Islam

Islam

Islam is a peaceful religion with many aspects to explore. The religion is surrounded by myths from the unknown. Following our journey of myths we will explore the tools of knowledge, the sacred texts of Islam, symbols, and practices. Once an understanding of Islam is established we will explore the historical foundation of Islam and the similarities and differences between Islam and Christianity.

Explanations of myths related to the religion

There are many myths surrounding the Islamic religion. As with anything that people do not know or understand, there is going to be misconceptions and myths in regards to beliefs and practices. There are several myths that relate to Muslims and violence, Muslims and their relationship with other religions and their beliefs and practices.

Since September 11, 2001, many Americans have the misconception that Muslims are violent terrorist. The Islamic faith promotes peace. There are some people that have misinterpreted the teaching of Islam. The truth is, "the entire Qur'an, taken as a complete text, gives a message of hope, faith, and peace to a faith community of one billion people"(Huda, 2006, 5). Another myth that goes hand and hand with the terrorist myth is most Muslims are Arabs. It is not uncommon for Americans who travel by plane to say, "All eyes were on the Arab while on the plane." Truth, Mecca is in the Middle East but that is not where most of the Muslim population lives. "The country with the largest population of Muslims is Indonesia" (Huda, 2006, 3). Some believe that, "Islam promotes jihad to spread Islam by the sword and kill all unbelievers"(Huda, 2006, 7). The actual meaning of jihad is "to strive"(Huda, 2006, 7). To the Muslim community jihad is the ability to practice religion in light of oppression and persecution. "The Qur'an forbids coercion in religion, recommending instead that Muslims invite others to the Way by their wisdom, beautiful teaching, and personal example" (Fisher, 2002, p154-155).

There are myths that pertain to Muslims attitude toward other religions. One myth is, "Islam is intolerant of other faiths"(Huda, 2006, 6). The Qur'an teaches that there are other religions that worship the same God. "The Qur'an commands Muslims to protect from harm not only mosques, but also monasteries, synagogues, and churches - because "God is worshipped therein""(Huda, 2006, 6). Another myth about the Islamic religion is, "The Qur'an was written by Muhammad and copied from Christians and Jewish sources"(Huda, 2006, 8). The belief is, Angel Gabraiel visited the Prophet Muhammad and the Qur'an was revealed to him. Muslims believe in the same prophets as Christians and Jews and this is why we find similar stories in the Qur'an. Besides finding similar biblical stories in the Qur'an, there are stories about Jesus Christ. These stories range from his miraculous birth to, "miracles he performed by God's permission.

Myths that pertain to beliefs and practices of the Islamic faith are just as enticing as previous myths. A myth that any onlooker can easily attain is, "Muslims oppress women"(Huda, 2006, 4). The reason that it is easily attained is it is not unusual to hear about arranged marriages, spousal abuse and restricted movement of Middle Eastern women. However, these practices are not apart of the Islamic faith. Muslims believe in protecting women, children, and orphans. This myth that we found is inexplicable to us, "Islamic prayer is just a ritualized performance with no heartfelt meaning. During Islamic prayer, one is modest, submissive and respectful to God"(Huda, 2006, 9).

Descriptions and explanations of the sacred texts used

There are many sacred texts within Islam, but the one that is the most renowned in the Muslim world is the Qur'an. The Qur'an, also referred to by Muslim's as the "Final Testament," "The Book," "Book of God," or "The Revelation," is similar in meaning as the Christian Bible. The word Qur'an means "to recite" in Arabic, and is not only read in text but is also recited vocally because of its originally derived meaning.

The Qur'an has 114 chapters (surah), with 6236 verses (ayat). The format is unique in that it does not ascend chronologically but instead descends by size of the chapters (surah). It can be broken down into 7 stations (manazil) and then again into 30 parts (ajza'). This can be done in to recite and memorize it with a bit less difficulty. All Muslims must memorize some portions of the Qur'an for their daily prayer ritual. However, it is common for a Muslim to completely memorize the Qur'an. One who memorizes and recites it properly is known as a hafiz. There are millions of hafiz worldwide. There are approximately thirteen schools of recitation of the Qur'an, ten of which are original. Memorizing the initial ten schools of recitation is the ultimate honor, only a few dozen Muslims hold the title.

There are many editions of the Qur'an. There are big and small, plain and elaborate, expensive and inexpensive; all have the same influence and meaning. It is forbidden to desecrate or dismember it, vandalize it, discard it improperly, or insult it. If the Qur'an is worn and needs to be retired it must be buried or burned sacredly. Punishment for doing otherwise may be imprisonment or even death. Also, before touching a copy of the Qur'an a Muslim must first perform a ritual cleansing with water called wudu. This is mandatory to keep the Qur'an sacred and to symbolize Muslim faith.

Translation of the Qur'an is a difficult process because the true meaning is said to be lost in translation. Translations of the Qur'an are considered interpretations and not genuine. As a matter of fact Muslim's believe that is why the Bible is inaccurate is because it has been translated so many times by humans that it has lost its original true meaning. Muslim's believe that the Qur'an is the original words of God, as spoken to Muhammad through the Angel Gabriel over a twenty-three year period. This is why it is so very important that the Qur'an be read and understood from its original writings. Muslim history has theorized that the translation has a certain spirituality within it that cannot be translated or explained; it can only be understood by each individual that takes the faith seriously.

The Qur'an is not the only text that is sacred to Islam. The Hadith is a narration of what the Prophet Muhammad approved as a way of life. The Sunnah is how Muhammad lived