some basic terminology islam is the title of the religion the term islam means “submission” a...
TRANSCRIPT
Introduction to Islam
Some Basic Terminology
• Islam is the title of the Religion• The term Islam means “Submission”• A Muslim is someone who adheres to the
Islamic Religion• Both Islam and Muslim have same Arabic root
word Slm
Overview
• 1.5 billion members• Theological overview compatible with
Judaism and Christianity• Often seen as interchangeable with Arab
Countries• Islam is very different in non-Arab countries
Seal of the Prophets
• Recognize many prophets• Adam, Noah, Lot, Abraham, Ishmael, John,
Jesus, Muhammad• Muhammad held in high regard because he
received the fullness of Revelation
Saudi Arabia in the time of Muhammad• Polytheistic• Nomadic• Caught between Roman and Persian Empires• Harsh climate• Settlements around Oasis cities
Muhammad’s Life
• Raised by his uncle• Rejected polytheism• Contemplative nature• In 610 C.E., Angel Gabriel appeared to him• Clan did not accept his views• In 622, left Mecca for Medina• Muhammad’s teachings understood through
Jewish lens
Theology of Muhammad
• Monotheistic• One all-powerful God • Allah: Arabic word for God• Apocalyptic theology• Charity to the marginalized• Doom for the powerful and wealthy
The above image nicely sums up Muhammad’s Theology of doom for the unrepentent
Divinely Inspired Text
• What does “divinely Inspired” mean?• From the Latin inspirare meaning “to breath
in”• God is primary author• Islam holds that the text was verbally dictated• Christianity tends to affirm a non-verbal form
of inspiration• Scripture has a normative (binding) authority
Koran (Or Quran)
• Different from Judeo-Christian texts• More monotonous• Does not contain various genres• 114 Suras (Chapters)
Problems with Reading the Koran
• Inconsistencies• Not arranged chronologically• Actual authorship probably not Muhammad
Muslim Rituals and Practices
5 Pillars
Prayer• Required to pray to Allah five times a
day• Mosque
Almsgiving• Required to donate a percentage of one’s
income• Similar to taxes• Contribute to community’s well-being
Fasting• Ramadan• Sunrise to Sunset• Abstain from food• Period of purification
Pilgrimage• Journey to Mecca• Kaaba