Islam focus study HSC Society and Culture Note

Islam: focus study HSC Society and Culture Note: this presentation covers all the syllabus dot points (page 37) of the NSW Society and Culture HSC syllabus for the depth study: Belief Systems Focus study.

Islam The Arabic meaning of Islam is submission to God/Allah; the creator of the universe. Islam provides a comprehensive concept to humanity’s eternal question: who are we? Islam is a comprehensive and balanced system of life encompassing the spiritual and the temporal realms.

The world of Islam is as diverse as the world of Christianity. Islam is experienced differently across cultures. In the words of a contemporary scholar of Islam: “Islam is like a river in that it takes its colour from the cultural bed it flows through. ” Islam and Muslims

Who are the Muslims? v Individuals who completely and peacefully submit to the will of God, believe in the Articles of Faith and practices the Five Pillars of Islam. v Muslims constitute 1/5 of world population, about 1. 4 billion, and form the majority in 40 countries. v Most Muslims live outside the Middle East.

* Identifying the historical basis of the belief system.

It started with the Prophet Muhammad. v Born in Makkah (Mecca) in the year 570 (CE). v Received his first revelation from God at the age of forty, while engaged in a meditative retreat, through Archangel Gabriel (Holy Spirit). v Revelations continued for twentythree years, and are recorded in the Qur’an.

The Prophet His background An orphan of a noble, but not well-to-do, family that lived in Mecca. His father died before his birth. His mother died when he was six. His uncle raised him. He was known for being honest and truthful before prophethood. Worked as a shepherd and later as a trader Married his first wife Khadija, and the mother of his surviving children, when he was 25. She was 40.

The Prophet His prophethood In 610, he received his first revelation at 43. These revelations were compiled later into the Quran; the holy book of Muslims The nobles of Mecca refused his call, ostracized and persecuted him and his followers. After 12 difficult years, he immigrated in 622 to Medina whose people welcomed him. In Medina, he was a prophet and a statesman. In 633, he died in Medina after 11 years at 63 His personality revolves around the traits of mercy, generosity and forgiveness.

The Prophet The message The oneness of God, the creator of the whole universe Islam is the continuation of divine messages that God sent to humanity through prophets like Abraham, Isaac, Moses, and Jesus. The moral principles of the ten commandments are reflected in the message of Muhammad. It acknowledges the diversity of the human race and freedom of religions

The Expansion of Islam

Identifying the extent of its following in the world today. The number of Muslims in the world is estimated between 1. 2 -1. 5 billions The fastest growing religion Sects: Sunni (the majority), Shia 7%, Ismaili 1%? Homogenous when it comes to core beliefs and essential practices of Islam like daily prayers, fasting, etc Like followers of international religions, Muslims are not homogenous in their interpretation and practice of Islam. History, dominant culture, government, and social factors influence them. Socially diverse

*Identifying important places and/or scripts.

Qur’an is the primary source of Islamic guidance, similar to the way the Bible is to the Christian religions. The Qur’an is the record of the words of God revealed to Prophet Muhammad in Arabic through Archangel Gabriel. This revelation came in phases and continued for twenty-three years.

The Quran It has been preserved as revealed 14 centuries ago. It consists of 114 chapters of various lengths. In Arabic, it numbers about 604 pages. The translation of its meaning is available in English, French and most of the world’s languages

The Qur’an Appeals to the mind to reflect on creations and the creator Glad tidings for the believers Admonitions to the nonbelievers Stories of previous messengers of God such as Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Moses, Jesus, Mary, etc. Rulings on social and commercial issues.

Sunnah, the practices, examples and saying of Prophet Muhammad. A major source of Islamic guidance. Illustrates Islamic faith in practice. Collected in hundreds of texts known as “Hadiths” (narrations).

Articles of Faith Belief in the Oneness or Unity of the Divine. Belief in Angels created by God Belief in the Revealed Books of God.

