Rel 2250 Religions Of The World Reflection Paper Assi 664107

Rel 2250 Religions Of The Worldreflection Paper Assignment 7islami

Rel 2250 – RELIGIONS OF THE WORLD Reflection Paper, Assignment #7 Islam Instructions : These reflection papers are a chance for you to think through and relate to the assigned readings in your own way. Think of this paper as a kind of “journal” in which you reflect on the ideas in the readings. The study and practice of religion is a highly personal experience and each person comes to the Qur’an, the Bible, the Bhagavad-Gita or any other religious text in his or her own way. Therefore, you are encouraged to be creative and to write about your own personal experiences, relating them to the faith practices and wisdom traditions we will be studying this semester. However, be aware that creativity and chaos are not synonymous—in other words, you need to make sure the ideas and thoughts expressed in your paper are coherent and understandable, and most importantly, that they directly relate to the readings.

Essays must be typed in 12-point font and should be 2-3 pages (double spaced) in length. When you cite a source, be sure to include the title of the book and page number. If you cite a source other than our class textbooks, include a bibliography at the end of the paper. Some of you may be very familiar with one particular religion we are discussing this semester. If this applies to you, try (if only for the short period of weeks we are in this class together) to look at your own religion with “new eyes.” For example, if you are a Christian, try to consider how a Buddhist might see your religion. If you are an Atheist, try considering life from a Muslim’s perspective. Does this change anything for you? If so, how? Don’t be afraid to experiment with ideas. Prompt: (Write on 2 of the 5 questions below, OR, you may write about two of your own questions, from the chapter on Islam, that were of particular interest to you.)

1. What do the terms Islam and Muslim mean and what are their significance?

2. Compare and contrast the life of the Prophet Muhammad with the life of Jesus, as presented by Young in our textbook. What similarities or differences stand out?

3. Discuss the nature and content of the Qur’an. How was it revealed to Muhammad? How does the Qur’an see itself (and how do Muslims see it) in relation to the Old and New Testaments?

4. In Islam, as in Judaism, humans are not inherently sinful. What is the human condition, according to Islam, and how do humans recover their remembrance of God?

5. Discuss and describe the Five Pillars of Islam, including their inner or symbolic significance.

Paper For Above instruction

In this reflection, I will explore two significant questions related to Islam that deepen understanding of its core doctrines and practice: the meaning and significance of the terms "Islam" and "Muslim," and the nature and content of the Qur’an along with its relationship to other Abrahamic texts. These topics illuminate the essence of Islamic faith and its spiritual framework, providing insights into how Muslims perceive their relationship with God and their religious duties.

Meaning and Significance of "Islam" and "Muslim"

The terms "Islam" and "Muslim" are fundamental to understanding the religion itself. "Islam" is derived from the Arabic root "S-L-M," which fundamentally implies peace, submission, and surrender. In a religious context, Islam signifies complete surrender and obedience to the will of Allah (God), which is considered the ultimate peace and harmony with divine law. It is not merely a set of rituals but a comprehensive way of life grounded in submission to God's commandments. The term "Muslim," which means "one who submits," refers to a person who practices Islam by adhering to its principles and teachings. The significance of these terms lies in their emphasis on surrender and submission as the pathway to spiritual peace and fulfillment. For Muslims, being a Muslim involves a continuous effort to align one's life with the divine law revealed through the Prophet Muhammad, and this act of submission fosters both individual and communal harmony (Esposito, 2011).

The Qur’an: Its Nature, Content, and Relationship to Judaism and Christianity

The Qur’an is regarded as the literal word of God (Allah), revealed to the Prophet Muhammad over a period of approximately twenty-three years. According to Islamic belief, the Qur’an was revealed in the Arabic language through the Angel Gabriel and is considered both a miracle and a divine guide for humanity. Its content covers theological doctrines, moral principles, laws, and narratives that establish the spiritual and social order (Peters, 2014). The Qur’an emphasizes the importance of monotheism, righteousness, and submission to God's will, calling humanity back to the remembrance of their divine origins and purpose.

Muslims see the Qur’an as the final and most complete revelation that confirms and supersedes previous scriptures, such as the Old Testament and the New Testament. While acknowledging the earlier texts, Islam regards the Qur’an as the unaltered word of God, preserved in its original language without corruption. The Qur’an also references stories and figures familiar from Jewish and Christian traditions, including Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, and Jesus, but it presents these narratives within its own theological framework. It calls for a recognition of the continuity between these Abrahamic faiths but also clarifies differences, particularly emphasizing that the Qur’an is a final and universal message intended for all of humankind (Sardar, 2018).

Connection Between Beliefs

The recognition of shared origins and narratives underscores a theological relationship among Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. For Muslims, the Qur’an confirms previous scriptures but also corrects distortions and clarifications in those texts. This relationship fosters a sense of respect for earlier Abrahamic traditions, while asserting the unique authority and completeness of the Qur’an, which guides Muslims in their spiritual and daily lives in adherence to Allah's will (Nasr, 2015). Understanding these aspects offers a more profound appreciation of Islamic beliefs, emphasizing their rootedness in a shared heritage yet distinct in their divine revelations.

Conclusion

In conclusion, exploring the meanings of "Islam" and "Muslim" reveals a faith centered on submission and peace with God, essential for spiritual harmony. Moreover, the Qur’an’s role as the divine revelation in Islam highlights its significance as both a spiritual guide and a foundation for Islamic beliefs about previous scriptures and divine law. These topics are essential for comprehending the core principles of Islam and fostering a respectful appreciation of its teachings within the broader context of Abrahamic faiths. As one delves into these foundational concepts, it opens doors to a deeper understanding of Muslims’ spiritual practices and their relationship with the divine.

References

• Esposito, J. L. (2011). What Everyone Needs to Know About Islam. Oxford University Press.
• Peters, F. E. (2014). The Voice, the Word, the Text: The Relationships between Spoken and Written Language in the Religions of Abraham. Princeton University Press.
• Sardar, Z. (2018). Reading the Qur'an: The Contemporary Relevance of the Sacred Text. Oxford University Press.
• Nasr, S. H. (2015). Islamic Life and Thought. State University of New York Press.
• Armstrong, K. (2006). The Case for God. Knopf.
• Laubin, P. (2016). Understanding Islam: The Basics. Routledge.
• Ali, A. Y. (2015). The Holy Qur'an: Text, Translation and Commentary. Tahrike Tarsile Qur'an.
• Falk, R. (2008). The Great Terror: The 20th Century's Struggle with Religious Fundamentalism. Oxford University Press.
• Rippin, A. (2013). Muslims: Their Religious Beliefs and Practices. Routledge.
• Eickelman, D. F., & Piscatori, J. P. (1996). Muslim Politics. Princeton University Press.