Download Introduction to Islam

May 13, 2003
By Tina Wong
Introduction to Islam: Origins and Muhammad
1. What does the word “Islam” mean? (p. 314)
Islam is Arabic for “submitting to God.”
2. Examine the map on page 318. Where was Islam founded? List the countries that
have over 85% Muslim population.
Muslim was founded in Arabia. Countries that have over 85% Muslim population
include: Mauritania, Western Sahara, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, Egypt,
Jordan, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Oman, U.A.E., Qatar, Bahrain, Iraq, Iran,
Azerbaijan, Turkey, Syria, Uzebekistan, Tajikistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan.
3. Copy and complete the following chart (p. 319):
Arabia in the 6th century
System
Religious
Description/Beliefs
The people of Arabia held a belief in a
variety of different gods (polytheism), which
was actively expressed in the practice of
idolatry (worship of different objects, usually
in the form of sculpture and pictures, each
representing a specific spiritual quality.
Social
Arabia divided into tribes which emerged
because of the nomadic nature of desert
life (people moved from place to place to
find food/water). Sometimes groups of
mountain dwellers would descend upon a
family, steal their goods, and evict them
from their land.
Economic
The Makkan merchants earned their
livelihood through trade with various
religions beyond the Arabian peninsula and
their merchant caravans faced the danger
of attack by tribal Arabs at all times. They
waged armed conflicts to settle family
vendettas and to revenge murder of family
members (integral part of tribal honour and
served as a face-saving system of private
justice).
Impact on Society
By 570 CE, Muslims believed the Ka’bah,
a cube-shaped building that Abraham
built to honour God was filled with idols,
which acted as a reflection of polytheism
amongst Arabians. The citizens had
many idols which they believed granted
them favours and success in all the
endeavours, as well as protection in
battle and from disasters.
Alliances were formed as families united
with other families to form clans. Later
these clans united with other clans to
form tribes. Tribal life led to the
establishment of a tradition of rivalry and
bloodshed. At the time, women were at
the bottom of the social ladder
(increasing practice of female
infanticide).
Rich loaned money to the poor at very
high interest rates which made it
impossible for the borrower to ever pay
off the loan and thus earn freedom from
economic tyranny.
4. Explain why the prophet Muhammad is regarded as the central figure to the
development of Islam (p. 320).
Muslims believe the central figure in the emergence of the religion of Islam was
the Prophet Muhammad. It was he who received direct revelations from God
through the Angel Gabriel. With these revelations burned into his heart,
Muhammad would lead Arabia away from idolatry and into a belief in the
oneness of God.
May 13, 2003
By Tina Wong
5. Copy and complete the following timeline/chart (p. 320-325)
The Life and Actions of Muhammad
Time/Era
Youth
Marriage
Mount Hira
Revelations
Year of Sorrow
Hijrah
Mi’raj
Madinah
Description of Beliefs/Actions/Impact
Beliefs: Idolatry (rooted in superstition and amorality) was the poison that was inhibiting
the spiritual growth of humanity.
Actions: Journeys with grandfather and uncle (merchant enterprises), established
reputation as good/honest businessman, greater responsibility in uncle’s business,
caravans to far-off places during mid-teens (uncle/guardian had much faith in him)
during which he had significant spiritual experiences, preferred monotheism
Impact: Muhammad began to seek isolation for quiet reflection. He would think about
life on the long journeys. Back in Makkah, he would retreat to the hills to think and
meditate.
Actions: at age 20, Muhammad gained respect of Khadijah (wealthy widow) who let
him manage her business affairs.
Impact: She was greatly so impressed with his honesty and integrity that she proposed
to him (even though she was 15 years his senior) and they got married.
Ramadan in year 610: Muhammad went to meditate on Mount Hira. He felt an unusual
presence—a presence that Muslims regard as the Angel Gabriel—who appeared to
him, embraced him, and commanded him to read a passage. Muhammad said he
couldn’t read, but Gabriel insisted. After the third embrace, Muhammad agreed to
read.
Beliefs: anti-idolatry, there is only One God
Actions: For the next 23 years, Muhammad received a series of revelations that were
assembled to form the Qur’an.
Impact: He began to teach/preach the revelations around Makkah (few listened at
first). Eventually people started believing because he was so passionate about what he
preached.
Actions: Khadijah (his wife) and Abu Talib (his uncle) died in 619, Makkans displayed
hostility because of his anti-idolatry preachings.
Impact: Stopped preaching, overcome with grief and feeling personally isolated
Beliefs: anti-idolatry
Actions: fellow Makkans displayed hostility because of his anti-idolatry preachings
Impact: emigrated north to city of Yathrib (now Madinah/Medina).
Beliefs: Muslims believe that before leaving Makkah, Muhammad went through two
special experiences known as the “Night Journey” and “Ascension”.
Actions: “Night Journey”: Accompanied by Gabriel, Muhammad traveled on a winged
horse (Buraq) from Makkah to Jerusalem, where they ascended through the seven
heavens (Mi’raj). In the first heaven, they met Adam, then John and Jesus in the
second heaven. They went through five more heavens meeting Joseph, Enoch, Aaron,
Moses, and Abraham. Finally he approached the Throne of God and stood “within two
bow lengths” of God Himself (very close).
Impact: Muhammad was profoundly affected by the experience.
