Islam: Past and Present - Assignment Example

Islam: Past and Present Name: Institution: Islam: Past and Present 4.2. Brief Summary of Muslim History after Prophet Muhammad’s Death It is believed that Muslims used to be united before the death of Muhammad; however, the existence of the current two distinctive groups among Muslims came to be after some battles among them. The origin of this split took place during the reign of the fourth Khalifa known as Ali who was also Muhammad’s son. History has it that during his reign, he faced the first rebellion from Talha and Al- Zubair, who claimed that he had a hand in the assassination of Khalifa Uthman; who he had succeeded. This rebellion is believed t have consequently resulted in a battle known as “Battle of Camel”, which saw thousands of people killed (Crone, 1996, p.6.) . Eventually, Ali and his troops won the battle. Before all things could fall back in place well, the then Syria governor by the name Mu’awiya triggered another battle with the same allegations as Talha and al-Zubair. Unfortunately, this time round, the resulting battle never had any decisive winner forcing both the involved leaders to appoint arbiters to stand by their solutions. This issue of appointing of arbiters seemed to have weakened Ali’s troop thus giving chance for Mu’awiyan to assassinate him. It is said that Khalifa Ali’s death is what seemed to be the turning point of everything in Islam since his expected successor renounced the seat to Mu’awiyas son hence the split of the Muslims today forming the Shias and the Sunnis. Influence the events of these times had on key aspects of Islam Events taking place among Muslim’s today, have been largely influenced by some of their Key aspects. For instance, Muslims of today are divided into two forming the Sinni’s, who followed the reign of Mu’awiyan and the Shias, who sticked to the reign of Ali’s succession. Interestingly, the Shias who claim that their Khalifa was to be the rightfully chosen one constitute of only 15% of the Muslims today in the world. The other aspect among today’s Muslims which can be claimed to have existed as a result of the ancient events is the belief of the two distinct Muslim groups. For instance, the sunnis believe the current Quran is complete whereas the Shias believe that the current Quran is incomplete and they are waiting for another prophet come with the complete version of the Quran during the end time (Crone, 1996, p. 12). 5.3. Distinctive Features of the Shia Islam The Shias especially the twelvers have some beliefs that seem to have triggered a number of events taking place in Iran today. For instance, they believe that their imams are sinless and that they represent God on Earth. They also believe that their Imams obtain complete knowledge of both the past present and the future. According to their most influential scholar, Imams were made of light before God sent them on Earth. The Shias are also renowned for their dangerous belief in doctrine known as Taquiya, which allows them to be secretive of their acts, lie or even deceive. This factor is what makes it different to know what they believe in thus making them appear dangerous in that they might be having a different issue on their heart from what they are telling you. The twelvers also do believe that it is Imam Ali who determines who goes to hell and paradise. This issue has been termed by the Sunnis as a blasphemous one since it is associating God with collaborates, something that is regarded as a serious sin in Islam (Armstrong, 2000, p.63). The Shias unlike the Sunnis believe that the current Quran is incomplete and are therefore, they are still waiting for the 12th Imam who known as Imam Mahdi who will appear before the judgment day to bring the complete version of Quran. Alternatively, the Sunnis are waiting for a leader known as Al-Mahdi to appear during the end times, something that they believe is in accordance with the prophecies of Prophet Mohammad (Armstrong, 2000, p.63). Regarding the features that are associated with the Shias especially the one regarding their secretive nature, one can therefore argue that this might be the reason why many individuals across the world today do not believe in Iranian Muslims since they can tell you one thing yet they do the contrary. 6.2. The Distinctive Features of Sufism The origin of the term Sufism is still not very clear since there are many opinions used in defining it. Firstly, some individuals relate it to the Ahlus-sufaah, who was a prophet at one time. This group is believed to be poor and they stayed in the verandah of mosque of the holy prophet. Another group associate Sufism with al-Awwal meaning first row. According to them, this implied that companions of the holy prophet would occupy the first row of the Madinah mosque with the aim of studying Islam in deeper levels. Some believe that his term was derived from As-Safaa meaning purity while the other have the opinion that Sufism refers to wearing of woolen clothes known as “Suf” (Rippin, 2001, p.139) This group believes so since this clothes were common with the schorlars. Subsequently, Sufis do try to link the imam theoretical concept and the practical concept of Islam through its beauty known as Ihsan. In order to achieve this, masters of Sufis have come up with ways of that helps those studying Sufism on how to lead their inner selves in practicing Islam. Some of these features include: First, there is the concept of Tawbah, which is the avoidance of all since from both the spiritual and physical parts. Secondly, there is the concept of Muhaasabah, which deals with the scrutiny of oneself sins and trying to change them. The other feature that is associated with Sufism is the sweet fearing of Allah’s anger, prominence and brilliance (Rippin, 2001, p.141). There is also the concept of Rajaa, which entails the hope we place in Allah. The fifth concept that is associated with Sufism is the concept of Swiqd. This concept requires individuals to attest to truth and believe in Allah regardless of whether they have seen him or not (Rippin, 2001, p.141). The sixth feature that is associated with Sufism is the concept of Ikhlaas, which require sincerity in both the action and faith hence the fact that prayers without sincerity not worthy in presence of Allah. Sufis are also supposed to adopt the Swabr concept, which is having patience in worldly and divine dealings. The eighth feature of Sufism is the issue of Waraa, which refers to restraining from sinful and doubtful behaviors. Sufism also entails that the Sufis should also adopt the concept of Zhud, which means abstaining from the love of materialistic things. Finally, Sufis are expected to adjust to the concept of Radwaa, meaning being satisfied with what has been provided by Allah (Rippin, 2001, p.142). 