ISLAM Submission to one God Chapter 14 Islam

ISLAM: Submission to one God Chapter 14

Islam • Second largest Religion in the world • Fastest growing in the world ▫ The tragedy of September 11 brought Islam into the view of the world • 3 Foundations of Islam ▫ Qur'an ▫ The Prophet Muhammad ▫ Islam’s primary teachings

I. Qur'an: Koran • Earthly center of Islam • Sacred presence in the world

• Qur'an literally means ”reading” • Separated in 114 chapters, or “suras” • Only one Arabic translation • Some consider any translation to be heretical

The Qur'an • Qur'an is supposed to be the most beautiful book ever written in Arabic. • It is supposed to be the direct words of Allah. • Oral recitation is said to be the best way to understand the Qur'an, the way it was given to Muhammad himself. ▫ The Qur'an is known to be a Miracle of Allah. ▫ Muhammad himself was supposed to be illiterate

II. The Prophet Muhammad • Born A. D. 570 • Orphaned at an early age. ▫ Lived with his Uncle • Married a wealthy widow who had 6 kids with him. • He was said to be honest and dependable • Was very religious ▫ Would often go to a cave alone to contemplate God in solitude.

The Night of Power and Excellence • AD 610 • While in the cave, the Angel Gabriel appeared to him in a dream. • He was ordered to recite • He asked Gabriel ▫ “What shall I recite? ”

“Recite in the name of your Lord who created--created man from clots of blood. Recite! Your Lord is the Most Bountiful One, who by the pen taught man what he did not know!”

• Earliest “Recitation” contained in the Qur'an • Muhammad was said to have received “Recitations” for 22 years until his death • The Qu’ran is the compilation of all the “Recitations” given to Muhammad

Seal of the Prophets Adam Moses

Abraham John the Baptist

Jesus Christ

• The Prophet Muhammad is known as the “Seal of the Prophets” • He is supposed to be the last prophet. • Through Muhammad, God has revealed his message fully. • Muhammad delivered the sacred presence of God: • The Qu’ran

The Prophet Muhammad • Muhammad was only a man • But he is regarded as a “Jewel Among Stones ▫ Revered as the best Human Being ever born • Muslims admire and try to imitate Muhammad’s life here on earth. • His personal teachings and philosophies is known a his “Sunna” or his custom

III. Islam’s Primary Teachings • 1. Allah the one God ▫ Allah was the name of one many gods in the area where Muhammad lived. ▫ He created his Monotheistic religion, making Allah the one God. ▫ Allah is transcendent �Muslims do not give Allah a gender �Muslims do not depict Allah in art �Muslims avoid giving Allah any human characteristics ▫ Allah is also accessible

99 Names of Allah Al-Ghaffar: The One who forgives the sins of His slaves time and time again. Al-^Aziz: The Defeater who is not defeated Al-Hakam: He is the Ruler and His judgment is His Word. Al-Matin: The One with extreme Power which is un-interrupted and He does not get tired. Al-'Awwal: The One whose Existence is without a beginning. Al-Ghaniyy: The One who does not need the creation.

2. The Prophets • The messengers of God • Gave us God’s personal laws and orders

3. Human Nature and Destiny • Human Nature is essentially good • We are also capable of “Forgetfulness” ▫ The Qur'an and other teachings is necessary for us so that it may direct us to proper Human behavior. • Good and Evil ▫ Heaven and Hell • The Day of Judgment ▫ The coming of the Mahdi, a savior like the Messiah will restore Islam and bring peace ▫ Jesus Christ will return to Jerusalem and bring on the day of Judgment

3. The Nature of the World • Since the world was created by Allah, then it is good and must be revered. • Cosmic Qur’an ▫ The idea that the world is another form of revelation from God • Science and Religion ▫ Muslims celebrate science as a way of knowing Allah’s perfect creation.

IV. The Umma • Umma: The Community of Muslims • Brotherhood based only on Religion ▫ No race, ethnicity, language, or culture • Umma is an ideal often not realized

• The Umma is united through the Sharia ▫ Sharia: Divine law ▫ Determines the proper action of a Muslim � 5 Categories � 1. Obligatory � 2. Recommended � 3. Indifferent 4. Disapproved 5. Forbidden ▫ Detailed way of life- which is a submission to Allah �The name “Islam” - “Surrender” “Submission” �To ignore the Sharia is to stop being Muslim

HOMEWORK • Go online and read up on the events in Libya • Bring printouts that will give you evidence to back up your answers to these following questions. You will answer them in class. • 1. What is “Shari’a” known as in the present day? • 2. How is “Shari’a” playing a pivotal role in the current events in Libya • 3. How can “Shari’a” affect the diplomatic situation between Libya and the United States *Please answer these questions as thoroughly as possible. Make sure you can prove it with your printouts.