IslamIslam

A Growing ReligionA Growing Religion

Islam is an important religion to know about for many reasons, one of which is that it’s the world’s 2nd largest, as well as the fastest growing religion.

Islam is an important religion to know about for many reasons, one of which is that it’s the world’s 2nd largest, as well as the fastest growing religion.

The Central IdeaThe Central Idea

“The word Islam means “submission,” and the name tells us that the central idea of this faith is simply full and complete submission to the will of God. An adherent of the faith is called a Muslim, one who has made the submission.”

“The word Islam means “submission,” and the name tells us that the central idea of this faith is simply full and complete submission to the will of God. An adherent of the faith is called a Muslim, one who has made the submission.”

The Five PillarsThe Five Pillars

“The practice of Islam centers on what are commonly called its Five Pillars: reciting the creed that states that there is no God but Allah, and Muhammad is his Prophet; praying 5 times daily; giving alms; keeping a fast during the month of Ramadan; & once in one’s life, if possible, making the pilgrimage to Mecca.

“The practice of Islam centers on what are commonly called its Five Pillars: reciting the creed that states that there is no God but Allah, and Muhammad is his Prophet; praying 5 times daily; giving alms; keeping a fast during the month of Ramadan; & once in one’s life, if possible, making the pilgrimage to Mecca.

The Golden AgeThe Golden Age

“During the Golden Age of the Caliphate, science, philosophy, and theology were extensively cultivated.”

“During the Golden Age of the Caliphate, science, philosophy, and theology were extensively cultivated.”

Sunni and Shi’aSunni and Shi’a

Sunni Islam emphasizes the traditional path of Islamic life as interpreted by the consensus of scholars & the community. Shi’a Islam, while following the traditional path, also puts its faith in the authority of Imams who are Muhammad’s hereditary successors.”

Sunni Islam emphasizes the traditional path of Islamic life as interpreted by the consensus of scholars & the community. Shi’a Islam, while following the traditional path, also puts its faith in the authority of Imams who are Muhammad’s hereditary successors.”

Islamic MysticismIslamic Mysticism

Islamic mysticism, called Sufism, focuses on the presence of the Divine oneness everywhere, & offers paths to the attainment of union with God.

Islamic mysticism, called Sufism, focuses on the presence of the Divine oneness everywhere, & offers paths to the attainment of union with God.

No ConsensusNo Consensus

There is currently no consensus on how women should fit into Islam and what their place is to be.

There is currently no consensus on how women should fit into Islam and what their place is to be.

The Mosque: A Place of Prayer

The Mosque: A Place of Prayer

The mosque, a place of prayer to the infinite Lord, has no picture, image, altar, flowers or candles-only a vast, clean, cool, austerely beautiful empty space.

The mosque, a place of prayer to the infinite Lord, has no picture, image, altar, flowers or candles-only a vast, clean, cool, austerely beautiful empty space.

Muslim WorshipMuslim Worship

It is deeply consistent with the basic premise of the faith that whenever feasible, Muslims not only establish Muslim worship, but create Muslim societies under Muslim rulers based on Qur’anic law.

It is deeply consistent with the basic premise of the faith that whenever feasible, Muslims not only establish Muslim worship, but create Muslim societies under Muslim rulers based on Qur’anic law.

Muhammad (570-632)Muhammad (570-632)

At the core of Islam lies the experience and faith of Muhammad himself.

At the core of Islam lies the experience and faith of Muhammad himself.

Journey to YathribJourney to Yathrib

His journey to Yathrib is called the Hijra, the date from which the Muslim calendar begins; marking the beginning of Muhammad’s public & organizational work on a large scale.

His journey to Yathrib is called the Hijra, the date from which the Muslim calendar begins; marking the beginning of Muhammad’s public & organizational work on a large scale.

The Qur’anThe Qur’an

It would be more accurate to say that the Qur’an is to Muslims what Jesus (not the Bible) is to Christians.

