Islam_Notes

Preliminary Depth Study 4: Islam • the origins and history of Islam: - the significance of the Qur’an as source material for Islam Definition of Qur’an The sacred book of Islam; the word of God revealed to the Prophet. It is the foundation of Islamic belief and practice. ← For Muslims, it is the eternal, uncreated, literal word of god sent down from heaven, revealed to the Prophet Muhammad as a guide for humankind. ← The Qur’an contains the essential teachings of the unity and power of God, stories of the prophets, and the consequences of good and evil for life and the hereafter. - the historical and cultural context in which Islam began - background to Islam: Arab peninsula and polytheism ← Started from the north-west part of Arabia in the 7th century and rapidly spread north, east and west. ← Muhammad belonged to the Banu Hasim, a lesser clan (a clan is a group of several related families) of the powerful Quraysh tribe (a group of several clans) which dominated Makkan society. (Makka is a prominent city in Arabia that was a centre of trade and commerce.) ← The religion of Arabia reflected its tribal nature and social structure. Gods and goddesses served as protectors of individual tribes, and their spirits associated with sacred objects – trees, stones, springs and wells. These gods and goddesses were feared and respected and were the objects of cultic rituals (sacrifice, pilgrimage, prayer). ← The city of Makka possessed a central shrine of the gods, the Ka’ba. (a cube-shaped building that housed 360 gods and goddesses of individual tribes) The Ka’ba was a site of a great annual pilgrimage and fair. ← The tribes had a shared belief in Allah. Allah, the supreme high god, was the creator and sustainer of life but was seen as so important that he was not the object of cult or ritual. - contact with Judaism and Christianity ← Jewish and Christian communities had been present in Arabia before Muhammad. ← Contact with monotheism resulted from the caravan trade that brought Zoroastrian, Jewish and Christian merchants to Makka. - the founding of Islam - the life of Muhammad – his birth, visions, mission, teaching and death Birth ← Born around 570 CE. ← Tradition says he was orphaned at a young age and, as a child, sent to pasture sheep. ← Muhammad became a steward or business manager for the caravans of a wealthy widow, Khadija, whom he married. ← Muhammad was a successful member of Makkan society who was disturbed by changes in Makka’s transition from a semi-Bedouin to a commercial, urban society. He was greatly respected for his judgment and trustworthiness. His thoughtful nature led him to retreat to a cave on Mount Hira, a short distance north of Makka where he would contemplate life and the troubles of his society, seeking greater meaning and insight. Visions ← Muhammad’s ‘call’ to become a prophet was at the age of 40 610 CE. On Mount Hira, during the month of Ramadan (9th month of the Muslim calendar) the angel Gabriel, commanded, ‘Recite.’ Words came to him. These messages were collected and arranged into the Qur’an and Islam’s sacred scripture. Mission ← Muhammad started to preach. First 10 years difficult because; 1. his attack on polytheism threatened the livelihood and prestige of the Makkans. 2. the values he expressed did not agree with the money-making policy of the rich merchants of the city. ← Muhammad serves both as God’s human instrument for his revelation, and as the model or ideal that all believers should emulate. Teaching ← Denounced false contracts, usury and the neglect and exploitation of orphans and widows. He defended the rights of the poor and the oppressed, asserting that the rich had an obligation to the poor and dispossessed. ← Muhammad preached belief in Allah and a way of life in conformity with his will. This included rejection of idols, the belief in equality before of all before Allah and sharing one’s wealth with the poor. ← He outlawed idol worship, sexual immorality, drunkenness and gambling he had seen in Makka and announced officially inheritance and marriage laws that were more equitable, especially for women. Death ← Died in 632 CE. ← His death deprived the infant community of a leader and threatened to destabilize it. - the early development of Islam - instituionalisation into the Arab world ← Islam took on political form with the establishment of an Islamic community-state at Madina. Hijra is the term used for the migration of Muhammad from Makka to Madina in 622 CE, where he established rule of a Muslim community-state. The community in Madina who accepted this religion was called Muslims. ← ‘Umar (a caliph), extended Muslim to Syria, Egypt, Persia and to Armenia. ← ‘Ali (Muhammad’s son-in-law) moved his capital to Kufa in Iraq, a more central location within the expanding Muslim world. - spread into Europe, Africa and Asia ← The Umayyad dynasty made the capital Damascus, Syria. Islam expanded under Umayyad rule and reached the borders of India in the East. ← In 732 CE, Islam reached France. ← Then came the Abbasids who moved the capital to Baghdad. ← Camel caravans took Islam to West Africa and from central Asia it progressed into China. Sea trade between India and the China coast passed by Malaya. Consequently, Islam spread to Malaya and Indonesia. - the historical development of Islam and the development of various subgroups until the present - development of Sunni and Shi’a schools Definition of Sunni Those Muslims who follow the tradition, sunna of the Prophet and his