Prophet

As far back as 1500, the Saud dynasty established its hegemony over a small area surrounding the settlement of Diriyah close to what is now Riyadh. By the mid-sixteenth century, almost all Arab lands had come under the rule of the Turkish Ottoman Empire, which reached its zenith under the reign of Suleiman the Magnificent (1520-66). Arab countries formed a principal part of the empire, and many prominent Ottoman administrators were themselves Arab. But the interior (though not the coasts) of…

A Mosque plays a very important role in a Muslim Society. A Mosque also known as a Masjid is a Holy place where all the Muslims gather to worship Allah Almighty. The word “Masjid” is an Arabic word which simply means “place of prostration”. The mosque also has a spiritual impact on all the Muslims, as they enter the mosque they get a feeling of relaxation, peace, sense of respect as they are stepping into the house of their creator. They act with Humility, dignity and humbleness as they pray.…

AKBAR, S RELIGIOUS POLICY Akbar’s religious policy was the most liberal exponent of the policy of toleration among all Muslim ruler in India. As a ruler, Akbar needed goodwill of his empire, in order for him to maintain the supervision and strengthen the empire. In this regard, he introduced his policies on the principle of religious tolerance known as Sulh-i –Kull which is known as peace with all. This policy of religious tolerance was basically aimed at proper functioning of political and…

Akbar and his family members were believed to be Sunni Hanafi Muslims. Akbar’s early days were spent in an atmosphere in which liberal sentiments were encouraged and narrow mindedness was not favored. During 15th century, many rulers in various parts of the country adopted religious tolerance to promote harmony among Muslim and Hindus. Before that, these sentiments were encouraged by saints like Baba Guru Nanak, Chaitanya and Kabir and the verses of Hafez who was a famous Persian poet. Religious…

Ibn Khaldun (1332 M-1382 M) His full name is Waliuddin Abdurrahman bin Muhammad bin Muhammad bin Abi Bakr Muhammad ibn al-Hasan, who was then known as Ibn Khaldun. He was born in Tunisia on 1 Ramadan 732 AH / May 27, 1332 M. He died in 1382 at the age of 50 years old. He is well known as a historian and father of sociology who memorized the Koran Islam since childhood. As a Muslim politician, he is also known as the father of Islamic Economics, for his thoughts about the logic of economic theory…

The author Karen Armstrong shares a brief explanation on why the crusaders are to blame for the various misperceptions in the Muslim religion including their reason behind the unjust violence. Armstrong also mentioned how the Muslim cared little for the crusades until a feud was created between the Ottoman Empire and Europe. Unlike the Muslim who were misunderstood to be violent but the Ottoman Empire as said in this chapter viewed as a weak and defenseless empire. Moreover, she also uses those…

The Gulen Movement, also known as Hizmet (which means ‘service’) in Turkish, is a faith-based, non-political, cultural and educational movement which is inspired by the universal principles of Islam and the ideas and activism of Fethullah Gulen. The Gulen Movement represents a modern, middle path of Turkish Islam, which is moderate, tolerant towards other religions, and affirms science. This essay gives an outline of the origin, purpose and history of the Gulen Movement. The life and philosophy…

The Imams are the leaders and educators of Islam in Zanzibar, a community in which 99% citizens prescribe to Muslim ideology. As the Imams, we are committed to teaching the lessons of the Qur’an, our sacred text which contains the words of God. As the Imams, it is our duty to use Islamic ideology and the messages from the Qur’an to promote ecological conservation in Zanzibar. Using the teachings of the Qur’an, the Imams are encouraging the people of Zanzibar to protect the environment as part of…

Study Guide Questions – Islam: Empire of Faith I. In a paragraph or so, please explain the most interesting facts you learned about the life and accomplishments of Muhammad, the founder of the Islamic faith, from the episode “The Messenger”. I believe Muhammad's beginnings show that no matter what life puts before you, you can do great things. Having been orphaned at the age of six, he could have become a completely different person. However, being raised by the whole tribe, showed…

The Five Pillars of Islam are five responsibilities that are expected of every Muslim. Acting as a structure and framework for Muslim life, the Five Pillars of Islam are sacred teachings of the faith that are followed by all Muslim sects. The Five Pillars of Islam are Shahada, Salat, Zakat, Sawm, and Hajj. The first pillar, Shahada, is a testimony of creed or faith which means “There is no god but God, and Muhammad is His messenger” (Mohammad 290). Often seen as the most important pillar, one…