Comparative Theology Final: Islam

Islam:

1. Importance of Abraham:

   • Seen as a patriarch and a prophet, establishing the tradition of monotheism.

2. Prophet Muhammad:

   • Founder of Islam, considered the last prophet. Received revelations from Allah, compiled into the Qur’an.

3. Qur’an, Hadith, Sunnah:

   • Qur’an: Holy book of Islam, considered the word of God.

   • Hadith: Sayings and actions of Muhammad.

   • Sunnah: Traditions based on Muhammad's life.

4. Khadijah:

   • Muhammad’s first wife and the first follower of Islam.

5. Understandings of Allah:

   • Allah is the singular, omnipotent, and merciful God.

6. Understanding of Sin:

   • Seen as an act against God's will, can be forgiven through repentance.

7. Understanding of Death and Afterlife:

   • Belief in a Day of Judgment where souls will be judged for their deeds, leading to either heaven or hell.

8. Five Pillars of Islam:

   • Shahada: Declaration of faith.

   • Salat: Prayer five times a day.

   • Zakat: Almsgiving.

   • Sawm: Fasting during Ramadan.

   • Hajj: Pilgrimage to Mecca.

9. Major Sunni and Shi’a Differences:

   • Sunni: Believe in electing caliphs based on merit.

   • Shi’a: Believe leadership should stay within the Prophet’s family, starting with Ali.

10. Shari’ah:

    • Islamic law derived from the Qur’an and Hadith, covering dietary rules (e.g., halal), dress, and moral behavior.

11. General Understanding of Rumi, Sufism, and the Sema Ritual:

    • Rumi: Famous Sufi poet and mystic.

    • Sufism: Mystical branch of Islam focusing on personal union with God.

Sema Ritual: Whirling dance performed by Sufi dervishes as a form of meditation.