Islam – The Personal and Social Life of Islam

1. Islam – The Personal and Social Life of Islam Living Islam

2. The body ultimately belongs to not to the individual but to God. There we can celebrate physical joys while controlling desires The body is kept clean – ritual washing Clothing should be neither overly seductive nor overly luxurious – fashionable is OK Perfume - OK Care of the Body

3. Regulates diet (Shari’ah regulates between permitted and forbidden food – pork and alcohol are forbidden) Sexuality is celebrated – one of Allah’s greatest gifts, but only to be enjoyed within marriage Premarital and extra-marital sex as well as lustful thoughts, homosexuality and prostitution are all forbidden Marriage Traditionally arranged by parents Dating is generally not practiced Marriage is first and foremost a legal contract; love is expected to grow later. Contrasts sharply with the Western perspective of marriage and the emphasis places on ‘romantic love’ Care of the Body

4. Status of Women in Islam - a controversial issue Western critics tend to accuse Islam of being chauvinistic and of denying basic rights to women Muslim, tend to be frustrated and irritated by these accusations The Qur’an, and the ideals of Islam, regard men and women as equals, but with different roles. These ideals are realized in daily life. Men – public, women – within the family Women in Islam

5. Specific points of contention commonly cited by Western critics: Divorce Shari’ ah Law on divorce: Either the husband or wife can initiate a divorce, although traditionally it has been easier for the man repudiation – a man can divorce his wife simply by stating, “I divorce you” 3 x. In some Muslim countries this practice is no-longer legal Muhammad denounced divorce although it falls under those acts categorized as a “permitted” act Women and Islam continued

6. Specific points of contention commonly cited by Western critics: Polygamy Muhammad even had multiple wives after the death of Khadija – for political unification Shari’ ah Law on polygamy: Technically allowed but with limits “You may marry other women who seem good to you: Two, three, or four of them. But if you fear that you cannot maintain equality among them, marry one only” Qur’an 4:3 Polygamy good in times of warfare when there are many more women than men, or if a woman is widowed – its better to be one of many than alone Women and Islam continued

7. Specific points of contention commonly cited by Western critics: 3. Covering (wearing a Veil) Pre-Arabic practice of Arabia Shari’ ah Law on covering: “If you ask the Prophet’s wives for anything, speak to them from behind a curtain. This is more chaste fro your heart and their hearts” Qur’an 33:35 Interpretations can range from total covering to covering one’s head while in public For many in the West it is a personal choice – a way for women to identify themselves as women and embrace their own cultural heritage Women and Islam continued

8. Jihad meaning struggle Applies to all aspects of Islamic life Sometimes considered the sixth pillar Personal Jihad: Refers to an individual’s spiritual struggle against anything distracting them from revering Allah Social Jihad: Refers to the struggle to preserve the order that Allah as willed for the world Jihad “Struggle”

9. Jihad “Struggle” Jihad – The Controversy • Jihad – armed struggle, sometimes understood to mean ‘holy war’ • The Qur’an however, supports armed struggle for the sake of Islam only if it is done in self-defense

10. Only two major historical divisions: Sunnism and Shi’ism Sufism – Mystical form of Islam draws from both Sunnism and Shi’ism Expansion and Varieties of Islam

11. Expansion of Islamic Civilization • Muhammad’s death – 638 C.E. • Muslims led by caliphs (successors) chosen by the community • 1st caliph – Muhammad’s father-in-law, Abu Bakr • During this time, all of Arabia is unified under Islam • 100 years after Muhammad’s death, Islam is the religion of they entire Middle East, Persia, North Africa, most of Spain

12. Islam and culture • Muslims lived side by side Christians and Jews in Europe • Fostered literary, arts, mathematic culture while the rest of Europe endured the Dark Ages • Al-jabar ?– invented by the Muslims • Ancient Greek and Roman texts survived the Dark Ages in their Arabic form

13. Islam in the USA • 1998 – between 4 and 6 million Muslim live in the USA • 40% of this Muslim population is made up of African Americans • 20% of Africans brought to North America as slaves were Muslim • Some African Americans have argued that Islam is better suited for their community since they regard Christianity as the religion of their white oppressors • Nation of Islam – established in 1930 with the goal of resurrecting the spiritual, mental, social and economic condition of the black men and women of America they distinguish themselves from followers of the original religion of Islam by stating: WE BELIEVE that Allah (God) appeared in the Person of Master W. Fard Muhammad, July, 1930; the long-awaited "Messiah" of the Christians and the "Mahdi" of the Muslims

14. Historical Divisions Within Islam Sunni and Shi’i Common Ground • Brotherhood and sisterhood of Muslims • One Arabic version of the Qur’an • Share the Sunnah of the Prophet • 5 pillars

15. Historical Divisions Within Islam Sunnism • People who follow the established custom, or sunnah • About 87% of all Muslims Shi’ism • Comes from shi’at Ali – “Partisans of Ali”- who was the cousin and son-in-law of Muhammad

16. Historical Divisions Within Islam - Shi’I continued • Ali, passed over 3x before being names a caliph, and then was assassinated • Resulted in the Shi’i movement by Muslims believing Ali was Muhammad’s true successor • Husayn (Ali’s son) was assassinated in 680 C.E. – caused those Muslims that supported Ali to consolidate into a distinct form of Islam • Husayn’s martyrdom is observed within Shi’i Islam and he is revered as a great hero

17. Historical Divisions Within Islam - Shi’i continued • Shi’ism can now be distinguished in terms of geography – Iraq, Iran, have Shi’i majorities, Kuwait, Afghanistan, and Pakistan have significant Shi’i populations

18. Shi-i • Shi’ism observes the figure of Iman – While not a prophet, is believed to have special spiritual insight and a true earthly authority • Believe there have been 12 Imams, all descendents from Muhammad through his daughter Fatima and her husband, Muhammad’s cousin Ali • Last of the Imams is Muhammad al-Mahdi – he will return to restore Islam and bring on the Day of Judgment

19. Sufism strive to experience Allah as immanent, dwelling within the worshiper There is no god except God… there is nothing but God – meaning that the worshiper, too, must be one with God. A guiding principle of Sufism – to experience the oneness with Allah Brings about controversy with orthodox Muslims Sufi – Islamic Mysticism

20. Sufism is made up of groups called ‘orders’ – like Christian monasticism Each order is led by a shaykh – master or teacher Shaykh leaders disciples through a variety of exercises to help them achieve union with God Exercises include: chanting, breathing exercises, and dance Sufi methods