It would be more accurate to say that the Qur’an is to Muslims what Jesus (not the Bible) is to Christians.

A StandardA Standard

The Qur’an’s Arabic has been compared to Shakespeare’s English. It is the standard by which all other Arabic is compared, and found wanting.

The Qur’an’s Arabic has been compared to Shakespeare’s English. It is the standard by which all other Arabic is compared, and found wanting.

Show RespectShow Respect

To profane the Qur’an would be like a Catholic having to witness Holy Communion misused and abused.

To profane the Qur’an would be like a Catholic having to witness Holy Communion misused and abused.

Not a CompetitionNot a Competition

Jesus has, to say the least, been far more highly regarded by Muslims than Muhammad has been by Christians.

Jesus has, to say the least, been far more highly regarded by Muslims than Muhammad has been by Christians.

Submission to GodSubmission to God

It is just the essence of religion, plain and perfect submission to the absolute God in all areas of life.

It is just the essence of religion, plain and perfect submission to the absolute God in all areas of life.

No SeparationNo Separation

This focus on the oneness of God & of all life is what allows Islam to remain fundamentally simple. It’s also the key to the Sufi’s understanding of reality. Their whole practice takes off with unity & oneness as the starting point. If we are all one with God, then the separation we experience must be an illusion.

This focus on the oneness of God & of all life is what allows Islam to remain fundamentally simple. It’s also the key to the Sufi’s understanding of reality. Their whole practice takes off with unity & oneness as the starting point. If we are all one with God, then the separation we experience must be an illusion.

Life Under the LawLife Under the Law

To study the Qur’an is to realize that all of life falls under religious law & is one of the reasons that many Muslims prefer to live in a Muslim ruled state.

To study the Qur’an is to realize that all of life falls under religious law & is one of the reasons that many Muslims prefer to live in a Muslim ruled state.

HadithHadith

If the Qur’an is the direct words of Allah, then hadith is the direct words and stories about Muhammad.

If the Qur’an is the direct words of Allah, then hadith is the direct words and stories about Muhammad.

Jihad: Holy WarJihad: Holy War

Out of the community ideal of Islam comes the concept of jihad, which is designed to defend Islam & allow its social practice.

Out of the community ideal of Islam comes the concept of jihad, which is designed to defend Islam & allow its social practice.

A Holy StruggleA Holy Struggle

Any act of self-control and discipline can be seen as a “holy struggle.”

Any act of self-control and discipline can be seen as a “holy struggle.”

The First PillarThe First Pillar

The first of the five pillars is to say, “There is no god but God (Allah), & Muhammad is the rasul (Prophet or messenger) of God.”

The first of the five pillars is to say, “There is no god but God (Allah), & Muhammad is the rasul (Prophet or messenger) of God.”

Unity and OnenessUnity and Oneness

The idea behind charity is solidarity and a celebration of unity and oneness.

The idea behind charity is solidarity and a celebration of unity and oneness.

Not OkayNot Okay

The moral issue is not with poor people, but with people who are destitute. Poor is one thing, homeless & starving is another.

The moral issue is not with poor people, but with people who are destitute. Poor is one thing, homeless & starving is another.

Spiritual HungerSpiritual Hunger

If we let our physical hunger remind us of our spiritual hunger and let that reminder turn our hearts to prayer, then we are beginning to gain the benefits intended.

If we let our physical hunger remind us of our spiritual hunger and let that reminder turn our hearts to prayer, then we are beginning to gain the benefits intended.

The HajjThe Hajj

“Abraham under God’s instructions built the cubical shrine at Mecca-the Ka’ba-with the help of Ishmael.”

“Abraham under God’s instructions built the cubical shrine at Mecca-the Ka’ba-with the help of Ishmael.”

PrayerPrayer

Five times a day the faithful Muslim’s mind and heart, perhaps prompted by the muezzin, turns away from the things of the world to prayer.

Five times a day the faithful Muslim’s mind and heart, perhaps prompted by the muezzin, turns away from the things of the world to prayer.

