Download - History, Values and Culture
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Islam:History, values and culture
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We are all Muslims; some have the Gospels,
others have the Quran
A Patriarch from Syria
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1. Which of the following is a true statement:
A. All Arabs are Muslims B. All Muslims are Arabs
C. Iran is an Arab country D. None of the above
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1. Which of the following is a true statement:
A. All Arabs are Muslims B. All Muslims are Arabs
C. Iran is an Arab country D. None of the above
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2. During prayer a Muslim should face:
A. Mecca B. Islamabad
C. Jerusalem D. Washington, DC
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2. During prayer a Muslim should face:
A. Mecca B. Islamabad
C. Jerusalem D. Washington, DC
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Islam
Founder: Muhammad Ibn (son of) Adballah
Born: 571 AD in Mecca, Arabia Descendant of Abraham
Titles: The prophet, the messenger (Alrasul)
Holy Book: The Quran, derived from read
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Quraiysh
Qussaiy
Abdmanaf
Abdshams Hashem
(Amneh+) Abdallah Abutalib Hamzeh Alabbas Abulahab Alhareth
(661-750) (750-1258)
Muhammad Ali
Adbelmuttalib
Ummayah Dynasty Abbbassides Dynasty
Abraham
Ismail
Adnan
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Historical Overview
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Mecca
Medinah
The Levant
MesopotamiaThe fertile Crescent
H
I
j
a
z
EGYPT ARABIA Dynastiesof the
South
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Middle East, 7th Century
The Arabian Peninsula
The source of Arabs and the Semitic race
Mostly desert, few urbanized areas
Urban centers, Mecca
Mainly tribal society
First mention of Arabs, 854 B.C.
Arabs of the North and Arabs of the South
Dynasties in the south
Religions
Christianity (inclusive), Judaism (exclusive), polytheism
The Sassanid or Persian Empire Ailing
The Byzantine or Eastern Roman Empire
Christianity is the state religion, 3rd century
A foreign occupying power
Sectarian conflicts with the locals
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Byzantine
Empire *Persian
Empire
An Arabian
dynastyAn Arabian
dynasty *
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571 Muhammad born in Mecca.
610 First revelation in the Harraa cave (27 Ramadan). 622 Hijraor Escape. Muhammad and followers escape prosecution
and go to Almadinah (Yathrib).
Year 1 in the Islamic calendar
Missionaries sent all over Arabia
building peaceful coalition 629 Muhammad conquers Mecca peacefully (NO REVENGE)
destroys idols in Alqaaba.
single-handedly, brings peace to war-torn Arabia
632 Muhammad dies in Almadinah. Unmarked grave (his will)
Islam, 610-632
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Islam by the death of Mohammed 632
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Abu-Bakr - 632-634 The first elected official. Wise leader, crisis manager
Omar Ibn Elkhattab - 634-644
A first-rate statesman. Honest, modest and just.
Conquered the Levant, Egypt, Iraq, Persia
Damascus (9 / 635) and Jerusalem (5 / 638) surrender peacefully
Omars pledge to the Jerusalemites
A modern state: Treasury, communication, defense. Engraved currency.
Othman bin Affan - 644-656 Collected and compiled the Quran Emergence of power struggle
Ali Bin Abitalib - 656-661
Power struggle escalated to armed conflict
Emergence of political parties
End of democracy. Ummayah Dynasty in Damascus, Muawyia (661-680)
632-661: the Four Elected Successors (Caliphs)
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Islam at 644, the year Omar died
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The Ummayah Dynasty, 661-750
Empire center and capital move to Damascus
Expansion: All N. Africa (Atlantic), W. Europe, much of C. Asia, the wall of China
711: Conquer of Spain and Portugal. Tariq Bin Ziyad
Expansion into W. Europe blocked in France by Charles Martial, 732
Power Struggle continues, but the Caliphs brutally liquidate all rivals
Karbalaa in S. Iraq (10 Nov, 680) and the emerge of the Shiha
Addelmalek builds Al-Aqsa Mosque and the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem (691)
Massive translation of Greek and Indian writings
Arabization of the empire
Bloom of architecture, arts, agriculture, and science
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732, 100 Yrs after Mohammed
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The Abbassides Dynasty, 750-1258
The center of the Empire moves to Iraq and Iran
Baghdad, built 762 AD by Almansur (2nd Caliph).
