Studying Islam: A Religion for Peace, or it’s Opposite?
The move toward the 21st century has proved to be an era of rapid change in the fields of information-gathering, technological advancements and economic conditions. People have accomplished extraordinary achievements, as we have witnessed the report of the moon landing, medical breakthroughs and the struggles of those who have fought to achieve our freedom and justice. The quality of life, especially in the western societies is definitely noteworthy, with little to no major barriers for happiness and success. However, the rapid changes of our times is not immune to error and many see the imperfections of our times as significant for future outcomes. A major criticism of the western societies is the increasing lack of a unified system of values and beliefs. People are free to have their own individual beliefs, essentially the solidarity of the society can be described as loose and weak. The push towards modernity is the accepted norm as we have seen a chain of events including political influences that helped to bring about the secularization of these societies. But, one may ask, how is individualism or secularization a bad thing? First off, its important to understand what this means, secularization can be seen as, “the historical process in which religion loses social and cultural significance.
As a result of secularization the role of religion in modern societies becomes restricted. In secularized societies faith lacks cultural authority, religious organizations have little social power, and public life proceeds without reference to the supernatural (Lechner 2003)”. This essentially is the transition that western societies have exhibited, starting from the enlightenment period. So what are the benefits of having a religious aspect influence social life? One thing that most religions all have in common are the strong value for human life, and dignity of the people. Religion provides a common factor to unite all people, it instills in them, the followers, a sense of understanding and solidarity, to work towards building a just society. The focus of this paper will be to examine the benefits and the perspective of the islamic teachings on key issues such as gender equality and forms of leadership and policy. This overview will hopefully shed light on the beautiful lessons we can derive from this greatly misunderstood and overly misrepresented religion, Islam.
The Essay on Interconnectivity of Religion and Life
Religion since time immemorial has been the essence of man’s existence. It has been a guide for people in knowing the meaning of their lives. To some cultures, religion plays a vital role in their everyday living and decision making. To some, religion is the only way to discover the secrets of this world and the world beyond. One of the world’s oldest cultures is found in China. The Chinese ...
The religion of Islam today, many muslims believe has been hijacked. The beauty of Islam has been distorted, and since the 9/11 attacks, westerners have developed this mistrust and fear of the religion and its followers, a fear that has become so irrational and uncontrolled it actually has a name, “Islamophobia”. For many, this fear stems from the perception that muslims want to get rid of the western legal system, impose sharia law and strip countries of their freedom. This, of course is outright non sense and certainly not what muslims want for their homes and lands, but the protests and marches that advertise hate and discrimination towards islam is rampant, and people are not ready or willing to study the facts of islam. The problem stems from the falsification by the media of what sharia law is. Sharia law, which has become the bases for the majority of the fear, is firstly not viewed in it’s true context nor for its just purpose. Lets look at what this law entails, Islamic law, or sharia is “the clear, right, or straight path to be followed, to follow God’s will or law. God’s will or guidance is found in the Quran and reaches all aspects of life” (Esposito 1998: 97).
The Essay on Perceptions of Muslims and Islam in the Media
On September 11, 2001 two planes deliberately crashed into and destroyed the Twin Towers in New York City, and an additional plane was flown into the Pentagon in Washington D.C., with a fourth plane being forced into crashing into a field, thus missing its intended target (Anderson, Danis, & Stohl, 2009). On July 7, 2005, three separate London subways were attacked at the same time (Danis & ...
God declares in his noble book, “ Here is a plain statement to men, a guidance and instruction to those who fear God” (Esposito 1998: 97).
Islamic law is both universal and egalitarian. And a key aspect to note is that the rules are by no means imposed on people of differing faiths, unless they interfered with the function of the islamic state. All acts are ethically organized into five categories and follow as: 1) Obligatory; 2) Recommended; 3) Indifferent or Permissible; 4) Reprehensible but nor forbidden; and 5) Forbidden. Breaking the laws of islam is considered a crime against both society and God. Islamic law is egalitarian in the sense that it transcends regional, family, tribal, and ethnic boundaries. It does not recognize social class or caste differences. All Muslims, Arab, Non-Arab, rich and poor, black and white, male and female, are bound by Islamic law as members of a single, global community of believers. This shows the sense of strong solidarity that is encouraged and built from Islamic teachings (Esposito 1998: 106).
