Exploring the Religions of Our World

1. Exploring the Religions of Our World Chapter 4 Islam

2. Chapter 4, Introduction Submission Brings Inner Freedom • 7th cent. Abrahamic religion w/ Arab prophet Muhammad • Smaller than Christianity but fastest growing • Similar to Judaism & Christianity—Abraham, worldwide, & monotheistic • Islam means surrender or submission & from Hebrew root shalom = peace • True peace comes through surrendering & submitting to the will of God • One who does so is called Muslim • They call God Allah = The God • Humans must choose to freely submit (not forced) while rest of creation does so instinct—all creation is Muslim • Not negative but path to true freedom—grace, compassion, mercy • Muhammad is NOT founder—always existed from Adam, Muhammad restored • Jesus and OT figures are prophets & true Muslims • Muhammad ends the faith, apostasy/error/corruption, faith cycle • Muhammad is political (military) & spiritual leader • Allah is the center of all Islamic life which is universal & entails obligations to God and others (physical, mental, economic, political, social & spiritual)

3. Chapter 4, Introduction cont. Mohammad God’s final messenger “Seal of the Prophets” Abraham ancestor to Jews, Christians, Muslims Islam “surrender” or “submission” Allah means “God”

4. Chapter 4, Introduction cont.

5. Chapter 4, Section 1: A Brief History of Islam • Muhammad is the “Seal of the Prophets” = last messenger of God; from Adam Muhammad, Messenger of God • Born 570 CE in Mecca (Saudi Arabia) • Father died before birth & mother at 6; raised by grandpa then uncle Abu Talib—caravan merchant • Muhammad met Jews & Christians on caravans when older • Worked for & married Khadija—15 year older widow and business woman • Habit of praying & reflecting in a cave 1x a month on meaning of life • Jibril (Angel Gabriel) appeared to him in 610 CE • Called to be messenger of one God Allah—memorized & shared revelations • Few believed due to polytheism (360) centered around the Ka’bah in Mecca • Threatened tribal structure of Arabian peninsula • First followers: wife, friends Abu Bakr & `Uthman, cousin Ali, uncle Abu Talib, & slave Zaid • Persecuted so Hijrah (migrated) to Medina in 622 CE/1 AH—Islamic calendar • Grew under Muhammad’s political, spiritual, & military leadership • Returned to Mecca in 630 CE/8 AH, conquered, & purified Ka’bah • Most of Arabia Muslim by Muhammad’s death in 632 CE/10 AH

6. Chapter 4, Section 1: A Brief History of Islam cont. The Rightly-Guided Caliphs • Caliphs are successors to Muhammad—first is Abu Bakr (632-634 CE) • Finalized the conversion of Arabia to Islam • Succeeded by Umar (longest reign) who converted himself & expanded Islam to Persia, Damascus, & Jerusalem • Established a committee of 6 who elected `Uthman (644-656)—published Qur’an • Tension arose in Islam over administration & `Uthman killed by rivals • `Ali (Muhammad’s cousin) succeeded him but the Umayyah clan of `Uthman rejects • `Ali moved capital to Kufah (Iraq) & Mu’awiyah set up shop in Syria • After many battles, arbitration chose the Umayyah clan & Syria under Mu’awiyah • `Ali rejected so assinated; followers elect his son Hassan who recognized Umayyah • In 680 CE, Husayn (Ali’s other son) massacred w/ family in making claim to caliph • This Battle of Karbala caused the split in Islam b/w Sunni & Shi’ah Muslims • Sunni about 90% of Islam; recognize caliphate; caliph (rightly guided) • Shi’ah about 10% of Islam; recognize imamate; Imam (descendants of Muhammad; `Ali the first Imam = not only leader of prayer in mosque but overall leader) • Leader who guards and promulgated Islamic law differs but not beliefs & practices

7. Chapter 4, Section 1: A Brief History of Islam cont. Classical Period • The Umayyad caliphate was a major turning point in Islam • Physical—moved to Damascus, Syria • Leadership—first non companions of Muhammad • Territory—expanded from Arabian peninsula to Constantinople & France by 713 • Charles Martel halted at the Battle of Poitiers • Expanded to China & India by 750 CE • Spread was quick but conversion slow—Jews & Christians not forced & Arabic • Unified culture began to emerge but not without challenges • Secularization grew since so much focus on temporal administration • Opposition groups united including Shi’ah and the Umayyads fled to Spain • Abu al ’Abbas became caliph in 750 • Moved the capital to Baghdad and the Abbasid empire was born

