Islamic Studies Seminar 2

Islam The Arabic meaning of Islam is submission to God/Allah; the creator of the universe. Islam provides a comprehensive concept to humanity’s eternal question: who are we? Islam is a comprehensive and balanced system of life encompassing the spiritual and the temporal realms.

The Creator Attributes Genderless and beyond imagination Mercy We are his honored creatures Direct relationship between God and the believers Worship is intimate & personal

Humanity on Earth A purpose and a design Trustees of God on Earth Relationship with Nature & Environment Harmony Complementary Animals are like us

The message The oneness of God, the creator of the whole universe Islam is the continuation of divine messages that God sent to humanity through prophets like Abraham, Isaac, Moses, and Jesus. The moral principles of the ten commandments are reflected in the message of Muhammad. It acknowledges the diversity of the human race and freedom of religions

Relationship with fellow humans Relationship with other religions Freedom of faith; no compulsion in religion Freedom of religious practice Special status for Christian and Jews (monotheist outlook) Inherent designed diversity Based on justice & fairness Obligations towards the poor

Quran The revelation of God to Muhammad It has been preserved as revealed 14 centuries ago. It consists of 114 chapters of various lengths. In Arabic, it numbers about 604 pages. The translation of its meaning is available in English and most of the world’s languages

The Quran Appeals to the mind to reflect on creations and the creator Glad tidings for the believers Admonitions to the non- believers Stories of previous messengers of God such as Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Moses, Jesus, Mary, etc. Rulings on social and commercial issues.

What the Quran says about Moses: And we sent Moses with our signs; get your people from darkness to light and remind them of the miracles of Allah. For in it are signs for the thankful (14:5) Mary: The angels said. “O Mary! Allah has chosen, purified and chosen you among the women of this world. Mary, worship your Lord devoutly: Prostrate and bow with those who bow down.(3:42-43) Jesus: The angels said, “O Mary! Allah brings you good news; a word from Him whose name will be Christ Jesus, the son of Mary, held in honour in this world and the hereafter and of those nearest to Allah. He shall speak to the people when infant and old and shall be of the righteous. (3:45-46) The wife of Imran said: “My Lord! To your service I dedicate what is in my womb; so accept this of me for You hears and knows all things. When she was delivered, she said, “O my Lord! I have delivered a female child!”- And Allah knows what she brought forth- “And the male is not like the female. I have named her Mary, and I commend her and her offspring to your protection from the Satan the Rejected.” Graciously, her Lord accepted her and made her grow in the best up-bringing. (3:35-37) The angels said. “O Mary! Allah has chosen, purified and chosen you among the women of this world. Mary, worship your Lord devoutly: Prostrate and bow with those who bow down.(3:42-43) JESUS The angels said, “O Mary! Allah brings you good news; a word from Him whose name will be Christ Jesus, the son of Mary, held in honour in this world and the hereafter and of those nearest to Allah. He shall speak to the people when infant and old and shall be of the righteous. (3:45-46) Christ Jesus, the son of Mary, is the messenger of Allah, and His word, which he bestowed on Mary, and a spirit proceeding from him. (4:171) Jesus is like Adam; God fashioned him from dust and said to him: “Be” and he was. (3:59)

“People of the Book, go not beyond the bounds in your religion, and say not as to God but the truth. The Messiah, Jesus son of Mary, was only the Messenger of God, and His Word that He committed to Mary, and a Spirit from Him. So believe in God and His Messengers, and say not, ‘Three.’ Refrain; better is it for you. God is only One God.” Qur’an, chapter 4:168

RAMADAN

Hajj

Women in Islam

Roles of Women in the Qur’an Men and women are equal Revelations directed to “men & women” (33:35) What truly matters is not male/female, but whether they believe in Allah (9:71, 4:124) Provisions for the physical & financial well-being of women (2:236, 2:240) Men and women are not equal Daughters inherit half as much property Valued mostly as mothers and wives

Surah 4: “The Women” 19-25: The treatment of wives, and proper courtship 32: Fair treatment of women 34: Roles of husbands in regard to wives and their loyalty There are numerous unnamed women throughout the Qur’an that are mentioned, such as the wives of the prophet.

Importance of Mary Maryam (Mary, Mother of Jesus) is the only woman named in the entire Qur'an. Mary, mother of Christ (3:35-37, 42-47, 19: 16-29) Virgin conception and role as mother of the “Messiah” recognized in the Qur’an Chosen by and obedient to Allah There are some references to Elizabeth, though she is never named (3:37-41, 19:1-15)

Modern Muslim Women (Reformed Areas) America, Europe, parts of Middle East Women, as well as men, are encouraged to become as educated as they can Right to an official position in a mosque is disputed by many (Female Imam one day?) Fully emancipated Enjoy all rights and privileges that men have Are not second grade members of community Following Hijab is often optional

Modern Muslim Women (Conservative Areas) Africa, most of Middle East, Asia Religious law often heavily enforced in public A Burka, which covers all parts of the body except the eyes are often mandatory for women Women prevented from being employed, not allowed to drive, vote, hold office or seek divorce. given very few rights, they are rarely allowed to testify in court Honor killings are still a major problem Ayaan Hirsi Ali

Summary Mary only woman specifically mentioned in the Qur’an, she is mentioned several times and in many places. The Qur’an makes several references to the equality of Women, emphasizing modesty over subjection Modern Muslim Woman are often subject to the laws of their respective areas; some strict, others free. Women are gaining power and influence Materials from: Janel Alimboyoguen, Gwyneth Calipjo, Julia Conley, Elly Guadarram, Leslie Kincaid, John Michael Reyes, Max Altshuld, Subhan Ayoubi, Cierra Cass, Chad Greer, Dani Lencioni, Gina Belmonte, Taylor Chaput, Katrina Gould and Lindsay Smith

Jesus in Islam Isa Son of Mary, a virgin Last of the Israelite prophets Brought the injil Only prophet to perform miracles Heal the sick Raise the dead Cast out Demons

Jesus in Islam Message of meekness and humility Not crucified – was taken into heaven Will return near end of the world to join the Mahdi He will defeat the Antichrist Rule for 40 years, then buried in Madinah next to Muhammad