The MosqueThe Mosque

Far simpler in ornamentation than most churches and temples of other faiths, yet imposing and monumental, the mosque well reflects the austerity & majesty of Islam and its God.

Far simpler in ornamentation than most churches and temples of other faiths, yet imposing and monumental, the mosque well reflects the austerity & majesty of Islam and its God.

A Popular HeroA Popular Hero

Unlike other religious founders, Muhammad died a popular hero among his people, a ruler, a successful diplomat, politician, & general.

Unlike other religious founders, Muhammad died a popular hero among his people, a ruler, a successful diplomat, politician, & general.

The Glorious YearsThe Glorious Years

The years of the Baghdad caliphate (750-1258) & of the Cordova caliphate in Spain (755-1236) were the glorious years of early Islamic civilization.

The years of the Baghdad caliphate (750-1258) & of the Cordova caliphate in Spain (755-1236) were the glorious years of early Islamic civilization.

Divine SanctionDivine Sanction

The rule of law believed to have Divine sanction inevitably made society static, putting a premium on conformity, rather than innovation & new ideas.

The rule of law believed to have Divine sanction inevitably made society static, putting a premium on conformity, rather than innovation & new ideas.

From Time Into EternityFrom Time Into Eternity

The famous Persian carpets also often have a comparable sacred message; the spot in the center upon which the elaborate design focuses is an opening from time into eternity.

The famous Persian carpets also often have a comparable sacred message; the spot in the center upon which the elaborate design focuses is an opening from time into eternity.

Literary MasterpieceLiterary Masterpiece

The Qur’an itself is considered a work of not only religious & spiritual genius, but also a literary masterpiece.

The Qur’an itself is considered a work of not only religious & spiritual genius, but also a literary masterpiece.

Jalaluddin Rumi (1207-1273)

Jalaluddin Rumi (1207-1273)

Rumi wrote that we should “Let the beauty we love be what we do. There are hundreds of ways to kneel & kiss the ground.”

Rumi wrote that we should “Let the beauty we love be what we do. There are hundreds of ways to kneel & kiss the ground.”

Crucial QuestionsCrucial Questions

Religions must adapt to their surroundings to some extent. How much they should adapt is always one of the crucial questions faced by religious leaders.

Religions must adapt to their surroundings to some extent. How much they should adapt is always one of the crucial questions faced by religious leaders.

Islamic ScholarsIslamic Scholars

Progress was seen as a good thing in Islam, an unfolding of Allah’s will for humans.

Progress was seen as a good thing in Islam, an unfolding of Allah’s will for humans.

Reason and LimitsReason and Limits

Mystics tend to fall in line with those who follow their hearts. They see a purpose for reason and rationality, but they also see its limits.

Mystics tend to fall in line with those who follow their hearts. They see a purpose for reason and rationality, but they also see its limits.

Integral PhilosophyIntegral Philosophy

From an Integral Philosophy perspective, it is good to have both ways. Neither the mystical nor the rationalist position is “better” than the other.

From an Integral Philosophy perspective, it is good to have both ways. Neither the mystical nor the rationalist position is “better” than the other.

ConsensusConsensus

Sunni Islam relies on the consensus of a group of scholars to reach decisions regarding beliefs and practices.

Sunni Islam relies on the consensus of a group of scholars to reach decisions regarding beliefs and practices.

PeacePeace

Since all three religions are waiting, wouldn’t it be great if they could wait together in peace?

Since all three religions are waiting, wouldn’t it be great if they could wait together in peace?

Lost in the DepthsLost in the Depths

Sufis seek not only to follow his external commandments, but to know him intimately & even to lose themselves in love into the depths of his being.

Sufis seek not only to follow his external commandments, but to know him intimately & even to lose themselves in love into the depths of his being.

A Timeless PathA Timeless Path

“Thus, many Sufis believe not only that their way is that of Muhammad himself, but also that Sufism is really a timeless path known to the wise in all generations.”

