Huston Smith Part 1

Chapter 1: Islamic Background

What event helped fuel the developent Islam?


Main Ideas:


·      It only took only a century for Islam to expand from the Atlantic to China.

·      Islam followers developed their own culture and denied any of the large empires around.

·      The creation of Islam is a combination of the message of god and socioeconomic conditions.

·      Muslims believe that God created the first man, Adam.

·      Muhammad's son, Ishmael was banished and may have spread Islam.

Thesis Statement: 

·      The condition of the world at this time was influential in the creation of Islam because it was beneficial for Islam to spread at his time, allowing the religion to grow.

Summary:

·      Islam saw success almost immediately in its spread due to the conditions of the world at this time in history. This led to the creation of a new people whose beliefs incorporated some of those of Christianity and Judaism, but differed in many aspects.

Chapter 2: The Seal of the Prophets


How was Muhammad able to become the Prophet?

Main Ideas:

·      There were prophets before Muhammad but he was the last one, which is why he is called "The Seal of the Prophets". No valid prophets will follow him

·      Mecca desperately needed a deliverer because it was a very chaotic place and they had a lot of internal issues. This is because the world is full of ignorance.

·      Muhammad understood human suffering from an early age because he experienced death at a young age.

·      Muhammad's revelation came to him in Mount Hira. He shared just as the angel had shared to him and that began his life spreading the word of God that had been revealed to him. 

·      While he did gain many followers, there were also people who wanted him out because he threatened their polytheistic way of life. These people tried everything to drive Muhammad and his followers out of the city.

Thesis Statement: 

·      Muhammad was the final prophet of God this made him the seal of the prophets, because no other prophets came after him.

Summary:

·      Muhammad's life started out with tragedy, but this only helped fuel him to understanding how humans suffer. Living in a world full of ignorance caused him to enjoy being alone and this led to his revelation on Mount Hira. This is what started his life as a prophet and gave him the name "The Seal of the Prophets"

Chapter 3: The Migration that Led to Victory


How has migration remained important in Islam?


Main Ideas:


·      Mecca faced internal rivalries


·      God told Muhammad to travel to Yathrib


·      Yathrib became known as "The City of the Prophet"


·      Muhammad’s reputation spread and everyone wanted to see the man who wrought the miracle of civilizing tribes within a city facing internal issues


·      Muhammad died with all Arab nations under his control


Thesis Statement: 

·      Migration caused Muhammad's words and teachings to spread all over Arab nations, causing people to listen and believe in what he said and the miracles he performed. 


Summary: 

·      Mecca was facing multiple internal rivalries when Muhammad got a message from God to travel to Yathrub. Muhammad went and Yathrib became known as "The City of the Prophet". Muhammad's reputation began to spread all over Arab nations and people came to see the man that civilized tribes within a city. This was seen as a miracle. After three years, eight years after his migration from Mecca, Muhammad returned as a conqueror. He died with all of Arabia under his control.