TOPIC 3: ISLAM
ORIGINS
PRE-ISLAMIC ARABIA
Outline the social conditions and religious practices that existed in pre-Islamic Arabia
Men and women in society
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The Arabian society in the 7th century presented a medley of social classes
Society was typically patriarchal in nature
In some social groups, women enjoyed some status and were to be respected
Prostitution and trading wives in times of war were common
The marriage contract was held by the woman’s legal guardians (husband/father)
Characteristics include:
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Men could have as many wives as they wanted
Women were considered property to be traded (treated as a commodity)
Trade was the most common method of employment
Adultery and female infanticide were common
When and where did Islam begin?
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7th century CE pre-Islamic Arabian society and religion reflected the tribal realities of the Arabian Peninsula
Because Islam developed in central Arabia, the religious and social environment of that region provides the
context for understanding Muhammad’s message and mission
The Arabian peninsula is an arid desert with minimal vegetation, making agriculture quite limited
The main two cities in Islam are Mecca and Medina
Mecca
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Medina
Founded on trade routes between the Indian
Ocean, Syria and Egypt
Location of the Ka’bah
Regarded as a ‘sacred city’
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Second holiest city in Islam
Muhammad fled here to avoid persecution in Mecca
Medina means ‘City of the Prophet’
Religious adherence in pre-Islamic Arabia
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Local religion was typically polytheistic, worshipping aspects of nature
There were small cults with temples, and the adherents participated in rituals such as human/ animal sacrifice
The selling of false idols at the Ka’bah was very common
Pilgrims would travel to Mecca and purchase idols from the local merchants
The most powerful tribe were the Quraysh, controlling most of the economy in Mecca
The Quraysh made profits from pilgrims visiting the Ka’bah. They were disliked by other tribes due to their
exploitation of the pilgrims and control over society
THE PROPHET MUHAMMAD
Examine the principal events in Muhammad’s life
Explain why the Prophet Muhammad as the final messenger is the model for the Muslim life
Principal events of Muhammad’s life
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Born in 570 in Mecca
Orphaned at age 5 or 6
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Goes to live with Uncle Abu Talib
Becomes a trader in his teenage years
Khadijah hires him to lead her caravan
Married at age 25
Has 6 children - 2 boys and 4 girls
Muhammad begins meditating in a cave at Mount Hira
The angel Jibril appears to him at age 40
Muhammad starts to tranfer these relevations into writing in the Qur’an
New muslims are persecuted in Mecca by the Quraysh because Muhammad’s techings threaten their pagan way
of life
In the Year of Sorrows, Khadijah and Muhammad’s uncle, Abu Talib both passed away
Muhammad ascends to heaven where he speaks to Allah, who gives him instructions to take back to the faithful
on earth about the number of times to pray each day
Muhammad moves to Medina where he becomes a well-respected community leader and establishes the first
planned community of Islam
Long war follows until Muhammad’s army finally conquers Mecca
Muhammad spares the conquered army, re-dedicates the Ka’ba and Islam is finally accepted
Muhammad dies on June 8 632 and is buried in Mecca
Role Model
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Revered as the ideal religious and political leader, loyal friend, husband and father
Chosen as a prophet by Allah to convey the message of Islam
A fearless preacher and warrior for Allah and Islam
All Muslims are encouraged to follow his example in living Islam and perfecting their character
Inspired extraordinary confidence and commitment
Practices of the prophet became the guiding source of Islamic law alongside the Qur’an
Muslims look to Muhammad’s example for guidance in all aspects of life - how to treat friends as well as enemies;
what to eat and drink, how to love and conduct war
(1) Personal qualities:
- Honest, loyal and faithful as a trader and husband
- Muslims look to Muhammad’s example for guidance in all aspects of life - how to treat friends well as enemies,
how to love and conduct war
- In 622, Muhammad remained in Media and built the first Muslim community and gathered more poeple by his side
- This displays his loyalty and generosity towards his religion and his believers
(2) Social, political reformer who cared for the poor, abolished slavery and infanticide and improved conditiosn for
women
- Quran - “and whatever you end he will replace it and he is the best of the providers”
- Under Muhammad’s guidance, he advises the Muslims to spend for the welfare of the general public
- This quality makes him stand out as a role model of ideal personhood for Muslims
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Muhammad was a man of prayer and spiritual searcher who was close to Allah before the revelations began
He was roughly 40, having visions and hearing voices
An angel, Jibril appeared and instructed him to recite “in the name of (your) lord”
Having a strong connection with Muslim prayer and spirits leads Muslims to follow his directions, making hima