8. Chapter 4, Section 1: A Brief History of Islam cont. Medieval Period • Known as the Golden Age of Islam—civilization & culture flourished • Moved from an Arabic to multicultural heritage in Baghdad • House of Wisdom—intellectual center for science, literature, & philosophy • Library’s attempt to reconcile faith & reason and science & theology • Translations & commentaries connect Aquinas & Maimonides to Greeks • Advances: engineering, geography, astronomy, mathematics, chemistry, medicine, literature (esp. poetry—1001 Nights), calligraphy, trade (symbiotic), communication • Unified Islamic culture exploded—language, belief, & law • Politically however, too big to remain united like Umayyad’s • Fatimids(from Fatimah = Muhammad’s daughter & `Ali’s wife) in Cairo, Egypt & Umayyad’s in Cordoba, Spain • Umayyad was divided & Islam persecuted in Spain under Spanish Inquisition (fall in 1492 and exile in early 1600’s) • Crusades = tension between Christianity & Islam from 1099 to 1204+ in Jerusalem • Mongols ended the Golden Age capturing Baghdad in 1258 & ending the Abbasid’s • Turkish Muslims defeated Mongols 11 years later giving rise to Ottoman& Suleiman • Conquered Constantinople (Istanbul) in 1453 but would decline as Europe rose

9. Chapter 4, Section 1: A Brief History of Islam cont. Modern Period • Islam lost as Europe gained economic, industrial, military, & political power • Mainly due to industrialization and shifting global trade patterns • In the 18th & 19th centuries, most of their territory in Africa & Asia came under English & French imperial rule • Western culture was seen as a threat to & disruption of Islam by Muslims • Christian missionaries followed European trade markets & tension ensued • The creation of the State of Israel in 1948 by the West complicated matters • Epicenters: Lebanon, Syria, Egypt, Israel/Palestine, Iraq, Iran, … • Political decline led to social & moral decline which led to reform movements (2) • Orthodox (Fundamentalism)—Saudi Arabia & Sudan • Secular (Reinterpretation & Adaptation)—Malaysia & Egypt • Tension between the two as well as between Fundamentalism & West • The last great Islamic empire (Ottoman) fell after WWI along with Germans • Nationalist movement abolished the caliphate in Turkey in 1924 • Iranian Revolution (1978-79) under Ayatollah Khomeini is ex. of fundamentalist reaction to Western secularization & marginalization of religion from society

10. Chapter 4, Section 1: A Brief History of Islam cont. The Nation of Islam • White religion of Christianity is the devil • W. D. Fard Muhammad founded Temple No. 1 in Detroit in 1930 • Nation of Islam should have an African American nation within the nation • Disappeared in 1934 & succeeded by Elijah Muhammed of Chicago temple • Expanded as a separatist & black supremacy group in north on margins • Malcolm X (Little) was leader of New York temple in 1960’s • Challenged leadership of the Nation after Mecca pilgrimage—assassinated • Elijah Muhammad died in 1975 & his son Wallace (Warith) Din Muhammad agreed with Malcom X and united with orthodox Sunni Islam • Louis Farrakhan (1933-) disagreed with Warith & continued Nation of Islam out of Chicago temple • Despite assisting growth of Islam in America, the Nation of Islam is distinct from the universal Islam which does not advocate separatism or racism

11. You Tube Video: Islam The History Channel--Inside Islam

12. Chapter 4, Section 1: A Brief History of Islam cont. History • For Muslims, Islam has always existed, beginning with Adam the first man; thus all humans are Muslim, meaning they must “submit” to God Muhammad: • Born in Mecca in about 570 CE • First revelation from the angel Gabriel who instructed him to be the messenger of Allah in 610 • Moved to Medina in 622 • Died in 632

13. Chapter 4, Section 1: A Brief History of Islam cont. Successors to Mohammad were called caliphs The first four caliphs: • Abu Bakr– first to succeed Muhammad • Umar– oversaw the expansion of Islam; appointed a committee of six to choose his successor • Uthman– a member of the Umayyah clan; was instrumental in the publication and distribution of the Qur’an • ‘Ali– Muhammad’s cousin

