World Religions Study: Islam

Weeks 2-6, Hinduism

Weeks 7-11, Buddhism

Weeks 12-16, Confucianism

Weeks 17-21, Taoism


Weeks 22-26, Islam:

Smith, pages 217-253, 8 pages per week.

Novak, pages 145-174, 10 pages per week.

Eliade, chapter 4, 10 pages per week.

Read as desired from resources on Islam.

Read as desired from general resources.

Continue response journal, making note of your reading

WhyIslam.org
BBC Religion & Ethics -Islam
Sacred Texts
Islam
Middle East Studies -Islam
DiscoverIslam
EAWC -Early Islam
Internet Islamic History Sourcebook
Introduction to Islam
Islam at religioustolerance.org
Islam at about.com
Islam 101
A Brief Illustrated Guide to Understanding Islam

At the end of the 5-week Islam study either

1. turn in a project that demonstrates your understanding of Islam;

or

2. answer the following questions (these were selected from several sites):

Write a short biography of Mohammed.

What are the main beliefs of Islam?

What does the word "Islam" mean? In what different ways is it used?

What are the Five Pillars of the Muslim faith?

What is the significance of the Arabic language for Islam?

What is a mosque?

Why is Jesus not thought to be divine in the Muslim religion?

How many daily prayers are there? When are they prayed?

What is the purpose of the giving of alms?

Analyze at least two Surahs from the Qu'ran and explain what they mean.

Briefly tell the central story of Islam.

In what does Muslim communal worship on Fridays consist?

Discuss the fast of Ramadan. What is its basic purpose or meaning?

What is the Qur'an's view of its place in relation to other revelations? How do Muslims characteristically view other religions in relation to Islam?

How is Muhammad seen in Muslim eyes? What attitude or attitudes are characteristic?

How do Shi'a Islam and Sunni Islam differ. What caused the Shi'ites to separate from the Sunni Muslims?

What is an Ayatollah? An Imam?

From what event does the Muslim calendar date?

What do human happiness and fulfillment (falah, 'success') depend on in Islamic thinking?

What is seen as the root of all evil and wrongdoing in Islam?

What do Muslims see as the proper attitude toward other human beings, and how is it connected with their understanding of God?

What is a Sufi Muslim? What is the aim or goal of a Sufi path (or tariqa)? What is involved in this pursuit?

Explain the tradition of Muslim 'saints' and their veneration.

How does Islam view Judaism?

How do Muslims view Jesus?

How is Islam connected with Judaism and Christianity? How does Islam share a view of God with Judaism and Christianity?


Weeks 27-32, Judaism