Islam

1. Islam Surrendering to the Will of God

2. Quiz #1 Islam • 1. The Arabic word ‘Islam’ derives from the same root as which Hebrew word? • 2. Islam means what? • 3. Why do Muslims believe all of creation is Muslim? • 4. Why do Muslims consider Jesus, Moses, and Abraham genuine Muslims? • 5. At the center of Mecca is a cube-like structure called what?

3. Quiz #1 continued • 6. The ‘Hijrah’ means this, referring to which historical event in Muslim history? • 7. Regarded as the ‘successors to Muhammad’, these Sunni leaders are called what? • 8. Shi’ah Muslims support these leaders known as what? • 9. Enforcing Shari’ah, or______, is the primary duty of the caliph

4. Key Questions Day 1 Islam • How has Muslim history and geography influenced the development of Islam? • How has Muslim civilization contributed to Western civilization?

5. A. ROOTS • Religious: Abrahamic Family • Judaism • Christianity • Etymologies • Islam - Arabic s-l-m: “peace” or “surrender” • Muslim - M-s-l-m: “one who surrenders” (peacefully) • Allah – al + Ilah: “The God”

6. B. Life in Mecca (during Muhammad’s time: 6th Century AD) • The desert’s profound impact on Islam. Life in the desert was: • Violent: tribes robbed and fought for scarce resources • Fatalistic: life was often brutal and short • Society: chaotic, harsh, tribal, • Traders: prostitution, drinking, gambling • religion: animistic polytheism • demons: personifications of people’s fears; jinn • Arabia needed a social revolutionary

7. Muhammad“the Seal of the Prophets”(570-632 CE) • Born into the leading tribe of Mecca: the Koreish • Father died before his birth; mother died when he was eight • Adopted by uncle • Own hardships allowed him to feel compassion (like Jesus, Siddhartha)

8. Muhammad Life continued • Early Adulthood • Disgusted by public life, isolated himself • Developed reputation for honesty, kindness • Adulthood (age 25) • Entered caravan business • Married Khadija (wealthy and 15 years older) • married 15 years, four children, all girls, all theirs, later: more wives

9. Spirituality Mount Hira: retreated to a cave in prayer “Allah” – Arabic creator deity worshipped by hanifs (mystics) All-night vigils allowed Muhammad to feel the awesome presence of Allah Muhammad’s religious experience began with, “La ilaha illa ‘llah! There is no God but God!”

10. The Night of Power (Al-Qadir) – 610 CE In the cave, he heard, “Proclaim” from an angel and the “Book” was opened to him Went back to Khadija: she became first convert Preached for 23 years, persecuted, insulted, outraged

11. How would you describe Muhammad’s Ministry? Did not pander to miracle-hungry people Did not inflate his own image: “I never said that God’s treasures are in my hand, that I knew the hidden things, or that I was an angel. I am only a preacher of God’s words, the bringer of God’s message to mankind.” Signs of God Not in supernatural miracles (magic), but in the miracle of Creation, the order of the universe Led Muslims to science long before the West Only miracle was the Koran “God dictated to me” (Muhammad, like most Arabs of the day, was illiterate) Muhammad’s illiteracy believed to be an essential element of faith: it makes the Koran more miraculous

12. How did Mecca’s religious and political establishment react? First greeted with ridicule, then open persecution. Why? Threatened polytheistic beliefs Threatened revenue coming into Mecca from pilgrimages to 360 shrines Moral demands: end licentiousness Challenged an unjust social order: democratic, equality before God In 3 years, there were only 40 converts In 10 years, there were a few hundred families

13. The Hijra, (migration to Medina “Yathrib”) 622 CE…Muslim calendar is dated from here Too dangerous for Muhammad to stay in Mecca Left with 70 families Medina (“the City”) was ridden with tribal rivalries and needed an objective, outside leader Leaders of the town invited Muhammad to govern. If he was successful, they would all convert

14. The Spread of Islam Muhammad died in 632 CE with all of Arabia converted Armenia, Persia, Syria, Palestine, Iraq, No. Africa, & Spain were conquered by 700 CE Defeated in 733 CE by Charles Martel at the Battle of Tours All of Europe may have been Muslim

15. Quote of the Day • Meister Eckhart: “There is no becoming…there is one Now..a becoming without becoming” • What does this mean? • “It means that we, along with the entire universe, are blossoming and being renewed so that we can be who we already are” Brian Pierce, We Walk This Path Together

16. Woman of Faith Thanks-You’s • Dear Illustrious Woman of Faith Panel, • In all sincerity, and on behalf of the Religion Department and Preston as a whole, I can't thank you all enough. I am convinced you connected with more than a few girls and made a difference in their lives, outlook, and faith journeys. So many of the students, teachers, and administrators continue to rave about how wonderful and interesting you all were. Expect some e-mails from students. A couple have e-mailed me wondering when I was posting your info so they can communicate with you. I would be honored to have you all come back again next year, if your schedules allow for it. • May our God bless all of you and watch over you and yours. • Sincerely, • Mark King, • Chair, Religion Department, Preston HS

17. Thank-You’s • Although I wouldn’t presume to speak for my colleagues, I feel it’s safe to conclude we, too, were enriched by being with the young women in your school…and with each other! You might be interested to know that in my Shabbat study session yesterday morning, the 40-50 Jewish adults in the room were discussing the same issues of the elusiveness of faith, how/why G!d hides from us, and the strength that comes from community. As I mentioned when I spoke Thursday morning, it’s the questions that often provide the biggest opportunities for learning. The answers are constantly changing. • Be well, Mark. And thank you for the opportunity to share in your students’ journeys. Joyce

