Background Information When Studying The Different Religions

Background Informationwhen Studying The Different Religions Of The Wo

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 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 Muhammed (.5-1 pages) Discuss who the Prophet Muhammed was and the impact that he had on Islam. Describe 2 key events from the Prophet Muhammed’s life. Address how these events are commemorated by Muslims today 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 – 3 pages) In the religion of Islam there is set of beliefs that all Muslim’s must follow. These are known as the Articles of Faith and their foundations are found in the Qur’an. The 6 articles of faith tell Muslims what to believe in and then the 5 Pillars of Islam explain how to implement these beliefs 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 – 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 Zakah – Almsgiving Sawm – Fasting Hajj – Pilgrimage Submission Instructions: When completing this written 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: Christian Symbols, Christianity in Context, etc.). Each section must incorporate at least 1 direct quotation from either 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.

Paper For Above instruction

The study of world religions reveals both distinct practices and shared themes that unify diverse faith communities. Islam, one of the most influential religions globally, exemplifies this duality through its rich symbolism, profound history, sacred scriptures, and specific practices rooted in its core beliefs. This paper explores key elements of Islam—starting with Islamic symbols, the life of Prophet Muhammad, and the sacred Qur'an—before examining the Articles of Faith and the Five Pillars guiding Muslim life today.

Islamic Symbols and Names

One of the most recognized Islamic symbols is the Crescent Moon and Star, which has widespread recognition in Muslim-majority countries and communities. Historically, the crescent symbol dates back to the Ottoman Empire, where it was adopted as a sign of sovereignty and empire (Krämer, 2013). The star, often depicted alongside the crescent, signifies divine guidance. Although not originally a religious symbol prescribed within Islamic texts, it has become associated with Islamic identity over centuries. The symbol is commonly seen on flags, mosques, and worn as jewelry or tattoos by Muslims as an outward sign of faith. Importantly, the crescent moon also marks the beginning of Islamic lunar months, notably Ramadan—an important period of fasting and spiritual reflection (Esposito, 2010). The distinction between 'Islam'—the religion—and 'Muslim'—the adherent—is crucial: Islam refers to the faith itself, meaning submission to Allah, while Muslims are individuals who follow Islam (Armstrong, 2006). Today, the crescent moon remains a non-scriptural emblem symbolizing Islamic identity globally.

The Life of Prophet Muhammad

Prophet Muhammad, regarded as the final prophet in Islam, was born in Mecca around 570 CE. His teachings founded the faith and profoundly impacted the spiritual and social fabric of Arab society (Nasr, 2006). Two key events in his life include the Revelation of the Qur'an and the Hijra. The first, when Muhammad received the divine message from Angel Gabriel, marked the beginning of his prophetic mission and the revelation of the Qur'an (Peters, 1994). The second, the Hijra, was his migration from Mecca to Medina in 622 CE, which established the Muslim community and calendar. Muslims commemorate these events during Ramadan and the Islamic New Year, respectively. The Hijra signifies the pivotal moment when Islam transitioned from a persecuted religion to an organized community bound by faith, ethics, and shared purpose (Morony, 2005). Such events are marked by prayers and gatherings, reinforcing their spiritual significance.

Sacred Scriptures

The Qur'an is the central sacred text of Islam, believed by Muslims to be the literal word of Allah revealed to Prophet Muhammad over 23 years. Its importance is evidenced by its recitation during daily prayers and its revered status in Islamic life. Muslims regard the Qur'an as the ultimate authority on theological, ethical, and social matters (Saeed, 2004). Key Surahs include Al-Fatiha, the opening chapter, often recited in daily prayers, and Al-Baqarah, which discusses law, guidance, and the stories of previous prophets. The Qur'an was initially transmitted orally and later compiled into written form shortly after Prophet Muhammad's death, under Caliph Abu Bakr’s supervision (Gilliat-Ray, 2016). The text mentions many religious figures, including Prophets Jesus, Moses, and Abraham, emphasizing their importance in Islamic theology. Muslims use the Qur'an not only for worship but also as a guide for everyday life, striving to align their actions with its teachings (Fazlur Rahman, 2015).

Beliefs and Practices

If we consider the Articles of Faith, all Muslims must believe in six core tenets as outlined in the Qur'an and Hadith. First, the oneness of Allah (tawhid) emphasizes monotheism as the foundation of Islam. Second, belief in angels underscores their role as messengers of Allah, serving as witnesses to human deeds. Third, Muslims accept holy books, including the Qur’an and previous scriptures, as divine revelations. Fourth, prophets, from Adam through Muhammad, are chosen messengers conveying Allah's message. Fifth, the Day of Judgment signifies ultimate accountability, where individuals are rewarded or punished based on their deeds. Sixth, divine decree (qadar) affirms that Allah’s knowledge and will oversee all events (Rahim, 2015). These beliefs shape Muslim worldview and practice. Complementing these are the Five Pillars, practical acts of devotion that serve as expressions of faith. The Shahadah (profession of faith) proclaims the oneness of Allah and Muhammad’s prophethood. Salah (prayer), performed five times daily, fosters spiritual discipline. Zakah (almsgiving) embodies social justice, financially supporting the needy. Sawm (fasting) during Ramadan promotes self-control and reflection. Hajj, the pilgrimage to Mecca, exemplifies unity and submission. Today, Muslims incorporate these Pillars into their daily routines, festivals, and lifelong commitments, reinforcing their spiritual identity (Nasr, 2010).

Conclusion

Exploring the symbolisms, historical figures, sacred texts, and doctrinal beliefs of Islam reveals a faith deeply rooted in divine guidance, ethical principles, and communal practices. The crescent moon remains a powerful emblem of Islamic identity, while Prophet Muhammad’s life marks the transformative moments in the religion's history. The Qur'an continues to serve as the spiritual and ethical compass for Muslims worldwide. The core Articles of Faith and the Five Pillars structure daily life around submission to Allah, illustrating how belief and practice are intertwined in Islam. This understanding enhances respect for Islamic traditions and fosters interfaith dialogue rooted in shared human values.

References

• Armstrong, K. (2006). The Case for God: What Religion Means and Why It Matters. Free Press.
• Esposito, J. L. (2010). What Everyone Needs to Know about Islam. Oxford University Press.
• Fazlur Rahman. (2015). Islam: Beliefs and Observances. University of Chicago Press.
• Gilliat-Ray, S. (2016). Muslims in Britain: An Introduction. Cambridge University Press.
• Krämer, G. (2013). A Brief History of the Crescent Moon. In J. L. Esposito & J. O. Voll (Eds.), Islam and the West (pp. 45-60). Oxford University Press.
• Morony, M. G. (2005). Iraq After the Gulf: From Reform to Revolution. Stockton: University of California Press.
• Nasr, S. H. (2006). Islam: Religion, History, and Context. Harvard University Press.
• Nasr, S. H. (2010). Islam: A Short History. Princeton University Press.
• Peters, F. E. (1994). Islam: A Guide for Jews and Christians. Princeton University Press.
• Saeed, A. (2004). Interpreting the Qur'an: Towards a Contemporary Approach. Routledge.