Religion Islam Week 8 Your Name Cosmogony View Of Origin ✓ Solved

Religion Islamweek 8 Your Namecosmogony View Of Origin Of T

Explain the Islamic perspective on the origin of the universe, the nature of the sacred, human nature, morality, salvation, death and the afterlife, key practices and rituals, and celebrations and festivals. Also, identify at least two ongoing differences and two similarities between Sunni and Shi'a Islam, excluding disputes over succession after Prophet Muhammad.

Sample Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

The Islamic worldview provides a comprehensive understanding of the universe's origin, the nature of the divine, and human purpose. Central to Islamic thought is the belief that Allah (God) is the ultimate creator who brought the universe into existence through divine will. This monotheistic faith emphasizes the unity of the divine and the importance of submitting to His will in all aspects of life.

Cosmogony: View of Origin of the Universe

In Islam, the creation of the universe is detailed primarily in the Quran, which describes Allah as the sole creator who created the heavens and the earth in six divine days (Quran 7:54). The universe's origin is viewed as a deliberate act of divine will, emphasizing that everything exists by Allah's command. Unlike some other traditions that depict a chaotic or spontaneous creation, Islam underscores the notion of divine purpose and intentionality behind the cosmos (Sardar, 1999).

View of the Nature of the Sacred

Islam regards Allah as the most sacred, infinite, and incomparable being. The divine nature is transcendent, beyond human comprehension, yet also imminent, accessible through worship and prayer. The Quran describes Allah as infinitely compassionate, merciful, and just (Quran 2:255). The sacred is viewed as both immanent in creation and beyond human understanding, emphasizing a personal relationship with Allah through worship and obedience (Esposito, 2002).

View of Human Nature

Islam teaches that humans are created by Allah with inherent dignity and a purpose. Humans possess free will but are also prone to both good and evil tendencies. According to Islamic theology, humans are born pure (fitrah) and are responsible for their actions, which will be judged by Allah on the Day of Judgment (Al-Ghazali, 2007). The concept underscores moral accountability and the importance of living ethically.

Understanding of Humanity: Morality and Key Values

Islamic morality is rooted in the Quran and Hadith (sayings of Prophet Muhammad), emphasizing virtues such as justice, mercy, honesty, and charity. The key values include submission to Allah’s will (Islam), compassion, community service, and maintaining social justice. Morality is not only individual but also communal, demanding social responsibility and ethical behavior in all aspects of life (Nasr, 2006).

Salvation, Fulfillment, and Attainment of Life’s Purpose

In Islam, salvation entails submission to Allah’s guidance, righteousness, and adherence to the Five Pillars of Islam: Shahada (faith), Salah (prayer), Zakat (charitable giving), Sawm (fasting), and Hajj (pilgrimage). Fulfillment of life's purpose is achieved through worship and leading a morally upright life, with ultimate reward being entrance into Jannah (paradise) (Baker, 2010). The concept emphasizes personal obedience, repentance, and divine mercy.

View of Death and the Afterlife

Death is viewed as a transition to an eternal life after physical death. The soul is judged by Allah based on one’s deeds, and this determines entry into paradise or hell. The Quran describes the afterlife as a place of reward for the righteous and punishment for evildoers, emphasizing accountability and the importance of living ethically (Qurtubi, 2001). Belief in resurrection and the Day of Judgment is fundamental.

Key Practices and Rituals

The core practices include the Five Pillars, daily prayers (Salah), fasting during Ramadan, almsgiving, and pilgrimage to Mecca. Ritual purity, recitation of Quran, and specific acts of worship deepen the believer’s spiritual connection with Allah. These practices serve to purify the heart and reinforce submission to divine will (Nasr, 2006).

Celebrations and Festivals

The most significant festivals are Eid al-Fitr, marking the end of Ramadan, and Eid al-Adha, commemorating Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to Allah. These festivals involve communal prayers, charity, feasting, and acts of worship, emphasizing gratitude, sacrifice, and community cohesion (Esposito, 2002).

Differences and Similarities Between Sunni and Shi’a Islam

While Sunni and Shi’a Islam share core beliefs such as monotheism, the Quran’s divine revelation, and the Five Pillars, they differ on certain issues. Two ongoing differences include:

• Leadership and Authority: Sunnis emphasize consensus and established religious scholars (ulama), while Shi’a adhere to the leadership of Imams from the Prophet’s family, especially the Imams in Twelver Shi’ism (Halm, 2006).
• Clerical Hierarchy: Shi’a often have a structured clerical hierarchy with prominent Imams and Marja, whereas Sunni authority is more decentralized.

Similarities include:

• Core religious practices such as the Five Pillars.
• Foundational belief in one God (Allah) and the prophethood of Muhammad.

Conclusion

Islam provides a profound and comprehensive perspective on the origin of the universe, sacred principles, human nature, morality, and life after death. The shared beliefs foster community cohesion, while differences reflect diverse interpretations and historical developments within the faith, enriching the global Muslim identity.

References

• Al-Ghazali, A. H. (2007). The Incoherence of the Philosophers. Oxford University Press.
• Baker, M. (2010). Introduction to Islam. Pearson Education.
• Esposito, J. L. (2002). What Everyone Needs to Know About Islam. Oxford University Press.
• Halm, H. (2006). The Shi'a: A Short History. Markus Wiener Publishers.
• Nasr, S. H. (2006). Islamic Science: An Illustrated Study. World Wisdom.
• Qurtubi. (2001). Tafsir al-Qurtubi (The tafsir of Al-Qurtubi). Dar Al-Kutub Al-Ilmiyah.
• Sardar, Z. (1999). Islam, and the Modern Age. Cambridge University Press.