Islam and Hinduism Overview

Islam Islam notes Aisha Hajj Ethics Inner peace World Peace Quote Table Qu’ran “And do not be wasteful, indeed he (God) does not love the wasteful” Qu’ran “Eat and drink but do not be wasteful” Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) recommended that we “ lay in the ground the plant at hand, even if it's the Last Day” Muhammad “ Fear god in your treatment of animals” Qu’ran 4:36 “To serve Allah and do good” Why am I here? What happens to me when I die? Is there a god/supreme being? Why is there suffering? Depth Study - 1. Person 2. Practice 3. Ethics 4. Living religion Aisha Sunni- follows aisha Shia- don’t follow aisha Aisha Bint Abu Bakr the scholar of scholars because she knew him so well Married to Mohammed He was buried in her bedroom “Mother or the believers” The men studying Islam would ask her questions Significance to islam today - 1. split between sunni and shia 2. Women scholars and women's schools Background - * ‘Jahiliyya’ the days of ignorance * Little to no women rights * Aisha Bint Abu Bakr was born in Mecca around 607 CE Character and personality Knowledge Significant events Legacy Example question exercise Four rightly Guided caliphs * Following Muhammad's death, there were some Muslims who believed Ali should have been the caliph. * When the battle of camel occurs, it re-ignites old tensions + feuds. * Aishan supports Ali’s rivals. * SPLIT → Sunni: follow Aisha Shi’a followers of Ali The question of who has the right to be caliph was to cause more division and bloodshed in Islam than any other issue. 1. Abu Bakr (632-634 CE) * one of Muhammad’s closest friends * Muhammad’s father-in-law (father of Muhammad’s wife A’isha) * pacified and united Muslim tribes * may have taken the first steps towards a written Qur’an before dying of old age 2. Umar (634-644) * extended Muslim rule to Syria, Egypt, Persia and Armenia – dividing Muslim world into eight provinces * reorganised the system of taxation * fixed the Muslim calendar to Hijra of 622 * garrisoned armies in separate military towns * reiterated Islam’s tolerant nature towards Jews and ChristianS * appointed a council of six men to select the next caliph * killed by assassins 3. Uthman (644-656) * authorised the preparation of the definitive version of the Qur’an * built the first Muslim navy * conquests continued eastwards, but tribal factionalism and threat of rebellion resurfaced due to nepotism and poor government * cruelly murdered 4. Ali (656-661) * son-in-law and cousin of Muhammad * moved capital to Kufa in Iraq * charismatic figure who inspired fierce loyalty and commitment * internal tensions burst * Ali’s authority was challenged by two opposition movements:one a coalition led by Muhammad’s widow, A’isha (daughter of Abu Bakr) and the other Mu’awiya, governor of Syria and a nephew of ‘Uthman * Ali defeated A’isha’s forces at the Battle of the Camel near Basra (in modern-day Iraq) * but an indecisive battle, trickery and failed arbitration made Ali appear weak * Ali is assassinated in 661 and the last of the true caliphs who had lived by Muhammad’s precepts was gone * after Ali’s assassination there is no fifth ‘Rightly Guided’ caliph * Mu’awiya successfully claimed the caliphate after the only other candidate, Ali’s son Hassan, withdrew nomination * but is not elected by agreement of companions of the prophet * he moved the capital to Damascus * political Islam becomes a Dynasty Umayyad Dynasty (661-750) is established: * caliphate becomes hereditary rather than elected * empire expands * Islamic learning flourished and the major traditions of Islamic law began to be established * free public hospitals and schools were set up in every town Abbasids Dynasty (750-`258) * Umayyad dynasty was overthrown by descendants of the Prophet’s paternal uncle Abbas * Abbasids moved capital to Baghdad * strong centralised government * great economic prosperity * enormous wealth and resources * eventually Empire fell to Mongols * end of caliphal period * Mongols descendants convert to Islam within next 100 years but maintain control * sunni and shi'a Battle of Camel * Uthman (3rd caliph) was assassinated in Medina (home of Muhammad - Muslims fled during Hijra → fled mecca to avoid persecution * Aisha was in Pilgrimage when she heard the news * Aisha wanted justice straight away * Ali (4th caliph) had opted to wait until he had full control to punish the murderes. 2 armies, 2 different ideas on how to deal with murder: 1. Aisha and an army decided to head out to Basra to get justice. 