18. Thank-You’s • Dear Mark: • I am deeply humbled by the experience, as well as the interest that the young ladies displayed. Having spoken many places, I can truly say that this engagement was truly a wonderful example of what the world should be..and something to truly work harder towards. I felt honored in having met you, your wife and the staff, as well as the other panel members and the students. I am so appreciative to G-d for the opportunity to be guided in this direction and look forward to returning whenever the call comes. I also look forward to hearing from the students as well, so please do forward my email. I am a consistent student of G-d and believe that people are put in my life to learn from as well. • Thank you, again. • Be well, stay well, • Sana Shabazz

19. Thank-You’s • Dear Dr. King: • Thank you!!! The honor was all mine and please know that I will be glad to come over anytime. • It was a joy and blessing to be with my sisters and I am so sorry I could not stay longer. I hope we can plan on meeting again and spending some time together outside of a structured setting. Rev Brooks

20. Essential Questions: Islam How do Muslims view the Koran (Qur’an)? How do Muslims view Hebrew and Christian Scripture? What are the Sunnah and Hadith?

21. The Qur’an (Koran) Recitation Most recited and read book 4/5 the size of the New Testament Muslims tend to read the Koran literally Revelations from Gabri’el to Muhammad over 23 years The Koran is the final and infallible revelation of God’s will.

22. Qur’an cont • Considered culmination Hebrew and Christian Testaments. • A return to the original, pure faith of Abraham • Jews and Christians only part of the Truth • Each partially corrupted in transmission. • Other difference from Hebrew and Christian scripture?: no stories; very repetitive; guidelines on how to live each day

23. Quran continued • Qur’an forbids primogeniture: passing of wealth to oldest: Why? • Main protection for women? Widows retain wealth of husband

24. Sacred Stories Sacred Scriptures The Qur’an: most sacred book: direct “Word of God” The Sunnah (oral tradition written down): authoritative commentary on Qur’an: 2nd most important Hadith: similar to Sunnah; stories of Muhammad: seen as Exemplar (?) Hebrew and Christian Scriptures?: revealed word but incomplete: “second hand” Examples of Christian Scripture you have memorized?

25. The Five Pillars of Islam • What is the ultimate purpose of the Five Pillars in Muslim life? • What are the “pillars” of your life?

26. The Creed- the Shahadah “There is no God but God, and Muhammad is His Prophet.” Prayer – salah, (or salat) Five times daily, Facing Mecca, Washing precedes it Ends in the prostrate position Symbolizes the fetal position (rebirth) and submission before Allah Charity – zakah (zakat) 2.5% of all holdings Fasting – Ramadan Pilgrimage to Mecca – the Hajj In Mecca, all Muslims wear two white sheets Five Pillars

27. Five Pillars cont • Goal of Pillars? • Daily reminders: • to beware of idols • To remember Allah is always in control: humility • That we are one before Allah: solidarity with the poor • To be grateful to God for many blessings

28. Jihad: Holy War • What is the difference between Greater Jihad and Lesser Jihad? • Muhammad called for Holy war in situations where Muslims were being oppressed by infidels (non-believers) • Lesser Jihad: armed military campaign against the infidel • Greater Jihad: • war against the evil within one’ s self

29. Modern Period • Key Questions: Answer for Homework • How did the rise of Western Europe lead to the decline of Muslim world? • How did Muslims come to view Christian missionaries from the West? • How did certain Muslim leaders come to explain the political, economic and moral decline of Islam?

30. Key Questions continued • Who was the “Sick Man” of Europe at the beginning of the 20th century? • How did secularization and colonization lead to the Iranian Revolution? • What are some of the key beliefs of the Nation of Islam? • Why do many Sunni Muslims not accept the Nation of Islam as true Muslims?

31. The Modern Period: Background • The Golden age of Islam ended with the Rise of Western Powers (Great Britain, France, United States) • Arab empires followed by the Ottoman Empire • Economic, industrial, military, political power of West led to colonization of Islamic lands • With this came Christian missionaries

32. Sacred Time • Ramadan • Month of fasting • Commemorates the revelation of Qur’an to Muhammad by Gabri’el

33. Eid al Fitr • Festival of Breaking the Fast • Parties • Children get presents

34. Eid al-Adha • Celebrates end of the Hajj • Commemorates Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son Ishmael • Muslims often slaughter an animal

35. Ashura • Celebrates God freeing Moses and the Hebrew people from Egypt • A day of fasting • Shia Muslims remember martydom of Husayne • Reenact his death through passion plays

36. Basic Review • Islam • A monotheistic religion • Muhammad’s birthplace: Mecca • Muslim holy text: the Koran: the most widely read book in the world • Know the Five pillars • Muslim house of worship: mosque • Muhammad’s wife Khadji

37. Muhammad’s religious experience in cave • Know the Muslim Holy Month: Ramadan • Meaning of the words Islam and Muslim: to submit, a slave to God • Know where Muhammad set up the first Muslim community: Yathrib • Know Koran forbids primogeniture: passing wealth of family to one child, usually eldest male • The ultimate power women have when it comes to marriage: they inherit the husband’s wealth

38. Three instances that the Koran mentions polygamy as acceptable: war, when the wives are treated equally, when there are less than four • What did Allah reveal through Jesus? the Golden Rule, love your neighbor • The Shahadah? The Muslim Creed: There is no God but Allah and Muhammad is his prophet • Muslims are required to pray 5 times a day: sunrise, noon, or zenith of sun, mid-decline of sun, sunset, before bed • Know the difference between Greater and Lesser Jihad