Class of October 26, 2011

Class today began with an opening prayer focusing on the trials and tribulations of life and the ultimate salvation that God ensures for His faithful. A reading on the Roman Missal occurred, enlightening the class on the fact that the English version of Catholic Mass has been worked and reworked upon in an effort to perfect the translation and meaning from the original Latin source.

The second journal question was assigned today, asking an opinion on the quote "A journey of a thousand miles begins with one step" and a supplement of what we think our future life journeys to be.

Taoism and Confucianism and their differences/similarities were analyzed today in a video. To summarize, Taoism teaches on the withdrawal of the individual from civilization and a relationship with nature, whereas Confucianism teaches on the various relationships people have with each other in life.

Confucius, the founder of Confucianism.

Here is a video of Bruce Lee giving a quote that very much reflects the attitudes of Taoism in regards to being one with the Tao and the flow of all things:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OW-cnizLDEE

Class of October 24th, 2011

Today we started a new chapter: China and Japan. We are now studying Daoism. We took notes on the book pages all of class and answered the question. New vocab is:

Yang: In China, the male side of the Dao. It is exemplified in bright, warm, and dry conditions. Its opposite is the Yin, the female side of the Dao.

Yin: In China, the female side of the Dao. It is exemplified in dark, cool, and moist conditions. Its opposite is Yang, the male side of the Dao.

Dao (Tao): In China or in Daoism, the path, course, or way of the universe. Although its influence is in nature, the eternal Dao is believed to be hidden from empirical experience.

Yijing (I Ching): An ancient book of China that assists people in deciding how to plan their lives in accord with the forces of the universe. The Yijing influenced both Daoism and Confucianism.

Dao De Jing (Tao Te Ching): The Way and Its Power. A book attributed to Laozi, founder of Daoism.

Daoists (Taoists): Followers of a philosophy or religion expressed in the Dao De Jing, attributed to Laozi, a sage of ancient China.

Laozi (Lao Tzu): The sage of China believed to have been the author of the Dao De Jin. He is regarded as the founder of Daoism.

Wuwei: the Daoist principle of accomplishing tasks without assertion. Individuals in harmony with the flow of the Dao can accomplish more than individuals who assert themselves.

Zhuangzi (Chuang Tzu): A later Daosit. Zhuangzi wrote, in part, to distinguish Daoism from Confucianism.

Shang Di: In China, the lord of heaven. Ancestors are believed to be obedient to Shang Di as living persons are to the emperor.

Jade Emperor: A mythical emperor of ancient China. In 1012 C.E., the emperor (Chen Tsung), claimed to have received revelation from Huang Di, the Jade Emperor.

Zaoshen (Tsao Shen): In Daoism, the god of the stove. The stove was essential in family life and in the work of the Daoist alchemists.

Three Purities: In China, three deities of Daosim: Ling Bao, the Jade Emperor, and Laozi.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DuGouNqFVK8

Taixi: In Daoism, the art of embryonic breathing, a method of holding one’s breath in contemplation.

Shouyi: In Daoism, to preserve the One or to meditate on the One. It includes methods of meditation on the One.

Class of October 14th

1. a. Describe the obligation of salat.

b. What is the purpose of salat?

2. a.What is the significance of the Grand Mosque? How is it unique?

b. Describe the main event that occurs at the Grand Mosque.

3. a. What is the role of the Qur'an in Islam?

b. How is the nature of Allah revealed in the Qur'an?

4. a. What occured after the death of Allah?

b. What is Muhammad's role and position in Islam?

5. a. How is the Qur'an, Sunna, and hadith interpreted?

The Qur'an is the sacred scripture of Islam, that was dictated to Muhammad through the angel Gabriel. Both the sunna and hadith are related to the traditions, customs, saying, or actions of Muhammad. All these things are interpreted by various groups of muslims. The more traditional view is used in hanifite schooling which is very liberal and focuses on opinion. On the other end of the spectrum, hanbalite is extremely conservative. It rejects all opinion and puts the Qur'an above the hadith. People interpret the scripture by using qiyas which are analogies which help people interpret things that cause confusion. Ijma and ra'y is also very much considered as they look at the view and opinion of Muslim authorities.

b. What is the role of women in Islam and how has in changed due to modern times?

In Islam, women are to be treated justly with respect, and abuse of them is not permitted. They are allowed to own property, but are dependent on men. However, their roles are not separate from men, but supportive. Men and women are to work together as companions. In, Islam modesty, especially of women is very important. In public they are to wear head scarfs, and make sure their hair is covered. In front of their family they do not have to do this, but in front of unrelated men it is normally worn. However, this custom is becoming less common. Now, especially in America, more women are choosing certain specified occasions to cover up instead of all the time. Also, all of Muhammad's wives were widowed. This showed that he respected and cared for women who were abandoned. This set a precedent for all Muslims, as they are to follow the customs of Muhammad and treat all women with respect and dignity.

Class of October 10th, 2011

This class was taken up mainly by three out of the five student Prezi presentations about the geography of the world's affects on religion and by the fourth and final Islam Vocabulary Quiz.  The terms on the quiz were:

• Muezzin - The ministers of the Muslim Mosques who call Muslims to prayer
• Rasul - Prophet in Arabic, the prophets of the Muslim church
• Chaliph - The successor to Muhammad and leader of the church of Islam

Assignments:  A 1-2 page essay on what the sacred means to Islam is due next class.

