Assignment task: 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