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Islam Session 1 Why are we studying Islam? Has played a significant role in the history of Christianity since the 7th century Has advanced and is establishing itself around the world second largest world religion more than 65 (of 195) nations consider themselves Islamic accomplishing by immigration what they could not do with the sword 1.3 billion (of 6.7 billion) In the Middle East Why are we studying Islam? It has played a significant role in the history of Christianity since the 7th century It has advanced and is establishing itself around the world second largest world religion more than 65 (of 195) nations consider themselves Islamic accomplishing by immigration what they could not do with the sword 1.3 billion (of 6.7 billion) In the Middle East Outside the Middle East Why are we studying Islam? It has advanced and is establishing itself even in the U.S. Number of Islamic students / schools Islam, even radical Islam, right now tends to be acceptable in the U.S. in the media popculture It is both a religious and a political system. Identifies a world view; an ideology; almost an eschatology; driven by theme of judgment Why are we studying Islam? Antagonistic to U.S. Military bases in Saudi Arabia – country with two of three holiest cities Support of Israel “Great Satan” – moral influences 1998 Fatwa (written declaration) “For over seven years the United States has been occupying the lands of Islam and the holiest of places, the Arabian Peninsula, plundering its riches, dictating to its rulers, humiliating its people, terrorizing its neighbors, and turning its bases in the Peninsula into a spearhead through which to fight the neighboring Muslim peoples . . . [There has been] aggression against the Iraqi people . . . [Their aim has been to] serve the Jews’ petty state . . . [They express] eagerness to destroy Iraq . . . All these crimes committed by the Americans are a clear declaration of war on Allah, his messenger, and Muslims . . . The ruling to kill the Americans and their allies—civilians and military—is an individual duty for every Muslim who can do it in any country in which it is possible to do it. . . This is in accordance with the words of Almighty Allah, “and fight the pagans together as they fight you together,” and “fight them until there is no more tumult or oppression, and there prevails justice and faith in Allah.” What is Islam? “Islam” “Submission to the will of God” Achieve personal peace by submitting to the will of God Fundamental Creed of Islam: “There is no God but Allah, and Muhammad is his prophet.” What is Islam? “There is no God but Allah, and Muhammad is his prophet.” Shares 24 Old Testament characters & Jesus Prophets themselves are inspired Six great prophets: Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jesus, & Muhammad (the greatest) Who is Jesus? Muhammad, the Man (history, Quranic, tradition) “How can a religion completely focus on one man but not focus on that man at all? By being Islam. Everything in this religion is based on Muhammad’s life and teaching, and yet Muhammad is not at all the center of worship and devotion” (Corduan, 77). Muhammad ibn Abdullah [lit. Abdullah – “Servant of Allah”] What is Islam? Mecca Medina Evangelism By preaching By the sword Personal Behavior Priestlike Warrior-like Marriage One wife, Khadija Eleven more wives in 10 years Focus of Battle Against idol worship; more favorable to Jews & Christians (2:62, 256) Against Jews & Christians (9:5,29) Nature of Islam Religious movement Political movement What is Islam? “There is no God but Allah, and Muhammad is his prophet.” Monotheistic "Say (O Muhammad): O people of the Book (Jews and Christians) come to an agreement between us and you, that we shall worship none but Allah, and that we shall take no partners with Him, and none of us shall take others for Lords beside Allah. And if they turn away, then say: Bear witness that we are those who have surrendered (unto Him)." (Quran 3:64) What is Islam? “There is no God but Allah, and Muhammad is his prophet.” Muhammad ibn Abdullah Allah originally was Al-ilah, the moon god of the Quarish tribe of Arabia.