SOR II HSC Course - Islam Notes

Significant Practice – Hajj
1.1 Describe Hajj in Islam
1.1.1 What is the Quranic origin of Hajj	“It is the duty of all men towards God to come to the House a pilgrim, if he is able to make his way there” (Qur’an 3:93) “If you are prevented from completing it send an offering of sacrifice, such as you may find, and do not shave your heads until the offering reaches the place of sacrifice” (Surah 2:196)
1.1.3 What are the parts and features of Hajj	1. Ihram → purification, visually shown through white clothing 2. Umra → going to Majit (Mosque), performing Tawaf, and running between the two hills (Sa’y) 3. Mina → base yourself to do all other rituals 4. Arafat →Mt Mercy = Fina (spiritua; nakedness) & go to Vigil at Muzdalifa (get 49 pebbles) 5. Mina → Jamarah (throwing of the pebbles at the pillars = Rami) the rejection is weakening Satan’s poer & strengthening God doesn’t have to do all 3 on one day festival of sacrifice then happens → Ihram compelted 6. Tawaf → “goodbye”
1.1.5 What is the significance of the various rites of Hajj	The circling of the Kab'ah: Immediately upon arriving in Makkah pilgrims go to the Ka’bah and encircle it seven times. This is known as "tawaf". The next event to follow is the procession known as the "sa’y". This procession takes place between Safa and Marwah and is completed seven times. This procession is based on the Qu’ranic tradition of Hajar’s search for water in the desert. The stoning of the pillars: The next part of the hajj involves a journey to Mina. In Mina pebbles are hurled at pillars to symbolise the rejection of the devil The stand before Allah on the plain of Arafat: After camping in Mina the journey continues to Mount Arafat. On the plain of Arafat people stand from midday until sunset in a state of meditation This is known as the "wuquf" or the standing before Allah. The pilgrims then climb Mount Arafat where a sermon is preached. The pilgrimage continues to Mina via Muzdalifah where night prayer is held On the morning of 10 Dhul-Hijjah the pilgrims stand before dawn in a brief repetition of the "wuquf" before moving on towards Mina as the sun begins to rise. In Mina the pilgrims camp for three days while offering the required sacrifice of an animal for Id-ul-Adha. After this, men have their heads shaved and women are required to cut their hair by at least 2.5 cm. The hajj then returns to Makkah for another encircling of the Ka’bah as the final event of the pilgrimage. Having completed the hajj Muslims are entitled to take the name Hajji or Hajjah.
1.1.6 How does Hajj draw on and use scripture	Hajj  ∙ “Pilgrimage to the House is a duty towards God upon humankind, for those who can find a way there” (Quran)  ∙ “Perform the pilgrimage and the visit [to Mecca] for Allah” (Quran, Sura 2:196)  ∙ Hajj literally translates to ‘a visit to the revered place’  ∙ “That they may witness the benefits for them and celebrate the name of Allah, through the Days appointed” (Quran)  ∙ “Such is the pilgrimage: whoever honours the sacred rites of Allah, for him it is in the good Sight of his Lord” (Quran)
1.1.7 What is a Rite of Passage and what makes Hajj a rite of passage for most muslims	Hajj is a rite of passage as it is not only a strong way of ritualising their commitment to live good and oral lives according to the will of God.