2. Ali was heading out towards Iraw, when he heard news of the army and changed course. Ali supporters who believed he should have been first caliph Aisha who believes her dad was the correct first caliph → tension between the tribes * When the two forces met there were talks and Ali promised to punish the assassins * Aisha and other leaders were satisfied and they returned to their camps * Unfortunately, a seditious person Abdullah Ibn Saba and his cohort attacked Aisha’s side at night and told Ali that Aishab and her forces attacked first * In confusion, full battle broke. Ali’s forces eventually were victorious * Aisha led an entire army of thirty thousand men * Aisha was not afraid to get into politics and make herself heard Legacy Knowledge: * She was a gift to this Ummah, from the Prophet. * After the Prophet Muhammad’s death, Aisha played a great role in the spread of Islamic knlowledge. * Aisha possessed a remarkable memory and used this gift for memorising the Prophet’s sayings. * Sje jas greatly assisted with the Islamic education of women, men, and children. Thus, she has shown the importance of education in a woman’s life. * “Whenever we, companions of the Prophet Muhammad encountered any difficulty in the matter of any sayings of the Prophet, we referred it to Aisha and found that she had definite knowledge about it” - Abu Musa Ashari (Islamic scholar, follower of muhammad) * Established a school in Medina. * She was visited by leading scholars Umar ibn Khattab, his son Abdullah, Abu Huraya, Abu Musa al - Ashari, Abdullah ibn Abbas, Abdullah ibn Zubayr, Zayd ibn Khalid al Juhani, Rabia ibn Amr al Jurayshi, Saib ibn Yazid and Harith ibn Abdullah * Her status has in turn uplifted the status of Mujslim women. * The depth and breadth of her knowledge far surpassed thatb of most individuals after the Prophet, man or woman. * She has shown the importance of education in a woman’s life. * She also taught female and encouraged them to seek knowledge she taught more than 50 women. * Her closeness to the messenger of god, jern knowledge f the Qu’ran, and hern amiable attitude toward the troubles of women both before and after her marriage, were on advantage to women. - (Haylamaz 2012 secondary source) * Her life, her scholarly opinions thought over 1400 years old, are not collecting dust in some ancient manuscripts, nit are alive and bused as a basis and a guide for Muslims thoughout the Muslim world, from America to the Middle East, the Indo-Pak subcontinent to Southeast Asia. Lesley Hazleton fDevelopment of islam * Reform : * Reinterpretation * Redirectopm * expansion Expression of Islam * Principal beliefs * Sacred texts * Core ethical teachings * devotion/rituals Significance to Islam: * Contemporary influence * Later generations * Whole traditions Exam questions * Summarise the contribution of ONE significant person ton the development and expression of Islam * Summarise the impact of the significant person or school of thought Hajj HAJJ The idea that ppl that go to Hajj and Mecca are living out that connection with Allah ( what they believe) * Fifth pillar * Means “pilgrimage” * It is an obligation * An outward expression of an inward faith * Rituals → express what Muslims believe, also recount key moments in Islamic history Equality of all Human Beings: * Ihran clothing * Seeing and interacting with fellow Muslims from all nationalities and races whether rich/poor, elite/common, black/white, educatedd/uneducated, young/old. * Hajj is a practical way of developing equality as it removes racism as all Muslims are gathered at the same place for worship. Detachment from the Load of Sin: * Hadith about sin and Islamic belief of Original Sin. * Concept of sin in Islam : sins against God and sins against humanity. * Before Muslims depart they make sure they seek forgiveness from friends and family, settle debts, repent to God, return trusts, etc. * Rules of Ihram connect to behaviour of a Muslim. Praying of Arafat JUMRAT = Stoning of the devil. Tawhid - the oneness of God. * Hajj represents the largest of the concentric circle around which the Muslim insitiution of prayer is built. Represents the Universe. Ihraam : 1. It is to ensure people focus on the spirit not btheir earthly needs (wearing deodorant, having sex) 2. It is also the clothing (equality as everyone wears the same thing) Hajj : the pilgrimage, an act of worship (collective and individual) * Establishes a connection with monotheism. Tawaf : becoming one with the Universe (walking around the Ka’bah in 7 circles counter clockwise). Everyone is moving together (metaphor for how humanity should be - moving together as one) Sa’y : walking for 7 laps between two locations (hills) known as Safa and Marwa (450m apart). Zamzam : Gabriel touches wing into desert → water Halq or Taqseer : Halq → shaving head and removing all hair (strongly recommended for men only) Taqseer → is cutting the hair short from all sides for men and only about an inch from one side for women. Arafat : a mont close to Mecca M said “Hajj is Arafat” M became the Prophet Pray until sunset Muzdalifa: a small