Seminar 2

The Arabic meaning of Islam is submission to God/Allah; the creator of the universe.

Islam provides a comprehensive concept to humanity’s eternal question: who are we?

Islam is a comprehensive and balanced system of life encompassing the spiritual and the temporal realms.

Attributes Genderless and beyond imagination Mercy We are his honored creatures Direct relationship between God and the

believers Worship is intimate & personal

Trustees of God on Earth

Relationship with Nature &

Environment Harmony Complementary Animals are like us

The oneness of God, the creator of the whole universe

Islam is the continuation of divine messages that God sent to humanity through prophets like Abraham, Isaac, Moses, and Jesus.

The moral principles of the ten commandments are reflected in the message of Muhammad.

It acknowledges the diversity of the human race and freedom of religions

Inherent designed diversity

Based on justice & fairness

Obligations towards the poor

Freedom of faith; no compulsion in religion

Freedom of religious practice

Special status for Christian and Jews (monotheist outlook)

Relationship with other religions

The revelation of God to Muhammad

It has been preserved as revealed 14 centuries ago.

It consists of 114 chapters of various lengths. In Arabic, it numbers about 604 pages.

The translation of its meaning is available in English and most of the world’s languages

Appeals to the mind to reflect on creations and the creator

Glad tidings for the believers Admonitions to the non-

believers Stories of previous messengers

of God such as Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Moses, Jesus, Mary, etc.

Rulings on social and commercial issues.

Moses: And we sent Moses with our signs; get your people from darkness to light and remind them of the miracles of Allah. For in it are signs for the thankful (14:5)

Mary: The angels said. “O Mary! Allah has chosen, purified and chosen you among the women of this world. Mary, worship your Lord devoutly: Prostrate and bow with those who bow down.(3:42-43)

Jesus: The angels said, “O Mary! Allah brings you good news; a word from Him whose name will be Christ Jesus, the son of Mary, held in honour in this world and the hereafter and of those nearest to Allah. He shall speak to the people when infant and old and shall be of the righteous. (3:45-46)

“People of the Book, go not beyond the bounds in your religion, and say not as to God but the truth. The Messiah, Jesus son of Mary, was only the Messenger of God, and His Word that He committed to Mary, and a Spirit from Him. So believe in God and His Messengers, and say not, ‘Three.’ Refrain; better is it for you. God is only One God.”

Qur’an, chapter 4:168

Diversity & Inclusivness

Ramadan ϥΎοϣέ

Arabic text translates as: In the Name of Allâh, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful

September 13th – October 12th 2007

Prepared by

Shell Middle East & North Africa Network

Hajj: Pilgrimage to Mecca

Islam 101March 7, 2012

In the Name of Allah Most Gracious Most Merciful

Men and women are equal◦ Revelations directed to “men & women” (33:35)◦ What truly matters is not male/female, but whether they

believe in Allah (9:71, 4:124)◦ Provisions for the physical & financial well-being of women

(2:236, 2:240) Men and women are not equal

◦ Daughters inherit half as much property◦ Valued mostly as mothers and wives

19-25: The treatment of wives, and proper courtship 32: Fair treatment of women 34: Roles of husbands in regard to wives and their

loyalty There are numerous unnamed women throughout the

Qur’an that are mentioned, such as the wives of the prophet.

Maryam (Mary, Mother of Jesus) is the only woman named in the entire Qur'an.

Mary, mother of Christ (3:35-37, 42-47, 19: 16-29)

Virgin conception and role as mother of the “Messiah” recognized in the Qur’an

Chosen by and obedient to Allah There are some references to Elizabeth,

though she is never named (3:37-41, 19:1-15)

Women, as well as men, are encouraged to become as educated as they can

Right to an official position in a mosque is disputed by many (Female Imam one day?)

Fully emancipated Enjoy all rights and privileges that men

have Are not second grade members of

community Following Hijab is often optional

Religious law often heavily enforced in public A Burka, which covers all parts of the body except the

eyes are often mandatory for women Women prevented from being employed, not allowed

to drive, vote, hold office or seek divorce. given very few rights, they are rarely allowed to

testify in court Honor killings are still a major problem Ayaan Hirsi Ali

Mary only woman specifically mentioned in the Qur’an, she is mentioned several times and in many places.

The Qur’an makes several references to the equality of Women, emphasizing modesty over subjection

Modern Muslim Woman are often subject to the laws of their respective areas; some strict, others free.

Women are gaining power and influence

Materials from: Janel Alimboyoguen, Gwyneth Calipjo, Julia Conley, Elly Guadarram, Leslie Kincaid, John Michael Reyes, Max Altshuld, Subhan Ayoubi, Cierra Cass, Chad Greer, Dani Lencioni, Gina Belmonte, Taylor Chaput, Katrina Gould and Lindsay Smith

Isa Son of Mary, a virgin Last of the Israelite prophets Brought the injil Only prophet to perform miracles

◦ Heal the sick◦ Raise the dead◦ Cast out Demons

Message of meekness and humility Not crucified – was taken into heaven Will return near end of the world to join the

Mahdi He will defeat the Antichrist Rule for 40 years, then buried in Madinah

next to Muhammad