World Religions Notes
Sawm (Fasting) in Islam
Purpose: Obeying God's command, fostering self-discipline, enhancing appreciation for food, sharing in the suffering of the less fortunate, expressing gratitude for the revelation of the Qur'an, and promoting fellowship among Muslims.
Individual Experience: Engaging in extra prayers (Tarawih), reading and reflecting on the Qur’an, and spending time in contemplation and spiritual reflection.
Communal Experience: Breaking the fast together as a community (Iftar), increased visits to mosques, observing Laylat al-Qadar (the Night of Power), and celebrating Eid al-Fitr.
Essay Breakdown:
Introduction: Explain the importance and significance of Ramadan.
Body 1: Describe the personal experience of fasting for males, including spiritual and physical aspects.
Body 2: Describe the personal experience of fasting for females, highlighting any unique challenges or perspectives.
Body 3: Discuss the communal aspects of Ramadan, such as Iftar gatherings and mosque activities.
Conclusion: Summarize the diversity of experiences during Ramadan and its overall impact on individuals and the community.
Sunni and Shi’a Imams
Core Beliefs: Both Sunni and Shi’a Muslims believe in the Qur'an as the word of God, Muhammad as the final prophet, the obligation to pray 5 times a day, fasting during Ramadan, paying alms (Zakat), and undertaking the pilgrimage to Mecca (Hajj).
Difference: The primary difference lies in their views on religious authority and leadership after the death of Prophet Muhammad.
Historical Division: The division began after the Prophet’s death in 632 CE, stemming from a disagreement on the rightful successor to lead the Muslim community.
Shi’a View: Shi’a Muslims believe that Muhammad appointed Ali ibn Abi Talib as his successor based on the Hadith of Ghadir Khum.
Sunni View: Sunni Muslims hold that Muhammad made no specific provisions for his succession, and the Prophet’s companions (Sahaba) chose Abu Bakr as the first leader (Caliph).
Sunni vs. Shia
Sunni:
Authority is derived from the Prophet’s companions (Sunnah).
The Imam leads prayer and provides religious guidance; the position is typically earned through piety and trust within the community.
Shi’a:
Authority is believed to be passed down through Imams, who are descendants of Ali.
The Imam is considered both a political and religious leader and holds a more significant role in interpreting religious doctrine.
Commonalities: Both Sunni and Shi’a Imams lead prayers, offer religious guidance, share a lineage connected to fundamental Islamic concepts.
Essay Breakdown:
Introduction: Introduce the Sunni and Shi’a denominations within Islam.
Body 1: Explain the origination of the Imam concept in Islam.
Body 2: Describe the Sunni view of the Imam.
Body 3: Describe the Shi’a view of the Imam.
Conclusion: Summarize the differences and commonalities in the understanding of Imams between Sunni and Shi’a Muslims.
Conversion/Reversion in Islam
Islam is often described as a missionary religion, encouraging membership.
The concept of reversion (believing everyone is born Muslim) is emphasized more than conversion, suggesting a return to one's original state of submission to God.
There is no compulsion in religion: “There is no compulsion in religion” (2:256), indicating that people should not be forced to convert.
Da’wah: Muslims are encouraged to call people to Islam through reasoned discourse and good example.
Converting involves reciting the Shahada, the declaration of faith, sincerely.
Converts are generally welcomed into the Muslim community and are considered equal to those born into the faith.
Muslims are generally not allowed to convert to other religions, although this is a complex issue with varying interpretations.
Christians and Jews are particularly welcomed as “people of the book,” due to shared Abrahamic roots.
Essay breakdown:
Introduction: Begin with the quote “There is no compulsion in religion” and explain its significance.
Body 1: Describe the conversion process, emphasizing the importance of the Shahada.
Body 2: Discuss attitudes toward conversion within the Muslim community.
Body 3: Detail the acts following conversion, such as learning basic Islamic practices.
Conclusion: Provide a summary of the key aspects of conversion/reversion in Islam.
Sacred Texts: Quran and Hadith
Quran: Considered the verbatim word of God as revealed in Arabic.
Hadith: Comprises the sayings, actions, and traditions of the Prophet Muhammad.
Translation of the Quran is viewed as interpretation, not the direct word of God.
Scholars interpret sacred texts, but interpretations vary based on methodology and perspective.
Quran
The Quran is the word of God and the final divine revelation to mankind.
It is regarded as the finest piece of Arabic literature and is best communicated through recitation.
pages, consisting of 114 suras arranged in length-based order
It is considered the miracle of Islam, a sign of prophethood for Mohammad.
