Islam

What were some of the major causes of the decline of the Muslim states in the early modern period?

The advance of Europe's economic/industrial/military power led to the long slow decline of Muslim society.

Why can it be said that the Qur'an and Sunnah go hand in hand?

This is because the Qur'an presents God's word and the Sunnah presents Muhammad's way of life. Muslims believe both are needed to live and act as Muslims.

What was the major cause of the rise of the two major groupings of Muslims-the Sunni and the Shi'ah?

Husayn died in battle and Shi'a Muslims saw him as a matyr who restored Islam to the purity of Muhammad (his grandfather).

Name and explain the Five Pillars of Islam.

Shahadah witnessing/profession of faith Salah prayer Zakah almsgiving Sawm fasting Hajj pilgrimage

Why is the Qur'an the most sacred writing for Muslims? What are other sacred writings Muslims revere?

The Qur'an because it contains the collection of revelation of Muhammad directly from God in Arabic. And the Hadith is also revered.

What are two areas of concern when Muslims engage in inter religious dialogue with Catholics?

9/11 is one of the sensitive areas. Many Catholics also believe that Muslims gleaned from Western media. Many Muslims are aware that there are many negative associations with Muslims form terrorists attacks. Many Muslims believe that their fall has been from religious laxity, they are working to bring truth backing to religious communities and the homes.

List some similarities between Catholics and Muslims

Both faiths believe in Abraham and they adore the same merciful God. They also believe that human's have a judgement day after death and believe in many of the same prophets. They also support the poor and homeless, promoting donations.

What are the two great Islamic festivals, and what do they celebrate?

Eid al-fitr is the festival of the breaking the fast during Ramadan. Eid al-adha is the festival of sacrifice that commemorates the willingness of Abraham to obey God and sacrifice his son Ishmael.

What are the two main significances of Ashura?

Festival that celebrates when God freed Moses and the Israelites; day of fasting similar to Yom Kippur; Shia mourn martyrdom of Iman Husayn; Allah created the heavens and earth and noah left the arc after the flood and Allah saved them all; celebrated history of the Islamic faiths; believe that this is the date that Allah will judge people

Explain what Muslims believe about the two main sections of the Islamic Profession of Faith.

God is creator and sustainer of universe. Is all-loving, all-powerful, all-knowing, all-merciful, and present everywhere.He gives and takes life. He is judges all especially whether they will spent eternity in heaven or hell. Muhammad is the final prophet.

Explain how Muhammad received his first revelation.

He went into a cave to meditate on the meaning of life. One evening, the angel Jilbril told him to be the messenger of Allah.

Discuss the role of women in Islam

It has grown over time. Muslim women are very conservative and are homemakers. It had evolved over time. They have very conservative hair, dress, behaviors(how they act), and speak

What are the sources of shar'iah, and what is its role in Islam?

It is the center piece of Islam, provides guidance from God on how to live individually and as a society

What does the word Qur'an mean?

It means recitation and God's final revelation and to read.

Explain the difference between the Jewish calendar, the Christian calendar, and the Islamic calendar .

Jewish calendar: lunar (354 days) make adjustments for the missing 11 days so the festivals land in the same season each year (passover always take place in spring) Christian calendar: solar (365 days) Islamic calendar: lunar- doesng make adjustments for missing 11 days

What is the significance of Karbala, Iraq, for Shi'ah Muslims?

Karbala is where Muhammad's grandson and his son were killed because they claimed the leadership and they were killed by the other people who also claimed the power

Summarize some of the major contributions of Islamic civilization to Western culture during its Golden Age.

Literature, Caligraphy, scientific and philosophical works translated into Arabic.

How did Mecca become a holy place for Muslims?

Mecca is the birthplace of Muhammad and where he received his first revelation. Mecca is the site of Ka'bah and the place for pilgrimage for all those capable. Mecca is a symbol of their faith for Muslims.

Why are Medina and Jerusalem also holy citifies for Muslims?

Medina is the city where Muhammad immigrated due to the strong opposition he faced because of his preaching at Mecca. Muslims believe Muhammad made his "Night Journey" to Jerusalem on a winged horse where he prayed at the head of the assembled. This event includes Muhammad breed ascension into heaven, when is is believed that God called upon Muhammad to institute the practice of praying 5 times day.

Define mosque.

Mosque, is the building of public worship for Muslims and is translated as "a place of prostration", with the main purpose for a mosque being prayer.

Explain two major differences between Catholics and Muslims.

Muslims believe that Jesus is a prophet but not divine whereas Catholics believe that Jesus is divine. Muslims believe in one God, and Catholics believe that the one God is three persons- the Father, son, and Holy Spirit

How does one become a Muslim?

Must must submit to the will of Allah. They do this by demonstrating acts of Muslims like the Five Pillars. Then there's a cleansing initiation ceremony.

List some suggested ares of dialogue with Muslims.

Secularism, materialism, and racism are common issues. Both also value family life and those are some safe ground for discussion.

Summarize the historical development of the Nation of Islam in the United States.

The Nation of Islam grew in the U.S. by certain spiritual leaders such as Elijah Muhammad, Malcolm X, and Louis Farrackhan. It was aimed at empowering African-Americans, therefore they do not mix with the Americans.

As a messenger of God, what was Muhammad's chief message to humankind?

The message was that there is only one God and wanted worship to him alone.

Compare the Hadith to the Jewish Talmud. How are they alike?

They both offer guidance to each respective believer on how to live life. Both were oral and written accounts of teachings and actions of God or Muhammad.