Transcript Islam
Islam Pre-Islamic Life • Rural Life – Bedouins – Nomadic tribes • Fairly violent society – Tribes & Clans – Status is from the group • Urban Life – Mecca: Trade Center / Land of Haram • Not as violent – Status is from wealth – No concern for poor/weak Pre-Islamic Religion • Polytheism – Many gods & goddesses – Creator god present in pantheon • Not worshipped by many • Animism – Spirits in the world • Inhabit rocks, trees, valleys, free-flowing, etc. • Judaism & Christianity known Muhammad – The Final Prophet • Muhammad – born 570 ce – Quraysh tribe / Hashim Clan – Orphaned young • Raised by uncle • Marries Khadijah – Excellent marriage • Fatima • Disturbed by Society – Upset by poverty – Moral system not adequate – Goes to meditate / pray Night of Power • 610 – Angel Gabriel visits M. while he meditates • Tells M. to “recite” • Foundation of the Qur’an – suras Fundamental Beliefs • Monotheistic belief – Only God is worthy of worship • Polytheism gives other “beings” worship • Last Judgment – Deeds in life will be judged • Theocentric purpose for life – Bodily resurrection • No body/soul dichotomy • Five Pillars of Islam The Five Pillars of Islam • Recitation of the Muslim act of faith – There is no God but God, and M. is his prophet • Obligation of prayer – 5 times a day – facing Mecca • Charity – 1/40th income • Fasting during Ramadan – Daylight hours • Pilgrimage (Haj) Hegria • Muhammad escapes Mecca • Goes to Medina to start an Islamic society • Islam – submission to God • Muslim – one who submits Battle of Badr - 623 • New Umma in Medina • Battles with Mecca show divine support – Peace treaties with • Conquered Mecca – Jan. 11, 624 Rule Under Caliphs Practices of Islam • • • • • • No pork, alcohol – halal Male circumcision Polygamy acceptable/ Monogamy ideal Usury forbidden Observation of feast days Simplicity and asceticism – Rapid growth and spread of religion Main Sects of Islam • Sunni and Shi’a traditions • Sufism = mystical dimension of Islam – Sheyks and disciples – Retirement in poverty – Piety and repentance Sufi Dancing Sufi Writers • Rumi – Persian poems (rhyming couplets) – Discourses on mystical experiences – Recitation and movement (dervishes) Modern Islam • Rise and Fall of the Ottoman Empire • World War I • Modern Islamic states – Variations in social expression