With over 2 M, Baghdad becomes the glamorous center of the world
Science, art, architecture, learning, and wealth
Lighted streets, public baths, public libraries and hospitals everywhere
Other dynasties in Egypt, Spain, and parts of the Levant.
A 2nd Ummayah dynasty in Spain, 9th century Qurtoba (Cordova) competes with Baghdad
Cairo, built 968 AD
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Islam as Monotheistic Religion
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Islam: Surrender, related to salaam, or peace.
Abraham, father of all prophets, is the first Muslim
Islam is also a code for social conduct
Quran plus the authentic statements of Muhammad (Hadith) = Shareeha
(constitution), as Interpreted by Islamic scholars
Muhammad is the last prophet (33: 40).
Gabriel highest ranking angel
The Quran: Islams holy book, an inspired scripture. Gods word inspired to his messenger,
114 Chapters (chapter = Surah), 4 to >200 verses/chapter (verse = Aiyah)
Confirms most narratives and prophets of the Jewish and Christian faiths
Special place for Virgin Mary, the only female (the Chapter of Mary)
Allah is the word for God used by Christian and Muslim Arabs
God = Allah (Arabic) = Eluhim (Hebrew) = El (Aramaic)
One and only one God, no trinity
Arabic as the language of the Quran
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The framework for Muslim life. Essential practices
1. The declaration of faith: "There is no deity but God, and Muhammad is the messenger of God"
2. Prayer:
Five obligatory prayers each day.
A direct link between the worshiper and God.
No hierarchical authority or priesthood
3. Zakat:
Obligatory charitable giving.
Wealth belong to God and it is held in trust by humans. Zakat, or, "purification" by setting aside a portion (2.5%) for the needy
4. Fasting:
From sunrise to sunset during the holy month of Ramadan
5. Pilgrimage:
A pilgrimage (Hajj) to Mecca, Arabia. Only those who can
The 'Five Pillars' of Islam
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Jihad and the Conduct of War
Islam is not addicted to war, and jihad is not one of its "pillars
Jihad in Arabic does not mean "holy war. It means "struggle or strive.
It is the difficult effort needed to put God's will into practice at every level
The "greater jihad in the Quran is that of the soul, of the tongue, of the pen, of
faith, of morality, etc. The "smaller jihad" is that of arms.
Many directives in the authentic statements of Muhammad (Hadiths):
He told his companions as they go home after a battle "We are returning from
the lesser jihad[the battle] to the greater jihad, at home" Three levels:
Personal: That of the soul
Verbal: Raising one's voice in the name of Allah on behalf of justice.
"The most excellent jihad is the speaking of truth in the face of a tyrant"
(Hadith) Physical: Combat waged in defense against oppression and transgression.
Profoundly misunderstood in today's world.
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Much of the Koran revealed in the context of an all-out war imposed on early
Muslims by the powerful city of Mecca, and many passages deal with the conduct
of armed struggle.
