Islamic Beliefs, Five Pillars, and Sect Differences; Reformation and Catholic Counter-Reformation

Fundamental Beliefs of Islam

The belief in one God (Allah), Muhammad as the final prophet, following the Qur'an, and observing the Sharia laws which guide behavior and family life.

Five Pillars of Islam

1. Declaration of Faith, 2. Daily Prayer (five times a day), 3. Donation to Charity (2.5% of income), 4. Fasting during Ramadan, 5. Pilgrimage to Mecca (Hajj).

Division in Islam

The main division is between Sunnis (85%) and Shi'as (15%), stemming from a historical disagreement over leadership after Muhammad's death.

Sunnis

Muslims who believe the community should choose its leader (Caliph) through its elder leaders.

Shi'as

Muslims who believe leadership should have stayed within Muhammad's bloodline.

Spread of Islam to West Africa

It spread primarily through Muslim merchants traveling on trade routes like the Sahara, who brought their faith with them.

Impact of Islam on West African Politics/Society

African rulers and elites often converted first; cities like Timbuktu became Islamic cultural hubs, and Islamic law and culture influenced local governance and society.

Printing Press & the Reformation

Invented by Gutenberg, it allowed the Bible to be mass-produced in vernacular languages, enabling people to form their own interpretations and spreading Martin Luther's ideas, which fueled the Protestant Reformation.

Catholic Clergy Failures

Pluralism (holding multiple church positions) and Simony (selling church positions for profit).

Martin Luther's Motivation for 95 Theses

He was prompted by corruption and greed in the Church, his opposition to the sale of indulgences, and his belief that everyone should be able to interpret the Bible.

Protestant vs. Catholicism: Authority

Protestants reject the Pope's authority, while Catholics see him as the head of the Church.

Protestant vs. Catholicism: Salvation

Protestants believe in salvation by faith alone; Catholics believe it requires both faith and good works.

Protestant vs. Catholicism: Scripture

Protestants rely on the Bible alone ('Sola Scriptura'), while Catholics uphold both Scripture and Church tradition.

Protestant vs. Catholicism: Sacraments

Catholics recognize seven sacraments; most Protestants observe only two (Baptism and Communion).

Catholic Church's Initial Response to Luther

They asked him to recant at the Diet of Worms, excommunicated him when he refused, and declared him an outlaw.

Goals of the Catholic Reformation

To revive the Church's reputation, stop the spread of Protestantism, reaffirm Catholic doctrine, and expand Catholic influence.

Council of Trent

A meeting of Church officials to strengthen Catholic traditions and combat Protestantism; it reformed abuses and clearly defined doctrine.

Key Outcomes of the Council of Trent

Ended sales of indulgences, sought to end pluralism and simony, reaffirmed the need for both faith and good works for salvation, and defended the Pope's authority.

Jesuits

A new religious order (Society of Jesus) founded by Ignatius of Loyola to fight Protestantism and spread Catholicism worldwide.