Explain What Is Meant By The Terms Islam and Muslim?

Explain What Is Meant By The Terms Islam and Muslim? The word Islam has two main meanings which are peace and submission to God. Islam in linguistic meaning is the religion of Muslims which in Arabic term is known as peace and tranquility. However in Islamic term it is when a Muslim submits their will to Allah and be obedient to his rules which are set in the Quran and what his beloved Prophet Muhammad encouraged us to do. It is said in the holy Quran "He who obeys the Messenger has indeed obeyed Allah, but he who turns away, then we have not sent you as a watcher over them." (4:80) it is clearly said in the Quran that Muslims should follow Prophet Muhammad too as he is the messenger of Allah but not worship him. The origin of Islam was recognized by the last prophet sent on this earth, but Muslims believe that it had come long before Prophet was even born. Islam was chosen by Allah as it says in the Quran "Today I have perfected my favour upon you and chosen for you Islam as your religion," (5:3) in this verse Allah has clearly told the Muslims that Islam is what Allah chose for them. The religion Islam was given to Prophet Adam who was the first man on this earth and the first prophet of Allah, which ever Prophet that was sent to this by the command of Allah, were from the religion Islam. The name Islam was not decided by any Prophet but was chosen by Allah himself as he

  • Word count: 1562
  • Level: AS and A Level
  • Subject: Religious Studies & Philosophy
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Explain and comment on the ways in which Muhammad set about creating a united ummah between 622 and 632.

Explain and comment on the ways in which Muhammad set about creating a united ummah between 622 and 632 Key to explaining the creation of the united ummah is the admission by Islam of the wars that were necessary in achieving their aim. The Muslim belief about 622 is that Muhammad and the muhajirun who followed him from Mecca to Medina were mostly accepted by most residents of Medina. The foundation for this was that they had been asked there in the first place - they were supposed to bring about a peaceful revolution in a city wrought with violence and feuds between seperate tribes of people. As such, Islam was going to be the heal on the wounds that were plighting Medina. The non-Muslim view however is that Jews and munafiqun had difficulties in accepting the ideals of Islam and ridiculed it. Muhammad was faced with a challenge in bringing the people round to his point of view, and by the end of 622, had only managed to persuade 1000. The first undisputed, all-out battle of the creation of the ummah was in 624. This was the Battle of Badr. While Muslims claim that the battle was fought out of loyalty to Allah alone, non-Muslims claim that it was based on a desire for revenge against the Meccans who had forced them to leave their original home. The evidence that Muslims claim to have supporting their argument is the very fact that Muhammad and his followers won the

  • Word count: 1065
  • Level: AS and A Level
  • Subject: Religious Studies & Philosophy
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What were the main issues confronting the rightly guided caliphs during the period 632-661 CE? B) To what extent were the caliphs successful

A) What were the main issues confronting the rightly guided caliphs during the period 632-661 CE? B) To what extent were the caliphs successful dealing with these issues and securing the future of Islam? A) The death of Muhammad in 632 created confusion in the nascent Muslim community, for Muhammad and had left no details as to who should succeed him. Indications were made for Abu bakr to be the first caliph as the prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said 'If I were to take a friend other than my lord, I would take Abu bakr as a friend' (hadith). After a heated discussion by the senior members of the community, Abu bakr was selected as the first caliph. However, the confusion did not end with Abu bakr's accession. Tribes all around Arabia broke out in open revolt, while they continued to acknowledge Muhammad as a prophet, they refuse to send taxes to medina now that Muhammad was dead. Known as 'Wars of Apostasy' in Muslim chronicles, the rebellions were not subdued until the end of 633. At the same time a number of impostors claimed that the prophethood had passed on to them after Muhammad. Despite these internal problems, Abu bakr pursued Muhammad's expansionist policy and sent Muslim forces into Syria and Iraq, initiating their eventual conquest. The prophet had sent an army out before he died which had not gone far. After the death of the prophet the question raised

  • Word count: 1554
  • Level: AS and A Level
  • Subject: Religious Studies & Philosophy
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How Fair Is The Claim That Islamic Teaching and Practise Give Equal Dignity to Both Men and Women?