While one finds "slay[enemies] wherever you find them!"(e.g., 4: 89),
in almost every case it is followed by something like "if they let you be,
and do not make war on you, and offer you peace, God does not allow you
to harm them"(2:90; 4: 90; 5: 2; 8: 61; 22: 39)
Since good and evil cannot be equal, repel thou evil with something that isbetter, and love he between whom and thy self was enmity may then become
as though he had always been close unto thee, a true friend" (41:34)
God does not allow harm of civilian, and requests the protection of women,
children and the elderly during war (4:96; 9: 91; 48: 16,17)
If any one slew a person--unless it be for murder or for spreading mischiefin the land--it would be as if he slew the whole people; and if anyone saved
a life, it would be as if he saved the life of the whole people.(5:32)
You shall feed and protect prisoners of war, and you shall not expect a
reward (4: 25,36; 5:24)
Thus, the only permissible war in the Quran is one of self-defense, you
cannot kill unarmed (civilian), and you have to protect prisoners of war
Jihad and the Conduct of War
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Jihad and the Conduct of War
Warfare is always evil. Sometimes you have to fight to avoid persecution. e.g.,
the one Mecca inflicted on early Muslims (2: 191; 2: 217), or to preserve decent
values (4: 75; 22: 40)
Muslims may not begin hostilities "Fight in the cause of Allah those who fight you, but do not transgress limits;
for Allah loves not transgressors."(2: 190). Notice: Defensive war, fight back
Hostilities must be brought to an end as quickly as possible, and must cease theminute the enemy sues for peace (2:192-3; 41:34)
Martyrdom: Those killed during fighting or while doing civic duties (martyrs) are
promised a place in heaven (several passages, e.g., 2:154; 3:169-172)
However, suicide is not allowed; it is forbidden and condemned (e.g., 6:151,
17:33, 25:68)
One of my favorite Hadiths
'Do not attack a temple, a church, a synagogue. Do not bring a tree
or a plant down. Do not harm a horse or a camel
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Relation with other Faiths
Like the Torah, the Quran permits retaliation eye for eye, tooth for tooth.
But, like the Gospels, it says it is meritorious to forgo revenge in a spirit of charity(5: 45)
Acknowledges Adam, Noah, Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses,
David, Solomon, Zacharia, Jesus, John the paptist, and others as the the good
prophets of God
A special place for Jesus and Mary (e.g., 3:45,46; 4:156-158; 19:1-98) Accepts that Marys conception is from Gods soul.
Rejects the divinity of Jesus (no trinity).
Jesus was not killed (e.g., 4:155-159; 5:17-19)
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Islam did not impose itself by the sword. "There must be no coercion in matters of faith"(2: 256)
Muslims have to respect Jews and Christians, the "People of the Book,"
who worship the same God (e.g., 2:62; 29:46). "And dispute ye not with the People of the Book, except with means better,
unless it be with those of them who inflict wrong: but say, 'We believe in
the revelation which has come down to us and in that which came down
to you; Our Allah and your Allah is one; and it is to Him we bow. In one of his last public sermons Muhammad said
God tells all human beings, "O people! We have formed you into nations
and tribes so that you may know one another" (49: 13). Do not conquer,
convert, subjugate, revile or slaughter but to reach out toward otherswith
intelligence and understanding
The Levant remained mainly Christian for almost 200 Yrs. No one was forced to convert to Islam
The right of all faiths to warship was respected
Sites of warship, holy places and shrines of all faiths were protected
Relation with other Faiths
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Charity, Charity, Charity .
On top of the Zakat. Help the orphan, the poor, the ill, the lost, the homeless,
the elderly Endless times in the Quran (16 times in Chapters 2-5 alone)
Freedom, Integrity, Equality, Justice .
An hour of justice by a ruler is better than sixty days of hard work(Hadith)
Endless request for justice in the Quran (e.g., 2: 282; 6; 152)
O mankind, Weve created you from a male and a female and have madeyou nations and tribes that you may know and interact with each other.
The noblest of you in the sight of God is the best in conduct(49:13).
No Arab is privileged over non-Arab but by his or her conduct(Hadith)
All people are equal like the teeth of a comb (Hadith)
You are not considered faithful in the sight of God unless you like foryour brother(read, others) what you like for yourself (Hadith)
when you are greeted with a greeting of peace, answer with an even
better greeting, or at least the like thereof" (4: 86).
Social Justice
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Right and Status of Women
Eliminated many pre-Islamic discriminatory practices Gave women rights (e.g., inheritance) and equality to men, both were made
from a single soul (e.g., 4:1)
Limited the number of wives a man can marry
Treat women with kindness and respect their rights as equal to men
The hijab or head scarf
Modest dress apply to women and men equally (Quran and Hadith).
Women are required to cover their bodies so that their figure is not revealed.
Women are not required to cover their faces.
