Responses to 101 Questions on ISLAM

1. When and where did Islam come into being?

• Origins: Islam began in the early seventh century in Mecca, Arabian peninsula.

• Cultural Context: Arabs practiced animism; significant presence of Christians and Jews.

• Mecca's Role: Mecca became a main religious center with the Ka’ba, a cubic structure housing the sacred Black Stone.

• Religious Evolution: Through history, Ka’ba witnessed the evolution from local deities to the worship of Allah, the singular god.

2. Middle East and Mediterranean Circumstances during Islam's Birth

• Byzantine Empire: Consolidated power in the eastern Mediterranean post Roman Empire division.

• Sasanian Empire: Ruled eastern Iraq and Iran; both empires were in conflict (603-628), weakening their hold on the Arabian region.

• Political Vacuum: Resulting instability allowed Islam to rise as a dominant power.

3. Muhammad: Life Overview

• Background: Born around 570 CE in Mecca; orphaned early and raised by relatives.

• Marriage: Married Khadija, a wealthy widow, at 25 and entered the business world.

• Prophetic Call: Experienced divine revelation starting at 610 CE, forming the foundation of Islam.

• Medina Journey: Migrated in 622 CE, marking the beginning of the Islamic calendar; evolved from spiritual leader to a community leader.

• Return to Mecca: Triumphantly returned in 630 CE, becoming a central figure in Islam before his death in 632 CE.

4. Muhammad's Spiritual Status

• Human Appreciation: Seen by Muslims as a model of character, but strictly human.

• Miracles: Revered for his role, but does not possess divine powers; the Qur'an is his essential legacy.

• Night Journey: Significant event symbolizing his elevation to spiritual realms and communion with God.

5. Other Prophets in Islam

• Continuity of Prophecy: Muhammad recognized as the final prophet in a long line that includes figures like Abraham and Moses.

• Warnings and Messages: The role of prophets as guides for their people, often facing rejection.

• Role of Abraham: Viewed as a precursor to Islam who sought a true understanding of God.

• Qur’anic Perspective: References to past prophets, emphasizing a continuity in divine communication.

6. Development of the Qur'an

• Composition: Compiled over 23 years through revelations recorded orally and later written down.

• Structure: Consists of 114 chapters, emphasizing monotheism, accountability, and community living.

• Thematic Evolution: The Qur'an reflects changing social contexts and needs as Islam grew.

7. Authoritative Literature in Islam

• Hadith Literature: Second only to the Qur'an; includes sayings and actions of Muhammad, preserving his impact.

• Collection Process: Initially oral; by the 9th century, it was formally collected and scrutinized for authenticity.

8. Consequences of Muhammad's Death

• Succession Debate: Emergence of Sunni and Shi’a branches; disagreement on rightful leaders.

• Rightly Guided Caliphs: Abu Bakr, Umar, Uthman, and Ali led the community post-Muhammad.

9. Apostolic Age in Islam

• Companions of the Prophet: Early Muslims received validation for their beliefs and practices, akin to the apostles in Christianity.

10. Expansion of Islam Post-Muhammad

• Military Expansion: Rapid spread through conquests; establishment of the first caliphate.

• Interactions: Non-Muslims managed autonomy under Muslim rule but faced imposed taxes like the jizya.

11. Rapid Spread of Islam- Political vs. Missionary

• Reasons for Expansion: Primarily political and economic rather than outright missionary zeal.

12. Treatment of Non-Muslim Subjects

• Dhimmi Status: Legal category for protected non-Muslims, with rights but specific social restrictions.

13. Demise of the Umayyad Dynasty

• Political Failures: Social and ethnic divisions, coupled with discontent among various Muslim factions, contributed to its decline.

14. Development of Shi'a Islam

• Division: Emerged based on leadership lineage; Twelver and Isma'ili groups pivot around different figures of succession.

15. Concept of the Turks in Islam

• Emergence: Turkish groups began as mercenary soldiers within Islamic states, eventually gaining influence.

16. The Five Pillars of Islam

• Important Practices: Shahada (faith), Salat (prayer), Zakat (charity), Sawm (fasting), Hajj (pilgrimage).

17. Understanding Allah & Representation of God

• Reflections of Divine: Allah embodies attributes of mercy and justice, aligned with the concept of a singular God in Abrahamic faiths.

18. Muhammad's Role in Islam

• Human Messenger: Recognized not as divine but as humanity's guide through God's ultimate message.

19. Additional Means of Revelation

• Broader Sources: Besides the Qur’an, nature and human conscience also reflect divine attributes.

20. Belief in Angels

• Role of Angels: Integral to the faith; perform various duties, including delivering messages from God.

21. Acting Upon Death and Bereavement

• Burial Rituals: Emphasis on collective prayer; culturally significant practices post-burial.

22. Media Representation of Muslims

• Concerns Over Stereotypes: Misrepresentation in media; potential for misunderstanding shaped by narratives of violence and conflict.

23. Impact of the Crusades on Islam

• Misunderstandings: Perception of Crusades shifted in modern accounts to reflect differing motivations and consequences.

24. Qur'an and Biblical Narratives Comparison

• Interconnected Stories: Similar narratives across the texts, interpreted differently within their respective faiths.

25. Women's Rights in Islam

• Social Status: Historical views on women grounded in cultural practices rather than strictly theological interpretations; ongoing evolution in modern contexts.