Religion Islam 2 nd largest world religion about

Religion (Islam)

• 2 nd largest world religion – about 1. 9 billion adherents – Fastest growing Islam

Islam • Two significant branches – Sunnis (83%) • Indonesia has the Muslim population (mostly Sunni) – Shias or Shiites (16%) • Primarily clustered (majorities in) in Iran and southern Iraq, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Lebanon, Yemen • Other significant minorities in: – – Pakistan Afghanistan India Syria’s Alawite sect is “aligned” with Shia

Intrafaith boundary: Sunni vs. Shia

Muslim Holy Places • life of Muhammad, why? – Universalizing religion! – Kaaba (black stone) in Mecca • 5 th pillar = hajj – Pilgrimage to Mecca » remnant of polytheism » syncretism – What type of affects does the hajj have on the environment? – Medina (city of the prophet) • “Yathrib” – city of exile • Muhammad’s tomb – Dome of the Rock • Muhammad’s night journey • on Temple Mount – Site of Jewish temples – Sacrifice of Isaac by Abraham

Islam Calendar • Strict lunar calendar • Holidays shift annually Places of Worship • Mosque – Minarets • muezzin calls to prayer (5 x) • Other distinctive traits – Calligraphy – Arabesques • Reflects proscription against figurative art – Pointed arches – Keyhole arches

Islamic Courtyards • How do walled off courtyards reflect the cultural values of Islam? – Reflects purdah • the seclusion, isolation, “modesty” of women (also in Hinduism) • originated in pre-Islamic societies (Persia, Babylon ? ? ? )

Good map for overall spread, read worksheet post on website to fully understand methods of diffusion

Diffusion of Islam • Conquest – hierarchical • leaders must prove loyalty – “wildfire” • Slow acceptance by common people • conversions are actually discouraged • non-believer tax • Trade and cultural exchanges – contagious – missionaries – some syncretism

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