University of Phoenix Material Islam Worksheet When studying Islam, it is important to understand the essential elements of the faith, how they are practiced, and the distinctions among the three branches: Shiite Islam, Sunni Islam, and Sufism. Write a 1- to 2-paragraph response for each of the following directives and note where there are differences among the three branches of Islam. 1. Explain the meaning of the name, Islam. The meaning of the name Islam is in literal terms means “surrender” or “submission”. To Muslims this means to completely surrender to Allah.
Both Islam and Muslims are derived from the Arabic word “salam,” when interpreted means “peace. ” This suggests that peace is obtained by truly surrendering to Allah. 2. Explain the basic concepts of Islam. I am not sure if I am reading this question correctly but I think it refers to the five pillars of Islam. The five pillars include the creed, prayer, charity, fasting, and the pilgrimage. The creed basically states that Muslims believe there is no other God other then Allah and that Muhammad was his messenger.
Muslims pray five times a day facing toward Mecca and the times for the prayers are announced by a muezzin who calls out from the top of a tower. Each year Muslims are required to give a portion of their money, crops, and livestock to the poor in the name of charity. Fasting is done in conjunction with Ramadan as a way to strengthening ones spiritual bond. Pilgrimage is a religious journey to Mecca that only Muslims are allowed to take and each is expected to take the journey at least once in their lifetime. 3. Describe the practices of Islam.
Islam has many practices that others may see as controlling or harsh but the Muslim community sees the practices as sensible regulations to increase order and happiness. These include: 1. Dietary restrictions forbidding the consumption of pork and wine 2. Prohibition against usury and gambling meaning that interest cannot be charged on loans and gambling is seen as a waste of time 3. Circumcision which is seen as a religious requirement in Islam done at the age 7 or 8 in imitation of Muhammad, who was circumcised. 4. Marriages in Islam are generally arranged by the parental figures.
This is formalized by a written contract and an exchange of money. At this time the woman leaves the protection of her father and becomes the responsibility of her new husband. 5. Females are prepared for traditional gender roles such as wife and mother but have recently been seen in the workforce as nurses and teachers. Depending on the society women may be expected to wear veils with outside of her home allowing only her family and husband to see her face and she is expected only to have other female friends and relatives with whom she socializes with. 6.
Death rituals are always the same in the Muslim community. Prayers are recited for the dying and after the person passes he or she is buried in a white shroud but for males who have made the pilgrimage the burial dressing includes the white shroud and robe. When buried the face is turned toward Mecca and the headstone is left undecorated signifying the equality of man in death. 4. Describe the goals of Islam. 5. Describe the view of authority in Islam. The Qur’an serves as the primary source of information and authority for Muslims, much as the Bible does for Christians.
With this in mind, evaluate Islam’s historical influences on law, philosophy, and the arts in the Muslim world. Write a 1- to 2-paragraph response for each of the following questions. Provide examples to illustrate your thinking. 1. What is the legal ideal in Islamic law? How does the Qur’an inform and guide Muslims in attaining this ideal? Shari’ah is the legal ideal of Islam law and it is different from what is seen in other countries. Most countries have laws based put in place to rotect society as a whole and all citizens, secular and religious, are expected to understand, accept, and obey these laws. The Islamic ideal makes no separation of religion and secular realm. Shari’ah, or Islamic law, is the code of conduct that is based on the Qur’an. The Qur’an states the principles as guidance toward harmony and favor with Allah. 2. What is the relationship between philosophy and theology within Islam? Is it acceptable for Muslims to hold separate philosophical and theological beliefs? Theology developed before philosophy.
Theology developed in Islam before the impact of Greek philosophy and Islamic philosophy developed directly from the Greek. It is acceptable for Muslims to hold separate philosophical and theological beliefs as long as it doesn’t contradict the Qur’an. The teaching in the Qur’an is central to a Muslims way of life. 3. What artistic themes are regularly expressed in Islamic art and architecture? How are these themes explored? How has the Qur’an influenced the development of art in the Islamic world? Islam has had a unique influence on the arts with the highest influence and expression in mosques.
Early architecture drew upon Christian architectural features such as domes and mosaics, but also included large courtyards for congregational prayer. The influence of the Qur’an can be seen in the fountains used for purification before prayer and rows facing the mihrab. Mihrab is a marker that shows the direction of Mecca. In fine are it can be seen in the theme of paradise. In the Qur’an and the Muslim imagination, paradise is heaven and is fertile oasis or garden. This image of paradise appears on prayer carpets.