7.1. Modern Pakistan with Regard to the Moghul Empire Regarding the history of Moghul empire in Pakistan, it is evident that during the long period of the Muslim rule in Pakistan, the Indians in did not rebel them even though the Muslim rulers were aliens. This issue ensured tiny rebellious issues since they were not resistance. Their main reason for not rebelling the Muslim government was based on the fact that their very own Hindu leaders were just as bad as the Muslims hence they never see the need of resisting the then leadership. This therefore implied that even if they would have resisted the then existing government, they would have remained with their very own ruler who still would be bearing the poor ruling habits (Armstrong, 2001, p. 99). Comparing the ancient state with the current state in Pakistan, one can tend to argue that the current Pakistanis should copy what their earliest colleagues did as a way of resting the frequent turbulent situations that are nowadays being experienced in their country. It is also believed that during the reign of the Mughal Empire, there was no political or status differences in Pakistan. It is said that during the Mughal empire days unity and uniformity was highly upheld to thus making it seem like a state made up of land not people. Its administrative also enhanced indefinite and porous shifting of people from in and out of its borders. Generally, the Mughal Empire experienced a harmonious and uniform culture that even made it easy for European traders to move in and out of Pakistan with a lot of ease (Armstrong, 2001, p.100). Even though the aliens were heading the Empire, Indians in Pakistan during those days never had any reason to resist them with fear that existence of their own Empire would have distracted the unity. Comparing the current political situation in Pakistan with that which existed during the Empire of Mughals, a bigger difference is figured out. For instance, the current political formation in Pakistan, the leaders regards the people as their prey. This factor has created a wider distance between the poor and the political leaders. It is arguable that most of the politicians in Pakistan today do make promises they know very well that they cannot fulfill to their people. The citizens of Pakistan as well also do not have any expectation on their politicians (Armstrong, 2001, p.100). Therefore, one can argue that the Pakistanis today should learn from the happenings of Mughals Empire. This should imply that they should advocate for an alien political leader who might change the political state in the country today. 8.3. Nature of Sharia Law Sharia refers to the legal code in Muslim religion. It is the Sharia laws that Muslims do use in solving their disputes. It was developed several years ago after the death of Prophet Muhammad. In Sharia, offenses are always grouped in different categories. First category comprises of those that have the prescription of specific punishments in the Quran. These are always known as “hadd” punishments. Five crimes that are categorized under the “hadd” punishment include, illegal sexual intercourse, accusing someone falsely of unlawful sexual intercourse, wine or alcohol drinking, theft and finally robbery (ABC News, 2009). The other category of the offenses in Sharia is one that depends on the judge to give his discretion. The final category of the offenses in accordance to the Sharia law involves the cases that are resolved through a tit-for-tat manner. Such kind of offenses includes the fines paid to the victim of murder. Contrastingly, family matters have appeared to be the most significant aspects of the Sharia. This is because the direction provided on them in the Sharia appears to be controversial compared the legal laws governing various countries. For instance, Sharia laws has it that son’s should have full shares of their parent’s inheritance while the women should only be granted half of it. Comparing this to the Australian laws, controversy seems to emerge since the Australian government advocates for equal share of the inheritance equally among the siblings regardless of gender (ABC News, 2009). This factor has therefore seen the Australian council of Muslims coming out strongly to propose the inclusion of Sharia law in the laws of Australia to help in guiding the Muslims leaving their. Regarding the hiccups that do occur in situations where Sharia law and the Australian government contradict each other, one can therefore argue that the government of Australia should allow the use of Sharia law in its courts in cases involving the Muslims. This is because the Australian government appears to contradict itself since its law upholds the freedom of worship (Ruthven, 1997, p. 74). Existence of this freedom of worship in Australia therefore implies that the Australian Muslims should therefore be allowed to live according to the religious belief including the use of Sharia laws. The Australian Muslims should therefore be allowed to access the Sharia councils but only on matters that might require Sharia interpretations. References: ABC News, 2008. Sharia Council an option for Australia: academic. [online] Available at: < http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/02/08/2157733.htm> [Accessed 09 October 2009]. Armstrong, K., 2000. The esoteric movements’, Islam: a short history. London: Phoenix. Armstrong, K., 2001. Islam Triumphant’, Islam: a short history. London: Phoenix. Crone, P., 1996. The rise of Islam in the world', in F Robinson (ed.) The Cambridge illustrated history of the Islamic world. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. Rippin, A., 2001. Sufi devotion’, Muslims: their religious beliefs and practices. Routledge: Taylor & Francis. Ruthven, M ., 1997. The Sharia and its consequences’, Islam: avery short introduction. Oxford: Oxford University Press. Read More