The forbidden or taboo (muharramat) include pork, blood, improperly butcheredanimals, baby animals, gambling, and charging interest
Alcohol drinking was gradually disallowed
Other Values
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Science and Civilization
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A dedicated quest for knowledge and a burst of scientific innovation
in a multi-ethnic and multi-faith society
Lasted for over 8 centuries, and produced a plethora of knowledge and
discoveries in all disciplines Induced the later European renaissance
The Arabic tong, invigorated by the Quran, was the vehicle, and tolerant,
inclusive, and knowledge-advocate Islamic faith was the culture
Repeated requests in both the Quran and the Hadith for seeking
knowledge, and application of rational thinking
Seek knowledge even in China
Seek knowledge from crib to grave
On judgement day, the ink of scientists is valued by God higherthan the blood of martyrs
The two important disciplines of science are theology and Biology
Initially, massive translation of Greek and Indian writings
preserved all literary and scientific works and transmitted them to Europe
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Medicine and Pharmacy Chemistry and Physics
Mathmatics Astronomy
M di i d Ph
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Medicine and Pharmacy
Institutionalized and regulated the practice of Medicine and Pharmacy The modern concept of clinics
Board exams and license to practice. Regulatory boards (FDA's!!!) Classification of plants and Algae for their medical use, and outlined
possible side effects (PDRs!!)
Hospitals:
Tens, including specialized, in each of Baghdad, Qurtoba, and Damascus.
Mobile hospitals for emergency.
Departments and University Hospitals.
Patients records and vital signs, urine tests, family history.
Surgery:
Threads from animals intestine.
Opium and Hashish for Anesthesia. Alcohol as disinfectant.
Treatment of cataract, and removal of kidney and gallbladder stones
Autopsy !!!
Students training (Anatomy)
Cause of death
Known Physicians
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Abu-bakr Elrazzy; 9th Century
Father of Physicians, great clinician and experimentalist
Many books including Smallpox and Measles
Ibn-Elhaytham: 10th Century
Multidisciplinary scientist. Ophthalmologist
Mechanism of sight. Function of the eye
Over 100 books in Med. and Math.
Ibn-Seena (Avisai): 10th Century
The Qannun, the medical text book in Europe till 19th Cen. Described the medical use of over 2700 plants
Light has a finite speed, which is much faster than the speed of sound
Ibn-Rushd (Aviros): 13th Century
Philosopher and Physician. Many books
Ibn-Elnafees: Blood circulation and the role of lungs
Abulkassim Alzahrawi (Abulcasis or Albucasis): 11th Century
One of the greatest surgeons. A good dentist and GP.
Removal of breast cancer.
Hemophilia and its hereditary transmission (female to male)
Known Physicians
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Arabic terms and methods of preparation for Alkali, Alcohol, Tartarate
Discovered and prepared in pure form 28 elements (Ibn Elhaytham) The processes of crystallization, fermentation, distillation, sublimation,
Preparation of acids (H2SO4, HCl, HNO3) and bases (NaOH)
Light travels in straight lines. Laws of refraction, reflection and illusion of light.
Eluded to the Magnetic properties of some objects
Chemistry and Physics
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Arabic numeral and the decimal system of numbers. Right Left. English. But 1000
Arithmetic. Roots and powers
Algorithm = Alkhawarismi
The mathematical ZERO
Algebra (combining fractions).
The Use of (x, y, z) to solve complex arithmetic/geometric problems
Trigonometry (Albairuni and Albuzjani), differential and Integral. = 3.141596535898732.
Some known Mathematicians:
Abu-bakr Alkhawarismi
Thabit Ibn Qarra (9th Century). Calculus.
Ibn-elhaytham Albairuni (10th Century) Albuzjani Omar Elkhayam (2 & 3 equations)
Mathematics
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Astrology (myth) Astronomy (science)
Movement, path, and location of planets and stars
The Asturlab
Earth is spherical and rotates along its axis and around the sun.
