Islam

An Introduction

Rootss-l-m -- “peace,” “surrender”Al-Ilah-- “the God,”Adam-Noah-SHEMShem-Abraham-Ismail/Ishmael (37:99-

111)Muhammad and Khadija (15 years +)The Cave on Mount Hira, hanifs: La ilaha

illa’llah, There is no God but (the) God.“The Night of Power” (610 C.E.; 96:1-5)

Initial Reactions“The appeal throughout was to human

reason vectored by religious discernment.” (Huston Smith)

Hostility:threat to polytheistic beliefs and shrinesmoral teachings demanded end to

licentiousnesschallenged an unjust social order

But families start to convert; migrate to Yathrib (622 C.E.)

Key Events570 (ca.) Muhammad born610 Receives first revelation622 Hijra to Yathrib624 Battle of Badr (defeat the Meccans)625 Battle of Uhud (defeated; betrayed by Jews?)627 Battle of Trench (attackers leave; Islam status confirmed, spreads)630 Victory over Quraysh632 Muhammad dies632-634 Caliphate of Abu Bakr634-644 Caliphate of Umar644-656 Caliphate of Uthman656-661 Caliphate of Ali680 Martyrdom of Husayn661-750 Umayyad Dynasty750-850 Abassid Dynasty874 Occultation of Twelfth Imam

Islam in 632

Islam in 661

Islam in 750

Ottoman Empire, 1566

Today

Basic Theological Concepts

One Godinspires fearprovides peacefull of mercy

Human person is of “finest state” (95:4), individual, free, responsible

Divine Judgment (e.g., 14:13-18, 81)

“Five Pillars” of Islam1. Shahadah:”There is no god but God,

and Muhammad is His Prophet.”2. Prayer (salat). Five times/day, facing

Mecca, ritual washing, postures3. Zakat. 2.5% of one’s assets/annually4. Ramadan. 5. Hajj.

The Qur’an (Koran)al-qur’an -- “a recitation”Words are God’s, proclaimed by Muhammad,

recorded on bone, bark, leaves, parchment, minds; God preserves the accuracy

“To every people we have sent a messenger. . .” (10:47) (Other Scriptures)only portions of truthcorrupted

Divine SpeechDirectly doctrinal, indirectly historical vs.

directly historical, indirectly doctrinal

Social Teachings“Keep arteries open”Increased rights to womenRejection of racismOn force . . . (2:190-95)Jihad

lit. “exertion”“holy war” = Christian “just war”as-salamu ‘alaykum

Five Major ProphetsNoahAbrahamMosesJesusMuhammad

Muslims, Jews, and Christians (2.111-121)

And they say: "None shall enter Paradise unless he be a Jew or a Christian." Those are their (vain) desires. Say: "Produce your proof if ye are truthful.” Nay,-whoever submits His whole self to Allah and is a doer of good,- He will get his reward with his Lord; on such shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve.The Jews say: "The Christians have naught (to stand) upon; and the Christians say: "The Jews have naught (To stand) upon." Yet they (Profess to) study the (same) Book. Like unto their word is what those say who know not; but Allah will judge between them in their quarrel on the Day of Judgment.

Muslims, Jews, and Christians (2.111-121, cont.)

And who is more unjust than he who forbids that in places for the worship of Allah, Allah's name should be celebrated?-whose zeal is (in fact) to ruin them? It was not fitting that such should themselves enter them except in fear. For them there is nothing but disgrace in this world, and in the world to come, an exceeding torment. To Allah belong the east and the west: Whithersoever ye turn, there is the presence of Allah. For Allah is all-Pervading, all-Knowing.

Muslims, Jews, and Christians (2.111-121, cont.)

They say: "Allah hath begotten a son" :Glory be to Him.-Nay, to Him belongs all that is in the heavens and on earth: everything renders worship to Him.To Him is due the primal origin of the heavens and the earth: When He decreeth a matter, He saith to it: "Be," and it is. Say those without knowledge: "Why speaketh not Allah unto us? or why cometh not unto us a Sign?" So said the people before them words of similar import. Their hearts are alike. We have indeed made clear the Signs unto any people who hold firmly to Faith (in their hearts).

Muslims, Jews, and Christians (2.111-121, cont.)

Verily We have sent thee in truth as a bearer of glad tidings and a warner: But of thee no question shall be asked of the Companions of the Blazing Fire. Never will the Jews or the Christians be satisfied with thee unless thou follow their form of religion. Say: "The Guidance of Allah,-that is the (only) Guidance." Wert thou to follow their desires after the knowledge which hath reached thee, then wouldst thou find neither Protector nor helper against Allah.Those to whom We have sent the Book study it as it should be studied: They are the ones that believe therein: Those who reject faith therein,- the loss is their own.

Militant Islam or Militant Christianity?

Crusades Inquisitions European Colonialism American Neo-colonialism Creation of Israel Support of Authoritarian Regimes (including Saddam

Hussein vs Iran) Bosnia Chechnya Palestinian-Israeli Conflict Indian rule over Kashmir Equating Islam w/ Radicalism and ????