14. Chapter 4, Section 1: A Brief History of Islam cont. The Sunni Muslims and Shi’ah Muslims share fundamental beliefs and practices but are divided on who is to lead Muslims – why? Chronology of the division: • Uthman is assassinated • Ali succeeds him as caliph • Uthman’s cousin Mu’awiyah is also proclaimed caliph • Following a series of battles, an arbitrator rules in favor of Mu’awiyah • ‘Ali is assassinated

15. Chapter 4, Section 1: A Brief History of Islam cont. Chronology of Sunni-Shi’ah division: (continued) 6. When ‘Ali’s son (Husain) makes a claim to leadership, he and his family are massacred 7. Shi’ah Muslims see Husain as a martyr and remain loyal to his family 8. The Sunni (the majority, approximately 85%/90%) accept the rule of the Umayyads 9. The Sunni support a caliphateand call their leaders caliph 10. The Shi’ahsupport an imamateand call their leaders Imam

16. Chapter 4, Section 1: A Brief History of Islam cont. Historical centers of Islam: • Medina, Saudi Arabia • Kufah, Iraq • Damascus, Syria • Baghdad, Iraq

17. Chapter 4, Section 1: A Brief History of Islam cont. Muslim scholarship sought to reconcile Reason and Faith in the Medieval Period, which led to advances in: Geography Engineering Astronomy Chemistry Medicine Mathematics Philosophy Literature

18. Chapter 4, Section 1: A Brief History of Islam cont. The Nation of Islam W.D. Fard Muhammad– Motown African-American who spoke against Christianity as a white man’s religion and called for the establishment of a separate, African-American homeland Elijah Muhammad– continued Fard’s message when he succeeded him, expanding the Nation of Islam to other cities Malcom X– leader in New York who challenged Elijah Muhammad’s leadership and message before being assassinated by rivals in 1965 Warith Din Muhammad– Elijah Muhammad’s son who succeeded in bringing most of the Nation of Islam into union with Sunni Islam Louis Farrakhan– led members of the Nation of Islam who opposed the more integrated ideology of Warith Din Muhammad

19. Chapter 4, Section 1 Review Questions Explain how Muhammad received his first revelation. As a messenger of God, what was Muhammad’s chief message to humankind? What was the major cause of the rise of the two major groupings of Muslims—the Sunni and the Shi’ah? On a map, locate the capitals of the following: the first capital of Islam, capital established by `Ali, Umayyads, Abbasids, Fatimids, Mughals, Safavids, remnant Umayyads, Ottomans. Summarize some of the major contributions of Islamic civilization to Western culture during its Golden Age. What were some of the major causes of the decline of the Muslim states in the early modern period? Summarize the historical development of the Nation of Islam in the United States.

20. Chapter 4, Section 2: Sacred Stories & Scriptures • Qur’an most sacred book—direct revelations by God to Muhammad in Arabic • Over a 22 year period in Mecca & Medina for religious & moral life • Don’t place under anything & ritual washing before touching or reading • Sunnahis second authentic source of authority • Recognize OT and NT but human words and fallible unlike infallible Qur’an Qur’an (Koran) • Means recitation • Muhammad illiterate so memorized, passed on through memory • Collected by 3rd caliph Uthman who wrote one version to preserve • Muhammad’s secretary Zayd ibn Thabitwas assigned the task—compile & compare to those who memorized & recited during Muhammad’s life • Divided into surahs or chapters—two divisions: Meccas & Medina • Mecca (early)—God’s unity, power, glory; right living; end times; judgment • Medina (late)—common themes; practical matters of society, relations, $, law

21. Chapter 4, Section 2: Sacred Stories & Scriptures cont. Qur’an (Koran) cont. • 114: not chronological or thematic but some order with first & last verse • Each a distinct revelation • Hesitant to translate—not only meaning but Arabic words since God’s words • Religious duty of memorizing dates back to Muhammad’s time (as children) • Hafiz is one who has done so—contests today; ironic; mix w/modern culture Sunnah • The words & deeds of Muhammad & what he approved or prohibited (his way of life) • Compliment Qur’an so necessary for all Muslims (authoritative source w/ Q) • Hadith (story) is similar except compiled later in the 2nd century (Islamic) so not prophetic, infallible, or authoritative • Shi’ah have a 3rd authoritative source—teachings & writings of the Imams • Direct descendants of Muhammad’s cousin Ali so infallible for them

