Creativity in the Desert. 2 nd largest religion Fastest growing Islam = religion Muslim =...

ISLAMCreativity in the Desert

General Facts

2nd largest religion

Fastest growing Islam = religion Muslim =

adherent “One who

submits (to God)” Majority found in

North Africa & Asia

Arabs Before Islam Tribal society on the Arabian Peninsula

Caravan traders, nomadic shepherds Tribal organization Claimed descent from Abraham Blood feuds

Pre-Mohammad Religion animism Mecca

trading & religious center Ka’ba controlled by Umayyad Clan

Mohammad’s History

Early Life City of Mecca Marriage & Business

Worked for Khadijah trading goods Married Kahdijah, 15 years his senior Marriage was idyllic

Contemplative person Went to a cave at Mount Hira to meditate

While there…

Mohammad’s History

Angel Jibreel appeared Revelations from Allah

Taught the basics of Islam Qur’an (Koran)

similiar to the doctrine and covenants

Non-revealed teachings called hadith Stories & sayings of Mohammad

Obligation to teach the world Mohammad = the Prophet Mohammad not accepted in

Mecca and left Why was he not accepted?

Mohammad’s History The Hijrah (Hegira)

Mohammad’s trek from Mecca to Yathrib marks 1st year of

Muslim calendar Settled in Yathrib Message was

accepted Jewish converts &

interactions Umma = Muslim

community Yathrib renamed

Medina “City of the Prophet” 1st Muslim community 1st mosque still exists

Mohammad’s History Returned to Mecca

Now a religious, political, & military leader War against Umayyads Destroyed idols Changed Ka’ba to a mosque Umayyads convert

Died in 632 CE Who will lead? Abu Bakr (best friend) chosen as Caliph

Religious & political successor of Mohammad Ali overlooked (cousin)

Question of leadership sets up rift in Islamic faith Sunni vs. Shiite

Wars of Islamic Expansion led by Umayyads

Islamic Beliefs

5 Pillars of Islam

1. Profess the faith2. Pray 5 times daily3. Fasting during the month of Ramadan4. Give alms to the poor5. Make a Hajj

A Universal Religion

Appeals to people of many different backgrounds: Accepted many monotheistic beliefs of Jews &

Christians 5 Pillars can be followed easily by everyone Polygamy permitted Well-to-do encouraged to care for the needy No priesthood developed

Prayer leaders instead Equality of all people in the eyes of Allah

vs. in the eyes of man

Islamic Beliefs

Interactions with Christians & Jews Dhimmi = “People of the Book” Believe in the same God Need to accept Mohammad as last prophet Christ is “word of God”

He did not die and was not resurrected Definition of who were dhimmi changed as

Islam expanded ex. Hindus of India would later be included

Islamic Beliefs

Jihad Means suffering or struggle Can be personal or national

To draw closer to God People must unite in war to follow Allah’s will

Today Terrorists call for jihad because of threat BUT – innocent are killed and Muslims are not united in

these jihads

Shari’a Law Based on Qur’an & hadith Muslim way of life; customs