The Quran was verbally revealed to Prophet Muhammad over 23 years via the angel Gabriel.
It was written down during the Prophet’s lifetime and compiled into a single volume after his death.
Abu Bakr collated the suras after the Prophet’s death.
Uthman collected one version of the Quran, destroying remaining versions to ensure standardization.
Organization: It begins with Al-Fatiha (the opening) followed by the longest sura.
Respect: Muslims perform ritual cleansing (wudu) before touching the Quran.
Interpretations: Tafsir (explanation) and Ta’wil (interpretation) are used to understand the Quran.
Hadith
Hadith consists of the sayings, actions, and approvals of Prophet Muhammad and his companions.
These were collected over centuries following the Prophet’s death.
Types include Hadith Qudsi (sacred) and Hadith Sharif (noble).
Components: Matn (speech) and Isnad (route).
Topics covered include morals, science, personal matters, and eschatology.
Sunni Islam recognizes six major collections of Hadith.
Shia Islam recognizes the words and practices of the Prophet and his family (Ahl al-Bayt).
Accuracy is determined by transmission routes, dates, and narratives; categorized as sahih (authentic), daif (weak), or mawdu (fabricated).
Used as tafsir of the Quran and basis for Sharia and fiqh.
Islamic Jurisprudence/Law
Fiqh: Human interpretation of divine law; understanding and application of Sharia.
Sharia: Divine law derived from the Quran and Hadith; “the correct path” to follow in life.
Sources of Sharia:
Quran: Direct word of God.
Hadith: Collected sayings and actions of the Prophet.
Sira: Biographies of the Prophet.
Words of Imams (Shiite).
Aqidah: Faith and belief in Allah.
Fiqh: Deals with the relationship between man and Creator (ibadat) and the relationship between man and man (muamalat).
Akhlaq: Muslim behavior, attitude, and work ethic.
Sharia
Divine law; secular laws deal with crime.
Governs religious aspects: prayers and how to follow God's directions (ibadat).
Deals with people: (muamalat) governs interactions and transactions among people.
Fiqh: To understand Ahadith and Quran using logic to make rulings, a jurist/scholar is needed.
Ijtihad: Use of reason by a jurist, though it is virtually closed in the Sunni world.
Ijma: Scholarly consensus on legal matters.
Qiyas: Analogy/comparison to derive rulings.
Categorization of actions: Actions are categorized as obligatory, recommended, permitted, disliked, or forbidden.
Sharia Schools
Islam developed Sharia (between 7th to 13th century)
Schools of Sunni jurisprudence:
Hanbali School: Known for its strict adherence to the texts.
Hanafi School: Generally considered the most liberal.
Maliki: Bases its rulings on the behavior of the people of Medina during the Prophet's lifetime.
El-Shafi’i: Emphasizes the opinions of the companions of the Prophet.
Shia Jurisprudence:
Places more value on the opinion of the Imam than on ijma (consensus).
Refuses to accept Hadith not transmitted from an Imam.
Rejects the Sunni doctrine of ijma.
Two main schools: Jafari and Zaydi.
THE END OF IJTIHAD: Ijtihad (interpretation) during the 12th century began to harden legal opinions by emphasizing maintena
Sawm (Fasting) in Islam
Purpose: Obeying God's command, fostering self-discipline, enhancing appreciation for food, sharing in the suffering of the less fortunate, expressing gratitude for the revelation of the Qur'an, and promoting fellowship among Muslims.
Individual Experience: Engaging in extra prayers (Tarawih), reading and reflecting on the Qur’an, and spending time in contemplation and spiritual reflection.
Communal Experience: Breaking the fast together as a community (Iftar), increased visits to mosques, observing Laylat al-Qadar (the Night of Power), and celebrating Eid al-Fitr.
Essay Breakdown:
Introduction: Explain the importance and significance of Ramadan.
Body 1: Describe the personal experience of fasting for males, including spiritual and physical aspects.
Body 2: Describe the personal experience of fasting for females, highlighting any unique challenges or perspectives.
Body 3: Discuss the communal aspects of Ramadan, such as Iftar gatherings and mosque activities.
Conclusion: Summarize the diversity of experiences during Ramadan and its overall impact on individuals and the community.
Sunni and Shi’a Imams
Core Beliefs: Both Sunni and Shi’a Muslims believe in the Qur'an as the word of God, Muhammad as the final prophet, the obligation to pray 5 times a day, fasting during Ramadan, paying alms (Zakat), and undertaking the pilgrimage to Mecca (Hajj).
Difference: The primary difference lies in their views on religious authority and leadership after the death of Prophet Muhammad.