Because the class was mostly about the world and it's natural affects on religion and culture, the theme visual will be a world map...of the world.

Connections:

Because the quiz was about different positions in Islam, here is an article visiting the presence of hierarchy in Islam.

http://spa.qibla.com/issue_view.asp?HD=1&ID=803&CATE=3

 Because the more forgotten theme of class was increasing our experience with Prezi, here is an interview with the CEO of the rapidly growing non-linear presentation sensation that some call Prezi.

http://memeburn.com/2011/10/qa-with-prezi-ceo-on-non-linear-presentations/comment-page-1/

Class of October 4th, 2011

This class session featured a lecture on the Qur'an and the themes it contains.

It must be noted that the religion of Islam is one that is focused upon a very straightforward

message. That is, that Allah is the supreme creator and master of the universe, transcendent above all things. Allah's central miracle, of course, is none other than the Qur'an.

The Qur'an is the high sacred text of Islam, and its most sacred object. It is revered as a gift from Allah to humanity. Compiled from the messages delivered to His rasul Muhammad over many decades, the Qur'an contains the Word of Allah. Interestingly, the Qur'an is only kept in Arabic, honoring its roots in Arabia. It must be understood that versions of the Qur'an in other languages are not truly Qur'ans. Rather, these are mere translations of the sacred book.

The Qur'an's content is quite remarkable. The phrase "In the Name of Allah, the Merciful, the Compassionate" and others like it are repeated many times in the text. In addition, this text features 114 chapters and 6000 verses, mentioning Allah over 2500 times. The fact that there exist no doctrines of original sin or atonement in Islam is a very noteworthy fact. Another central message of the Qur'an is that humans are special representatives of Allah.

• The Qur'an is but a correction and not a nullification of the New Testament and Torah
• Featuring 114 chapters and 6000 verses, Allah is mentioned over 2500 times
• The only miracle produced by Muhammad
• The Qur'an exists only in Arabic; translations are not true Qur'ans
• There exist no doctrines of original sin or atonement in Islam
• Humans are special representatives of God's creation on Earth

The remainder of the class was spent on creating posters for designated topics.

Connections with the Qur'an

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g5hjVy90HAM

Class 11 10/6/11

Today we learned new vocab words relating to Islam. We got in a group and presented our vocab word that we had drawn and defined on a poster. The vocab words are:

Shi'ites: the old devision of Mulim people culminated with the choice of the fourth Caliph-Ali because Caliph. But he was assassinated in 661. Some people think he is a martyr for this. Many Muslims reenact his death. The Shi'ites were Sunni followers of Mu'awiyou. They believed you can combine all rakas into 3 times a day instead of 5. Also, they thought you should put your forehead on a clay tablet when praying on the ground. They also believe that 'Ali is the "messiah" of Islam- he would be the one to save them. They also believed the 12th Imam was hidden by Allah and will return at the end of time. They give preference to the Sunnas and Hadiths that are directly related to the prophet and his family.

-This picture is an example of a Shi'ite praying with the clay tablet on his forehead.

Sufis: They were called the "dancing dervishes" because they are known for spinning around many times for prayer- they come out of their body. They experience union of soul with God. They look to their own experience and not to the well being of the greater Muslim Community. Concentration of Meditation and Mystical Experience helps them be one with god. They focus on the individual rather the Muslim community- which is why they are largely misunderstood.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iqTivYocfr0

^This is a video of Sufi Dancing.

Shari'a: These are the duties that God has placed on Muslim community. It is translated as "law." If you break it they use "an eye for an eye" punishment. You could have your hand chopped off if you steal something with that hand. In Schools they used Hanifite (liberal, personal opinion important to Ra'y), Malikite (holds consensus of Medina Community), Shafi'ite (rejects an opinion holds Hadith above Quran), and Hanbalite (rejects all opinion, Quran is above Hadith; most conservative. Ijma is also consensus of Muslim religious leaders on the matter of practice. Qiyan are Islam analogies used in applying the Quran and the Sunna to other practical situations. Ra'y in Muslim law is the considered opinion of Muslim leaders acting for the public good.

Sunni: They believe that when Uthman was murdered, the next Caliph needed to be chosen. People of Medina wanted 'Ali to be chosen as the next Caliph. Mu'awiyah, the governor of Syna, nominated himself. Sunni traditionalists accept Mu'awiyah as the next Caliph. They are also the largest group of Muslims.

-This is a map showing the Muslim distribution: Sunni vs. Shia. As you can see there is a much larger Sunni population than Shia.

Class 9-The Hajj

Friday, September 30th in class we focused on the final Pillar of Islam, the hajj. We created our own personal RAFTs about how the hajj is beneficial for Muslims, and completed a worksheet answering questions about the hajj.

CONNECTIONS

http://video.nationalgeographic.com/video/player/places/culture-places/beliefs-and-traditions/saudiarabia_mecca.html

This is a good video that is a great description about the activities of the hajj and its importance.

http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1864624,00.html

This is an article by TIME magazine with informative information about the hajj.

http://www.zia-ud-deen.com/2009/10/spirit-of-hajj_29.html

I found this article interesting because it actually criticizes the modern spirit of the hajj. It argues that it has lost much of its spiritual meaning and significance. This to me made Islam more relatable, because much like other religions it is not perfect. Despite the strict requirements it asks of its followers people still drift away from what should be important. This article s critical but also gives another perspective whether it is true or not