companions without acknowledging any natural political privilege to the descendents of ‘Ali. For the Sunni, (today, 85% of Muslims), the head of the Muslim community must be the best qualified Arab Muslim. Definition of Shi’a Those Muslims who believe that Muhammad designated ‘Ali and his rightful descendents the true leaders of the Muslim community. They believe it is supposed to be Muhammad’s closest male relative. For the Shi’a (today, 15% of Muslims), only descendents of the Prophet can be invested as leader. - struggle against colonial domination ← European colonization unsettled the fabric of Islamic practice in many places. Western models of education and law secularizing influences, technological advances, political ideologies and systems, entertainement styles and consumerism amounted to a ‘cultural invasion’ by the west. ← The effect was the decline of Shari’a law in its application in civil society and the personal life of the Muslim. ← Reformer Jamal- al-Din al-Afghani called on Muslims to resist imperialism, seek independence and return to Islam. Success came and independent Muslim states came and a number of independent Muslim states came into existence, although they still looked to the West for models of government and law. - modern revival ← religious lawyers under the caliph interpreted the Qur’an and the prophet in such a way that they could be applied to everyday life. Religion played an important role in the government, law, taxation and social organization of Muslim society. Definition of Tajdid The Qur’anic demand that demands revival and renewal of Islam through return to its sources, the Qur’an and the example of the Prophet, Sunna. The mujaddid (renewer) is believed to be sent at the beginning of each century to restore true Islamic practice. The major aspects of this process are first a return to the ideal pattern revealed in the Qur’an and Sunna. - the distribution and practice of Islam in Australia today ← 1996 census revealed that there are just over 200,000 Muslims in Australia. ← Two thirds of Muslim Australians born overseas, mainly Lebanon and Turkey. ← Islamic welfare societies have been federated for more than 30 years and the head body, the Australian Federation Councils, was established in 1975. ← There are 90 state and local organizations which strive to develop educational, welfare and community activities. ← Mosques have been built for community worship and venues for religious education and Arabic classes. • the principal Islamic beliefs about: - the nature of God – Allah is unique, all-powerful, all-merciful, with a Divine Plan for all of creation ← They believe Allah is, unique, the one and only creator who is the sustainer of the universe, all-seeing, all-hearing and all-knowing, unchanging and present everywhere all the time. ← There are 99 Beautiful Names that describe the attributes/qualities of Allah, and are found in the Qur’an. Such as, The King, The Creator (and the list of 99 goes on) ← They believe nothing happens unless it is the will of Allah. “Sha-’Allah”, a statement that mean’s ‘If God be willing’ is a frequent statement which shows their recognition of his power and acceptance of his will for them. ← They believe a Muslim’s whole life should be lived for Allah alone. ← Muslims should worship Allah alone; no one else is worthy worship. ← They believe that all of creation submits to his Divine Plan and this is Muslim (‘to submit’). ← They believe that they are agents of Allah on this earth and are here to do his will. - the nature of humanity - created with a capacity to choose to submit/conform to the Divine Plan or not ← All of creation submits to his Divine Plan and thus is Muslim. It is said that Allah has ordained the destiny of all but people still have free will. ← Muslims believe that the human person was not created evil. However, the human person can be both good and evil. Each person will undergo a testing, and that testing will be performed by Allah and also by the evil spirits. ← “Sha-’Allah” (means ‘If God is willing’) is a common Muslim expression which shows that people cannot do anything they like but they will have free will. ← Muslims also believe that Allah knows what people are going to do, but does not force them to do it. - in need of Allah’s guidance and grace All people must live according to Allah’s will and submit themselves to him. They must strive to follow the straight path. - eschatology – heaven, hell, final judgment Final Judgment Upon death, judgment will be announced with a trumpet blast from the angel Izrail. All people will be raised, the books kept by the recording angels will be opened and Allah will weigh each person’s deeds in balances. Heaven If Allah deems you good you will go to Heaven which the Qur’an describes as a place of cool shade, refreshing fountains, and beautiful maidens. Muslims believe that one reaches Heaven through personal striving (jihad) for ‘surrender to God’ (Islam), by following the straight path (Shari’a) and practicing the five pillars of Islam. Those who embrace the faith of Islam and do good works are rewarded by Allah’s presence, the gardens of Eden, garden watered by running streams, where they shall dwell forever. Hell If Allah deems you as evil then you are destined for Hell which is described in terrifying terms. Unbelievers are destined to burn for ever in the fire of Hell. - the five pillars of faith 1. Shahada – Declaration of faith 2. Salat – prayer 3. Zakat – Almsgiving 4. Sawm – Fasting 5. Hajj – Pilgrimage 1. Shahada – Declaration of Faith The most important pillar, it is the first duty of a Muslim; it is a declaration of faith. ‘There is no god but Allah and Muhammad is his Prophet’ To be a Muslim a person at least once in their life must say this creed aloud in public complete with conviction. In reality, it is said many times a day and is spoken into the ears of a newborn baby and recited on one’s deathbed. 