Medicine• Ibn Sina (Avicenna)• Muhammad Al-Razi• Muslims used the magnetic needle to produce the mariner’s compass,
as well as the astrolabe.• These inventions would become VERY important during the Age of
Discovery hundreds of years later.
Astrolabe
Medieval Renaissance ManIbn Sina – known also as Avicenna
Wrote more than 100 books on astronomy, music, philosophy, medicine, and poetry
Islam’s First Golden Age
Advances in Learning:Muslim scholars translated ancient Greek works on philosophy, science, and mathematics.Muslims also made advances in the fields of medicine, mathematics, and architectureThey gave us beautiful poetry, such as The Rubaiyat, and A Thousand and One Nights
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Islam’s First Golden Age
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Muhammad al Razi• Muslim doctor who stressed eating a balanced
diet.
• Encouraged high professional standards for doctors, including education and qualifying exams.
• Wrote 50 books on medicine
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Hadith
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Mosques
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Abbasid Decline
Mosque of Abbasid Caliph Al-Mutawakkil
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The Moors:
The Visigoths had ruled Spain until 711, when the Moors crossed into Spain from North Africa. For the next three centuries, the Moors controlled most of Spain by establishing a “caliphate,” or religious center, in Cordoba. Spain enjoyed a “golden age.” The Moors were able administrators who built Spain into a thriving center of culture and scholarship. The Moors were Muslims, but they were generally tolerant of the Christians and Jews who lived in Spain. Spanish Jews benefited from the tolerant policies of the Moors. This enabled them to have one of the most prosperous periods in their history.
Christian kingdoms in northern Spain and France slowly began the Reconquista (or reconquest) of Spain, a struggle that lasted almost 500 years. Quarrels among the Moors led to the overthrow of the caliphate of Cordoba in 1031. The Moors remained in Spain until King Ferdinand of Aragon, and Queen Isabella of Castille merged their kingdoms and forced the Muslims and Jews to leave Spain
Islam’s First Golden Age
Alhambra: Islamic architecture produced some of the most stunning buildings in history.
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16. Life long learners/education important
- translated Greek and Sanskrit works on philosophy and science
House of Wisdom – Baghdad – Al Mamun
– preserved ancient learning – diffused to Europe
17. Medicine: Diagnosis/treatment/qualifying examinations
Muhammad al-Razi and Ibn Sina – all influenced the West
Math – algebra
Science
Architecture - minarets
18. Letters of credit – receipts – bills of lading67
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Comparison of Statistics and Basics
Islam Judaism Christianity
adherents called Muslims Jews Christians
current adherents 1.3 billion 14 million 2 billion
current size rank 2nd largest 12th largest largest
major concentration
Middle East, Southeast Asia
Israel, Europe, USA
Europe, North and South America, rapid
growth in Africa
sacred text Qur'an (Koran) BibleBible (Jewish Bible +
New Testament)
other written authority
HadithTalmud, Midrash,
Responsa
church fathers, church councils, papal decrees
(Catholic only)
religious law Sharia Halakhah Canon Law
clergy imams rabbispriests, ministers, pastors, bishops
house of worship mosque synagoguechurch, chapel,
cathedral
main day of worship
Friday Saturday Sunday
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Comparison of Origins and History
Islam Judaism Christianity
date founded 622 CE unknown c. 33 CE
place founded Saudi Arabia Palestine (def) Palestine
founder MuhammadMoses or Abraham
Jesus
original language(s)
Arabic Hebrew Aramaic, Greek
early expansion
within 12 years, entire Arabian
peninsula; within 100 years, Muslim world stretched from the Atlantic to China
little expansion; mostly confined
to Palestine
within 60 years, churches in major cities
in Palestine, Turkey, Greece and Rome (map); entire Roman Empire
by end of 4th cent.
major splits Shia/Sunni, c. 650
CE Reform/Orthodox,
1800s CE
Catholic/Orthodox, 1054 CE; Catholic/Protestant,
1500s CE
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Comparison of Religious Beliefs
Islam Judaism Christianity
type of theism strict monotheism strict monotheism Trinitarian monotheism
ultimate reality one God one God one God
names of God Allah (Arabic for God) Yahweh, Elohim Yahweh, the Holy Trinity
other spiritual beings angels, demons, jinn angels and demons angels and demons
revered humans prophets, imams
(especially in Shia) prophets saints, church fathers
identity of Jesus true prophet of God, whose
message has been corrupted
not prophet Son of God, God incarnate,
savior of the world
resurrection of Jesus Not part of beliefs Not part of beliefs affirmed
divine revelationthrough Muhammad, recorded in Qur'an
through Prophets, recorded in Bible
through Prophets and Jesus (as God Himself), recorded in
Bible
means of salvation correct belief, good deeds,
Five Pillars belief in God, good
deeds
correct belief, faith, good deeds, sacraments (some
Protestants emphasize faith alone)
good afterlife eternal paradise: heaven views vary: heaven eternal heaven
view of fellow Abrahamic religions
Jews and Christians are respected as "People of the Book," but they have wrong
beliefs and only partial revelation.
Islam and Christianity are false
interpretations and extensions of Judaism.
Judaism is a true religion, but with incomplete revelation.