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Background Information:
When studying the different religions of the world we tend of focus on the distinctions between these religions and understanding what makes them unique, however it is important to note that although these religions are distinct and unique in their own way, there are common themes and structures that can be applied to them. Some of the common elements present in the different religions that we will be studying this semester are:
Sacred Scriptures and Sacred Writings
Divinely inspired writings that contain origins of the religion, essential beliefs, and major teachings. Some religions also revere writings of prominent figures throughout their history who have contributed to expounding the theology of the religion (ex: writings of the Islamic saints)
Beliefs and Practices
Tenets of the religion that unify its community of believers on a variety of topics ranging from their relationship with the divine, soteriology, creation, eschatology, anthropology, etc.
Prayer and Worship
Liturgical practices that believers of the faith participate in throughout their daily lives. Some liturgical practices and rituals of prayer are performed in conjunction with the celebration of religious festivals at particular times of the week (ex: Sabbath) or times of the year (ex: Christmas)
Morality – Code of Ethics
Guiding principles that adherents of the faith abide by throughout their lives informed by the theology of the religion
History
Understanding how the religion was established and the advances of the religion throughout human history that shape the global image of the religion today while also recognizing changes in theology that have occurred throughout history due to major historical events
Instructions:
In your reading of Chapter 12 – Encountering Islam: The Straight Path of the One God, you have gained 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. You will now 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 worm as an outward sign of faith?
Distinguish between the terms ‘Islam’ and ‘Muslim’ as it relates to the Islamic faith
Life of Muhammad ibn Abdullah (.5-1 pages)
Discuss who Muhammad ibn Abdullah was and the impact that he had on Islam.
Describe 2 key events from Muhammad ibn Abdullah’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. 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 Quran, Sirah, and Haditha are and assess how Muslims use them today. Consider the following:
the Importance of particular surahs in the Quran
How the sacred texts came into existence
Important religious figures mentioned in the Quran, Sirah, and Haditha
Beliefs and Practices (2 – 3 pages)
Islam features the 6 Articles of Islamic Faith (the central Islamic theological beliefs) and the 5 Pillars of Islam (delineations of how Muslims ought to implement the Articles of Faith in their daily lives).
Interpret the meaning of each of the Six Articles of Faith (1-1.5 pages)
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 Five Pillars of Islam listed below and demonstrate how these pillars are lived out by Muslims today (1-1.5 pages)
Shahadah – Profession of Faith
Salah – Prayer
Zakat – Almsgiving
Sawm – Fasting
Hajj – Pilgrimage
Submission Instructions:
When completing this report, the following guidelines must be followed. Failure to do so will result in points being deducted from your grade.
This report must be typed in any non-ornamental 12-point font.
Each section of the report must include a section title on a separate line (ex: Islamic Symbols & Names, Life of Muhammad ibn Abdullah, etc.).
Each section must incorporate at least 1 direct quotation from wither the course text (World RELG4: Introduction to World Religions) or one of the databases/encyclopedias available through St. Thomas University Library with an appropriate citation. You may also find it beneficial to refer to Module 3: Lecture Materials & Resources.
The report should be formatted per current Chicago-Turabian (CMOS) style and adhere to the page length requirements outlined above.
Your report will be assessed through Turnitin.
Complete and submit the assignment by 11:59 PM ET on Sunday.
Late work policies, expectations regarding proper citations, acceptable means of responding to peer feedback, and other expectations are at the discretion of the instructor.
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