Thursday, March 15

For today's class we'll be talking about Islam, beginning with the relevant section of Chapter 4 in the textbook. Here are some terms for you to be aware of:

• Bedouin
• Mecca
• Medina
• Hijra
• Islam (what does it mean?)
• Qu'ran (excerpted above) -- same question
• Shia
• Ali
• Umayyads
• Abbasids
• Sufism
• Dhimmi

• Characterize the social, religious, political, and economic life of the Arabian peninsula before the coming of Mohammed. Be aware of the differences between the Bedouins of the desert and the inhabitants of the major cities.
• What was the basis for Mohammed's status as a prophet?
• What is the theological substance of his teaching? What can you tell us about the ethical, social and legal changes that it embraced?
• How did Islam survive the death of the prophet? Under what circumstances and for what reasons did it divide into Shi'ites and Sunnis?
• Describe the basis for the military success of the Arabian conquerors. What are the major turning points in their campaigns against the Persians and the Byzantines?

Homework Questions:

1. Christians and Jews are "people of the book," according to the Qu'ran. How does the text instruct Muslims to regard these people? Find indications of marks of respect and of difference.
2. How does the Qu'ran retell stories from Hebrew and Christian scriptures? Find several examples.
3. Look for passages that pertain to the treatment of women and orphans. What are Muslim men's responsibilities to women, and to those in need?
4. What do our passages have to say about violence, conquest, and war? When and why is it appropriate, or not?

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