1.2 Demonstrate how hajj expresses the beliefs of Islam
1.2.1 What are the principal beliefs of Islam	Akhira - Afterlife Tawhid - Oneness of Allah Al-Quadar - Fate/predestination Rusul - Prophets Malaka - Angels Kubuttulah - Books of allah
1.2.2 Which of these beliefs are most apparently expressed in Hajj	Shahada → public and detailed declaration of faith before Islamic community (Hajj itself and numerous ritual verses uttered i.e. when entering holy mosque express belief) → demonstrates tangible commitment to Allah and belief in Muhammad as Prophet Angels → circumnutation of Ka’aba (angels surrounding heavenly throne) Afterlife → verses affirming it’s reality → “O lord…save us from the punishment of the Hell fire” when pilgrims reach the Rukn Al Yamani Sa’ay → search/need for salvation Zakat → last day of sacrifice where meat is shared with poor
1.3 Analyse the significance of Hajj for the individual
1.3.1 How is hajj significant to the individual	Moving spiritual experience and fundamental religious duty → fundamental significance for individual Muslim adherent Fulfils fifth pillar → subsequent favour on Day of Judgement → possibility of forgiveness Fulfils fard and brings spiritual  development and renewal Connects individual to rich historical foundation of Islam → extensive prayer and meditation, reinforces key concepts, provides opportunity to focus solely on devotion to Allah Journey helps to focus priorities on submission to Allah’s will, develop spiritual consciousness and understanding of what it means to live as a Muslim. “Prioritise my life even … reinforces the importance of our final goal…. We  re-focus our attention on our destination (so to speak) and ensure we are walking on a path that will take us there”
1.3.2 How is a pilgrim changed as a result of Hajj	Physically, emotionally and spiritually
1.3.3 What is meant by the ‘regenerative function’ of Hajj	- Mount Arafat = they are seen as renewed and rejuvenated in their faith
1.3.5 What is the relationship between Hajj and reconciliation	- No one is meant to be judged within the faith = no matter of age, gender, or status.
1.3.6 How does Hajj operate as a rite of deeper initiation for muslims	- They go on a ‘once in a lifetime’ journey; it is an expectation that they perform this ritual at least once in their lives, as it is deeply significant to the faith and to the community
1.4 Analyse the significance of Hajj for the community
1.4.1 How is hajj significant for the Umma	Promotes and preserves unity of umma via shared faith and devotion Collective nature dissolves barriers of race, language, wealth, gender, and age with ihram and universal use of Arabic for all rites Results in strong sense of fellowship and encourages both cohesion and the preservation of Islamic traditions “Made me appreciate I was part of a much bigger community that well beyond the borders of Australia” Spiritual impact is contagious → “it rubs off on the other members of their family and wider community”
1.4.2 How is the community changed as a result of an individual's Hajj	- All Muslims are at peace during this experience and are not distinguished by their variants, school of thoughts, etc. (are equal and at peace during Hajj) - Everyone is able to feel as though they are united and are all equal, especially through the practice of Ihram (through wearing the white cloths) = links to the Day of Judgement - In this space, everyone is free from judgement and hardships = there is no racism, no sexism (the expectation → what people strive for); just people gathering to praise and worship Allah and to renew their faith - Greater sense of belonging to a global community = the commonality is emphasised, not the divisions - The community is impacted by being able to be in a space where everyone is equal and meeting with people who they would not regularly see each other or meet, and therefore be able to interact. - This experience is able to promote peace, harmony and unity among the community - Through Hajj an entire Muslim community comes together to submit themselves completely to Allah. - The community is able to connect with each other and bask in the experience with like minded people, as the people before them had. (Could it be like an ancestral connection with family members and prior Nabi?) - The re-energising of faith, and belonging to the Umma - The community is impacted by the sense of community and oneness once passing through the Miqat. Everyone is in the same cloth, monetary status and your possessions don’t count anymore. You are all equal in the eyes of Allah because that is how everyone will look on the day of judgement.   - Commemorate the lives of significant people within Islam → Abraham - TWO KEY THINGS: concept of Ihram (equality) and Umma → also the power of prayer that comes with the community circling the Ka’ba (the sense of the cosmic universe) - The significance of the community when they come back from Hajj - Sharing their knowledge and experiences during Hajj → the community that the pilgrims go back to
1.4.4 How does Hajj reinforce the Islamic identity of all participants	- They are assured of their places within the faith, and have performed one of the key rituals of their faith = this brings them closer to God - It is said that Hajj changes the lives of those who participate → they are entirely changed
1.4.5 Hajj is all about tawhid, what does this mean.	- It is all about the connection with God and renewing one’s faith
Describe and explain Islamic Bioethics
2.1 Describe and explain Muslim ethics generally
2.1.1 What is meant by ethics?	Ethics are a moral code to live by which dictate the behaviour of an individual and give individuals a way of making decisions.