Historical Division: The division began after the Prophet’s death in 632 CE, stemming from a disagreement on the rightful successor to lead the Muslim community.
Shi’a View: Shi’a Muslims believe that Muhammad appointed Ali ibn Abi Talib as his successor based on the Hadith of Ghadir Khum.
Sunni View: Sunni Muslims hold that Muhammad made no specific provisions for his succession, and the Prophet’s companions (Sahaba) chose Abu Bakr as the first leader (Caliph).
Sunni vs. Shia
Sunni:
Authority is derived from the Prophet’s companions (Sunnah).
The Imam leads prayer and provides religious guidance; the position is typically earned through piety and trust within the community.
Shi’a:
Authority is believed to be passed down through Imams, who are descendants of Ali.
The Imam is considered both a political and religious leader and holds a more significant role in interpreting religious doctrine.
Commonalities: Both Sunni and Shi’a Imams lead prayers, offer religious guidance, share a lineage connected to fundamental Islamic concepts.
Essay Breakdown:
Introduction: Introduce the Sunni and Shi’a denominations within Islam.
Body 1: Explain the origination of the Imam concept in Islam.
Body 2: Describe the Sunni view of the Imam.
Body 3: Describe the Shi’a view of the Imam.
Conclusion: Summarize the differences and commonalities in the understanding of Imams between Sunni and Shi’a Muslims.
Conversion/Reversion in Islam
Islam is often described as a missionary religion, encouraging membership.
The concept of reversion (believing everyone is born Muslim) is emphasized more than conversion, suggesting a return to one's original state of submission to God.
There is no compulsion in religion: “There is no compulsion in religion” (2:256), indicating that people should not be forced to convert.
Da’wah: Muslims are encouraged to call people to Islam through reasoned discourse and good example.
Converting involves reciting the Shahada, the declaration of faith, sincerely.
Converts are generally welcomed into the Muslim community and are considered equal to those born into the faith.
Muslims are generally not allowed to convert to other religions, although this is a complex issue with varying interpretations.
Christians and Jews are particularly welcomed as “people of the book,” due to shared Abrahamic roots.
Essay breakdown:
Introduction: Begin with the quote “There is no compulsion in religion” and explain its significance.
Body 1: Describe the conversion process, emphasizing the importance of the Shahada.
Body 2: Discuss attitudes toward conversion within the Muslim community.
Body 3: Detail the acts following conversion, such as learning basic Islamic practices.
Conclusion: Provide a summary of the key aspects of conversion/reversion in Islam.
Sacred Texts: Quran and Hadith
Quran: Considered the verbatim word of God as revealed in Arabic.
Hadith: Comprises the sayings, actions, and traditions of the Prophet Muhammad.
Translation of the Quran is viewed as interpretation, not the direct word of God.
Scholars interpret sacred texts, but interpretations vary based on methodology and perspective.
Quran
The Quran is the word of God and the final divine revelation to mankind.
It is regarded as the finest piece of Arabic literature and is best communicated through recitation.
pages, consisting of 114 suras arranged in length-based order
It is considered the miracle of Islam, a sign of prophethood for Mohammad.
The Quran was verbally revealed to Prophet Muhammad over 23 years via the angel Gabriel.
It was written down during the Prophet’s lifetime and compiled into a single volume after his death.
Abu Bakr collated the suras after the Prophet’s death.
Uthman collected one version of the Quran, destroying remaining versions to ensure standardization.
Organization: It begins with Al-Fatiha (the opening) followed by the longest sura.
Respect: Muslims perform ritual cleansing (wudu) before touching the Quran.
Interpretations: Tafsir (explanation) and Ta’wil (interpretation) are used to understand the Quran.
Hadith
Hadith consists of the sayings, actions, and approvals of Prophet Muhammad and his companions.
These were collected over centuries following the Prophet’s death.
Types include Hadith Qudsi (sacred) and Hadith Sharif (noble).
Components: Matn (speech) and Isnad (route).
Topics covered include morals, science, personal matters, and eschatology.
Sunni Islam recognizes six major collections of Hadith.
Shia Islam recognizes the words and practices of the Prophet and his family (Ahl al-Bayt).
Accuracy is determined by transmission routes, dates, and narratives; categorized as sahih (authentic), daif (weak), or mawdu (fabricated).
Used as tafsir of the Quran and basis for Sharia and fiqh.
Islamic Jurisprudence/Law
Fiqh: Human interpretation of divine law; understanding and application of Sharia.
Sharia: Divine law derived from the Quran and Hadith; “the correct path” to follow in life.
Sources of Sharia:
Quran: Direct word of God.
Hadith: Collected sayings and actions of the Prophet.