22. Chapter 4, Section 2: Sacred Stories & Scriptures cont. • The most sacred book for Muslims • A collection of the revelations to Muhammad received directly from God • Contains God’s infallible words, uncorrupted by human intervention • Literally means “recitation” • Divided into 144 surahs(Chapters) Qur’an (Koran)

23. Chapter 4, Section 2: Sacred Stories & Scriptures cont. • Second authentic source of authority for Muslims • Contains Muhammad’s words and deeds, as well as what he approved and prohibited • It is Muhammad’s way of life • It goes hand in hand with the Qur’an because one needs to fully understand and live as a Muslim Sunnah

24. Chapter 4, Section 2 Review Questions What does the word Qur’an mean? Why is the Qur’an the most sacred writing for Muslims? What are other sacred writings Muslims revere? Why can it be said that the Qur’an and Sunnah go hand in hand? Compare the Hadith to the Jewish Talmud. How are they alike?

25. Chapter 4, Section 3: Beliefs & Practices • Monotheism central along with Judaism & Christianity • “La ilaha ilia Allah, waMuhammadunrasul Allah” = “There is no god but God; Muhammad is the Messenger of God” (Arabic shahadah prayed daily) • First part: Creator & sustainer, all loving, powerful, & knowing, present everywhere, gives & takes life, and judges all • Transcendent & immanent—divine providence • Free will—people are free to submit which brings true freedom • Second part: prophet means being a true Muslim in submitting • Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, Aaron, Jacob, Joseph, Job, Jesus, & Muhammad (the Seal of the Prophets) are all prophets & thus Muslim • 5 Pillars that guide Muslim practice are based on these two beliefs • Muslims practice these religious duties alone & in community

26. Chapter 4, Section 3: Beliefs & Practices cont. The Five Pillars of Islam • A formal religion but also a way of life according to five religious duties • The essence of Islam is submitting to God through these duties • Found in the Qur’an & Sunna—revealed by God through his prophets • These 5 pillars uphold faith if practiced as perfect as possible • Rituals but also efficacious acts • Physical & spiritual, worldly & other-worldly, personal & communal • Predominately define ummah = nation or Islamic community Shahadah (Witnessing) • First and most important pillar—other 4 are expressions of • Similar to Jewish Sh’ma (focus on God as monotheistic) • Pray “La ilaha…” several times a day • Muezzin proclaims this creed from the mosque’s minaret • Birth, death, conversion

27. Chapter 4, Section 3: Beliefs & Practices cont. Salah (Prayer) • Ritually pray 5 times (dawn, midday, afternoon, evening, night) • Ritual washing (wudu) before prayer & itself a prayer • Also, clothing (men & women), no shoes, prayer mat, face Ka’bah = qiblah • Problematic in minority countries—anywhere clean but timing issue • Modern technology replaces muezzin • Friday special day but no Shabbat—2nd hour in mosque = Jum’ah (assembly) where imam (no clergy so a knowledgeable person) delivers sermon Zakah (Almsgiving) • Obligatory act of worship that frees from obstacles to Allah • Amount not in Qur’an but 2.5% is normative • Other charitable acts are welcome so charity open to rich & poor • Smiling or picking up trash

28. Chapter 4, Section 3: Beliefs & Practices cont. Sawm (Fasting) • All at age of puberty who are not ill or travelling • Month long during 9th month of Ramadan to commemorate 1st revelation during Night of Power • No food, drink, or sex from dawn to sundown • No arguing & positive thoughts/deeds = joyous not somber • Entire Qur’an recited, light meals before & after, mosque • Ends with Eid al Fitr(Festival of Breaking of the Fast) Hajj (Pilgrimage) • Held annually in 12th month in Mecca, Saudi Arabia • Required only 1x during life; physical & financial • Perform Abrahamic rituals (Hagar & Ishmael not Sarah & Isaac) • Circle Ka’bah(2x 7x), 7x between Safa & Marwah, drinking from ZamZam, stoning the devil, going out to pray on the Plain of Arafat, Eid al Adha(Festival of Sacrifice) = lamb Abraham slaughtered instead of Ishmael