Articles of Faith Belief in the Messengers and Prophets. Belief in the Day of Judgment. Belief in Divine Dispensation

Five tenets of Islam (also called pillars) Declaring your faith (Shahada) Five daily prayers and one communal on Friday Fasting one month every year Pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia once in a life time (Hajj) Helping the needy and the poor (Zakat)

The Mosque The Muslim’s house of God Muslims are encouraged to pray their daily prayers in congregation at the mosque. Consists, in Australia, of a prayer hall, offices, washrooms, multipurpose hall and sometimes a funeral preparation area. The mosque is run by a board or a committee. The Imam (religious leader) leads the prayers and delivers sermons. His powers vary but normally limited to just that. Persons entering the mosque are supposed to have cleansed themselves. As a courtesy, and to avoid embarrassment or offence, non. Muslims should seek permission before entering the mosque. Islamic Foundation, Scarborough

Friday sermon & prayers

The Muslim legal code “Shari’a” Consists of the following components: • Rulings mentioned in the Quran • Precedents in the life of Muhammad as it explains and complements the Quran in more details • Opinions (fatwa) of Muhammad’s prominent companions. • Opinions of previous jurisprudents • Opinions of contemporary scholars • Importance of majority and consensus

Hajj At least once in a lifetime, Muslims must make a pilgrimage (religious journey/visit) to the city of Mecca . This is called Hajj. and visit Kaaba

Mecca

* Examining the role of, and acceptance of, dissent.

Dissent means to disagree with or to withdraw. A Muslim can leave the faith without being excommunicated from his/her family and community. They are able to return to the faith later. Women do have the choice NOT to wear the burqua or hijab (in theory) A women is under the control of her father then her husband to dissent from their ruling would be frowned upon. There are diverse ranges of devotion/adherence to Islam just like Christians and Jews. Not all Muslims are extreme Islamists i. e. Al Qaeda

Relationship with fellow humans Relationship with other religions Freedom Inherent designed diversity Based on justice & fairness Obligations towards the poor of faith; no compulsion in religion Freedom of religious practice Special status for Christian and Jews (monotheist outlook)

Muslims, like Christians and Jews, trace their religion to Prophet Abraham. Israelites are the descendant of Isaac and Arabs are the descendant of Ishmael. “Say (O Muslims), We believe in God, and the revelation given to us, and to Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob, and the Tribes, and that given to Moses and Jesus, and that given to (all) Prophets from their Lord: we make no difference between one and another of them: and we bow to God in submission. ” (Qur’an 2: 136) Respect of Religious Diversity

Salvation: Devotion Not Association “Those who believe (in the Qur’an), those who follow the Jewish (scripture), the Christians, and the Sabians, anyone who believes in God and the Last Day, and works righteousness, on them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve. ” (Qur’an 2: 62) Search For Common Ground "Say: O People of the Book! come to common terms as between us and you: That we worship none but God; that we associate no partners with him; that we erect not, from among ourselves, Lords and patrons other than God. "(3: 64) Respect of Religious Diversity

The 20 th Century saw increasing attempts by the ‘West’ (Britain and the UK) into Middle Eastern affairs. This has deteriorated since WWII and the partition of Palestine – land of Muslim Palestine was taken and given to form Israel (Judaism state). Tolerance varies – extreme Muslims call Christians in the West ‘infadels’. Muslims in Australia also vary in tolerance esp of womens’ dress (Sheik El Halayli) Dislike of the ‘West’

Islamic Civilization ▲ Umayyad Mosque, Damascus 705 Khaju Bridge in Isfahan, built 1602 ▼ ▲ Alhambra Palace, Granada 715

Islamic Civilization ◄ Cordova University (Cordova 786) Al Azhar University ► (Cairo 972) The Blue Mosque (Istanbul 1603) ▼

Identifying the impact of technology on the belief system. Evaluating the impact of globalisation on the belief system. Outlining how change and resistence to change affects the belief system.

Technology such as social media sites (Facebook|) and Youtube have impacted on Islam, particularly in Middle Eastern countries. The uprisings against governments in the Middle East in 2011 (‘The Arab Spring’) was heavily influenced by social media – the message was spread by Facebook.

There is a conflict between fundamentalist Muslims (continuity) and those who embrace the western values and lifestyles that are a direct result of globalisation (change. ) The introduction of the internet has made the world more connected and brought Western values and products (Mc. Donalds and Coca-Cola) to the world. This has encroached on conservative values of Islam.

Continuity and Change There is tension between modernity and tradition, that increasingly takes the form of struggle between Islam and modernity. Islam is viewed by many Muslims not simply as a religion, but also as a cultural identity and heritage.

Values are becoming more liberal in some Muslim youth e. g. globalisation (contact with other cultures) and Westernisation (through technology such as Youtube and social media) This has meant that some Muslims have responded to this change by becoming more conservative. Islamist extremism (Al Qaeda) is partly an extreme response to the Westernisation of traditional culture.

