This Week You Have The Opportunity To Provide A Summary Of W ✓ Solved

This Week You Have The Opportunity To Provide A Summary Of What You H

This week, you have the opportunity to provide a summary of what you have learned about Islam. You will explore differences between various groups within Islam and understand current practices today. Write a 700- to 1,050-word summary that includes the following: Brief summary of the history of Islam, the importance of these elements for Muslims: Qur'an, Five Pillars, Ramadan, General Islamic Ethics. Describe significant differences and similarities in how the branches of Islam (Sunni, Shiite, and Sufi) practice their traditions. Format your assignment according to appropriate course-level APA guidelines.

Sample Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

Islam is one of the world's major religions, with a rich history and diverse practices. It emerged in the 7th century CE in the Arabian Peninsula and has since grown into a global faith with over a billion followers. This paper provides an overview of the history of Islam, explores essential elements that hold significance for Muslims, and examines the practices of different Islamic branches—Sunni, Shiite, and Sufi.

History of Islam

Islam was founded by the Prophet Muhammad in the early 7th century CE in Mecca, present-day Saudi Arabia. According to Islamic tradition, Muhammad received revelations from Allah (God) through the Angel Gabriel, which were later compiled into the Qur'an. Muhammad’s teachings emphasized monotheism, social justice, and morality. Over time, Islam expanded rapidly across the Middle East, North Africa, parts of Asia, and beyond, through both peaceful propagation and conquests. Key historical milestones include the Rashidun Caliphate, Umayyad and Abbasid dynasties, and divisions that led to the development of different branches of Islam. The Sunni-Shiite split originated from a disagreement over the rightful successor to Muhammad, which still influences Islamic politics and religion today.

Important Elements for Muslims

Qur'an: The Qur'an is the holy book of Islam, believed to be the literal word of God revealed to Muhammad. It serves as a guide to faith, conduct, and law for Muslims. The Qur'an emphasizes monotheism, morality, and the importance of community.

Five Pillars: The Five Pillars are the core acts of worship that structure a Muslim's faith and practice. They include Shahada (faith declaration), Salat (prayer five times daily), Zakat (almsgiving), Sawm (fasting during Ramadan), and Hajj (pilgrimage to Mecca). These pillars foster spiritual growth, social responsibility, and obedience to God's commandments.

Ramadan: Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, marked by fasting from dawn to sunset. Fasting is viewed as a means of spiritual purification, self-discipline, and empathy for the less fortunate. It is also a time for prayer, reflection, and community.

Islamic Ethics: Islamic ethics encompass principles such as honesty, charity, justice, compassion, and humility. These values are derived from the Qur'an and Hadith (sayings and actions of Prophet Muhammad), governing both personal behavior and social interactions.

Branches of Islam: Practices, Similarities, and Differences

Islamic traditions are practiced differently among Sunni, Shiite, and Sufi communities, though they share core beliefs.

Sunni Islam: The largest branch, Sunni Islam emphasizes the authority of the community (Ummah) and the consensus of scholars (Ijma). Sunnis follow the Six Articles of Faith and the Five Pillars and recognize the first four caliphs as rightly guided. Their practices include daily prayers, pilgrimage, and observance of Ramadan, with cultural variations across regions.

Shiite Islam: Shiites believe that leadership should have stayed within the Prophet Muhammad's family, specifically through his cousin and son-in-law, Ali. They emphasize the Imamate—the spiritual and political leadership vested in the Imams—considering them infallible and divinely appointed. Shia practices include commemorating the martyrdom of Imam Husayn during Muharram, and they have distinct legal and devotional rituals.

Sufi Islam: Sufism is a mystical form of Islam characterized by spiritual practices aimed at achieving closeness to God. Sufis often emphasize personal experience, love, and devotion. They may incorporate chants (dhikr), poetry, and dance into their practices. Sufism exists within both Sunni and Shia traditions and often focuses on spiritual purification and universal love.

While all branches uphold the Five Pillars and share belief in one God, their approaches to authority, ritual, and spirituality vary significantly. For instance, Sufis focus on mystical practices that are not emphasized in orthodox Sunni or Shia contexts, and differences in leadership and theological interpretations influence their worship styles and community structures.

Conclusion

Islam is a diverse religion with a profound historical legacy and varied contemporary practices. Its foundational elements, such as the Qur'an, Five Pillars, Ramadan, and ethical principles, unite Muslims worldwide despite doctrinal differences. The Sunni, Shiite, and Sufi branches illustrate the rich diversity within Islam, each interpreting and practicing core beliefs differently to express their spiritual and cultural identities.

References

• Brown, D. (2017). Islam: A very short introduction. Oxford University Press.
• Esposito, J. L. (2018). What everyone needs to know about Islam. Oxford University Press.
• Halm, H. (2004). The empire of the Mahdi: The rise of the Fatimids. Edinburgh University Press.
• Marshall, B. (2014). Understanding Islam: The history, beliefs, and practices of the Muslim faith. Prowess Publishing.
• Sardar, Z., & Davison, M. (2019). Reading the Qur'an. Oxford University Press.
• Waines, D. (2019). Islam: Religion, history, and civilization. Wiley-Blackwell.
• Nasr, S. H. (2015). Islam: Religion, history, and civilization. HarperOne.
• Nasr, S. H. (2007). Islamic spirituality. Routledge.
• Von Denffer, M. (2008). The fiqh of worship: A practical guide. Islamic Foundation.
• Armstrong, K. (2014). Fields of blood: Religion and the history of violence. Knopf.