great role model
Character
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Honest and integrity as a trader
Loyal and faithful husband and father
Man of prayer, spiritual searcher - close to Allah before the revelations began
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Strong leader and statesman
Arbitrator and judge, resolving dispute justly, ensuring fair wages and no corruption
Social, political reformer - cared for the poor, abolished slavery and improved conditions for women
Scripture References:
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“The pursuit of knowledge is obligatory on every Muslim” (Hadith)
“How perfect Allah is and I praise him” (Sunna)
DEVELOPMENT OF ISLAM UNDER THE LEADERSHIP OF THE RIGHT CALIPHS
Describe the development of Islam after the death of Muhammad under the leadership of the Four Rightly
Guided Caliphs, accounting for the emergence of the Sunni and Shi’a
Origin and role of a caliph
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When Muhammad died in the 11th century CE, people were plunged into a political crisis
Decision was made that Islam should be led by a ‘king’, who had a strong relationship with Muhammad
For the next 30 years after Muhammad’s death, the Islamic world was ruled by 4 caliphs whose role was to
promote Islam and ensure its long-term survival in the wider community
Caliph had multiple roles in the early life of Islam:
● Make laws based on the Qur’an
● Lead the Muslim community (umma)
● Responsible for creating and maintaining a way of life where Muslims could live according to key Islamic
principles
The four ‘rightly guided’ caliphs
The four caliphs were:
● Abu Bakr (632-634)
● Umar (634-644)
● Uthman (644-656)
● Ali (656-661)
Abu Bakr (632-634)
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Father of Aisha, Muhmammad’s wife
Very wealthy and put much of his fortune towards building the Muslim community
One of Muhammad’s most trusted friends for many years
Acknowledged as Muhammad’s successor by the Prophet’s companions
Pacified and united the Muslim tribes
Ordered the first collection of the written text of the Qur’an
Contributions to early Islam:
● Restored stability to a community in turmoil following Muhammad’s death
● Initiated the process of compiling the Qur’an in written form
● Managed to strengthen and consolidate the community and the state
Umar (634-644)
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Early follower of the Prophet
He was the designated nominee for succession to Abu Bakr, a member of the Quraysh clan and father of
Muhammad’s wife Hafsa
Ruled for 10 years until he was assassinated in 644 CE
Death was a reflection of the political instability and risks during the period following Muhammad’s death
Famously conquered Jerusalem during his reign as caliph
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Contributions to early Islam:
● Extended the Muslim empire to Palestine, Syria, Egypt, Iraq, Persia and Armenia
● Effective military leader
● Famous conquest - Jerusalem (site of religious significance for monotheistic religions)
● Appointed a committee to choose the next caliph
Uthman (644-656)
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One of six appointed by Umar to be a successor to him after his death
Ideal successor (Ali) refused several terms of the caliphate, so the role was given to Umar
Accused of nepotism by distributing wealth and land to his family
Management of Egypt was harsh and unreasonable, creating many enemies
Lead to his murder by Egyptian assassins in 656 CE
Contribution to early Islam:
● First six years of his caliphate focused on promoting peace
● Extended empire to Libya and Eastern Europe
● Qur’an was completed during his reign
Ali (656-661CE)
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After declining the leadership position before Uthman’s reign, Ali moved into power as the final caliph
Married Muhammad’s daughter Fatima and had been close to Muhammad for almost 30 years
Decision to select Ali was not unanimous, and this created great tensions amongst the Muslim community
During his leadership, there was a civil war and great political upheaval, leading to his assassinations in 661 CE
Following his death, Muawiya was selected as the next caliph
By this stage there was a significant division in allegiances, and the caliphs that followed were not considered part
of the four rightly guided caliphs
Sunni and Shi’ite
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Two variants of Islam emerged as a result of the disagreement around who should be selected as leader of the
Muslim community
Choice of Muawiya after Ali’s assassination was the trigger that led to the schism in Islam
Lead to the formation of two key variants in Islam, Sunni and Shi’a
Sunni
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90% of Muslims
Leader should be chosen from descendants of tribe of Muhammad, but not necessarily his family
Shi’a
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10% of Muslims
Leader must be a descendant of Muhammad
Imam - rightful leader
Believed the final imam vanished without dying, and will appear to Muslims in times of need
PRINCIPAL BELIEFS
Core Beliefs
Outline the implications of Tawhid for Muslim belief
Examine the role of the Books of Allah and the prophecy in Islam
Outline the principal beliefs about Angels, life after death and fate/predestination