This factor is what makes it different to know what they believe in thus making them appear dangerous in that they might be having a different issue on their heart from what they are telling you. The twelvers also do believe that it is Imam Ali who determines who goes to hell and paradise. This issue has been termed by the Sunnis as a blasphemous one since it is associating God with collaborates, something that is regarded as a serious sin in Islam (Armstrong, 2000, p.63). The Shias unlike the Sunnis believe that the current Quran is incomplete and are therefore, they are still waiting for the 12th Imam who known as Imam Mahdi who will appear before the judgment day to bring the complete version of Quran.

Alternatively, the Sunnis are waiting for a leader known as Al-Mahdi to appear during the end times, something that they believe is in accordance with the prophecies of Prophet Mohammad (Armstrong, 2000, p.63). Regarding the features that are associated with the Shias especially the one regarding their secretive nature, one can therefore argue that this might be the reason why many individuals across the world today do not believe in Iranian Muslims since they can tell you one thing yet they do the contrary. 6.2.

The Distinctive Features of Sufism The origin of the term Sufism is still not very clear since there are many opinions used in defining it. Firstly, some individuals relate it to the Ahlus-sufaah, who was a prophet at one time. This group is believed to be poor and they stayed in the verandah of mosque of the holy prophet. Another group associate Sufism with al-Awwal meaning first row. According to them, this implied that companions of the holy prophet would occupy the first row of the Madinah mosque with the aim of studying Islam in deeper levels.

Some believe that his term was derived from As-Safaa meaning purity while the other have the opinion that Sufism refers to wearing of woolen clothes known as “Suf” (Rippin, 2001, p.139) This group believes so since this clothes were common with the schorlars. Subsequently, Sufis do try to link the imam theoretical concept and the practical concept of Islam through its beauty known as Ihsan. In order to achieve this, masters of Sufis have come up with ways of that helps those studying Sufism on how to lead their inner selves in practicing Islam.

Some of these features include: First, there is the concept of Tawbah, which is the avoidance of all since from both the spiritual and physical parts. Secondly, there is the concept of Muhaasabah, which deals with the scrutiny of oneself sins and trying to change them. The other feature that is associated with Sufism is the sweet fearing of Allah’s anger, prominence and brilliance (Rippin, 2001, p.141). There is also the concept of Rajaa, which entails the hope we place in Allah. The fifth concept that is associated with Sufism is the concept of Swiqd.

This concept requires individuals to attest to truth and believe in Allah regardless of whether they have seen him or not (Rippin, 2001, p.141). The sixth feature that is associated with Sufism is the concept of Ikhlaas, which require sincerity in both the action and faith hence the fact that prayers without sincerity not worthy in presence of Allah. Sufis are also supposed to adopt the Swabr concept, which is having patience in worldly and divine dealings. The eighth feature of Sufism is the issue of Waraa, which refers to restraining from sinful and doubtful behaviors.

Sufism also entails that the Sufis should also adopt the concept of Zhud, which means abstaining from the love of materialistic things. Finally, Sufis are expected to adjust to the concept of Radwaa, meaning being satisfied with what has been provided by Allah (Rippin, 2001, p.142). 7.1. Modern Pakistan with Regard to the Moghul Empire Regarding the history of Moghul empire in Pakistan, it is evident that during the long period of the Muslim rule in Pakistan, the Indians in did not rebel them even though the Muslim rulers were aliens.

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