And although it does contain legal prescriptions, the bulk of the Quran consists of broad, general moral ordains- what muslims ought to do. It replaced, modified, and supplemented earlier tribal laws. Practices such as female infanticide, exploitation of the poor, usury, murder, false contracts, fornication, adultery, and theft were condemned (Esposito1998: 97).
Now, I am sure, if these messages which are more accurate in explaining what sharia is, were the ones the media was giving, then I do not believe many people would see a problem with such laws, for they coincide with the laws of the state, and only promote a healthy social environment. Another major reason for the overly misunderstood context of sharia law is simply because the practices of the muslims in their countries, and the behaviour of muslims do not reflect the true teachings of islam but rather reflect those of culture, pride and arrogance. A famous saying I sometimes hear, sums up this point very well, and it goes like, “Islam is perfect, but muslims are not so don’t confuse the two”. Essentially, the point here is that the laws of islam are just and fair, that problems arise when the rules are not applied in the full and correct context. And with humans being subject to error and mistakes it is of course inevitable that these laws will not be implemented 100% of the time accurately. One thing that is extremely damaging is when leaders use bits and pieces of the scripture to fit their own agendas, this is what we are witnessing in many muslim countries. This, which is outright corruption is the cause for the many confusion people have and feel when it comes to this issue. So now that you have a more positive view of what sharia law is, lets examine some of the rules and regulations regarding a topic that is so hotly debated in the media today, women’s rights in accordance to sharia.
The Term Paper on History Of Law Society One Roman
Over the many years of man's existence, he has constantly evolved to better fit and survive in his surroundings. There are many aspects to his evolution that can be seen through his actions, his thoughts and his beliefs, to name a few. The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines anthropology as the science of human beings. The focus on this paper will be the anthropological aspect dealing with the ...
When we look back at history, it quickly becomes apparent that women have always been treated as second class citizens. Many times, they were considered the property of their male counterparts, their fathers, husbands, or brothers, they were not allowed to own land and were subjected to live under the rules of a male run society. If we look back to the pre-islamic arab society, with reference from the film, “The Message”, the arabs like most other societies treated their women inhumanely. The practice of female infanticide was very common in those societies and baby girls would be buried alive after her birth. Islam came and abolished this evil act, and in the noble Quran in Surah Al-Anam, Allah commands, “Kill not your children on a plea of want. We provide sustenance for you and for them. Come not near shameful deeds, whether open or secret. Take not life which Allah has made sacred” (The noble Quran: 6:151).
We can find a similar guidance in Surah Al-Isra, “Kill not your children for fear of want: We shall provide sustenance for them as well as for you. Verily the killing of them is a great sin” (The noble Qur’an: 17:31).
These two examples from the Quran show how islam not only banned female infanticide but the killing of any of your children, male or female. Islam not only came to bring justice for women, in the film “The Message,” we can see how there is wide spread injustice in pre-islamic arabia; the poor are treated terribly by the rich and black people are taken as slaves. Islam came to Arabia and revolutionized the society, in just a short time period, humane rights and justice were being observed and implemented. The laws of God came to change society for the better and for everyone.
The Essay on North America Women Men Society
With great pride, 35- year-old Sirhan describes the way in which he shot and killed his 16-year old sister, Suzanne. Cheerful and at ease, he is completely contented to tell his story. He shot Suzanne in the head four times last March, three days after she reported to the police that she had been raped. Sirhan fully believes that the rape was Suzanne's fault - her "mistake" - regardless of the ...
In islam there is a strong emphasis for female protection, this idea of protection however has been under great criticism, especially on the muslim women who choose to observe the veil as a form of protection. The hijab and burqa are viewed by many westerners as the ultimate form of oppression against women. These critics argue that this form of dress eliminates women from functioning in society, it doesn’t allow them to engage actively in the community. But the purpose for the islamic dress is modesty and protection, to simply put it. The Quran makes it clear that these requirements of modesty are also to be observed by the believing muslim male. “The Quran urges the believing men and women to lower their gaze and guard their modesty and then urges the believing women to extend their head covers to cover the neck and the bosom: “Say to the believing men that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty……And say to the believing women that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty; that they should not display their beauty and ornaments except what ordinarily appear thereof; that they should draw their veils over their bosoms….” (The noble Quran: 24:30,31) . Modesty is an important form of protection, it gives women respect and dignity. The Quran makes this point clear, “O Prophet, tell your wives and daughters and the believing women that they should cast their outer garments over their bodies (when abroad) so that they should be known and not molested” (The noble Quran: 33:59).