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Six beliefs all centre around the belief in one God, promoting the importance of monotheism and worship of Allah
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Tawhid - belief in one God
Books of Allah - sacred texts in Islam
Rusul - prophets of Islam which includes Muhammad, Jesus and Abraham
Akhira - Judgement Day and afterlife
Fate/Predestination - destiny and fate in Islam
Angels - role of Angels in delivering Allah’s message
Implications of Tawhid
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Belief in the immanent and transcendent Allah
Reflected in the quote from the Qur’an - “He is Allah, the One, Allah is Eternal and Absolute” (Surah 112)
Muslims are called to put their trust into the love and compassion of Allah to all living creatures
Muslims are not to be proud or arrogant
Muslims should worship Allah alone - no one else is worthy of worship
It is forbidden to represent Allah in visual or symbolic form
Scripture References: “He is Allah, the One, Allah is Eternal and Absolute” (Surah 112)
Rusul (Prophets)
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Prophet = someone through whom Allah speaks
Rusul = prophet who has delivered a holy book
Nabi = refers to an inspired prophet of Allah who has not been given a specific purpose
Muslims believed in many Rusuls: Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jesus and Muhammad
Five prophets are considered the most important - they received special revelations and performed their work
Refers to the chosen messengers by Allah to reveal God’s teachings to humankind
Muhammad is Allah’s last prophet who brought the final message that has been preserved in the Qu’ran
Messenger given a particular mission by Allah to pass onto faithful adherents
Adam - first prophet of Islam; belief that is shared with the other monothesic religions; Judaism and Christianity
Scripture References: “Who can be better in faith than one who submits his whole self to Allah” (Surah 4:125)
The Books of Allah
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Books of Allah = revealed books of the Rusul
Muslims believe that over time, many of these books have not been properly preserved
No longer faithfully represent the messages of Allah
Torah and Bible are still respected by Muslims adherents
They have been altered from their original form and cannot be relied upon as the literal words of Allah
The Qur’an is the last of the revealed books - complete and reliable source of revelation of Allah
Scripture Reference: “Believe in what has been sent down to thee Muhammad and what has been sent down
before thee” (Surah 2:4)
The existence of angels
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They carry the sacred message of Allah to the prophets
Allah presents his revelations through the angels, who then pass on these important messages to the prophets
Witness God’s creative glory in the universe and express absolute praise, service and obedience to God
Each person has two guardian angels who record their good and bad deeds
These angels are acknowledged during daily salat where an adherent turns to the right and then the left to bless
the angels guiding them through life
Number of angels referred in the Qur’an:
○ Jibril = greatest of all of God’s angels as he was the vehicle for the revelation of the Qur’an
○ Iblis = former angel who became the devil
○ Jinn = led by Iblis and can be associated with evil
○ Aza’i = adherent just before their death to receive their soul as it leaves their body
○ Israfi = souls on the Day of Judgement
○ Mika’il = guards places of worship and its worshipper
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Scripture Reference: “Praise be to Allah, who created the heavens and the earth” (Surah 35:1)
Resurrection and life after death (Akhira)
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Akhira = arabic term for final or last
Life is split into two parts: mortal and afterlife
Mortal life tests adherent’s ability to overcome the challenges of life and submit to the will of Allah
Allah knows the past and future actions of very person
The Qu’ran states for each person after death, there is an intermediate period where souls wait for resurrection
Every human who has ever lived will be rewarded for their goodness or punished for their sins
The only sin that will not be forgiven by Allah is the deliberate worship of other gods
Muslim’s salvation is earnt through the trials and challenges they experience throughout their lives
People fail the judgement test, they enter Jahannam (Hell) - portrayed as a place of fire, hot winds and tortue,
without Allah’s love
Scripture Reference: “One-burdened soul shall not bear the burden of another” (Surah 35:18)
Fate and predestination
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Muslims are given free will - whether or not they submit to the will of Allah
It influences their fate in the next life
Happens by design with a specific purpose by Allah
Muslims do not believe in absolute predestination since they consider it incompatible with God’s justice
Allah already knows our destiny in life
Allah is the only source of guidance in life
Scripture Reference: “No calamity befalls on the earth or in yourselves but is inscribed in the Book of Decrees”
(Surah 57:22)
SACRED TEXTS AND WRITINGS
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Identify the importance of:
The Qur’an
The Hadith
Examine extracts from the Qur’an and Hadith which demonstrates the principal beliefs of Islam
What is the Qur’an?