valley close to Arafat. They stay overnight or pray Maghrib (sunset prayer) and Ishaa (night prayer). Jamarat : the plural of Jamarah which means a hot bead bin Arabic. The stoning as a symbolic art of challenging Satan and evil desires. What is Hajj : The annual pilgrimage that Muslims embark on to Mecca, involves visiting holy places and performing certain religious rites. Hajj mustg be performed once in a lifetime Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam Behold, the first House (of prayer) established for humankind is the one at Bakkah (makkah), a blessed place Pilgrimage is a duty - whoever enters it is in security. Pilgrimage to the house is a duty owed to God by all who can afford a way to it. Whoever performes hajj will come olut as the day they were born - pure and free from sins. 3 types of hajj Most common is hajj tamattu Pilgrims usually arrive bone or two weeks before the actual start date of hajj and perform their umrah. Umrah consists of getting into a state of ihram, making tawaf around ka’bah and doing sa’y. The actual hajj starts on the i8th of Dhul Hijjah Pilgrims re-enter into the state if ihram, and proceed to Mina where they stay the night Connection with Messengers of God * Adam and eve * Mount arafat meeting up point * First building of ka’bah * Abraham: * Leaving haar and ishamael in valley emergence of zamza well * Sa’y ritual * Sacrifice ishmael * Satan tries to persuade him out of it * Qurbam amd jamarat rituals * Relding the kabah as the centre Remembrance of the day of judgement * During hajj, masses are moving in unison and with a common dress stripped of all wordly possessions, enacting the Day of Judgment Hajj in the contect of other pillars * While shahadah detaches one from finite and false masters; Ka’aba * Salat detaches one fromm the worldy affairs * Zakat detaches the worshupper from the pangs of material wealth * Fasting detaches the worshipper from the physical desires and emotional impulses * Hajj is a detachment from the load of sins Hajj in the context of other pillars While shahadah detaches one from finite and false masters; Salat detaches one from the worldly affairs; Zakat detaches the worhsipper from the pangs of material wealth Fasting detaches the worshipper from the physical desires and emotional impulses. Impact of Hajj on Adherent * Brings the pilgrim closer to God and hopes to become a better. * When leaving for Hajj, the pilgrim is reminded of the ultimate departure from this world the Hereafter. * Rituals of Hajj remind the pilgrim of the Day of Judgement as everyone is gathered together in the same worship whilst all seeking God’s mercy. * The pilgrim connects to universal monotheism by tracing in the footsteps of Abraham. * The pilgrim increases gratitude to God as they see a lot of poor and less fortunate people at Hajj than themselves. Development of Mental, Spiritual and Physical Strength: * The Hajj process entails a sacrifice of time, money, comfort, worldly affairs, and many carnal desires and pleasures for the sake fo God with no selfish end. * Enduring all this with an incessant remembrance of God throughout the Hajj process leaves a firm lounging and love of God inside the pilgrim with lasts Impact of Hajj on Community * Creates universal feeling of brotherhood sisterhood amongst Muslims gathering together at the same place to do the same thing. * Hajj is the greatest social event in the Muslim world; it is where you meet new people, share ideas, see all different types of cultures, and pass on experiences etc. * Hajj increases a wider God- consciousness amongst the Muslim community. * Removes division between differemt religious interpretations. * Hajj = an outward expression of an inward faith. Hajj talk notes ISRA Have to be apply then be selected If and when accepted, it is believed to be an invitation from Allah Age limit for Hajj Worship obligation (fard) begins at puberty Hajj in the Qu’ran Behold, the first House (of prayer) established for humankind is the one at Bakkah (Makkah), a blessed place and a centre of guidance for all peoples. (Qur’an) Different types of hajj Qiran: Umrah and hajj together\ Tamattu : umrah and hajj separately. Most popular type Ifrad: only hajj Umrah Pilgrims usually arrive on or two weeks before the actual start date of hajj, and perform their Umrah. Umrah consists of ihram tawaf and sa’y. After this completion of this, the pilgrims exit the state of ihram Umrah reason: 20k cost Medina speaks to the heart/soul Mecca speaks to the mind Tawaf’s link to core beliefs Belief in messengers: Rituals of Hajj Ihram includes: * Being physically pure * Making intention * Reciting the talbiya * Wearing the appropriate garments * Performing two units of prayer * Women must wear hijab - full coverage no neck no hair no jewellery - can either have full face covering