Actions: God instructed Muhammad to move to Madinah in 622. As a result, organized
government and political system based on Islam occurred. Within a short time a large
community of Muslims were in the city. However, there were problems in the south. The
Quraysh of Makkah was alarmed at the appeal of Islam because Muhammad was able
to persuade the pagan Arabs to give up ancestral worship of idols. The Quraysh felt
that Muhammad was out to destroy them and their way of life. The only solution was to
get rid of Muhammad because other means of persuasion had failed.
Impact: city of Madinah became al-Madinah, or “the city”. Muhammad’s impact was
so compelling that some referred to the city as Madinah al-Nabi, which means the “City
of the Prophet”
6. A) What obstacles or challenges did Muhammad face in Madinah? (p. 326)
The Quraysh of Makkah were alarmed at the growing appeal of Islam.
Increasingly, Muhammad was managing to persuade the pagan Arabs to give
up all that they cherished (ancestral worship). The only solution was to get rid of
Muhammad since all other means of persuasion—offers of great wealth, absolute
leadership of the Quraysh, and beautiful women—had all failed. Thus, the
May 13, 2003
By Tina Wong
concern of the Quraysh, coupled with the rapid growth of Islam, led to
confrontation on the battlefield.
b) How did the battles strengthen Muhammad’s influence in Madinah? (p. 326)
These defensive battles solidified the position of Islam in Madinah. Disheartened,
the Makkans returned home as Muhammad’s star continued to rise. Now
Muhammad’s teachings were taken into consideration by both the people of
Madinah, and the people of Makkah. Muslim conversions steadily grew, many in
Madinah and some in Makkah. Eventually in 630 Muhammad led a group of
10,000 into Makkah in what is commonly referred to as the “Conquest of
Makkah”.
c) Why was the “Conquest of Makkah” in 630 so important to Muhammad and
the development of Islam?
Few opposed Muhammad’s return or his removal of idols from the Ka’bah.
Beofre leaving the city, Muhammad appeared before the citizens of Makkah
and reminded them of their ill deeds and their persecution of the Muslims in
Madinah. The people lowered their heads in shame and Muhammad
proclaimed, “May God pardon you. Go in peace. There shall be no
responsibility on you today; you are free!” The effect of his words was felt
immediately, prompting a shift in the minds of those assembled. IN one
remarkable moment the Makkans moved from a conquered people in to a
liberated people.
7. What did Muhammad speak about in his “Farewell Sermon”? (p. 326)
In one sweeping and profound sermon, Muhammad offered forgiveness to those
who had done wrong in the past, while summarizing the core elements of Islamic
teaching.
8. a) PROPHETS: Which prophet do you feel is most important/significant to
Christianity, Judaism, and Islam? Explain your choice for each Religion (p. 323).
Christianity: most important prophet is Jesus because he is the Son of God who
died so that people could be reunited with God.
Judaism: most important prophet is Moses because he led the Hebrews out of
slavery and sent to give the Jews God’s law
Islam: Muhammad is the most important prophet because he directly received
the word of God. His visions became the Qur’an, the Islamic holy text.
b) Why is Muhammad called the “Seal of the Prophets?” (p. 324)
Muhammad is the “Seal of the Prophets” because he is the last of those who
have come to convey the divine wisdom of God to humanity.
May 13, 2003
By Tina Wong
9. a) CALIPHS: Explain the power struggle for the successor between Abu Bakr and
Ali after the death of Muhammad (327).
After the death of Muhammad, it was clear that no one could replace him
because he was so unique and gifted. There were two claims to his position that
appeared immediately after the Prophet’s death. The first came from Abu Bakr,
a close friend and Companion of the Prophet. He was a strong proponent of the
faith and a loyal servant of Muhammad’s in both Madinah and Makkah. The
second claim came from Ali, the Prophet’s cousin and son-in-law. Some believe
Muhammad publicly acknowledged him as his successor on a trip between
Makkah and Madinah shortly before the Prophet’s death. Eventually, Abu Bakr
was chosen over ali, who some felt was unfit for leadership because he was ony
30 years old. Due to this choice, a political rift was created in the Muslim
community and still exists today.
b) What is the importance or meaning of “Rashidin?” (328)
The first four leaders of the Muslim community are called the “Rightly-Guided
Caliphs,” or Rashidin. All four of the caliphs were close Companions of
Muhammad in both Madinah and Makkah. They possessed a thorough
knowledge of the Qur’an, and they proved themselves to be devout adherents
to the faith. Their significance is measured by their ability to hold the Muslim
community together despite the existence of internal political conflict.
Caliph
Abu Bakr
Years
632-634
Umar
634-644
Uthman
644-656
Ali
656-661
Important Contributions
 formed the serparately written chapters of the Qur’an
into a consolidated compilation
 solidified his leadership and suppressed Arab tribes who
saw the death of the Prophet as an opportunity to turn
against Islam
 continued the Muslim expansion initiated by the Prophet
in the Middle East
 continued the expansion of Islam to Syria, Palestine,
Egypt, and Persia
 oversaw Islamic expansion west across northern Africa
and east into northern India and the border of China
 was criticized for showing favouritism to his relatives even
though this was never proven. In the end, Uthman was
assassinated. According to some historians, he was a
victim of his own kindness.
 assumed leadership of a divided Muslim community
 was forced to defend his rule on the battlefield against
the Ummayyad family. This marked the first time that
Muslim rose against Muslim in battle
 was assassinated in 661
May 13, 2003
By Tina Wong