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Fundamental text for Muslims
All Muslims, regardless of their national language, memorise and recite the Qur’an in Arabic
Comprised of 114 surahs
Rules when reading from the Qur’an
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Literal words of Allah - must be respected
No food or drink to be consumed whilst reading the Qur’an
Before reading, the adherent needs to bathe with an appropriate attitude before reading the text
Women can’t read from the Qur’an during their monthly period
Need to be left in an elevated position protected with a sheet when not in use
Importance of the Qur’an
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Considered the most holy book among Muslims
Contain the literal words of Allah, which was passed onto Muhammad through the angels
Provides guidance in leading to spiritual and somatic health for the individual
People who have committed the entire Qur’an to memory are honoured by their communities - known as Hafiz
Considered an honor to produce a copy of the Qur’an - written in beautiful calligraphy
Central message revolves around the Day of Judgement - faithful will receive a life of happiness while evil will
experience harshness of the eternal separation
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Importance of the Hadith
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Secondary teachings to the Qur’an as they are the words of a human, not the words of Allah
Two types of Hadiths: Prophetic and Sacred
Sacred Hadiths are considered to be the most important
Most Muslims accept that there are six collections of Hadiths being the most trustworthy
Shi’ite Muslims only trust the Hadiths of Ali and Shi’ia imams and have their own five collection
Extracts from the Qur’an
Akhira
“One burdened soul shall not bear the burden of
another” (Surah 35:18)
Fate/Predestination
“No calamity befalls on the earth or in yourself but is
inscribed in the Book of Decrees” (Surah 57:22)
Book of Allah
“Believe in what has been sent down to thee
Muhammad and what has been sent down before
thee” (Surah 2:4)
Angels
“Praise to be Allah, who created (out of nothing), the
heavens and the earth, who made the angels”
(Surah 35:1)
Tawhid
“He is Allah, the one, Allah is eternal and absolute”
(Surah 112)
Prophets
“Who can be better in faith than one who submits his
whole self to Allah” (Surah 4:125)
CORE ETHICAL TEACHINGS
Outline the principal ethical teachings within Islam
Key Definitions:
● Fiqh = Jurisprudence is the system of laws applied in a particular country and is the scholarly
interpretation of Shari’ah.
● Shari'ah “the path” = Differs among different Muslim societies, Is enforced both politically and
spiritually, among communities and individuals and is devised by a specific process, God’s guidance for
happiness in this world and in the next
● Ijma = A process whereby authoritative Muslim jurists come to a consensus as to which of the Hadith
can be considered to be authentic sayings of Muhammad, and thus serve as a foundation of Shari’a
law.
● Qiyas = Process of analogical reasoning in which the teachings of the Hadith are compared and
contrasted with those of the Qur’an. For example, a Muslim may wish to know about cocaine use;
although this drug is not mentioned in early Islamic texts, wine is. Wine (alcohol) is prohibited in Islam,
therefore based on analogical reasoning, Muslim scholars have declared cocaine to be prohibited.
Some Principles of Islamic Jurisprudence
- Istihab = a principle of evidence in which a situation or thing known to exist continues to exist until its
opposite is proven, such as "innocent until proven guilty"
- Ibahah = anything is permitted if it is not expressly prohibite
- Bayinah = the burden of proof is on the accuser or the plaintiff, not the defendant
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There are a number of key sources of Islamic ethics:
● Qur’an: outlines what actions are obligatory - those that are permitted and forbidden
● Hadith and Sunna - secondary importance to the Qur’an, traditions of the prophet Muhammad
● Shariah law - ethical jurisprudence, guides adherents’ daily behaviour and their treatment of others on a wide
variety of issues
● Fiqh - theory or philosophy of Islamic law
Principal ethical teachings:
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Submission to Allah: the ultimate goal of the Muslim adherent is to demonstrate belief in Tawhid
Taqwa: adherents should strive to make all actions and decisions based on the needs of Allah
Striving: adherents are called to ‘strive’ for spiritual perfection thereby living an Allah-centred life
Sacred texts: source of divine revelation (Qur’an) and the sayings and teachings of Prophet Muhammad
Qiyas: use of an analogy to make ethical decisions
Ijma: use of judgement provided by Islamic scholars
Ijtihad: personal judgement and reasoning to make a decision
Shariah: process of Islamic jurisprudence
Equality: the ummah and all equal in the eyes of Allah
Muslim Virtues:
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Selfishness
Naturalness: the natural world was designed by Allah in a particular way
Humility
Love of Allah: reflects belief in Tawhid
Modesty: regards to women and dress
What shapes a Muslim’s ethical principles?