Calculated earth circumference (Albairuni)
Calculated the time needed for one rotation around the sun (solar year), with
an error of 2 22 only (Albattani) Calculated the equinoxes
Current names of most constellations, and many stars are from Arabic
Some known astronomists:
Alkindy (9th Century)
Albattani (9th Century) Ibn-elhaytham (11th Century)
Thabit Ibn Qarra
Almajreeti
Astronomy
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Sunni and Shiha
Sunni 90% of Muslims
Follow the Quran and the Hadeeth as we have them today,
and as interpreted by the Sunni scholars
Shiha
Came to be as a sect after 680 A.D.
Believe in the Quran and Hadeeth, like Sunni
However, they place Ali very high as a holy figure, and think main stream
Islam discriminated against him
Today Shiah is mainly in Iran (90%), Iraq (55%) and Lebanon (~40%)
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Important Holidays
Al-adhaa (the sacrifice)
Symbolizes Abraham attempt to sacrifice his son Ishmael by Gods request.
Should sacrifice an animal and give the food to the poor.
The pilgrimage to Mecca
Alfetr Observed at the end of the holy month of Ramadan (the fasting month)
The Islamic New Year Yr 1, Islamic calendar = 622 A.D.
Alisraa Walmaaraj Symbolizes the ascending, in Jerusalem, of Mohammed's soul to heaven
The Birthday of Muhammad
Ashuraa day (Shiha only)
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Islam Today
1.3 Billion worldwide, three continents
0.3 Billion Arabs
Indonesia (200 M) > India (180 M) > Pakistan (160 M) > Bangladesh (120 M) >
China (80 M) > Egypt (70 M)
There are about 20 M Christian Arabs Egypt > Syria > Lebanon > Palestine > Iraq
About 7 M Muslims in the USA, 3-4 M are Arabs
Roughly half of the Arab Americans are Christians
A b A i
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Farouq Elbaz (Egypt), NASA, the moon mission
Ahmed H. Zewail (Egypt) Winner of the 1999 Nobel Prize in Chemistry,
Cal. Tech. Saleh Wakeel (Iraq), member of the Natl Acad. Sci., Biochemistry
Qais Elawqati (Iraq), member of the Natl Acad. Sci., Microbiology
Majdi Yacub, first open heart surgery
Michael Debakee (Lebanon), chief cardiologist of the White House
Ralph Nader (Lebanon), consumer advocate, Green Party founder, and 2000 presidential candidate
John Sununu (Palestine), White House Ex-Chief of Staff
John Sununu JR., current state governor
Donna E. Shalala (Lebanon), Ex secretary of HHS
Helen Thomas, Ex dean of the White House press corps.
Edward Attiyeh (Syria), Ex governor of OR
Spencer Abraham (Lebanon), Secretary of Energy
George Mitchell
Arab Americans
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Arab Americans
Casey Kasem and Don Bustany (Lebanon) creators of radio's American
Top 40
Mustapha Elaqqad (Syria), Hollywood movie director
(director of the Halloween series) Tom Shadyac (Lebanon), Hollywood movie director
Salma Hayic (Lebanon), a Hollywood star
Yasser Seirawan (Syria), US Chess Champion
Jacques Nasser, president and CEO of Ford Motor Co
Ray Irani CEO of Occidental Petroleum (Exxon Mobil) Co
The Hyatt, Hagar, and Farah enterprises
Christina McAuliffe, an astronaut who died aboard the space shuttle
Challenger
Candy Lightner, founder of MADD
Suggested Reading
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History of the Arabs, Philip Hitti
The Arab People, Albert Hourany
Islam, An Empire of Faith, PBS Video, 2001 Islam: A Short History, Karen Armstrong, 2000
Muhammad, Karen Armstrong, 1998
Jihad: A Commitment to Universal Peace, Marcel A. Boisard, American Trust
Publications, 1988 The Oxford History of Islam, John L Esposito, ed. 1999
Islam: The Straight Path, John L Esposito, ed. 1998
The Meaning of the Holy Quran, Abdullah Yusif, Ali, 1997
Lives of the Prophets, Leila Azzam, 1995
From Difference to Equas, George Kindy, and Philip Saliba, eds., NYAS, 1994
Science in Medieval Islam, Howard R Turner, 1997
Arab American Encyclopedia, Anan Ameri, and Dawn Ramey, eds., 2000
Suggested Reading