Sira: Biographies of the Prophet.
Words of Imams (Shiite).
Aqidah: Faith and belief in Allah.
Fiqh: Deals with the relationship between man and Creator (ibadat) and the relationship between man and man (muamalat).
Akhlaq: Muslim behavior, attitude, and work ethic.
Sharia
Divine law; secular laws deal with crime.
Governs religious aspects: prayers and how to follow God's directions (ibadat).
Deals with people: (muamalat) governs interactions and transactions among people.
Fiqh: To understand Ahadith and Quran using logic to make rulings, a jurist/scholar is needed.
Ijtihad: Use of reason by a jurist, though it is virtually closed in the Sunni world.
Ijma: Scholarly consensus on legal matters.
Qiyas: Analogy/comparison to derive rulings.
Categorization of actions: Actions are categorized as obligatory, recommended, permitted, disliked, or forbidden.
Sharia Schools
Islam developed Sharia (between 7th to 13th century)
Schools of Sunni jurisprudence:
Hanbali School: Known for its strict adherence to the texts.
Hanafi School: Generally considered the most liberal.
Maliki: Bases its rulings on the behavior of the people of Medina during the Prophet's lifetime.
El-Shafi’i: Emphasizes the opinions of the companions of the Prophet.
Shia Jurisprudence:
Places more value on the opinion of the Imam than on ijma (consensus).
Refuses to accept Hadith not transmitted from an Imam.
Rejects the Sunni doctrine of ijma.
Two main schools: Jafari and Zaydi.
THE END OF IJTIHAD: Ijtihad (interpretation) during the 12th century began to harden legal opinions by emphasizing maintenance of the status quo.
Gender in Islam
Shaped by cultural, historical, and geographical influences.
Spiritual equality between men and women, although interpretations and practices vary.
Regulating women’s lives aims to prevent injustice and maintain social order.
Women’s rights include education, marriage, divorce, inheritance, and social roles.
Sources of influence:
Quran and Hadith.
Ijma, qiyas, fatwa, ijtihad.
Concept of men and women equals, but women roles are more to do with family children whilst men have external roles.
Gender and Sexuality
*Islam uses both call for gender equality and blended traditional view on gender
Menstruation = barrier to performing ritual obligations
Ritual laws can promote gender inequality
Marriage in Islam
*Sacred social contract, discouraged but permissible
Disapproving celecacy and homosexuality
Women need to be taken care of, important when choose husband/spouse
Polygyny, can marry up to 4 as long as is treats all wives with kindness
*Women can remarry consecutively
*Men can marry jewish or Christian, women can only marry another Muslim
Jihad
Struggle
Religious or internal; internal is a believer's personal struggle and external is struggle to build good society
Self defence, strengthening Islam, oppressed Muslims, enemy breaking oath, righting wrongs
War cannot enforce convert/ take territory/ demonstrate power but can bring what God approves
In a disciplined way
So as to avoid injuring non-combatants
With the minimum force necessary
Without anger
With humane treatment towards prisoners of war
Dietary Restrictions in Islam
Some foods are haram (forbidden).
Permitted animals generally include animals that graze.
The animals which Muslims cannot eat include: Lions, tigers, wolves, bears, monkeys, elephants, foxes, cats, dogs, squirrels, and other animals which are known to eat other animals.
Hinduism
Pilgrimage and Festivals in Hinduism
Visiting holy places mentioned since Rigveda done because remember holy people, fix mind/glorify GOd, self development/purifications, meeting guidance from guru and self reflecting
Taking darshan, charity, austerities, listening to talks, specific rites
Centrality of Puja
Almost every denomination participates in this repeated method to connect with Brahman incorporating everything form Hindu worship
Bhakti- 3 prayers per day personal
Religious Experiences in Hinduism
Diverse worship and yogic practices
samskaras and different worship forms show diversities. ex: fire ceremonies/ pujas. diff denominations but common idea to worship Brahman
Hindu sects
Vaishnavism, Shivaism, shaktism,smartism
Vedas today
Not followed anymore, altered fires aren't permanent
discuss how different gods have different jobs
Vedas and Hindu Ritual
Shruti is no human author whilst smriti is remembered
Most authoritative text, important system
Brahmins only use it
End of Vedic Period (Upanishads)
Vedas dont satisfy spiritually people seek and find a dialogue with one another about knowledge from gurs, use Darshan/atman/Brahman maya illlusion
Gods vs Brahman discussed here
Brahman Atman Philosophy
personal and creation-ishvara. share Gods characteristics, liberated and senses unity
Darshanas Philosophy
discipled. nature of questions about GOd vs soul used to discuss about atman/Brahman relationships. questions about life, divided into multiple schools of thoughts
Relationship between Atman and Brahman in Vedanta
Upanishads make basis of Brahman vs Atman which divides different thoughts(ex Shanakara, Ramanuja, madavi (dualism)
Dietary restriction and food caste relationship
food and caste and Brahman all influence one another with purity
Tamas vs Raja vs Sattva relationship
concept of ahimsa do not directly kill animal-vegetarian or vegetarian
sacred concept beyond sustentance
Samskara
rites of passage give mental impression good preparation for life (initiation, birth, thread ceremomy, household death funeral.
