Huston Smith Part 4

Chapter 8- Sufism

Question: What is Sufism and how did it come about?

Main Ideas:

1. Those within the Islamic Community after Muhammad's death were known as Sufis

2. Every message in the Quran is important

3. Sufis wanted to see God directly

4. Sufism is only understood by few

5. Symbolism is a principle method in Sufism

Thesis Statement: Sufism came to be after the death of Muhammad and is the mystery dimension of Islam.

Summary: Sufism is the mystery dimension of Islam and is practiced by some of the Muslim community. Symbols are very important to Sufis, as it gives them something to worship God with and give emphasis to their desire to encounter God directly. Sufis believe that the Quran is very sacred and that every message told in it should be practiced as often and accurately as possible. Due to Sufis desire to encounter God directly it has lead to this denomination of Islam to be understood by the few.

Chapter 9- Whither Islam

Question: How has the importance of following Muhammad's teachings changed in Islam?

Main Ideas:

1. Practice of Islam is replaced by the ever change societal ideals that are influenced by the world

2. Muslims have wandered from the words of Muhammad, as the world has become western ideal based

3. Faithful prayer is still very important in Islam

4. God is amazing and great

5. There is only one God in the world, and he is known as Allah

Thesis Statement: Muhammad is still very important in the religion of Islam, but his words have slightly different meaning now and Muslim's interpret them differently because of "mere profession".

Summary: Islam over the years has slightly changed due to the changing and evolution of the world which has lead to the loss of focus on Muhammad's words and the his words are interpreted differently today than how they were many years ago. Some things have stayed the same such as the importance of prayer 5 times a day in a Muslims life.