2.1.3 What are the sources of Islamic ethics	Taqwa (constant awareness / attuned to the will of Allah) Striving to obey in all aspects of life 3. All are equal under Allah 4. Set nothing beside Allah 5. Akrah (e.g. when faced with two evils…) (Being accountable to god for your actions) 6. Trust in Allah to provide 7. Modesty and humility are virtues 8. Have nothing to do with impurity, either in the mind or body (naturalness). 9. Selflessness and charity (e.g. zakat and looking after orphans and widows) 10. Respect and fulfil the demands of Justice. 11. Keep your word, even at the expense of a relative, for that honours Allah. 12. God does not burden a soul greater than what it can bear
2.1.4 How do different Islamic variants understand Muslim ethics differently	In Sunni Islam, abortion is also allowed if the child is a product of rape. However, in Shi’a islam, the morning after pill should be taken to avoid pregnancy, if pregnancy occurs however, the mother is required to carry the child to term, regardless of whether the child was a product of a sexual assault or notislam
2.1.6 What is fiqh? How does this relate to the daily life of a muslim?	Fiqh refers to the Islamic law, and the process of islamic jurisprudence. This relates to a Muslims daily life by telling right from, wrong.
2.1.7 What are the five main principles that Islamic ethics are built on	Life is a gift from Allah Allah is the creator of all life Duty to preserve life Akrah (Accountability for actions) Suffering compensates for sin.
2.2 Describe and explain Islamic bioethics
2.2.1 Why are all world religions concerned with life ethics?	All world religions are concerned with ethics resulting in life, as most world religions consider life to be sacred. This then means, when issues surrounding life occur, they want to preserve life.
2.2.2 What are the passages of the Qur’an and Hadith that express of a sacred view of life and of people as stewards	“Whoever saves the life of one person it is as if he saved the life of all mankind” (5:32) “Necessity makes possible what is forbidden” (2:173) “Take not life, which God has made sacred” (6:151) “Kill not you offspring for fear of poverty, it is we who provide for them and for you” (17:32) “Allah Most High Says: ‘It is He who has created for you all things that are on earth” (Surah al-Bagarah 2.29) “And verily we have honoured the children of Adam” (Sura al-Isra v.70) “To protect human life in all stages and under al circumstance” (Oath of the Muslim Doctor 1981)
2.2.5 In Islamic ethics, what is the relationship between science and god's plan for humans?	Within Islam, there is the belief that all life is sacred, and Allah is the creator of all life, therefore, life must not be created or destroyed by science. this is why many bioethical issues are considered to be Haram within the Islamic faith.
2.2.6 What is the response of each Muslim variant to abortion?	Abortion is when a pregnancy is terminated medically, for reasons decided by the parent. This may be for health reasons or due to unwanted pregnancy. Usually before the fetus is capable of independent life. The removal of an embryo or foetus from the uterus in order to end a pregnancy Generally, abortion is Haram in Islam, meaning that it is strictly forbidden. Teachings fail to address explicitly/specifically but through alternate sources, if a definitive position is to be reached abortion is morally wrong. Abortion is not permitted unless pregnancy endangers life of mother, as it is seen as the lesser of the two evils. This came as a result of Ijma and Qiyas with comparable teachings, so open to debate for complexity.  Sanctity of life →  Allah’s creation, in all stages should be protected. In Sunni Islam, abortion is also allowed if the child is a product of rape. However, in Shi’a islam, the morning after pill should be taken to avoid pregnancy, if pregnancy occurs however, the mother is required to carry the child to term, regardless of whether the child was a product of a sexual assault or not.
2.2.7 What is the response of each muslim variant to IVF	IVF is a procedure when eggs are removed from the ovaries, and are mixed with sperm in a lab. The fertilisation then consequently takes place in this lab. Provided that the egg and sperm used for IVF both come from the mother and father, scholars agree that there is nothing in islamic law which forbids it. However if they do not, this is seen as haram, as allah did not allow the life to be created. Sunni Islam believes surrogacy to be inconsistent with islamic law, as adultery if she is carrying the couple's child, even if the egg is from the mother of the child. Surrogacy is allowed in Shia denominations of islam, as the argument used for Sunnis to believe against it (Quran 58:2) is interpreted as who the child of an illegitimate relationship belongs to lawfully.