How Fair Is The Claim That Islamic Teaching and Practise Give Equal Dignity to Both Men and Women? There is much controversy surrounding the Islamic religion and its approach to the role of men and women. It is of great speculation whether the two sexes are equal and many people, especially those living in the Western world, believe that Islam is a chauvinistic and oppressive religion. However, many cannot separate between the true teachings of Islam and the actual practises: Their Lord responded to them: "I never fail to reward any worker among you for any work you do, be you male or female, you are equal to one another" (Surah 3 v 195) Allah, Himself, advocates that men and women have a spiritual equality within His eyes. Due to this being written in the Qur'an and considering that the Qur'an is the absolute, unaltered word of Allah, this is obviously what Allah intended. However, many misinterpretations, misleading Hadiths and misunderstood cultural practises have led to the oppressive views: Women are naturally, morally and religiously defective (Bukhari) This is just one of the many examples. The first key equality issue arises upon the subject of appropriate dress for both sexes. Both men and women are expected to dress modestly, as not to insight any sexual immorality; however men may strip to the waist and wear knee length trousers to perform certain tasks.

  • Word count: 1365
  • Level: AS and A Level
  • Subject: Religious Studies & Philosophy
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IS ISLAM A SOURCE OF LIBERATION FOR WOMEN

IS ISLAM A SOURCE OF LIBERATION FOR WOMEN? In my study I intend to talk about why born Muslim women reject the practice of Islam while others continue to practice it? Why there is an overwhelming women converts despite the fact that Islam is known to be an oppressive religion for women? Islam is often portrayed as a religion which is in favour of menflock who suppress, exploit and force women to stay in the house. As a result the practicing Muslim women have been stereotyped as backward, inferior and uneducated. However one must understand that Islam is not to blame for women being kept in the house or arranged marriages. The Muslim population in Britain is estimated to be between one and one and a half million, and includes migrants from Asia, the middle central Africa, Indonesia, Malaysia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and East Africa and so on. Although all these different Muslim groups follow the same Islamic laws, all possess different national cultural traits which are separate from Islamic culture; hence, the practice of female circumcision in some African countries or the arranged marriage system in Pakistan. It's therefore these national cultures which are mistaken for Islamic cultures. The common assumption expressed in the media is that Muslim women are isolated and subordinate to their men. Such media attention undoubtedly affects Muslim women and the Muslim

  • Word count: 530
  • Level: AS and A Level
  • Subject: Religious Studies & Philosophy
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Explain how Muslim practises reflect Islamic teaching on the role and status of women

Explain how Muslim practises reflect Islamic teaching on the role and status of women Islamic teaching and theories are such so that they can be applied to modern life. Islam recognizes the fact that men are generally physically stronger than women, but does not place men above women. They are given different skills to do so women are given the duty of providing food for the hungry, refuge for the weary, hospitality for the guest, comfort for the distressed, peace for the troubled, hope for the insecure and encouragement for the weak. They are expected to cook for the family, clean and give love to her husband. This sounds all very one sided, however marriage in Islam is a team effort- the husband has his expectations and requirements to. Islam treats women as equals to men and that their role is as important as men. The rights of a woman are sacred; ensure that women are maintained in the rights assigned to them [Hadith] A Muslim woman has the right to stay a virgin, unmolested by anyone. She has the right to be looked after when in pain. She does not have to fast during Ramadan, because she is going through so much pain, therefore she must be treated with respect. It is a privilege given to women because Islam recognizes the crucial role they play in life. Since they are burdened with the responsibility of upholding the home and bringing up the children, she is not

  • Word count: 936
  • Level: AS and A Level
  • Subject: Religious Studies & Philosophy
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Outlining the Main Events in the Life of Prophet Muhammed (pbuh) and Assessing his Importance and Influence.

Outlining the Main Events in the Life of Prophet Muhammed (pbuh) and Assessing his Importance and Influence. Prophet Muhammed (pbuh) was born around 570. He was born in Mekkah in Arabia into the Quraishi tribe. He was born on the 12th Rabi-ul-Awwal to his mother Amina. His father Abdullah died in Yathrib before the Prophet (pbuh) was born. When Muhammed was six years old, his mother Amina fell ill and died. Muhammed (pbuh) was looked after by his grandfather Abd-ul-Muttalib for two years but when Muhammed was eight, Abd-ul-Muttalib also died. Abu Talib, Muhammed (pbuh)'s uncle took care of him. Abu Talib was a wealthy. Powerful businessman. He took Muhammed (pbuh) on many of his business trips. One such trip was a journey to Syria when Muhammed (pbuh) was twelve years old. On this trip to Syria, Abu Talib's caravan passed the home of a Christian monk called Bahirah. Bahirah noticed that Muhammed (pbuh) had some features that matched the ones mentioned in the holy book Bahirah followed describing a prophet to come after Isa (Jesus). As Muhammed grew up, his honest character shone through the evils of Makkan society and he was given the title 'Al-Amin' which means the trustworthy. Whilst working alongside his uncle as a businessman, Muhammed met Khadijah, daughter of Khuwaylid, a wealthy lady of noble birth with a well-known noble character. Khadijah asked Muhammed to marry

