Islam Discussion Questions

Question 1

What was the cultural and religious life like in Arabia before Muhammad brought the new
teachings of Islam?

Answer 1

The people of Arabia were in deep spiritual darkness.. There was no unified government, each tribe was an independent unit and was unto itself. Life was violent, murder and robbery were common, and the most trivial incidents often set off prolonged blood wars between tribes.

Their ignorance extended to morality; they indulged in adultery, gambling, and drinking,. Because daughters were considered a burden, they even practiced infanticide of infant daughters.

Jews and Christians promoted distorted ideas about Islam. Arabs worshipped many gods and divine forces. Trees and springs were venerated’ sacred stones were rubbed or kissed to derive power from them. This was known as the age of ignorance according to the Muslim story.

Question 2

Describe how Muhammad began receiving revelations from God. What was his own reaction?
Were there any who believed him?

Answer 2

He began seeing them when he went to go meditate in a cave nearby and had a startling vision. He was very distressed thinking at first he was dying and then wanting to kill himself, but was stopped by a voice from heaven which said he was the messenger of God.

Yes, Kadija was supportive and a cousin of Kadija who was well versed in Judaism and Christianity confirmed it was a revelation from God. Later his cousin and a slave freed by Muhammed also believed his revelation.

Question 3

What kind of reaction was there among the people of Mecca when Muhammad began publicly
proclaiming his new revelations?

Answer 3

While new converts were made through his public speaking, the vast majority of the Meccans became angry and grew hostile towards him.

The message from God was viewed as threatening to many, they even started treating Muslims violently and threw excrement at Muhammed.

Question 4

Why was the Hijra such an important event that the Muslim calendar dates from it?

Answer 4

The Hijra was the immigration of the Muslim community from Mecca to Medina.

It began a new age in the Islamic movement, and in honor of that Muslims date their calendar from the first day of this lunar year. For the first time, the community of Muslims could put the whole Islamic system of life into full practice.

Question 5

Discuss Muhammad’s relationship with the whole line of prophets sent by God in earlier times.
What is the Islamic understanding of the prophet Jesus?

Answer 5

Muhammad is the last of the whole line of prophets ever since the human race such as: Adam, Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Moses, and Jesus and so on.

Jesus is mentioned several times in the Quran as an important prophet and is highly regarded by Muslims. He will return before Judgement day.

Question 6

What was the role of the caliph? What was accomplished under caliphs ‘Umar and ‘Uthman?

Answer 6

Caliphs were deputies of Muhammad and helped expand Islam.

The role of caliph combined the offices of chief executive, commander-in-chief-, chief justice, and leader of public worship-but not that of prophet since Muhammad was the final prophet.

Umar and Uthman transformed Islam into a world religion through great waves of Islamic expansion far beyond the Arabian peninsula to Palestine, Syria, Persia, and Asia Minor, to Egypt and across northern Africa. This expansion was accompanied by a holy war for Islam, many of these people willingly accepted Islam as a liberation from their former oppressive rulers and religions. Christians and Jews were still allowed to practice but had to pay a tax.

Umar began the process of putting the guidance of the Quran into public law throughout the Muslim world, and Uthman had the official final recension of the Quran produced.

Question 7

What did the Mu’tazilites argue for, in questions about the Quran, God’s attributes, and
predestination?

Answer 7

They used philosophical argumentation in developing rational theology. The Mutazilites (withdrawers) held firmly two basic Islamic beliefs: the unity of God and absolute divine justice. With rigorous logic they attacked some questionable popular ideas.

Argued against the anthropomorphic image of God and preposed such statements in the book was metaphor by holding to the unity of God.

They said the Quran is not divine and eternal but was created in time by God to give guidance to humans.

They defended God’s justice by declaring that God’s predetermination is not absolute; humans have freedom to choose between good and evil. Predetermination would be accusing God of gross injustice to say that people are punished or rewarded for actions that God had predetermined!

Question 8

What were the Sufis all about? Why was al-Hallaj executed? What was the contribution of al-Ghazali?

Answer 8

The Sufi’s were all about mysticism (the interior contemplation and experience of union with God). They were about ascetics and distanced themselves from the luxurious lifestyle prominent upon powerful Muslim’s. They aspired to a life of poverty. Focused on inner conformity to God.

al-Hallaj bothered orthodox Muslims by his public pronouncements of his experience of union with God. Refusing to take back such blasphemous statements he was then crucified.

al-Ghazali is considered one of the greatest thinkers in the history of Islam and blasted dependance on reason. Made reconciliation between the Sufi and Orthodox ways, making Sufis, to become thought of has the heartbeat of Islam. Some consider him the second best Muslim.

Question 9

What were the main Shi’ite religious ideas that differed from those of the Sunnites?

