Introduction to Islam

Some Basic Terminology

• Islam is the title of the Religion• The term Islam means “Submission”• A Muslim is someone who adheres to the

Islamic Religion• Both Islam and Muslim have same Arabic root

word Slm

Overview

• 1.5 billion members• Theological overview compatible with

Judaism and Christianity• Often seen as interchangeable with Arab

Countries• Islam is very different in non-Arab countries

Seal of the Prophets

• Recognize many prophets• Adam, Noah, Lot, Abraham, Ishmael, John,

Jesus, Muhammad• Muhammad held in high regard because he

received the fullness of Revelation

Saudi Arabia in the time of Muhammad• Polytheistic• Nomadic• Caught between Roman and Persian Empires• Harsh climate• Settlements around Oasis cities

Muhammad’s Life

• Raised by his uncle• Rejected polytheism• Contemplative nature• In 610 C.E., Angel Gabriel appeared to him• Clan did not accept his views• In 622, left Mecca for Medina• Muhammad’s teachings understood through

Jewish lens

Theology of Muhammad

• Monotheistic• One all-powerful God • Allah: Arabic word for God• Apocalyptic theology• Charity to the marginalized• Doom for the powerful and wealthy

The above image nicely sums up Muhammad’s Theology of doom for the unrepentent

Divinely Inspired Text

• What does “divinely Inspired” mean?• From the Latin inspirare meaning “to breath

in”• God is primary author• Islam holds that the text was verbally dictated• Christianity tends to affirm a non-verbal form

of inspiration• Scripture has a normative (binding) authority

Koran (Or Quran)

• Different from Judeo-Christian texts• More monotonous• Does not contain various genres• 114 Suras (Chapters)

Problems with Reading the Koran

• Inconsistencies• Not arranged chronologically• Actual authorship probably not Muhammad

Muslim Rituals and Practices

5 Pillars

Prayer• Required to pray to Allah five times a

day• Mosque

Almsgiving• Required to donate a percentage of one’s

income• Similar to taxes• Contribute to community’s well-being

Fasting• Ramadan• Sunrise to Sunset• Abstain from food• Period of purification

Pilgrimage• Journey to Mecca• Kaaba