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Islam. Pre-Islamic Life. Rural Life Bedouins – Nomadic tribes Fairly violent society Tribes & Clans Status is from the group Urban Life Mecca: Trade Center / Land of Haram Not as violent Status is from wealth No concern for poor/weak . Pre-Islamic Religion. Polytheism
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Pre-Islamic Life • Rural Life • Bedouins – Nomadic tribes • Fairly violent society • Tribes & Clans • Status is from the group • Urban Life • Mecca: Trade Center / Land of Haram • Not as violent • Status is from wealth • No concern for poor/weak
Pre-Islamic Religion • Polytheism • Many gods & goddesses • Creator god present in pantheon • Not worshipped by many • Animism • Spirits in the world • Inhabit rocks, trees, valleys, free-flowing, etc. • Judaism & Christianity known
Muhammad – The Final Prophet • Muhammad – born 570 ce • Quraysh tribe / Hashim Clan • Orphaned young • Raised by uncle • Marries Khadijah • Excellent marriage • Fatima • Disturbed by Society • Upset by poverty • Moral system not adequate • Goes to meditate / pray
Night of Power • 610 – Angel Gabriel visits M. while he meditates • Tells M. to “recite” • Foundation of the Qur’an • suras
Fundamental Beliefs • Monotheistic belief • Only God is worthy of worship • Polytheism gives other “beings” worship • Last Judgment • Deeds in life will be judged • Theocentric purpose for life • Bodily resurrection • No body/soul dichotomy • Five Pillars of Islam
The Five Pillars of Islam • Recitation of the Muslim act of faith • There is no God but God, and M. is his prophet • Obligation of prayer • 5 times a day – facing Mecca • Charity • 1/40th income • Fasting during Ramadan • Daylight hours • Pilgrimage (Haj)
Hegria • Muhammad escapes Mecca • Goes to Medina to start an Islamic society • Islam – submission to God • Muslim – one who submits
Battle of Badr - 623 • New Umma in Medina • Battles with Mecca show divine support • Peace treaties with • Conquered Mecca – Jan. 11, 624
Practices of Islam • No pork, alcohol – halal • Male circumcision • Polygamy acceptable/ Monogamy ideal • Usury forbidden • Observation of feast days • Simplicity and asceticism • Rapid growth and spread of religion
Main Sects of Islam • Sunni and Shi’a traditions • Sufism = mystical dimension of Islam • Sheyks and disciples • Retirement in poverty • Piety and repentance Sufi Dancing
Sufi Writers • Rumi • Persian poems (rhyming couplets) • Discourses on mystical experiences • Recitation and movement (dervishes)
Modern Islam • Rise and Fall of the Ottoman Empire • World War I • Modern Islamic states • Variations in social expression