Answer 9

They believed that Ali (the cousin-in-law of Muhammed) was destined to be the rightful successor of Muhammed. Although Ali died tragically after his brief frustrated time as the fourth caliph, his followers argued that he and his descendants were to be the proper successors.

The sunnites believe Muhamma simply had affection for Ali, while the others believe he specifically proclaimed that he was to be the successor.

Sunnites viewed the caliphate in a contractual way, whereas the Shi’ites viewed the highest spiritual authority of Muhammad was passed on to Ali and then to each of the succeeding imams. Furthermore, Shi’ites held the idea of the hidden imam. In their view, the twelfth imam Muhammad disappeared and went into a state of hiding or occultation from which he will return one day to destroy evil and establish a new perfect age of Islam.

Question 10

What were the three great Muslim empires that flourished beginning in the 16th century?
Describe some of their achievements.

Answer 10

The Safavid in Iran, the Mughal empire in India, and the Ottoman Turkish Empire bridging western Asia, northern Africa, and eastern Europe.

Muslim rule was greater then ever before. These kingdoms produced great architecture, religious scholarship, codification of law, and the Taj Mahal.

Question 11

Describe the intent and results of the Wahhabi reform movement.

Answer 11

Attempted to purify Islam and return to the original purity of the Quran and the Sunnah of the Prophet. Attacked rationalistic and and esoteric interpretations of the Quran.

The Wahhabi movement spread rapidly and became a highly disciplined group of Muslims practicing a purified Islam. Gained control of Mecca in 1806. Still today the Wahhabi influence is dominant in Saudi Arabia, where a strict form of Islamic law remains in force. They also provided a strong stimulus to Muslim reform outside Arabia.

Question 12

What were the major forms of Muslim revival and renewal during the 20th century? How would
you characterize the Muslim revival movement in the first years of the 21st century?

Answer 12

The Muslim Brotherhood is vehemently against modernization of the western world and adjusted to Islam. No secular societies. All must promote ummah.

The Islamic Republic of Iran is also in response to the threat of westernization. Strongly promoted the modernization of Iran’s economy, education, military, and culture. Fundamental law of the state is Islamic law.

Islamists actively seek to restore true Muslim societies by establishing Islamic governments and the Shari’ah as the rule of law.

The majority do not advocates violence or terrorist actions. However, there are Islamic terrorists working under the guise of jihad.

The greater spread of Muslims has introduced new and respectful dialogue between religions and spread of knowledge.

Question 13

What issues, do you think, are of most concern to Muslims today?

Answer 13

Terrorism in the name of Islam is the source of anguish for many Muslims. Many view Islam as a religion of violence. There are concerns about whether one should embrace secular society , Islamic society, or radical activities. Struggle to educate the world in their teachings and practice things such as Islamic banking.

Question 14

Explain the implications, for thought, ethics, and art, of saying “There in no God but God”

Answer 14

To mix God together with the created realm would be to compromise God’s oneness and uniqueness. It would be to elevate something created to the status of divinity, thus positing a competitor to the one God.

The greatest sin, according to the Quran, is shirk, associating something else with God. God does allow a certain measure of freedom to creatures, thus giving them moral responsibility for their actions.

All are treated as equals under God’s law, all observe and follow his law, no pictures or verbal can be made of God and doing so compromises his oneness. All knowledge of sciences and humanities leads to the one God so long as not corrupted by human error. Ergo unity of human knowledge.

Question 15

While stressing God’s transcendence, how do Muslims also emphasize God’s immanence? What
are some of God’s attributes?

Answer 15

They argue that God has a real presence in the world. His divine reality is everywhere.

One of the attributes of God most stressed in Islam is mercy. Most merciful, most compassionate, ultimate design is one of love and mercy.

Question 16

How does the unity of God mean that the creation has dignity and value?

Answer 16

All exists and operates according to God’s design and purpose.

All creation has been given dignity and value as creature. All creation finds its worth in being servant of the master creator.

Question 17

In what sense is the whole world of nature “Muslim”?

Answer 17

All things by nature follow the cosmic law of creation - the law of the Master - and that means the whole of nature is in some sense “muslim”.

Question 18

What is the nature and special role of humankind, according to Islam?

Answer 18

Among all created things, humans are singled out for a special role, designated as the khalifa (caliph) of God.

Caliph=deputy or representative. This indicates that humans have a preeminent status and role to exercise dominion over the rest of creation as the caliph of God. Humans manage creation, even angels do not have this authority. The proper relation to God from humans is one of servant.

Humans differ from all other creatures in 3 special divine qualities: intelligence of true and false, a will to choose, and the power of speech to worship God.

Question 19

Why do many people become unbelievers? Are they evil by nature?

Answer 19

By nature, humans involuntarily follow God’s natural law in most of their various mental and physical functions. But God created humans for a special role among all creation, expecting them to be God’s viceroy on earth.

