Transcript Islam
Creativity in the Desert 2nd largest religion Fastest growing Islam = religion Muslim = adherent “One who submits (to God)” Majority found in North Africa & Asia Tribal society on the Arabian Peninsula Caravan traders, nomadic shepherds Tribal organization Claimed descent from Abraham Blood feuds Pre-Mohammad Religion animism Mecca trading & religious center Ka’ba controlled by Umayyad Clan Early Life City of Mecca Marriage & Business Worked for Khadijah trading goods Married Kahdijah, 15 years his senior Marriage was idyllic Contemplative person Went to a cave at Mount Hira to meditate While there… Angel Jibreel appeared Revelations from Allah Taught the basics of Islam Qur’an (Koran) similiar to the doctrine and covenants Non-revealed teachings called hadith Stories & sayings of Mohammad Obligation to teach the world Mohammad = the Prophet Mohammad not accepted in Mecca and left Why was he not accepted? The Hijrah (Hegira) Mohammad’s trek from Mecca to Yathrib marks 1st year of Muslim calendar Settled in Yathrib Message was accepted Jewish converts & interactions Umma = Muslim community Yathrib renamed Medina “City of the Prophet” 1st Muslim community 1st mosque still exists Returned to Mecca Now a religious, political, & military leader War against Umayyads Destroyed idols Changed Ka’ba to a mosque Umayyads convert Died in 632 CE Who will lead? Abu Bakr (best friend) chosen as Caliph Religious & political successor of Mohammad Ali overlooked (cousin) Question of leadership sets up rift in Islamic faith Sunni vs. Shiite Wars of Islamic Expansion led by Umayyads 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 5 Pillars of Islam Profess the faith Pray 5 times daily Fasting during the month of Ramadan Give alms to the poor Make a Hajj Appeals to people of many different backgrounds: Accepted many monotheistic beliefs of Jews & Christians 5 Pillars can be followed easily by everyone Polygamy permitted Well-to-do encouraged to care for the needy No priesthood developed Prayer leaders instead Equality of all people in the eyes of Allah vs. in the eyes of man Interactions with Christians & Jews Dhimmi = “People of the Book” Believe in the same God Need to accept Mohammad as last prophet Christ is “word of God” He did not die and was not resurrected Definition of who were dhimmi changed as Islam expanded ex. Hindus of India would later be included Jihad Means suffering or struggle Can be personal or national To draw closer to God People must unite in war to follow Allah’s will Today Terrorists call for jihad because of threat BUT – innocent are killed and Muslims are not united in these jihads Shari’a Law Based on Qur’an & hadith Muslim way of life; customs