Islam Test Essays

Explain how Islam can also be said to be Islamic civilization. Name some of its contributions

- It can be an Islamic civilization because the caliphs were chosen by the community. - Some contributions to this are all of Arabia, which never managed to unite over anything, rather, they embraced Islam. - Soon, the people of vast stretches of territory converted to the new religion, most often by their own free will and not because of armed forces. - contributions: works of literature were lost but they were preserved

Briefly describe Muhammad's life story, including how he came to be a prophet. How did his fellow Meccans react to his teachings?

- Muhammad was born about AD 570 into a leading tribe of Mecca. - Born into wealth. - Orphaned. - Raised by uncle to be dependable man, trustworthy. He is a businessman. - When older, he married a 40-year-old widow when he became a father to his six children - In about 610, he got a visit from the angel Gabriel and was told to recite the Qur'an. - Muhammad said that he was incapable. - The night of excellence started was when he became a prophet. - Originally rejected in Mecca cause they're polytheistic. - He goes North to Medina and becomes leader and eventually goes back to Mecca where he becomes a leader.

Describe what Islam teaches about the nature of God, human nature, and the world?

- Muslims believe in Allah, "the one God" and that Allah is transcendent and supra-personal (close). - They believe that God is genderless because maleness and femaleness are just known as being traits. - One God. - Nature is made up of the 99 names for God, which each describe Allah in many different ways, but still, relate back to monotheism. - God is fully human not divine, human nature is essentially good but can fall out due to forgetfulness, they also need to give up themselves to God, their bodies belong to God, taking care of God's body. nature is gift from God and needs to be treated with care, God owns it

Can a religion, like Islam, that understands itself as embracing the totality of life truly be tolerant of other religions?

- Muslims regard Islam as the final revelation to all religions, just as they believe in the Qur'an it is the final revelation of the divine will. - Muslims also acknowledge that other religions include expressions of the divine will. - Judaism and Christianity, especially, are favored by Islam which regards their followers as people of the Qur'an.

What is the Qur'an? Compare its role in Islam with Jesus Christ's role in Christianity.

- The Qur'an is Islam's primary sacred text regarded by Muslims as direct words of Allah. - Qur'an is heart of Islam. - "recitation", written in Arabic. - Qur'an is word of God, Jesus is Word of God.

What unites all Muslims? Tell what distinguishes Shi'i from Sunni Islam

- The Sunnis are people who follow their established customs. - Shi'ites are known as "partisans of Ali", which is based on historical circumstances. majority: sunnis, shiites: minority, Sunnis and Shi'ites alike emphasize the transcendence and suprapersonal nature of Allah. - Worship focuses on the divine will through following the Shari'a, the Allah is the teaching of there being only one God.

How does the Muslim view of human destiny and the Day of Judgment compare with the Christian view?

- The day of judgment is the day all humans stand before Allah and the destiny of each will be made known. - In Islam, the Mandi will restore Islam and bring order on Earth. In a Christian view, Jesus Christ will return to earth.

Define and explain the principle of jihad. Why do you think is it sometimes counted as the sixth pillar of Islam? Does the Qur'an support the concept of jihad as armed struggle?

- The meaning of jihad is exertion or "struggle", which applies to the personal and social life of Islam. - It is most likely counted as the 6th pillar because it can be apart of what shapes the way we live life, which is to go through the struggle. - It is also known as a "Holy War", or "armed struggle". anything that distracts people from their faith

Western critics have accused Islam of denying basic rights to women. Build a case either agreeing or disagreeing with them

After Muhammad, women: - Had greater influences in the families - Can initiate divorce - Veils are optional - Modest clothing is meant to protect women

What is the guiding principle of Sufism, and how does it sometimes land Sufis in trouble with orthodox Muslims? Compare Sufism with Christian monasticism or Hinduism

Heart of sufism: mystical form of islam, add onto the shahada, everything is God

Explain the purpose of the Five Pillars of Islam and briefly describe each pillar

The purpose of the 5 pillars is to provide a basic framework for life. - Confession of Faith: no God except for God, Muhammad is the messenger of God - Prayer: all Muslim men, women, and children are required to pray 5 times a day in the direction of Mecca. wash themselves before they pray and bow or kneel - Fasting: When Ramadan occurs, Muslims are not able to take part in sex, and they must fast every day, meaning that they are not able to eat or drink until late at night. 30 days, lunar calendar, sunrise to sunset. fasting is to give focus on God and makes more compassionate to those who are less fortunate, - Wealth Sharing (Charity): requires Muslims to contribute 2.5% of their valuables to a public treasury annually (once every lunar year). - Pilgrimage: the hajj has great religious significance for Allah forgives the sins to those who make the journey to reverence. circle Ka'ba counterclockwise. men where all white robes —> equality and unity, women —> colorful clothing of their backgrounds, diversity