Humans by nature are negligent, not paying attention to the true nature of things and to their own true nature. And they are forgetful, allowing the guidance given by prophets in the past gradually to slip out of active remembrance.

It is not that their needs and passions are evil, but they become prisoners of their needs and passions. Passions and drives are part of Gods plan.

Sin is not of the essence to human nature, rather sin arise from forgetting and neglecting what we really are, failing to use our intellect and will to recognize the Lord and Creator. This leads us to misuse our reason and our freedom of choice by choosing to deny God and surrendering to our needs and passions.

Question 20

What are some major sins, in the Muslim view? What results from these sins?

Answer 20

Shirk: Denying the unity of God,

The greatest injustice and treason possible: use God’s bountiful gifts, while at the same time denying and disobeying their real Lord and Master.

Any act of doing what God has prohibited or failing to do what is commanded is a sin.

Sin brings upon disgrace in this life and the next. Destroys all harmony and peace in their own lives, and bring infection upon the world.

All evils and troubles of the world have their origin in human unbelief.

Question 21

Explain how the Muslim path is a “path of knowledge”. What is Iman? How does this lead to
Islam?

Answer 21

Humans must take upon their divine qualities (intelligence, free will, speech) to begin upon the path.

Imam is faith. But it is different from the Christian viewpoint in that it is based upon rational certainty arrived at through the use of our intelligence. This is the highest form of knowledge as it goes beyond pseudo-knowledge of rational thinking without God’s guidance, on the one hand, and the superstition of believing without reason, on the other hand. It is this iman which is understood as certain knowledge which then leads one freely to Islam or submission.

Question 22

What is the “greater jihad” in Muslim life?

Answer 22

Jihad refers to spiritual struggle. It may take on outside struggles such as a holy war, but the greater jihad refers to the internal struggle of all Muslims i.e. the lifelong struggle to shape ones own life into conformity with Gods design.

Question 23

Explain Muslim ideas about punishment and blessing in the afterlife.

Answer 23

If people follow the straight path they will be rewarded the joys and delights of paradise. Paradise encompasses the delights of the body and soul.

Question 24

In what ways is the Prayer the heart of Muslim life? Describe the performance of the Pillar of
Prayer

Answer 24

The ritual of Prayer is perfectly designed to sanctify all of life. It combines mental concentration with vocal expression Since the greatest evil would be forgetting God, it is gracious divine guidance that requires humans to remember God.

The Pillar of Prayer takes place five times every day, at early morning, noon, midafternoon, sunset, and evening.

Muslims prepare to perform the Prayer first of all by purifying themselves, washing the hands, arms, face, nostrils, hair, ears, and feet with water.

Mental, vocal, and physical actions are united in the Prayer. Standing and Facing Mecca, having declared the intention to pray, the worshiper raises the hands to the sides of the head and says ‘allahu akbar’

There are two cycles of prayers in the morning, four at noon, afternoon, and night and three at sunset

Question 25

Explain the Pillars of Fasting and of Alms-giving. How do the central motifs of submission to God and the oneness of the Muslim community come to expression in these practices?

Answer 25

Alms-giving is not the same as charity; Muslims should also be generous and provide for the needy in other ways. Alms-giving is more like an annual religous tax computed on various forms of wealth, such as money, cattle, and crops. The wealth is God's and alms is a way of testifying to the unity of God and humanity. The Pillar of fasting through the month of Ramadan.- set apart the whole month as sacred time. Fasting is a time to break bad habits and regain control, by slowing down and with holding things, one learns a richer appreciation of material, There are physical benefits to Fasting as well, and it helps one feel deeper sympathy for the deprived and hungry of the world. Provides discipline for greater submission to God.

Question 26

Describe the various rituals of the Hajj (Pilgrimage to Mecca) and their meaning for Muslims.

Answer 26

Required once in the lifetime of a Muslim. Muslims may undertake the Pilgrimage only if they are physically and financially capable. One cannot borrow money for this, since all debts must be paid before the Pilgrimage. It epitomizes the ritual duty of Muslims. It is a dramatic connection to the sacred story, walking in the footsteps of the prophets. The first main ritual is circling, walking and trotting around the Ka'bah seven times in a counter-clockwise direction. thus putting the House of God, the center of the world, at the center of ones own life. The next ritual is the running between two hills seven times. - in memory of Hagar and Ishmael. -this acts out Hagar's frantic running in search of water and gracefully drinks from the well of Zamzam. Later all the pilgrims go out to the desert to live in tents. Finally, all the pilgrims stand at the Plain of Arafat and the Mount of Mercy, from noon until sunset. - represents the whole human race submitting to God. Next comes throwing stones - representing Ishmael throwing stones at the devil.

