Understand IQM (Islam,Quran & Muslims) Level 1

The Arabic word for religion is " Deen". Why should we engage in Religious studies?

• Religious study is a multi-facet discipline that sparks interest in life itself.

• It encourages us to investigate the mysteries surrounding life.

• Religious studies exercite spiritual and intellectual curiosity.

• Address issues of eschatology - What exists beyond earthly existence.

• Love and relationship with the divine are explored.

• Human beings wanted to know the purpose of life and their position in the Universe.

• Unseen matters excite innate curiosity in human beings.

• It is an enriching experience because it satisfies the curiosity of the soul.

Before we begin, we should analyze our assumptions, fear, and perceptions.

Why should we analyze our perception?

Most often religion is considered to be the cause of conflict & violence that drives people away from religion.

According to Psychology, it is not a religion but prejudice and discrimination are often the root causes of human conflict and source of violence, which explains how strangers come to hate one another and cause harm.

Prejudice and discrimination affect everyone.  No one is exempt people of all faith tradition, nationality, and country suffer from prejudice & hatred.  In order to be an informed human being, one should analyze their deep-rooted assumptions and prejudice against others.

Read the entire attached (PDF) article for personal research :

The Western media tend to portray Muslims in an overwhelmingly negative manner (Ahmed and Matthes 2017; Knott et al. 2013), frequently associating Islam with terrorism, extremism, and a cultural otherness that conflicts with mainstream values (Cowan and Hadden 2004; Kalkan et al. 2009). Given the influence of the media in shaping public perceptions, this negative representation of Islam likely plays a role in how Muslims are viewed and treated by the public (Boomgaarden and Vliegenthart 2009; Entman 1989; Saleem et al. 2016)

• Muslim is one who follows Islam.

• There are 1.8 billion Muslims in the world as of 2015 – roughly 24% of the global population according to the Pew research estimate.

• There is diversity in Islam. Muslims are from various different backgrounds and nationalities.

• They live all over the world but the majority of the Muslims globally (62%) live in the Asia-Pacific region, including large populations in Indonesia, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Iran, and Turkey.

  
  

What is your view of Islam based on Media representation or personal interaction with other Muslims.

Islam is a monotheistic faith, continuation of Abrahamic tradition. The Arabic word ‘Islam ’ means;

1. To submit to God alone. ( Serving none but Him)

2. To submit to the Will of God.

3. 3. Followers of Islam are called Muslims.

A couple of books that I will suggest for the students interested in exploring the subject;

1. Mohammed: A Biography of Prophet ( Karen Arm strong)

2. Mohammed A prophet of our time (Karen Arm Strong)

3. The History of God: A 4000-year quest of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.

4. A spiral Staircase; My climb out of Darkness ( Personal story of Karen Arm Strong)

Wow! You have come a long way. We have covered so many topics in this course.

Let's have a look at what we covered in IQM- Level 1

• A broad definition of Religion and Islam.

• Importance of Religious Study Programs (RSP)

• Islamic Believe System (IBM)

• 5 pillars of Islam (Ritualistic Practices)

• Introduction to 6 Articles of Faith covered more in-depth in Level 2. ( Spiritual Believes)

• Holy Places & Frequently used Terms

• Declaration of Faith (Spiritual perspective)

• Self-Reflection exercises to analyze

• Celebrations (Eid)

• Concept of Happiness (spiritual & fleeting happiness)