2. Salat – prayer The obligation to pray 5 times each day: at dawn, noon, late afternoon, after sunset and at night. Muslim life revolves around these prayers, which are formal acts or worship. They also include prescribed ritual actions. Before they pray Muslims undertake a ritual washing called wudu. Must pray in the direction of Makka. 3. Zakat – Almsgiving The compulsory contribution of one fourtieth (2.5%) of one’s surplus wealth (income and property) to the needy. Zakat is seen as an act of worship and obedience to Allah. It can be paid in money, precious metals, cattle or crops. Zakat provides for equity in society and is a reminder that all are equal before Allah. 4. Sawm – Fasting Muslims must observe the month of Ramadan by fasting (sawm). Muslims refrain from eating, drinking, smoking and sexual intercourse each day in Ramadan from just before sunrise until just after sunset. The fast commemorates the events in the life of the Prophet and reminds Muslims of their independence on Allah. 5. Hajj – Pilgrimage It is the pilgrimage to Makka that Muslims are required to make at least once in their life. As they approach Makka, pilgrims bathe, trim their hair and dress in white. At the Ka’ba and on the plains near Makkah they perform a number of rites that recall significant moments in the lives of the prophets. At the conclusion of the hajj they celebrate the Great Feast of Sacrifice. • the devotional practices of Islam and their relationship to belief - public Muslim worship with reference to the place of corporate worship and celebrations, features of worship, features of mosque, pilgrimages, rituals for naming, commemoration, initiation, marriage, healing or death. the place of corporate worship and celebrations The mosque is the place of corporate worship. features of worship Friday prayers (also called juma) are an important feature of public worship in the mosque. features of mosque In Muslim countries a call to prayer is made from the minaret or tower of the mosque. The building is a large open space for prayer with a wall that indicates the exact direction for prayer facing Makka. pilgrimages Hajj - It is the pilgrimage to Makka that Muslims are required to make at least once in their life. As they approach Makka, pilgrims bathe, trim their hair and dress in white. At the Ka’ba and on the plains near Makkah they perform a number of rites that recall significant moments in the lives of the prophets. At the conclusion of the hajj they celebrate the Great Feast of Sacrifice. rituals for naming Aqiqah – the naming cermenoy when a child is born. Takes place when the baby I seven days old. Passages from the Qur’an are recited and a number of special rituals performed. The baby’s hair is shaved off and weighed. The child is named. Names are usally chosen to honour greta Muslims from the past.Another tradition is to give boys one of the 99 names of Allah. commemoration al-Isra’wa’l-Mi’raj – the festival that commemorates the Night Journey and Ascension of the Prophet. It is claimed that he traveled from the holy Mosque in Makka to jeruslam, where he ascended into heaven from the famous rock in Jeruslam. It is celebrated by reading the Qur’an and saying extra prayers at night. Muhammad’s birthday – Muslims commemorate Muhammad’s birthday on the 12th day of the 3rd month of the Muslim calendar. The whole moth is special and there are meetings which remind people of events in Muhammad’s life. initiation ← There is no formal rite that makes one a Muslim. At birth, the father whispers the call to prayer in the infant’s ear. At 7 days a naming ceremony is held. ← It is traditional to sacrifice two sheep or goats for a boy, and one for a girl. (brought from a halal butcher in Australia). A third of meat is eaten, a third given to friends and relatives and a third given to the poor. marriage ← Muslims are expected to marry. Islam sees marriage as the only moral and legal status for a sexual relationship. The marriage is a simple contractual even wherein the contract, ‘Adk Nikah’ is signed and the Qur’an is read. ← The ceremony itself is extremely simple and takes form of a basic contract set in a social gathering. The only people necessary are the bride, groom, and two adult witnesses. healing or death ← As soon as possible after death the body is ritually washed and buried in the earth with the head facing Makkah. ← When a Muslim is dying the family gathers round to read the Qur’an and say prayers. ← The dead body is washed at leats 3 times and is wrapped in a shroud. - Private Muslim worship with reference to salat (daily prayer), jihad (personal striving to follow the will of Allah), Sufism (mysticism) salat (daily prayer) The obligation to pray 5 times each day: at dawn, noon, late afternoon, after sunset and at night. Muslim life revolves around these prayers, which are formal acts or worship. They also include prescribed ritual actions. Before they pray Muslims undertake a ritual washing called wudu. Must pray in the direction of Makka. Before prayer, Muslims undertake a ritual washing called wudu – this is doen by washing hands, feet, and face and rinsing the nostrils and ears. Wifes must wash her hair. Salat consists of a set of words which are recited from memory. jihad (personal striving to follow the will of Allah) The political outreach of Islam to the outside world. It means to strive or struggle in the way of Allah, and is often referred to as the sixth pillar of Islam. No official status among the Sunni. It is sometimes Necessary for a Muslim to engage in ‘holy war’ against evil. Jihad is of two kinds 1. The ‘greater’ jihad – fighting all the evil thoughts and desires within ourselves, like greed, envy, lust and laziness. Concerns defending the weak against the bullies, sending money to the starving people of the developing world, speaking out about cruelty to animals or wastage of the world’s resources. 