29. Chapter 4, Section 3: Beliefs & Practices cont. Islamic Living • Become part of ummah by reciting shahadah 1x • Duties & responsibilities & rights of worldwide community • Not an end but a beginning of practicing perfect Islam • Complete coherent way of life—shar’iah law • Sources are Qur’an & Sunnah for all • Sunni—ulamas interpret by consensus & analogy • Shi’ah—interpret through writings of imams from `Ali (leader not just prayer) • Many variations but Allah is lawgiver for every aspect of life Women in Islam • Complex issue & controversial in modern day society • Qur’an raised status of women but more general than specific treatment • Women’s liberation movement has centered on dress (modesty for both) • Some pre-Islamic practices; varies by culture; similarities among all • Historical examples of success & more available today; families are backbone

30. You Tube Video: Islam Crash Course World History: Islam (History, Scripture, and Beliefs & Practices)

31. Chapter 4, Section 3: Beliefs & Practices cont. Shahadah Belief in one God is the central belief of Muslims La ilaha ilia Allah wa Muhammadun rasul Allah There is no god but God, Muhammad is the Messenger of God.

32. Chapter 4, Section 3: Beliefs & Practices cont. Core Tenets God gives life and takes life away Muhammad is the “Messenger of God” Free will is an integral part of being human God is the judge of all and determines who will spend eternity in heaven or hell God is very involved as a guide in human affairs God is all-: loving, powerful, knowing, merciful, present God is the creator and sustainer of the universe Divine providence Allows all events

33. Chapter 4, Section 3: Beliefs & Practices cont. Qur’an Biblical prophets mentioned in the Qur’an: Adam Noah Abraham Moses Aaron Jacob and his sons Job Jesus 25 Prophets mentioned in Qur’an The Christian Bible

34. Chapter 4, Section 3: Beliefs & Practices cont. Sawn (Fasting) during Ramadan Salah (Prayer) five times daily The Five Pillars of Islam Hajj (Pilgrimage) to Mecca Shahadah (Witnessing) There is no god but God, Muhammad is the Messenger of God Zakah (Almsgiving) charity for the needy

35. Chapter 4, Section 3 Review Questions Explain what Muslims believe about the two main sections of the Islamic Profession of Faith. Name and explain each of the Five Pillars of Islam. How does one become a Muslim? What are the sources of shar’iah, and what is its role in Islam? Discuss the role of women in Islam.

36. Chapter 4, Section 4: Sacred Times • All time is sacred, belongs to God • Five prayer times a day most sacred • Lunar calendar beginning in 622 CE w/ Hijrah of Muhammad • 354 days like Judaism but don’t adjust—cycle of feasts repeats about every 20 years as they move through the solar year Eid al-Fitr (Festival of Breaking the Fast) • End of Ramadan • First new moon • 29 or 30 days after month starts • Festive family dinner • Cards, presents, decorations, clothes • Charitable giving to poor

37. Chapter 4, Section 4: Sacred Times cont. Eid al-Adha (Festival of Sacrifice) • Second major festival at end of hajj • Willingness of Abraham to sacrifice Ishmael • Animal sacrifice (sheep or goat) is not purification but sign of willingness to sacrifice • Four day period in Mecca or supporting at home Ashura • God freeing Moses & Hebrews from slavery in Egypt • Fasting on this Day of Atonement like Jews • Also martyrdom of Husayn in 680 CE for Shi’ah • Passion plays

38. You Tube Videos: Islam • Eid al-Fitr • Eid al-Adha

39. Chapter 4, Section 4: Sacred Times cont. prayer 5 times each day Ashura (recalls the Exodus from Egypt) Eid al-Fitr (Festival of Breaking the Fast) Eid al-Adha (Festival of Sacrifice)

40. Chapter 4, Section 4 Review Questions Explain the difference between the Jewish calendar, the Christian calendar, and the Islamic calendar. What are the two great Islamic festivals, and what do they celebrate? What are the two main significances of Ashura?

