BP

wh 2.11

HIST 1010 Overview

  • Date: February 11, 2025

  • Topic: The Prophet Muhammad and the Basics of the Islamic Faith

  • Instructor: Adam Jortner

  • Note: Material may have been adapted from Dr. W.M. Malczycki.

Jewish Texts

  • Midrash: Commentaries on the Torah, dating back to around 300 BCE.

  • Talmud: Commentaries on the Midrash, developed from around 600 CE to the present.

  • Oral Torah: Traditions passed down orally.

  • Written Torah: The Torah itself, as a written document.

Rabbinic Judaism

  • Oral & Written Torah: Foundation of Jewish law and ethics.

  • Mitzvot: Commandments and good deeds to be performed by Jews.

  • Tikkun Olam: Concept of repairing the world in collaboration with God.

  • Rabbinic Judaism serves both as a community and a religion.

  • Gamaliel’s Teachings:

    • "The study of the Torah is equal to all other expressions of religious behavior."

    • "Whoever has mercy on others, God will have mercy on him."

Historical Context (300-500 CE Europe)

  • Significant events from 300-500 CE including the establishment of dominions, edicts on tolerance, and the development of a canon in Christianity.

  • Noteworthy occurrences:

    • 70 CE: Destruction of the Temple; Rabbinic Judaism emerges.

    • 284: Diocletian’s reforms lead to dominance.

    • 410: Huns sack Rome, leading to the start of the Dark Ages.

Notes on Transliteration (Arabic)

  • Arabic uses its own script; letters and sounds differ from Latin alphabets.

  • No universal system for transliteration; variations exist (e.g., Muhammad/Mohammed).

  • "ibn" and "bin": Often shortened to "b."

Jahiliyya (Pre-Islamic Arabia)

  • Meaning: Jahiliyya refers to pre-Islamic Arabia, denoting a state of ignorance of God's will.

  • Values:

    • Patriarchal structure prioritizing tribe and family loyalty.

    • Materialism and profit-seeking behavior.

Side Effects of Jahiliyya Values

  • Social Consequences:

    • Violence and banditry.

    • Misogyny and female infanticide.

    • Limited inheritance rights for women.

    • Poverty and stark class divisions.

    • Lack of protection for vulnerable groups like women and orphans.

Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) (ca. 570-632 CE)

  • Muhammad: Recognized as the prophet of Islam, regarded as a mortal but divinely chosen.

  • Life Events:

    • Orphaned young; raised by uncle Abi Talib.

    • Involved in trade; gained the title "al-Amin" (the Trustworthy).

    • Married Khadija, a successful merchant widow.

First Revelation

  • Quran (Sura Al-Alaq): Muhammad received his initial revelations, emphasizing reading and creation by God.

  • Key Verses:

    • "Recite in the name of your Lord who created."

    • "Taught men what they knew not."

Muhammad in Mecca

  • Initially shared revelations with close family and friends.

  • Advocated for social justice, emphasizing care for the poor, women, and children's rights.

The Year of Sadness (619 CE)

  • Significant personal losses: Death of Abu Talib and Khadija.

  • Increased persecution of Muslims in Mecca.

The Hijrah (622 CE)

  • Migration to Yathrib (Medina): Vital moment in Islamic history, marking the start of the Muslim calendar.

  • Community formation and conflict resolution initiated in Medina.

  • Importance: Marks 1 AH (After Hijrah).

The Quran

  • Significance: Considered the word of God, distinct from Muhammad's teachings.

  • Structure: Composed of 114 suras, organized in order of length.

  • Aimed to provide final guidance to humanity, preserving the message uniquely compared to Judaic and Christian scriptures.

Muhammad’s Legacy

  • 630 CE: Muhammad's return to and conquest of Mecca.

  • Cleansing of the Kaaba, solidifying his role as both prophet and temporal ruler.

  • 632 CE: Death of Muhammad; Abu Bakr's reminder of the continued worship of God beyond Muhammad.