2.2.9 What is the response of each muslim variant to euthanasia	Suffering exists in Islam for many reasons, and Allah is most merciful, he will not make a person suffer beyond what they are capable of. Therefore, nobody can take life, and people must suffer suffer for a reason, is is clear that for someone to take a life, in the Islamic faith, would be haram, and strictly forbidden. However, there are some exceptions to this. If a person is in a vegetative state, or unresponsive, and no cure is to be found, it is possible for the doctor to stop trying to prolong life, and still be in accordance to the teachings of the Islamic faith. Therefore, it is in accordance with islamic teachings and beliefs, that until all options have been exhausted, life must be prolonged and saved, as suffering has reason.
2.2.10 What is the response of each Muslim variant to organ donation	The taking of organs or tissue from a deceased person to a person who may be very ill or dying, in an attempt to help save or preserve their life. Generally speaking, organ donation under the islamic faith is declared to be haram, or not allowed, however, as with all ethical teachings of the islamic religion, there are of course exceptions. Organ donation is permissable and encouraged if it is the only option (or last resort) to save, or significantly enhance, a persons life, and only if the person giving the organ has died. It is questioned due to islamic burial practices, however, due to the duty to preserve all life, it is nessecary to carry out the produre if a life is at risk.
2.2.11 How do these ethics support a Muslim person in their life	Islamic ethics has a strong link to Sharia law. The Qu’ran and the traditions of Muhammad laid out specific ethical guidelines regarding various medical issues. These ethical guidelines give muslims an idea of what their faith believs they should do should they find themselves in a situation such as this.
2.2.12 “It is god who grants life and deals death” (Qur’an, 3:156). How does this make sense to you	This quote is relevant to islamic bioethics as it fits with many of the teachings on bioethics such as: Life is a gift from Allah Allah is the creator of all life Duty to preserve life
Significant Person – Abu Hamid Al Ghazali
3.1 Historical background to Al Ghazali
3.1.1 What were the major forces in Islamic thinking at the time of Al Ghazali	- The philosopher’s teachings - It was a time of “great spiritual awakening” - “Ghazali was born in the middle of this exciting and intellectual world.”
3.1.2 What were the major achievements of Al Ghazali prior to his ‘spiritual crisis’	Teachings: 1. Synthesis of Science, Theology, Philosophy 2. Strong faith in Tawhid 3. Personal Experience 4. Understanding of Sufism
3.1.4 List six major books written by Al Ghazali	1. “The revitalization of religious sciences” taught that Fitrah was to be used to explore and discover God science and theology are two aspects of one understanding about Tawhid 2. “The incoherence of the philosophers” a criticism of Greek philosophy established that the world was created and would end the soul survives death 3. “Deliverance from error” an autobiography focused on the importance of joyful submission warned against pride and ambition
3.1.5 What did the contemporaries think of Al Ghazali	They thought of him poorly initially as he did not agree with their thoughts and teachings
3.1.6 Describe the impact of the spiritual crisis in Al Ghazali’s life	Had a crisis and went on Hajj Discover that Sufism balanced Fitran and Jihad All of the experiences shaped within him a sense of purpose around his teachings; Jihad (the greater) → perfecting one’s self and one’s submission
3.2 Explain the contribution of Al Ghazali to the development and expression of the Islamic Faith
3.2.1 Recall the story of Al Ghazali’s spiritual crisis/ What were the causes and impacts of this	- He had become very popular, yet was unable to handle this - He begun to question his faith and his teachings → he had to know more - He seeked to learn more
3.2.2 What was Al Ghazali's position on philosophy	- Judged Greek philosophers/philosophy
3.2.4 What role did Al Ghazali play in creating a cohesive and systematic understanding of Islam	Clarified the relationship between religion and philosophy/science Sought to explain all of Islam Gave practical wisdom to Muslims Encouraged humility, service and love Promoted Fitrah and learning to fight ignorance and sectarianism