41. Chapter 4, Section 5: Sacred Places & Spaces • Mosque most common—urban & rural • Cities of Mecca, Medina, Jerusalem, & Karbala too Mosque • Masjid = place of prostration • Public worship through prayer—communal or private • Stone or brick in a square • Minaret, muezzin, & adan • Minority locations call to prayer confined • Weddings, meetings, education in Qur’an recitation, funerals & prep. Mecca • Holiest city; Saudi Arabia; birth place of Muhammad & 1st revelations • Pilgrimage & Kab’ah (Holy of Holies); center & symbol; Grand Mosque

42. Chapter 4, Section 5: Sacred Places & Spaces cont. Medina • 300 miles from Mecca in Saudi Arabia • 2nd most holy city/site • Muhammad’s immigration from Mecca in 622 CE • Muhammad’s mosque, burial place, history of ummah’s development Jerusalem • Jews, Christians, & Muslims (Muhammad’s Night Journey = winged horse to Temple Mount & brief ascension) • Practice of praying 5x’s a day • Haram al’ Sharif (Noble Sanctuary) & Dome of the Rock • Later Mosque al’ Aqsa (Farthest Mosque—5,000 people) Karbala • Iraq—“martyrdom” of Hasayn, family, & friends (Ali’s son & Muhammad’s grandson) by Umayyad’s over caliph sucession • Shi’ahmuslims = people persecuted for the true faith • Golden dome pilgrimage site for Shi’ahmuslims

43. You Tube Videos: Islam • Mosques • Mecca

44. Chapter 4, Section 5: Sacred Places and Spaces cont. Mosque (Masjid )- a place of public worship Mecca, Saudi Arabia– the holiest city in Islam; birthplace of Muhammad and site of his first revelations Medina, Saudi Arabia– second holiest city; place to which Muhammad immigrated Jerusalem, Israel– the place of Muhammad’s “Night Journey”; place he ascended into heaven Karbala, Iraq– the site of the massacre of the ‘Ali and his companions and family

45. Chapter 4, Section 5 Review Questions Define mosque. How did Mecca become a holy place for Muslims? Why are Medina and Jerusalem also holy cities for Muslims? What is the significance of Karbala and Iraq for Shi’ah Muslims?

46. Chapter 4, Section 6: IslamThrough a Catholic Lens • Muslims are part of God’s plan for salvation (CCC 841; NA 3) • St. JPII (1985 meeting with Islamic youth in Morocco) • Dialogue today necessary & past due; common heritage; largest religions; more in common than we think • Similarities • God—Creator, one, living, merciful, almighty, Creator, revelation, submit, decrees, plan, judge on last day • Abraham—prophets of OT • Jesus—exist, venerate as a prophet second only to Muhammad • Mary—virgin birth, devotion • Life—morality, worship, prayer, almsgiving, fasting, good deeds • Differences • Nature of God—one but not Triune • Nature of Jesus—human but not divine; crucifixion & death

47. Chapter 4, Section 6: Islam through a Catholic Lens cont. • Obstacles to Dialogue • Awareness of western vision of Islam from media • Fear that dialogue will (-) influence Islam—colonization • Sources of Dialogue • Nature of God • Abraham • Struggle against modern “-isms” • Family life • Preserving religious values & practices by avoiding outside pressures • Current issues—prejudice, poverty, environment, … • Key—sincere effort for mutual understanding • Faith & Football at Notre Dame • Football began in 1887—tradition of mass & religious medal • Theology courses for every student & player—keep football tradition • Ryan Harris (2002-2006) all American o. tackle from St. Paul • Practicing Muslim—chose in 8th grade, Arabic classes, volunteer, hajj

48. You Tube Videos: Islam • The Role of Conversion in Dialogue • Rochester, NY Dialogue

49. Chapter 4, Section 6: Islam through a Catholic Lens cont. Similarities between Muslims and Catholics • The worship of the one God • The understanding of God as: living, subsistent, merciful, almighty, Creator • The desire to submit to God’s decrees • The veneration of Jesus as a prophet • The invocation of the Virgin Mary • The anticipation of the Day of Judgment • The centrality of Family life • Social concerns: prejudice, poverty, environment

50. Chapter 4, Section 6: Islam through a Catholic Lens cont. Major Differences between Muslims and Catholics • Muslims do not believe in doctrine of the Holy Trinity • Muslims do not acknowledge Jesus’ divinity • Muslims do not believe Jesus suffered a human death by crucifixion • Do not believe in Sacred Tradition and authority of the Church