Islam

Definition

Islam is a monotheistic Abrahamic religion founded on the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad, who is considered the final prophet in a long line that includes figures like Abraham and Moses. Followers of Islam, known as Muslims, believe in one God (Allah) and adhere to the Five Pillars of Islam, which outline the core practices that guide their faith. The rich tapestry of Islamic beliefs and practices contributes to the ethnic and religious diversity of the Middle East, where Islam has played a central role in shaping cultures, identities, and social structures.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Islam was founded in the 7th century CE in the Arabian Peninsula and rapidly spread across the Middle East and beyond through trade and conquests.
2. The Quran is the holy book of Islam, believed by Muslims to be the literal word of God as revealed to Muhammad through the Angel Gabriel.
3. The Five Pillars of Islam include the declaration of faith (Shahada), prayer (Salah), almsgiving (Zakat), fasting during Ramadan (Sawm), and pilgrimage to Mecca (Hajj).
4. The division between Sunni and Shia Islam originated from a disagreement over the rightful successor to Muhammad after his death.
5. Islam has a significant influence on various cultural, social, and political aspects of life in many Middle Eastern countries, often shaping laws, education, and family dynamics.

Review Questions

• How do the core beliefs and practices of Islam reflect its influence on the ethnic and religious diversity found in the Middle East?
  • The core beliefs and practices of Islam are integral to understanding the ethnic and religious diversity in the Middle East. The religion promotes a strong sense of community through shared practices like prayer and pilgrimage, while also accommodating various interpretations within Sunni and Shia branches. This diversity allows for different cultural expressions among Muslim communities, leading to a rich mosaic of traditions and practices influenced by local customs and historical contexts.
• Evaluate the role of Islamic law (Sharia) in shaping social norms and governance structures within Muslim-majority countries in the Middle East.
  • Islamic law, or Sharia, significantly impacts social norms and governance structures in Muslim-majority countries across the Middle East. It provides a legal framework based on religious principles that govern personal conduct, family law, and community interactions. The extent to which Sharia is implemented varies between countries, influencing everything from legal systems to education policies. This creates diverse interpretations of Islam's role in public life that reflect local values and social dynamics.
• Synthesize how historical events have shaped contemporary understandings of Islam and its diverse expressions across different ethnic groups in the Middle East.
  • Historical events such as colonialism, the rise of nationalism, and modern geopolitical conflicts have profoundly shaped contemporary understandings of Islam and its diverse expressions among various ethnic groups in the Middle East. For example, colonial rule often imposed arbitrary borders that disregarded ethnic identities, leading to tensions within communities. Additionally, global events like the Arab Spring have prompted debates around Islamic identity, governance, and secularism. As a result, contemporary expressions of Islam are not monolithic but rather reflect a complex interplay of historical legacies, local cultures, and political realities.

Related terms

Sharia: Islamic law derived from the Quran and Hadith, governing various aspects of a Muslim's life, including moral conduct, family relationships, and legal matters.

Sunni:

The largest denomination within Islam, comprising about 85-90% of Muslims worldwide, characterized by its emphasis on the community's role in interpreting Islamic teachings.

Shia:

The second-largest denomination within Islam, representing about 10-15% of Muslims, which emphasizes the leadership of a specific lineage stemming from Muhammad's family.