Change in global perception of Islam: 1. Originated with 9/11 in New York and exacerbated by nightclub bombings in Bali in 2002 and 2. New phenomenon for Muslims. 3. Politically, and not religiously, rooted. 4. Grows with despair and hopelessness. a. Hijacking b. Suicide bombing 5. It has only political solutions.

It is only since the demonisation of Muslims after 9/11 that those seeking asylum have been so attacked in the media and by politicians wanting to score points. Changing technology means an idea or concept can travel anywhere within minutes. To be a Muslim in Australia means generally that you are treated with suspicion. This would impact on how Muslims feel about Christian Australians – could this lead to more serious consequences? Boat people or asylum seekers?

Muslims as a collective maintain strong continuities in adherence to values towards equity and peace (when properly applied) but how Islam is practiced changes because of how they adapt to global societies such as modernisation, Westernisation and globalisation A continuity would be the continued value towards the five pillars of Islam including attending Hajj if one can afford it and is physically able to do so. Continuity…

Evaluating the role of tradition and cultural heritage within the belief system. Examining the nature of power within the belief system.

Honor (self-respect to self-pride) and expectation of equal treatment regardless of wealth, position, or rank. Fierce sense of independence and resentment of imposed rules or decisions not sanctioned by social norms and customs. Strong loyalty to extended family, friends, and locality, and a great expectation of solidarity. Islamic Culture Hospitality to guests and visitors.

Family is often inclusive of cousins Family loyalty and obligation is paramount Family is seen as a person’s ultimate refuge and support system Children are taught profound respect for adults Family Role

Men and Women The public display of intimacy between men and women is considered offensive. This code also applies to husbands and wives The maintenance of family honor is one of the highest values. In Islamic cultures, promiscuous behavior can be more damaging to family honor. A lot of Muslims still prefer arranged marriage. The family always plays a major role in the decision of any member to wed.

Muslim Women The first to accept Muhammad’s message was his wife Khadija. Many of his followers were women who embraced Islam before their spouses or fathers. Islam ago: gave women the following rights, 1400 years ◦ The right to decide their future Muslim husbands. ◦ The right to a definite share of the estate of a father, husband or children. A will cannot take away or abrogate this right. ◦ The right to own property independently of their husbands or children. ◦ The right to education. ◦ The right to conduct their own commercial business. ◦ The right to participate in politics.

The Muslim Women The family/home is the focus of the majority of Muslim women; many qualified women don’t work, or defer work, for the sake of looking after their children (usually longer than the Australian average). The relationship between a man and a woman is to be established only through marriage with mutual, mostly traditional, roles and commitments. Muslim men and women are urged “to keep the temptation away” and to remain faithful to their spouses. To achieve this: ◦ Men are requested to lower their gaze when talking to women and not to indulge in their beauty. ◦ Women are requested to dress modestly and cover their hair; they display their beauty only to their near family. ◦ Separation between men and women, with various rigour and degrees in different societies, at schools, work and social functions Women keeping maiden names

The Quran sets out that men and women are equal and Islam was the first belief system that set out human and property rights for women. It has a very strong social justice message – that all people are equal and we need to close the gap between the rich and the poor. It says that no man has power over another. However…. Historically….

Muslims are patriarchic. This means that it is male dominated and power is divided down gender lines. Women are generally subservient to the male relatives. First women belong to their fathers and then, after marriage, to their husbands. Modern Influences such as technology have exposed Muslim women to Western ideas of feminism leading to Muslim feminism, however it is still very much a male dominated culture. Islamic Influence and Revisiting Islamic Sources: Believing men and women are the guardian and protector of one another, they both enjoin the good and prohibit evil, establish prayers, give for charity, and obey God and His Messenger. (Qura’n 9: 71 ) Power:

women attire (hijab) have been frequently viewed via a political lens. Much discussion in Australian politics – some right wing Christian politicians seek to ban it unsuccessfuly. Syrian government placed ban on the hijab in the 1980 s. Turkey and Tunisia persecutes women who wear hijab since early 1990 s. Iran and Saudi Arabia continue to enforce hijab. France outlawed hijab in late 2003. Politicization of Hijab

The Imam is the leader in the mosque. It is always a male. He leads the prayers. Men have authority over women. Thus the hierarchy and power structure is divided along gender. Religious hierarchy: