Superior Essay Writers | Encountering Islam: The Straight Path of the One God which gave a better understanding of what the religion of Islam

Encountering Islam: The Straight Path of the One God which gave a better understanding of what the religion of Islam

According to the reading Encountering Islam: The Straight Path of the One God which gave a better understanding of what the religion of Islam is all about from the context of its history, sacred scriptures, beliefs and practices, code of ethics, etc. Use the information gleaned in the chapter to expand upon particular elements of Islam enumerated below:

Islamic Symbols and Names (.5 pages)
Identify a common Islamic Symbol and explain its significance:
Consider the following:
History/Origins of the Symbol
Important religious figure(s) associated with the Symbol and their involvement with it
How is the Symbol utilized by Muslims today?
Is it used during Prayer/Worship?
Is it worn as an outward Sign of Faith?
Distinguish between the terms ‘Islam’ and ‘Muslim’ as it relates to the Islamic faith
Life of the Prophet Muhammad (.5 page)
Discuss who the Prophet Muhammad was and the impact that he had on Islam.
Describe at least 2 key events from the Prophet Muhammad’s life.
Address how these events are commemorated by Muslims today.
Do not presume that Muhammad ibn Abdullah was a morally perfect person. For example, take into account his treatment of the Banu Qurayza Jews in Yathrib/Madina, especially in 627 AD (as documented in the Quran 33:25-27; Quran 9:29; 9:5; 4:24; Haditha Bukhari 5:59:362; Haditha Muslim 19:4364). Also, do not ignore the facts cited by Robert Van Voorst on pages 295 & 314 of our course textbook.
Sacred Scriptures (.5 pages)
Analyze what the Qur’an is and assess upon how Muslims use it today:
Consider the following:
Importance of particular Surahs in the Qur’an
How the sacred text came into existence
Important religious figures mentioned in the Qur’an
Beliefs and Practices (2 pages)
Religion of Islam features a set of beliefs and a set of practices that all Muslims should follow. These beliefes are known as the 6 Articles of Faith and their foundations are found in the Qur’an. The practices, known as the 5 Pillars of Islam, explain how to implement these beliefs in their daily lives.
Interpret the meaning of each of the 6 Articles of Faith (1 page):
Belief in the Oneness of Allah (God)
Belief in the Angels
Belief in the Books of Allah
Belief in the Prophets of Allah
Belief in the Day of Judgement
Belief in the Divine Decree – the Will of Allah

Articulate the significance of each of the 5 Pillars of Islam listed below and demonstrate how these pillars are lived out by Muslims today (1 page):
Shahadah – Profession of Faith
Salah – Prayer
Zakah – Almsgiving
Sawm – Fasting
Hajj – Pilgrimage

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Sample Answer

Islamic Symbols and Names

The Crescent Moon and Star

One of the most recognizable Islamic symbols is the crescent moon and star. While the exact origins of this symbol in Islamic context are debated, it is widely believed to have been adopted from pre-Islamic cultures, particularly the Seljuk Turks. It is often associated with the Night Journey (Isra and Miraj), a miraculous event in which the Prophet Muhammad is said to have traveled from Mecca to Jerusalem and then ascended to heaven.

The symbol is widely used by Muslims today. It adorns mosques, Islamic art, and flags of many Muslim-majority countries. While not directly used during prayer, it serves as a visual identifier of Islamic identity and heritage. Many Muslims wear jewelry or other items bearing the symbol as a sign of their faith.

Full Answer Section

Islam vs. Muslim

Islam: This term refers to the religion itself, the divine message revealed to Prophet Muhammad. It encompasses a comprehensive way of life, encompassing beliefs, practices, and ethics.
Muslim: This term refers to a follower of Islam, a person who submits to the will of God (Allah).

Life of the Prophet Muhammad

Muhammad was born in Mecca, Arabia, around 570 CE. He was a merchant and was known for his honesty and trustworthiness. At the age of 40, he received revelations from God through the Angel Gabriel, marking the beginning of Islam. These revelations were later compiled into the Quran, the holy book of Islam.

Two key events in Muhammad’s life are:

Hijra (Migration): Faced with persecution in Mecca, Muhammad and his followers migrated to Medina in 622 CE. This event marks the beginning of the Islamic calendar. It symbolizes courage, resilience, and the establishment of the first Islamic state.
Conquest of Mecca: In 630 CE, Muhammad and his followers returned to Mecca and peacefully conquered the city. This event marked the unification of Arabia under Islam and the establishment of Islam as a dominant force in the region.

It is important to note that Muhammad, while a revered prophet, was a human being with both strengths and weaknesses. His actions and decisions, particularly during the later years of his life, have been subject to diverse interpretations and criticisms. For instance, the treatment of the Banu Qurayza tribe, as mentioned in the Quran and Hadith, raises ethical questions about the use of force and the treatment of enemies.

Sacred Scriptures

The Quran is the central religious text of Islam, believed by Muslims to be the direct word of God revealed to the Prophet Muhammad through the Angel Gabriel. It is considered the final revelation of God, superseding previous scriptures such as the Torah and the Gospel.

Muslims use the Quran in various ways:

Daily Recitation: Many Muslims recite portions of the Quran daily, often during prayer.
Study and Reflection: The Quran is studied and reflected upon to gain spiritual insight and guidance.
Reference and Guidance: The Quran is used as a source of guidance for moral, ethical, and legal matters.

Specific Surahs (chapters) of the Quran hold particular significance for Muslims. For example, Surah Al-Fatiha is recited in every prayer, while Surah Al-Baqarah is one of the longest and most significant Surah, often recited during Ramadan.

Beliefs and Practices

Six Articles of Faith

Belief in the Oneness of Allah (God): Muslims believe in one God, Allah, who is unique, all-powerful, and all-knowing.
Belief in the Angels: Muslims believe in the existence of angels, created by God to carry out His commands.
Belief in the Books of Allah: Muslims believe in the divine origin of various scriptures, including the Torah, the Psalms, the Gospel, and, ultimately, the Quran.
Belief in the Prophets of Allah: Muslims believe in a line of prophets sent by God to guide humanity, including Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jesus, and Muhammad.
Belief in the Day of Judgment: Muslims believe in a final day of judgment when all people will be resurrected and judged by God.
Belief in the Divine Decree: Muslims believe that everything that happens is predetermined by God’s will.

Five Pillars of Islam

Shahada (Declaration of Faith): The sincere declaration of faith, stating “There is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah.”
Salah (Prayer): Muslims pray five times a day, facing the Kaaba in Mecca.
Zakat (Almsgiving): Muslims are obligated to give a portion of their wealth to charity.
Sawm (Fasting): Muslims fast during the month of Ramadan, abstaining from food and drink from dawn to dusk.

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