Crash Course in Islam show

Crash Course in Islam

Summary: Crash Course in Islam is a production of the Voices and Visions Project from the Center for the Study of Global Change at Indiana University. This weekly podcast debunks common myths about the Islamic faith in brief, informational segments. Learn more at CrashCourseinIslam.org

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Podcasts:

 Angels In Islam | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 1:59

Some non-Muslims might be surprised to hear is that the Angel Gabriel is also an important figure in Islam. It was actually Gabriel who recited the Qurrsquo;an to Muhammad in a cave, Hirarsquo;a, near Mecca. But hersquo;s not the only angel Muslims believe in. Angels, in general, are important to Islam. In fact, belief in angels is among the six articles of faith in Islam ndash; if a Muslim does not believe in all six, including angels, there is no faith. The angels, like all of creation, are the work of Allah and are made of light. They can assume any shape and exist to do the work of Allah ndash; which includes recording the good and bad deeds of man, receiving the souls of the dying and guard Heaven and Hell. Muslims also believe in guardian angels. There are two for every believer and the angels follow a Muslim all through his or her life. One angel watches over the Muslim during the day, the other at night ndash; writing down all of the good and bad deeds a person commits for Judgment Day.

 Do Muslims Believe In Jesus? | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 1:40

Jesus is a special figure for both Christians and Muslims. Christians view Jesus as the divine son of God and a savior, but in Islam, Jesus is a prophet. Like Muhammad, he is greatly revered as a man who shared a message from Allah with the world. For Muslims, Jesus is one of many prophets, starting with Adam and ending with Muhammad. However, in Islam Jesus is still distinct and exceptional. Muslims believe Jesus was sent directly to the Hebrews, but his teachings reached a more universal audience through the Christian Gospels. Since only a few prophets transmitted sacred texts ndash; Moses, Muhammad, Jesus ndash;these prophets are greatly respected in Islam. Also, like Christians, Muslims believe that Jesus was formed directly by Allah and placed into Maryrsquo;s womb. Adam is the only other prophet who is also considered an original creation. Finally, Muslims believe that Jesus will return to restore justice at the end of time and defeat the unrighteous.

 Do Muslims Eat Meat? Islam And Halal | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 1:45

Halal means lsquo;permissiblersquo; in Arabic. So, Muslims cannot eat foods that are not lsquo;Halalrsquo;. Similar to Jewish Kosher laws, Muslims cannot eat any pork or pig meat. The Qurrsquo;an does not state why pig-meat is restricted, but some believe that it is because pigs are considered unclean. Also, like Kosher, an animal must be slaughtered while it is still alive. This method of slaughtering is called lsquo;Dhabiharsquo;; it ensures that no blood is left in the meat before it is eaten. Because of this some Muslims choose only to eat meat that comes from a Muslim butcher. Also, under Halal, Muslims cannot consume any alcohol, even if it was used to prepare food. This is the most common understanding of Halal, and Muslims can eat anything except for these few restricted foods.

 Are Non-Muslims Allowed To Go To Mosque? | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 1:44

Historically, the Islamic world has been relatively tolerant and accepting of other religions. However, non-believers were usually prohibited from entering mosques in the past. Today, there are still mosques that prohibit non-Muslims from entering ndash; most of them are in traditional Middle-Eastern communities. But there isnrsquo;t really any standard policy on who is allowed into a mosque. There are many mosques in Europe and the United States that are open to non-Muslims. But, it is important to show proper respect in the mosque. Non-Muslims are still required to dress conservatively or perhaps take off their shoes. Also, you must speak in a low voice ndash; a mosque is considered a holy place and the proper reverence must be shown. Some mosques will close to non-Muslims during prayer-times so that those praying are not distracted. Many mosques will be very welcoming. Some mosques even host community events or fundraisers, especially during Ramadan or other festivals, that are open to non-Muslims.

 What Is The Meaning Of The Word “Islam”? | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 1:43

In Arabic, the word ldquo;Islam" means submission or surrender ndash; however, it was derived from the root word "salam". From this root word, you can also derive the words peace and safety. Many people feel that Islam implies some sort of enslavement to Allah, but others find it more helpful to define the word "Islam" as surrender. Many religions have a concept of surrender to God. In Jewish history, when the ancient Hebrews obeyed Godrsquo;s commands, they had a long period of prosperity and stability. In Christianity, surrendering to God is a way of putting your life into more capable hands ndash; in fact, Jesus asked many of his disciples to surrender their livelihoods and follow him. So, if we look at the word lsquo;Islamrsquo; in this way, we can understand why obeying Allahrsquo;s commands and trusting in Allahrsquo;s wisdom could bring about peace for a Muslim. The word does not represent a one-sided relationship, where the believer is enslaved to Allah. Rather, the word Islam indicates a covenant between Allah and his followers, where a Muslim surrenders his or her will to Allah in return for peace or safety.

 The Myth Of Monolithic Islam | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 1:58

The two major groups within the Islam are the Sunni and Shia ndash; the Sunni considered by many the ldquo;orthodoxrdquo; branch of Islam, making up the majority of practitioners in the world. The Shia are concentrated in a handful of nations including Iraq and Iran. Islam split into the two factions after the death of the Prophet Muhammad. The Sunni backed a series of appointed caliphs as head of the faith ndash; the Shia believed a series of Imams descended from the Prophet were the true leaders of Islam. They get their name from one of those descendants, Muhammadrsquo;s cousin and son-in-law Ali, considered the first Imam. There are also the Sufi to consider. The mystical branch of the faith, most Sufi believe you can find God within yourself. But, Sufism, like the rest of Islam is hardly a monolith; there are a multitude of orders and schools practicing today, including several that sprang up in the West.

 Do Muslims Worship Muhammad? | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 1:32

Many people think Muslims worship Muhammad ndash; but thatrsquo;s not true. Muhammad is not a deity. Instead Muslims believe he is the last in a line of prophets that includes Abraham and Jesus. And like many of his predecessors Muhammad came to his role reluctantly. His prophetic nature was revealed by the Angel Gabriel as Muhammad was meditating in a cave not far from Mecca. But Muhammad, at first, refused to believe he could be a prophet. He was a member of the most powerful tribe in Mecca, and a successful business man ndash; like many he contemplated the spiritual, but religion was not something he studied closely. Eventually, with the support of his wife, Muhammad accepted his role and began transcribing the Koran ndash; the Muslim holy book ndash; as it was revealed to him. At the same time, Muhammad began to challenge the polytheistic beliefs that abounded in Mecca and the Arabian Peninsula. His new teaching, that there is ldquo;No God but God,rdquo; would help lead the cities of Mecca and Medina to war ndash; Muhammad and his followers triumphant. With their victory these first Muslims, with Muhammad as their leader, set up Islam as the dominant faith in the region.

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