  • Word count: 1495
  • Level: AS and A Level
  • Subject: Religious Studies & Philosophy
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What are the major features of Islamic Society in terms of religious belief, customs, social organisation, birth, marriage, death, etc..?

Islamic Iberia. Professor Cardwell. Module R4A111 What are the major features of Islamic Society in terms of religious belief, customs, social organisation, birth, marriage, death, etc..? The word Islam has a two-fold meaning. Firstly it means salaam which is Arabic for peace and it also means "submitting oneself to Allah." Therefore in its entirety Islam, one of the world's most practiced religions, is a religion of peace acquired by submitting one's will to the Supreme Creator Allah. Islam is careful to remind us that it is not a religion to be paid mere lip service; rather it is an all-encompassing way of life that must be practiced continuously for it to be Islam (www.islamworld.net). Therefore it is obvious that an Islamic society is one filled with a vast range of customs, traditions and beliefs. Today the worldwide Muslim community is estimated to embrace over one billion people. (www.religioustolerance.org) Islam is a monotheistic religion, believing in one God, (Allah in Arabic) and the last Prophet Muhammad. As a Muslim you must be humble, rid yourself from egoism and submit yourself totally to Allah exclusively. "Say he is God, the One God to whom the creatures turn up their needs, he begets not, nor was He begotten and there is no one like Him." (Qur'an 112:1-4) Religion plays a huge role in the life of a Muslim as he practises the five pillars of Islam

  • Word count: 1548
  • Level: AS and A Level
  • Subject: Religious Studies & Philosophy
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Muslim views on medical and sexual questions.

Transsexuals Transsexuals are people who believe that their mind is trapped within the body of someone who is of the opposite sex. Many of them who are unable to have the necessary sex organ change operation end up committing suicide. However in the terms of shariah law, it is not allowed for men and women to change their gender to the opposite sex. If one goes against the Shariah law, then he/she will be violating the commandments of the Qur'an and Hadith. The Shariah has also gone to the extent where women are not allowed to dress as men, and men are not allowed to dress as women. It is noted in an Hadith that Prophet Muhammed (pbuh) cursed those men who imitated women and those men who imitated women. If one was to undergo a sex change, then he/she will be altering the natural features and organs that Allah had blessed them with. Many patients have problems with their sex lives, so they seek the help of a doctor or in such cases, they are recommended to go to sex counselling sessions. However it is not allowed for Muslim physicians to engage such conversations. If a husband and wife had problems in their sexual lives, then they would consult a doctor of their own sex. They should then give a broad outline of their problem and not go into such detail. The Muslim doctor would not be allowed to find out such explicit details or show the patient videos that demonstrate

  • Word count: 636
  • Level: AS and A Level
  • Subject: Religious Studies & Philosophy
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Is There a Sufficient Role For Women In Islam?

IS THERE A SUFFICIENT ROLE FOR WOMEN IN ISLAM? Islam makes it clear that men and women can never have total equality as they are biologically different - the women become pregnant, and breast feed this is a difference that cannot be ignored. However, it is taught that women are spiritually, morally and intellectually equal yet the only difference is their physical state. Before Islam women did not have the right to own their property and were dependant on their fathers and husbands for things, like food and shelter however Muhammed passed on the message from Allah that men and women should have equal duties. The western stereotype says that women are forced to stay at home, look after their children, and not bother with an education. This is however not the case because it's a fact that motherhood is highly valued. The main role of a woman is to care for her children, and be a good mother. When she is pregnant, she does not have to do certain things for example she is excused from fasting. However, education is important for every Muslim. Muhammed said; "The search for knowledge is a duty for every Muslim" In all of the Worlds societies women have in the past struggled with situations like work, and at home where in some cases they have been looked upon as servants and property as men, Allah made it clear this was wrong. However many people in the Western world still hold

  • Word count: 729
  • Level: AS and A Level
  • Subject: Religious Studies & Philosophy
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