Preliminary Depth Study 4: Islam the origins and history of Islam: - the significance of the Quran as source material

l for Islam Definition of Quran 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 Quran 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. o o 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. 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 Kaba. (a cube-shaped building that housed 360 gods and goddesses of individual tribes) The Kaba 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.

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the founding of Islam - the life of Muhammad his birth, visions, mission, teaching and death Birth o Born around 570 CE. o Muhammad was a successful member of Makkan society who was disturbed by changes in Makkas transition from a semi-Bedouin to a commercial, urban society. He was greatly respected for his judgment and trustworthiness. o Visions Muhammads 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 Quran and Islams 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 Gods 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 ones 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.

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Death Died in 632 CE. His death deprived the infant community of a leader and threatened to destabilize it.

the early development of Islam - institutionalisation into the Arab world o 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. o Umar (a caliph), extended Muslim to Syria, Egypt, Persia and to Armenia. o Ali (Muhammads 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. o In 732 CE, Islam reached France. o Then came the Abbasids who moved the capital to Baghdad. o 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. o

the historical development of Islam and the development of various subgroups until the present 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 Shia 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 Muhammads closest male relative. For the Shia (today, 15% of Muslims), only descendents of the Prophet can be invested as leader.

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. o There are 90 state and local organizations which strive to develop educational, welfare and community activities. o Mosques have been built for community worship and venues for religious education and Arabic classes. o o o

the principal Islamic beliefs about: - the nature of God Allah is unique, all-powerful, all-merciful, with a Divine Plan for all of creation o They believe Allah is, unique, the one and only creator who is the sustainer of the universe, all-seeing, allhearing and all-knowing, unchanging and present everywhere all the time. o There are 99 Beautiful Names that describe the attributes/qualities of Allah, and are found in the Quran. Such as, The King, The Creator (and the list of 99 goes on) o They believe nothing happens unless it is the will of Allah. Sha-Allah, a statement that means If God be willing is a frequent statement which shows their recognition of his power and acceptance of his will for them. o They believe a Muslims whole life should be lived for Allah alone. o Muslims should worship Allah alone; no one else is worthy worship. o They believe that all of creation submits to his Divine Plan and this is Muslim (to submit). o They believe that they are agents of Allah on this earth and are here to do his will.

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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 Allahs guidance and grace All people must live according to Allahs 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 persons deeds in balances. Heaven If Allah deems you good you will go to Heaven which the Quran 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 (Sharia) and practicing the five pillars of Islam. 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 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. Must pray in the direction of Makka. 3. Zakat Almsgiving The compulsory contribution of one fourteenth (2.5%) of ones surplus wealth (income and property) to the needy. 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. 5. Hajj Pilgrimage It is the pilgrimage to Makka that Muslims are required to make at least once in their life.

the devotional practices of Islam and their relationship to belief 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.

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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 Kaba 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. 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 Quran 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 Quran 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. 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 worlds 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 Muhammads departure from Makka to Madina in 622 CE. Maulid al Nabi The Prophets birthday Background: The whole of the month celebrates Muhammads birthday. Al-israwal The Night Journey of the Prophet Background: Muhammads journey from Makka to Jerusalem where he ascended into heaven. It is celebrated with prayer and recitations of the Quran. 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 ulHijja The month 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 ethical and moral teachings of Islam and their application to everyday living: - fundamental Muslim values o Surrender to the will of Allah is the fundamental Islamic value. o A Muslim must try ones hardedt to establish good according to the order fized by Allah because each person is Gods agent on earth and has a responsibility to Allah. o 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 Quran and Sharia law, the Sunna, Hadith and significant individuals. What are the sources of ethical authority for Muslims? 1. Quran 4. Hadith 2. Sharia law 5. significant individuals 3. the Sunna The Quran as a source of ethical authority It is the major source of everything in Islam and outlines foundational ethical principles. Definition of Sharia Sharia 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 Quran or Sunna.