Islam Written Report Background Information When studying the different religions of the world we tend of focus on the distinctions between these religions and understanding what makes them unique, however it is important to note that although these religions are distinct and unique in their own way, there are common themes and structures that can be applied to them. Some of the common elements present in the different religions that we will be studying this semester are:

– Sacred Scriptures and Sacred Writings o Divinely inspired writings that contain origins of the religion, essential beliefs, and major

teachings. Some religions also revere writings of prominent figures throughout their history who have contributed to expounding the theology of the religion (ex: writings of the Islamic saints)

– Beliefs and Practices

o Tenets of the religion that unify its community of believers on a variety of topics ranging from their relationship with the divine, soteriology, creation, eschatology, anthropology, etc.

– Prayer and Worship o Liturgical practices that believers of the faith participate in throughout their daily lives. Some

liturgical practices and rituals of prayer are performed in conjunction with the celebration of religious festivals at particular times of the week (ex: Sabbath) or times of the year (ex: Christmas)

– Morality – Code of Ethics o Guiding principles that adherents of the faith abide by throughout their lives informed by the

theology of the religion

– History o Understanding how the religion was established and the advances of the religion throughout

human history that shape the global image of the religion today while also recognizing changes in theology that have occurred throughout history due to major historical events

Report Instructions In your reading of Chapter 12 – Encountering Islam: The Straight Path of the One God you have gained a better understanding of what the religion of Islam is all about from the context of its history, sacred scriptures, beliefs and practices, code of ethics, etc. You will now use the information gleaned in the chapter to expand upon particular elements of Islam enumerated below:

1. Islamic Symbols and Names – ½ page a. Identify a common Islamic symbol and explain its significance

i. Consider the following: 1. History/Origins of the symbol 2. Important religious figure(s) associated with the symbol and their involvement

with it 3. How the symbol is utilized by Muslims today?

a. Is it used during prayer/worship? b. Worn as an outward sign of faith?

b. Distinguish between the terms Islam and Muslim as it relates to the Islamic faith

2. Life of the Prophet Muhammed – ½ to 1 page a. Discuss who the Prophet Muhammed was and the impact that he had on Islam b. Describe 2 key events from the Prophet Muhammed’s life c. Address how these events are commemorated by Muslims today

3. Sacred Scriptures – ½ page a. Analyze what the Qur’an is and assess upon how Muslims use it today

i. Consider the following: 1. Importance of particular Surahs in the Qur’an 2. How the sacred text came into existence 3. Important religious figures mentioned in the Qur’an

4. Beliefs and Practices – 2 – 3 pages § In the religion of Islam there is set of beliefs that all Muslim’s must follow. These are

known as the Articles of Faith and their foundations are found in the Qur’an. The 6 articles of faith tell Muslims what to believe in and then the 5 Pillars of Islam explain how to implement these beliefs in their daily lives.

a. Interpret the meaning of each of the Six Articles of Faith: • This section of the report should be about 1 to 1 ½ page in length

i. Belief in the Oneness of Allah (God) ii. Belief in the Angels

iii. Belief in the Books of Allah iv. Belief in the Prophets of Allah v. Belief in the Day of Judgement

vi. Belief in the Divine Decree – Will of Allah

b. Articulate the significance of each of the Five Pillars of Islam listed below and demonstrate how these pillars are lived out by Muslims today

• This section of the report should be about 1 to 1 ½ page in length i. Shahadah – Profession of Faith

ii. Salah – Prayer iii. Zakah – Almsgiving iv. Sawm – Fasting v. Hajj – Pilgrimage

Formatting Guidelines When completing this written report, the following guidelines must be followed. Failure to do so will result in points being deducted from your grade:

a. This report must be typed in 12pt. font, double-spaced, & Times New Roman b. Each section of the report must:

a. Include Section Title on a separate line i. Ex: Islamic Symbols, Beliefs and Practices, etc.

b. Adhere to the page length as outlined above c. Incorporate at least 2 direct quotations with appropriate footnotes from either the course text

(World RELG4: Introduction to World Religions) or one of the databases/encyclopedias available through St. Thomas University Library

• You may also find it beneficial to refer to the Islam Resources page on Canvas i. When citing your sources, you must use Chicago Manuel Style

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