“Thus, many Sufis believe not only that their way is that of Muhammad himself, but also that Sufism is really a timeless path known to the wise in all generations.”

Pre-Trans FallacyPre-Trans Fallacy

This is a classic “pre-trans fallacy” where a trans-rational comment is understood on a pre-rational level.

This is a classic “pre-trans fallacy” where a trans-rational comment is understood on a pre-rational level.

Persecution Persecution

Many of the great saints of all of the world’s religions have been persecuted & condemned, even killed before they are later recognized as saints.

Many of the great saints of all of the world’s religions have been persecuted & condemned, even killed before they are later recognized as saints.

The Spread of IslamThe Spread of Islam

By the last quarter of the twentieth century this situations changed dramatically. Rarely since the stunning spread of Islam in its 1st century have the fortunes of a religion changed so remarkably in so short a time.

By the last quarter of the twentieth century this situations changed dramatically. Rarely since the stunning spread of Islam in its 1st century have the fortunes of a religion changed so remarkably in so short a time.

A Popular Source of Support

A Popular Source of Support

By having a strong belief system, strict rules and laws, and a strong emphasis on community, Islam proves to be a popular source of support for many people who find the rapid changes of modern life disconcerting and troubling.

By having a strong belief system, strict rules and laws, and a strong emphasis on community, Islam proves to be a popular source of support for many people who find the rapid changes of modern life disconcerting and troubling.

Reformation Reformation

The Reformation helped wrench Europe into new stages of historical development. What Islam will generate remains to be seen.

The Reformation helped wrench Europe into new stages of historical development. What Islam will generate remains to be seen.

“Victims of the Western World”“Victims of the Western World”

At the very least, Muslims look at the 100 million people killed in wars during the 20th century as being primarily the victims of the Western world, not Islam.

At the very least, Muslims look at the 100 million people killed in wars during the 20th century as being primarily the victims of the Western world, not Islam.

Acceptable AlternativesAcceptable Alternatives

At least we can disagree with some perspective on what needs these movements serve. In doing this, we may be able to provide more acceptable alternatives that seek to meet these same needs for structure, stability, and safety.

At least we can disagree with some perspective on what needs these movements serve. In doing this, we may be able to provide more acceptable alternatives that seek to meet these same needs for structure, stability, and safety.

StereotypesStereotypes

Popular images of people become engrained in human consciousness, & begin to influence the way we think about others.

Popular images of people become engrained in human consciousness, & begin to influence the way we think about others.

FreedomFreedom

Freedom doesn’t mean that one has to give up his or her faith. It just means that one isn’t forced by law to attend services, etc.

Freedom doesn’t mean that one has to give up his or her faith. It just means that one isn’t forced by law to attend services, etc.

A Life of ServiceA Life of Service

The mystics of all traditions agree that what’s important is living a life transformed by the love & presence of God. Such a life is a life lived in service to others.

The mystics of all traditions agree that what’s important is living a life transformed by the love & presence of God. Such a life is a life lived in service to others.

What Makes a Fanatic?What Makes a Fanatic?

Part of what makes people fanatical is an extreme devotion to a certain literal understanding of a teaching or revelation.

Part of what makes people fanatical is an extreme devotion to a certain literal understanding of a teaching or revelation.

A Gross DistortionA Gross Distortion

It’s important to know that the vast majority of Muslim people reject these fanatical teachings about suicide bombers & see it as a gross distortion of the Qur’an.

It’s important to know that the vast majority of Muslim people reject these fanatical teachings about suicide bombers & see it as a gross distortion of the Qur’an.

Not InsurmountableNot Insurmountable

Does that mean the temptations are more difficult? Possibly. But that doesn’t meant they are insurmountable.

Does that mean the temptations are more difficult? Possibly. But that doesn’t meant they are insurmountable.

PatriarchyPatriarchy

All the religions we’ve studied, except the Early Religions, spring out of the last few 1000 years, when the world has been patriarchal.

All the religions we’ve studied, except the Early Religions, spring out of the last few 1000 years, when the world has been patriarchal.