Marriage
No to divorce, sacred bond within Dharma
Private affairs
Traditional and most important step within samaskara life
hatred and negative energies caused otherwise
ethical topics
Hinduism- no to abortion because its bad karma from killing the process, souls get repeated attempts but also
us quo.
Gender in Islam
Shaped by cultural, historical, and geographical influences.
Spiritual equality between men and women, although interpretations and practices vary.
Regulating women’s lives aims to prevent injustice and maintain social order.
Women’s rights include education, marriage, divorce, inheritance, and social roles.
Sources of influence:
Quran and Hadith.
Ijma, qiyas, fatwa, ijtihad.
Concept of men and women equals, but women roles are more to do with family children whilst men have external roles.
Gender and Sexuality
*Islam uses both call for gender equality and blended traditional view on gender
Menstruation = barrier to performing ritual obligations
Ritual laws can promote gender inequality
Marriage in Islam
*Sacred social contract, discouraged but permissible
Disapproving celecacy and homosexuality
Women need to be taken care of, important when choose husband/spouse
Polygyny, can marry up to 4 as long as is treats all wives with kindness
*Women can remarry consecutively
*Men can marry jewish or Christian, women can only marry another Muslim
Jihad
Struggle
Religious or internal; internal is a believer's personal struggle and external is struggle to build good society
Self defence, strengthening Islam, oppressed Muslims, enemy breaking oath, righting wrongs
War cannot enforce convert/ take territory/ demonstrate power but can bring what God approves
In a disciplined way
So as to avoid injuring non-combatants
With the minimum force necessary
Without anger
With humane treatment towards prisoners of war
Dietary Restrictions in Islam
Some foods are haram (forbidden).
Permitted animals generally include animals that graze.
The animals which Muslims cannot eat include: Lions, tigers, wolves, bears, monkeys, elephants, foxes, cats, dogs, squirrels, and other animals which are known to eat other animals.
Hinduism
Pilgrimage and Festivals in Hinduism
Visiting holy places mentioned since Rigveda done because remember holy people, fix mind/glorify God, self development/purifications, meeting guidance from guru and self reflecting
Taking darshan, charity, austerities, listening to talks, specific rites
Centrality of Puja
Almost every denomination participates in this repeated method to connect with Brahman incorporating everything form Hindu worship
Bhakti- 3 prayers per day personal
Religious Experiences in Hinduism
Diverse worship and yogic practices
samskaras and different worship forms show diversities. ex: fire ceremonies/ pujas. diff denominations but common idea to worship Brahman
Hindu sects
Vaishnavism, Shivaism, shaktism,smartism
Vedas today
Not followed anymore, altered fires aren't permanent
discuss how different gods have different jobs
Vedas and Hindu Ritual
Shruti is no human author whilst smriti is remembered
Most authoritative text, important system
Brahmins only use it
End of Vedic Period (Upanishads)
Vedas dont satisfy spiritually people seek and find a dialogue with one another about knowledge from gurs, use Darshan/atman/Brahman maya illlusion
Gods vs Brahman discussed here
Brahman Atman Philosophy
personal and creation-ishvara. share Gods characteristics, liberated and senses unity
Darshanas Philosophy
discipled. nature of questions about GOd vs soul used to discuss about atman/Brahman relationships. questions about life, divided into multiple schools of thoughts
Relationship between Atman and Brahman in Vedanta
Upanishads make basis of Brahman vs Atman which divides different thoughts(ex Shanakara, Ramanuja, madavi (dualism)
Dietary restriction and food caste relationship
food and caste and Brahman all influence one another with purity
Tamas vs Raja vs Sattva relationship
concept of ahimsa do not directly kill animal-vegetarian or vegetarian
sacred concept beyond sustentance
Samskara
rites of passage give mental impression good preparation for life (initiation, birth, thread ceremomy, household death funeral.
Marriage
No to divorce, sacred bond within Dharma
Private affairs
Traditional and most important step within samaskara life
hatred and negative energies caused otherwise