3.2.5 What major forces and ideas did Al Ghazali try to reconcile in the second phase of his life? Why	Reconciliation between Sufism and Islam → the perfect way to live a Muslim life of joyful submission
3.2.6 Memorise 10 quotes from Al Ghazali and explain their meaning.	“Know that any science which does not remove you today far from apostasy and does not carry you to obedience, will not move you tomorrow from the fire of hell.” “The aim of moral discipline is to purify the heart from the rust of passion and resentment until, like a clear mirror, it reflects the light of God.” “A child has no real knowledge of the attainments of an adult. An ordinary adult cannot understand the attainments of a learned man. In the same way, an educated man cannot yet understand the experiences of enlightened saints or Sufis.” “Never have I dealt with anything more difficult than my own soul, which sometimes helps me and sometimes opposes me.” “You possess only whatever will not be lost in a shipwreck.” “Declare your jihad on thirteen enemies you cannot see -egoism, arrogance, conceit, selfishness, greed, lust, intolerance, anger, lying, cheating, gossiping and slandering. If you can master and destroy them, then you will be ready to fight the enemy you can see.” “Knowledge exists potentially in the human soul like the seed in the soil; by learning the potential becomes actual.” “The happiness of the drop is to die in the river.”
3.3 Analyse the impact of Al Ghazali on Islamic Teaching
3.3.1 What impact did Al Ghazali have on the competing schools of thought about islam	His ideologies and theories were derived from an Ash’ari school of thought After nine years of seclusion, he found his truth through Sufism Al-Ghazali emerged as a great reconciler, as during the early centuries, the Sufi mystics were regarded with suspicion He became a Sufi and his early 12th century writings secured a place for Sufism within the life of the community
3.3.2 What impact did Al Ghazali have on Sufism	Revitalised Sufism as the perfect way to live a Muslim life of joyful submission
3.3.3 Why was Al Ghazali known as the proof of islam	‘Hijjat al Islam’ (proof of Islam) = had the ability to use Islamic philiosophy, theology and mysticism to prove God’s power and existence
3.3.4 What impact did Al Ghazali have on Muslim understanding on a person's relationship with Allah	One does not have to be vocal about their worship of Allah = He respects it more when it is silent The best way to achieve eternal life is through prayer
3.3.5 What impact did Al Ghazali have on the muslim understanding of internal and external Jihad	Internal struggles occur to be able to make the individual stay close to god despite struggles. There is meaning behind suffering. Jihad = the struggle) The greater jihad, to defend against the internal struggle. One must defend Islam by fighting inner desires before being able to fight the lesser struggle and defending Islam externally. JIHAD = internal struggle (greater) and external struggle (lesser) “... the enemy you can see.” = the lesser Jihad
3.3.6 What impact did Al Ghazali have on ideas of social justice	Achieved an integration between faith, reason, and mysticism that made him very accessible to the modern mind Earned him a place as one of Islam’s greatest scholars Mujaddid - ‘Renewer of Islam’ He stressed the unity of Shari’a & tariqa He showed that the two were not mutually exclusive, rather could coexist in harmony He brought Sufism and more traditional forms of Islam back together Sufis re-established the importance of Shari’a law and the expression of the faith through the Five Pillars
3.3.7 What impact did Al Ghazali have on education	Clarified the relationship between philosophy/science Sought to explain all of Islam Gave practical wisdom to Muslims Encouraged humility, service and love Promoted faith and learning to fight ignorance and sectarianism Revitalised Sufism as the perfect way to live a Muslim life of joyful submission. Many sought to learn more about his teachings = became a professor it is said that thousands would come to hear his teachings he had been trained by experts in law and Sufism
3.3.8 What roles does Al Ghazali continue to have on the study and practice of islam	His books are still used as a source of knowledge and teaching within the faith
3.3.9 ‘The key to Tawah is to practice silence” How does this relate to your understanding of Al Ghazali	The best form of worshipping Allah is through doing such silently

c. Madison F and Alison L