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The Rise of Islam. S-L-M. Followers of Islam are called Muslims From the root word s-l-m Primary meaning: peace Secondary meaning: surrender Full meaning: The peace that comes when one’s life is surrendered to God. Named after attribute it seeks to cultivate. Background.
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S-L-M • Followers of Islam are called Muslims • From the root word s-l-m • Primary meaning: peace • Secondary meaning: surrender • Full meaning: The peace that comes when one’s life is surrendered to God. • Named after attribute it seeks to cultivate
Background • Islamic Empire greater than Rome at its zenith • Allah – literally means “The God” • Al = The • Ilah = God • The one and only God • Arabs consider themselves a Semitic people: • Noah • Shem • Abraham – Sarah and Hagar • Isaac v. Ishmael
Other Prophets • First -Truth of Monotheism – Abraham • Second – 10 Commandments – Moses • Third – Golden Rule – Jesus • Fourth – 5 Pillars - Muhammad
Geography • Islam emerges from Arabia • The region of southwestern Asia is mostly desert • Home to many Arab tribes in the A.D. 500s • Home to Bedouins who moved through Arabia searching for pastureland for their camels, goats and sheep. • Competition for water and pastureland frequently led to wars with other tribes.
Social Background • No valid prophets will follow Muhammad • Life in the desert was harsh • People felt no obligation to anyone outside of their tribes • Scarcity of material led to brigandage
Muhammad’s Early Life • Born in 570 A.D. to the leading tribe – Koreish in the city of Mecca • Father died before he was born • Mother died when he was six • Grandfather died when he was eight • Adopted by his uncle
Description • Gentle • Warm • Pure-hearted • “The True,” “The Upright,” “The Trustworthy One” • Age of 25 married Khadija
Power of Night • In 610 • Mount Hira – a cave outside of Mecca • Angel Gabriel said to him “Recite!” “Proclaim in the name of your Lord who created! Created man from a clot of blood. Proclaim: Your lord is Most Generous, Who teaches by the pen; Teaches man what he knew not”
Reaction to the Message • 3 Reasons for hostility • 1. Uncompromising monotheism – 360 shrines • 2. Moral Teachings – most people did not want to change • 3. Democratic message in an undemocratic place
The Migration • Meccan Nobility wanted to kill Muhammad • Yathrib El Medinat– “City of the Prophet” a city 280 miles north of Mecca • Yathrib = Medinah • Muhammad’s teachings had won firm hold in Yathrib • Muhammad and Abu Bakr escape • 622 – Great Migration or the Hijra • The date which begins their calendar.
Next 10 Years • Leader of 5 tribes – one Jewish (Politician) • Next several years – several successful battles against the Meccans (General) • 8 years later (630 A.D.) returns to Mecca as a conquering hero • 632 A.D. – He dies.
Koran • Holy book • Most recited book in the world • How could an unlettered man write this book? • 114 Surahs or chapters • Came to Muhammad over 23 years
5 Pillars Continued • 1. Shahadah - “There is no God but God and Muhammad is His prophet.” Monotheism • 2. Prayer - “Be Constant” – Pray 5 times a day • Sun reaches: upon waking up, zenith, mid-decline, sunset, before retiring • 3. Zakat - Charity – 1/40th of all that you own • Immediate need, slaves buying their freedom, debtors unable to meet their obligations, strangers, to those who collect and distribute charity. • 4. Observance of Ramadan – Celebrate the Hijra • Fasting from sunup to sundown
Islam: A Way of Life • Sharia – Islamic System of Law • Regulates moral conduct • Family life • Business Practices • Government • Individual and community life
Impact of Islam on Women • Before Islam: • Limited rights • Could not inherit property • Obey male guardian • Infanticide (girls)
After Islam: • Prohibited the killing of daughters • Granted women inheritance • Allowed women to reject marriage • Encourages education to study the Koran
Divisions within Islam Crisis: Who would take over for Muhammad after his death. Caliph = leader, successor to Muhammad
Shi’ites Shi’ite = followers felt that Muhammad had designated his son-in-law, Ali, to be his successor. They believe the true successors to the prophet are the descendants of Ali and his daughter Fatima. These descendants are called Imams or divinely inspired religious leaders. Empowered to interpret the Koran. Minority.
Sunnis • Sunnis believe that the Caliph position should be an elected position. • First Caliph = Abu Bakr. • First convert and father-in-law to Muhammad • Majority of Muslims • Beliefs = political leader of the religious community (sunna) • Inspiration comes from examples of Muhammad
Sufis • Muslim mystics • Sought communication with God through meditation, fasting, and spinning in circles (whirling dervish) • Believed to have miraculous powers