In Favor of Choices and Rights

In Favor of Choices and Rights

Muhammad himself “pronounced in favor of choice & rights for women, a position that flew in the face of the prevailing abuse of women in tribal society of his time & place.”

Muhammad himself “pronounced in favor of choice & rights for women, a position that flew in the face of the prevailing abuse of women in tribal society of his time & place.”

May 19, 1919Less Than 100 Years Ago!!

May 19, 1919Less Than 100 Years Ago!!

We tend to forget that women were allowed to vote less than a hundred years ago in the modern United States.

We tend to forget that women were allowed to vote less than a hundred years ago in the modern United States.

InterpretationInterpretation

As we have seen, when it comes to written text, they each must be interpreted. The interpretation often says as much about the development of the interpreter as it does about the text.

As we have seen, when it comes to written text, they each must be interpreted. The interpretation often says as much about the development of the interpreter as it does about the text.

Women CountWomen Count

If people (and thus women) count to God, then they have some inherent value that must be recognized by the community.

If people (and thus women) count to God, then they have some inherent value that must be recognized by the community.

A Cloud of RationalizationA Cloud of Rationalization

The human ability to rationalize away the great ideals of the religions is one way we have delayed living up to them for hundreds of years.

The human ability to rationalize away the great ideals of the religions is one way we have delayed living up to them for hundreds of years.

A CompromiseA Compromise

The government found a compromise, in that it respects the rights of adults to make up their own mind, but not to decide for children.

The government found a compromise, in that it respects the rights of adults to make up their own mind, but not to decide for children.

Spiritual or PoliticalSpiritual or Political

If the issue is not spiritual but political, then many women who want to stay in their religion demand that changes be made, so that what is of spiritual value is guarded, but what is of a bygone era & harmful to the dignity of women be changed.

If the issue is not spiritual but political, then many women who want to stay in their religion demand that changes be made, so that what is of spiritual value is guarded, but what is of a bygone era & harmful to the dignity of women be changed.

ChangesChanges

Today, economic considerations are influencing changes in many Islamic countries. Women have moved out of the home & into the workplace.

Today, economic considerations are influencing changes in many Islamic countries. Women have moved out of the home & into the workplace.

Challenging the Roles of Women

Challenging the Roles of Women

Much of the modern scholarship challenging the roles of women in Islam are coming from women who are doing their homework and asking the critical questions about Muhammad, the Qur’an and early Islamic history.

Much of the modern scholarship challenging the roles of women in Islam are coming from women who are doing their homework and asking the critical questions about Muhammad, the Qur’an and early Islamic history.

“Protection” of Women“Protection” of Women

We see the “protection” of women as something ordained by God forever, rather than a comment on what was relevant at the time.

We see the “protection” of women as something ordained by God forever, rather than a comment on what was relevant at the time.

Importance of UnderstandingImportance of Understanding

If we are to continue to live & work together in peace in this country, then it will be important for us to understand some general points about Islam.

If we are to continue to live & work together in peace in this country, then it will be important for us to understand some general points about Islam.

A World ReligionA World Religion

More importantly, after centuries of repression, Islam is on its way back as a world religion, full of new life & many changes that make it a power and spirituality to be reckoned with in no uncertain terms. “This resurgent Islam is a major force in the world today.”

More importantly, after centuries of repression, Islam is on its way back as a world religion, full of new life & many changes that make it a power and spirituality to be reckoned with in no uncertain terms. “This resurgent Islam is a major force in the world today.”

Not in the Original Teachings

Not in the Original Teachings

We saw that most of the negativity doesn’t lie within the original teachings themselves, but in the way they are put (or not put) into practice.

We saw that most of the negativity doesn’t lie within the original teachings themselves, but in the way they are put (or not put) into practice.

A Balanced ViewA Balanced View

We only gain a balanced view by talking to as many people and reading as much as we can.

We only gain a balanced view by talking to as many people and reading as much as we can.