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Shariah law = when presented with an ethical dilemma in Islam, adherents can consult a series of sources to
guide them in their daily life and decision-making
Halal or Haraam:
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Halal: permitted under Islamic law - Halal meat, prayer, charity
Haraam: forbidden, unlawful and sinful - adultery, Polytheism
ISLAMIC JURISPRUDENCE
Outline the process of Islamic jurisprudence
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Shariah law = adherents consult a series of sources to guide them in their daily life and decision-making
Ethical teachings of Islam reflects how the beliefs and teachings of Islam influence human behaviour
Places very strong emphasis on the importance of right action and the laws that govern actions
While the teachings enclosed within the Quran are clear, they can often be quite concise and as such application
can become difficult in certain situations
○ Laws about prayer, fasting, almsgiving, pilgrimages
○ Law directly regulates the ways in which human beings treat one another
Muslim’s life is guided by Shari’a - ‘path to a waterwhole’
Regulates all aspects of Muslim life: performance of ritual, personal morality, family and inheritance laws
Whole life must be one of submission to Allah for happiness in this world
Encompasses both public and private life
Reflection of Allah’s guidance for Muslims whatever situations they may find themselves in
Shi’ia
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Consult mutjahids or ayatollahs when making ethical decisions
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Can make itjihad decisions based on their extensive knowledge and analysis of the sacred texts and Islam law
Decisions are considered binding in the Shi’ia communities
Halal and Haraam
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When faced with an ethical dilemma, not all equal in terms of their severity
Some actions may be considered desirable, whilst others are unethical or immoral
When faced with an ethical decision, a Muslim adherent is called to consider these factors:
Factors include:
● Respected leaders: typically against an issue, it would be commonly considered haraam
● Precedents: there is a case where something was permitted in a similar circumstance, it will typically be permitted
in future, similar circumstances
● Common good: welfare of others and justice is the key concern when making an ethical decision
○ Action may not be considered haraam, it may be considered harmful
● Haraam: forbidden actions which are never permitted eg. murder
● Fard: required actions or behaviours
● Mandub: desirable or commended actions
● Mubah: unclear actions which require personal judgement
● Makruh: actions considered hateful and thus are not commended
EXPRESSION OF FAITH
Outline each of the five pillars
Shahada: Beliefs
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Statement made by Muslims about the belief in one God
“I bear witness there there is no God but Allah and that Muhammad is his messenger”
Foundational concept of being a Muslim
Denial of anything that falsely claims to be God
Physical sign of the belief in Tawhid (one God)
Salat: Prayer
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Five daily prayers from sunrise to sunset which can be performed anywhere facing the direction of the Holy Cit
Recited in Arabic and accompanied by ritual actions
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Before praying, Muslim must enter a state of ritual purity via washing themselves
Prayer is on clean ground using a prayer mat and removing your shoes
Every Friday, Muslims gather at the mosque at midday
Sign of obedience and proclaims oneness to Allah
Provides strength to carry out what it means to be a Muslim in everyday life
Zakat: Almsgiving
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Donate 2.5% of their annual income to charity
Money goes to the poor, freeing others from debt and setting people free of slavery
Purify and cleanse wealth and allow one to be free of greed and selfishness - lost attachment to money and
material possessions
Believe all their wealth and possessions belong to Allah, not themselves
Give selflessly without telling others how much they have donated
Sawm: Fasting
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Month of fasting during Ramadan (month when the Quran was revealed to Muhmmad during daylight hours)
Requirement for all Muslims once they are a teenager
Avoid committing any sins
At night, they gather, celebrating with a feast
Rewinds Muslims of the realities of poverty
Hajj: Pilgrimage
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Journey to Mecca to retrace the steps of Muhammad and Abraham to achieve spiritual renewal
All Muslims must go at least once in their lifetime
Commence at the Ka’bah
The celebrate is Muslim-exclusive and physically demanding
Adherents encircle the Kaba seven times, observe a procession, journey to Mina and then again encircle the
Kaba
They complete a series of activities including:
○ Tawah - circle the Ka’bah 7 times to symbolise the oneness of Allah
○ Sa’y - run between 2 hill 7 times to demonstrate trust in Allah
○ Stand at Mt Arafat - meditate and ask Allah for forgiveness of their sins
○ Stoning of the Devil of Jamarat - casting away sin and temptation
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