Question 27

Describe the traditional rituals associated with marriage and with death in Islamic communities.

Answer 27

Marriage is usually arranged by parents, since it brings two families together into a new relationship. No one may be married without his or her own consent, although the girl is usually represented by a guardian. Since marriage is one of God's good gifts, celibacy and marital abstinence are forbidden, except for exceptional reasons during certain periods of ones life. Rituals surrounding death show a realistic acceptance of death as the end of life and belief in the passage through the grave to resurrection, judgement, and reward. At the onset of death the dying person should be turned toward Mecca and the prayer should be said. Others mourn for three days after the funeral. Death is seen as the final pilgrimage.

Question 28

Discuss the central Muslim religious concerns about healing and medicine.

Answer 28

Given their basic beliefs, Muslims have certain concerns in practicing modern medicine. Since all life belongs to God, including the fetus in the womb from the moment of conception, Muslims generally reject all forms of abortion. Some forms of contraception may be allowed. Artificial insemination is a complex issue for Muslims, though generally it has been allowed if the sperms is from the woman's husband, otherwise it is adultery. Organ transplant is controversial among traditional viewpoints.

Question 29

Explain some of the basic principles of Islamic art. What are some of the main artistic forms used for ritual and worship in Islam?

Answer 29

Representational art and metaphoric imaging of the divine worlds is prohibited. Cannot represent even prophets. In place of representational art forms are decorations, calligraphy, architecture, poetry, and literature. Use abstract design to signify clarity and order.

Question 30

What is the ummah? What kind of leadership is there in the ummah?

Answer 30

The Ummah is the world wide community of Muslims, following the guidance of the Shari'ah, the law. Those bound together by faith and submission to God and his prophet. Equality and unity are of central importance. No one Muslim, no matter in what position, has rights of precedence over another Muslim; all are equal before God. The ummah is not called out to be a special people separate from the whole human race; it is the ideal form that all humankind is designed to be. Although Muhammad and the first four caliphs were seen as leaders of the one ummah. Scholars who study the Quran are very respected, but there is no person or body who has the authority over the whole ummah. Scholars may be the imam (the spiritual leader of worship and teaching in the mosque) of the Mosque.

Question 31

What are the traditional views about women in religious leadership roles in Islam? Describe some examples of strong woman leaders in Muslim history

Answer 31

Religious leadership has almost exclusively been reserved for men. Women do lead prayers when a group of women pray together. Khadijah, Muhammad's strong and resourceful wife. His later wives are also highly respected and talented. Hafsah, daughter of Umar, was literate and contributed to the collection of the revelations given to Muhammad. There have been numerous women spiritual leaders, saints, and mystics - such as Rabi'ah.

Question 32

On what is the Shari’ah based? How do analogy (qiyas) and consensus (ijma’) fit in?

Answer 32

The Shari'ah is divinely given, complete and perfect in all its details. The two basic sources for the Shari'ah are the Quran and the Hadith ( the collection of the sayings and doings of the Prophet Muhammad). Qiyas: the method of analogy likening the new situation to one mentioned in the Quran or the Hadith and, thus, drawing legal conclusions. Ijma: refers to the checking, verification, and codification by the consensus of the recognized legal scholars. Ijma is the consensus.

Question 33

How is it possible for the Shari’ah to govern all aspects of life? Describe how it functions in concrete situations in everyday life.

Answer 33

All acts are classified into five basic categories or principles that allow for a range of shading and flexibility. Some duties are required of all Muslims, some acts are strictly forbidden, some acts are recommended but not required - performance of them is rewarded, some acts are disapproved but not forbidden or punished, and other acts are indifferent - neither rewarded or punished.

Question 34

What are the basic aspects of Muslim law about the family and the relationship between men and women? Is marriage considered to be eternal? Is divorce permitted?

Answer 34

A good part of Islamic law is focused on the family, for this is the broad arena in which the individual lives most of his or her life. Sexual expression is strictly restricted for marriage. All other forms are punished. Marriage is a duty carried out on the basis of a legal contract consented to by both parties. Divorce is permitted, although Muhammad said it was the most detestable of permitted things.

Question 35

Compare the role of religious law in Islam, Christianity, and Judaism.

Answer 35

One important difference between Jewish and Christian vision. To live the Shari'ah in all its aspects requires that one live under a Muslim government, In fact, ideally there should be one Muslim ruler (the caliph) who rules over the whole Dar-al-Islam. Since the Shari'ah contains provisions that can only be carried out by a government, it is not possible to follow the complete life of Islam while living under a non-Muslim ruler. The Islamic ideal would be for the whole world to come under Islamic rule and Islamic law. Tis would bring great benefits even for non-Muslims, according to some Muslim thinkers, since it would keep them from forbidden acts and provide a peaceful, orderly society without all the evils of modern, secular society.