Some people, especially in the West, would criticize the whole argument of modesty for protection. And would reply that the best protection is the spread of education, civilized behaviour, and self restraint. However, in Canada a civilized country with one of the best schools for higher education it is interesting to look at the research, recently a study found reports of sexual harassment and assault that are shocking and alarming but most importantly, which debunk this idea of secular civilization as a deterrent and protection against predators and molestation. The following statistics, written in a pamphlet issued by the Dean of Women’s office at Queen’s university gives a better look at the issue: In Canada, a woman is sexually assaulted every 6 minutes, 1 in 3 women in Canada will be sexually assaulted at some time in their lives, 1 in 4 women are at the risk of rape or attempted rape in her lifetime, 1 in 8 women will be sexually assaulted while attending college or university. And a recent study found 60% of Canadian university-aged males said they would commit sexual assault if they were certain they wouldn’t get caught (Sherif Abdel Azeem).
The Term Paper on Muslim Women Islam Woman Rights
. What I Know My first introduction to Islam was when I heard that a new movie would be coming out called Malcolm X. I heard it was supposed to be really good once the filming was finished. So I decided to read the book before I watched the movie so that it would be easier for me to understand it when I see it on the big screen. I borrowed the book from the library and I was really enjoying the ...
These statistics clearly show the magnitude of the problem of sexual violence that the civilized Canadian society is facing, and I believe that sound solutions can only be implemented once the people in leadership and authority look deeply into the cause and effect of the phenomena. “ A radical change in the society’s life style and culture is absolutely necessary. A culture of modesty is badly needed, modesty in dress, in speech, and in manners of both men and women. Otherwise, the grim statistics will grow even worse day after day and, unfortunately, women alone will be paying the price”( Sherif Abdel Azeem).
It is imperative that the west start to view Islam as an ally of their society. In this paper I have outlined how Islam came to a society, such as the pre-islamic arab one and revolutionized and brought about radical change of humane rights. Islam instills in its believers a strong sense of brotherhood and solidarity, we see how in todays society of increased individualism that social problems are rampant. In Canada the divorce rates have almost doubled since the last century and there has been a ninefold increase since the 1970s (Macionis and Gerber 2007: 477).
As Canadian society becomes more accepting and industrialized, cohabitation rates have increased from 8 percent in 1981 to 16.4 percent in 2001(Macionis and Gerber 2007: 483).
Cohabitation is considered to be inherently unstable, and only 30 percent of these unions last for no more than 3 years (Macionis and Gerber 2007: 484).
These forms of union many times lead to divorce and there are comprehensive amounts of studies which show the multitude of negative impacts of divorce on children. For this and other reasons Islam condemns such unions and makes permissible for couples to form marriage contracts, this not only gives the couple stability in their relationship but also ultimately is meant to be a protection to children, so that they may have two parents providing care and love for them. Islam emphasis modesty and good character for the human being of both genders. It is a religion that has the solution to many of the social problems that the highly developed western society is battling.
The Term Paper on Interpretation Of The Bible Koran Islam Women
INTRODUCTION: Throughout the world there are numerous religions in practice today. The most prominent of the Worlds' religions are Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Judaism and Sikhism. Each religion is discernible in its own unique way, with its various traditions, methods and places of worship, art, literature etc. In addition to that each religion has texts or scriptures which are considered to be ...
Bibliography
Esposito, John.L. 1998. Islam:The Straight Path.4th edition. Oxford University Press.
Film: “The Message”
Frank J. Lechner. 2003. Secularization. Retrieved November 24, 2012, from (http://www.sociology.emory.edu/flechner/Secularization%20Encyclopedia%20of%20Protestantism%202003.pdf).
Imani Jaafar, Charlie Lehmann. 2011.“Women’s Rights in Islam Regarding Marriage and Divorce”. Journal of Law and Practice. Retrieved November 30, 2012, from (http://lawandpractice.wordpress.com/2011/04/11/women’s-rights-in-islam-regarding-marriage-and-divorce/).
Macionis, John and Gerber Linda. 2007. Sociology. New Jersey: Pearson Prentice Hall.
Sherif Abdel Azeem. “ Women in Islam Versus Women in the Judaeo-Christian Tradition The Myth & The Reality”. Retrieved November 30, 2012, from (http://www.islamswomen.com/articles/comparing_women.php).
The noble Quran