2. The ‘lesser’ jihad – also known as ‘holy war’, is the struggle against external evils. It is a war fought in the last resort after all peaceful attempts have failed. Fought by Muslims in self-defence, or defence of Islam. Sufism (mysticism) The attempt to introduce into personal life spirituality that did not appear to be possible by doing the Five Pillars; they also wanted to feel as close to Allah as possible. There grew a custom of having a leader who would be a spiritual teacher and master. Groups committed themselves to simplicity of life and engaged in forms of meditation. Such as, rhythmic breathing, or through chanting or dance. - background to and celebrations of feasts and festivals and special days in the Hijri calendar Hijra - New Year Background: The Islamic year starts on the day that celebrates Muhammad’s departure from Makka to Madina in 622 CE. Maulid al Nabi – The Prophet’s birthday Background: The whole of the month celebrates Muhammad’s birthday. Al-isra’wa’l – The Night Journey of the Prophet Background: Muhammad’s journey from Makka to Jerusalem where he ascended into heaven. It is celebrated with prayer and recitations of the Qur’an. Ramadan – Fasting Background: For the whole of the month, Muslims refrain from food and drink during daylight hours. ’Id al-Fitr – Festival of Fast breaking Bakground: Marks the end of Ramadan. Dh’ ul’Hijja – The moth of pilgrimage Background: The great pilgrimage (Hajj) to Makka should be made during this month. ’Id al-Adha – The Festival of Sacrifice A four-day festival coinciding with the end of Hajj. - the influence of these devotional practices on the everyday life of people • the ethical and moral teachings of Islam and their application to everyday living: - fundamental Muslim values Surrender to the will of Allah is the fundamental Islamic value. A Muslim must try one’s hardedt to establish good according to the order fized by Allah because each person is God’s agent on earth and has a responsibility to Allah. They believe Islam is not lived by oneself but that humanity has a common origin in Allah and all Muslims share responsibility for all members of the community within an equitable society. - sources of ethical authority for Muslims, eg Qur’an and Sharia law, the Sunna, Hadith and significant individuals. What are the sources of ethical authority for Muslims' 1. Qur’an 2. Sharia law 3. the Sunna 4. Hadith 5. significant individuals The Qur’an as a source of ethical authority It is the major source of everything in Islam and outlines foundational ethical principles. Defintion of Shari’a Shari’a is the code of law for Muslim way of life. It regulates all aspects of life: the performance of ritual, personal morality, hygiene, etiquette, family, and inheritance laws and rules for commerce and the social and political order. It sees no distinction between worship and work, religion and life, personal and communal, and sacred and secular. Definition of the Sunna It is the ‘practice’ of the prophet and sets out what he said, did or permitted. Definition of Hadith A collection of verified records of the practices of the prophet Muhammad. (also known as the Sunna) Significant individuals Muslim doctors of the law – the consensus view of past generations of Muslim doctors of the law provides answers to matters not metntioned in the Qur’an or Sunna. - beliefs about sources of authority that have affected the development of ethical systems and the making of moral choices. They believe that analogies may be drawn from the Qur’an and Sunna to provide answers to modern problems. E.g. Qur’an forbids alcohol, therefore, by analogy, Shari’a (also known as code of law the Muslim way of life) prohibits use of heroin. Sunni Muslims believe Shari’a (also known as code of law the Muslim way of life) according to the sources of ethical authority of Muslims. Shi’a Muslims oppose significant individuals, such as, Muslim doctors of the law, as a source of ethical authority. Muslims belief in the Shari’a (also known as code of law for the Muslim way of life) have outline the ethical system for Muslims. Certain actions are forbidden (haraam). Permitted actions (halal) are graded into compulsory, recommended, indifferent, disliked but allowable. Eg. Compulsory = daily prayer, recommended = community prayer at festivals and indifferent (sleeping), disliked but allowable = divorce. Haraam (forbidden actions) include; taking interest on money, intoxication such as, alcohol. Muslims belief in the Shari’a (also known as code of law for the Muslim way of life) have affected moral choices because it regulates all possible human behavior. Consequently, moral choices made by Muslims coincide with Shari’a.