or no face covering * No perfume * Try not to think impure thoughts * Enter state of ihram from the bus to get to mecca * Get into the state of ihram when boarding the plane Ihram’s link to core beliefs. Tawhid: * Reciting the talbiya directly reminds adherents of monotheism and the Oneness of God. Belief in messengers United through intentions and purpose of being there, regardless of language communication blockages. The Ka’abah represents Tawhid Tawaf represents Tawhid Tawaf’s link to core beliefs * Belief in Messengers * Muslims believe that the Ka’bah was initially built by Adam and rebuilt by Abraham. * Muslims believe that earlier Propeths before Muhammaf (PBUH) used to perform pilgrimage to the Ka’bah. * Belief in the afterlife * Whilst per Sa’y Walking between sada and marwa 7 times Staying the night at Mina * On the 8th of Dhul Hijjah the Hajj begins. * Pilgrims proceed to Mina and stay the night there * Pilgrims stay in large tents with beds and bathrooms for each of the pilgrims When staying in Mina - praying, still in state of ihram, Then go to mount Arafat The day of Arafat - sin redemption On the 9th of dhul Hijjah pilgrims proceed to the plain of Mount Arafat where they will supplicate, pray repent, reflect, and engage in worship until sunset. Muslims pray 5 times a day During araft, pray from sun up to sun down. Being at arafat represents judgement day - equality before Allah. “Hajj is Arafat” - Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) Arafat - mental state Muslims can pray for others, can make a list. Mainly asking for forgiveness, The true physical representation of surrendering yourself to Allah. In doing that surrender, represents Tawhid. Australia’s allocation = 100 people. That is it. Muzdalifah - stay the night after Arafat, spend the night in prayer and collect the stones for Jamarat. Physically represents how unimportant wealth and social status are. It is the idea of removing yourself from worldy pleasures, removing yourself from anything that connects you to the world. Jamarat * On the 10th of Dhul Hijjah after sunrise pilgrims go jamarat to perform their stoning * They stone the largest pillar (Jamarat ul-Aqaba) seven times * The act of stoning is just throwing something at the Jamarat * Muslims are reminded that their efforts against sata can be done through God alone - Tawhid. * Belief in messengers - stoning symbolises Prophet Ibrahim’s rejection of Satan * Belief in Qadr - by stoning and rejecting satan, Muslims completely surrender the Will and Divine Decree of Allah. * Symbolizes the effort of Prophet Ibrahim when he sacrificed an animal instead of his son. Once finished Jamarat, exit the state of Ihram. * Muslims wait for the confirmation that their sacrifice of an animal has been made. * Pilgrims exit the state of ihram * First day of Eid al-Adha (Festival of the sacrifice) * Muslims will spend time with the animal they will sacrifice to connect with their food deeper. * They become more grateful - gratitude is very significant * In a world of constant consumption, this sacrifice makes you think about giving up, wher eit comes from, recreating Propeht Ibrahim’s experiences. * Allows Muslims to reflect, never take things for granted, connection. * After the confirmation, they exit the state of Ihram- shaving their head. * Tawaf Al-Ifadhah * Pilgrims then go to Mecca and make tawaf al-ifadhah * Pilgrims have until sunse tof the 12th of Dhul Hijjah to complete this. * Represents letting go Final Day: 12th of Dhul Hijjah * This is the third day of Eid al-Adha (Festival of sacrifice) * Pilgrims again stone each pillar at the Jamarat seven times * If pilgrims are going to depart Mecca after this, they perform a farewell tawaf of the Ka’abah. * Emotional moment of saying goodbye Ethics expressed though Hajj Equality of all human beings: * Hajj enables a Muslim Detatchment of sin * Sins against God v Sins against humanity * Detatchment is main part of hajj - no makeup, jewellery, sin. In addition to removing racism, pilgrimage is the greatest social even in the world For centuries Muslims shared ideas, passed on experience and books when they met at Hajj. Ethics - environmental How Ethics guide adherents Green Mosques * Mosques are the centre of the Muslim community therefore should be upholding envinromentally friendly practices. * “do not upset the balance” - (Qu’ran, 55:7-9) Punchbowl Mosque - Australia * It was designed to utilise passive solar and environmental strategies. * Integrated passive heating and cooling strategies instead of aur conditioning. * Concrete to maintain temperature. * The minaret has large openings to either side and fixed vents in the dome facilitates natural cross-ventilation. * Rainwater is collected and reused throughout toilet systems. Cambridge Central Mosque, Britain opened in 2018 * “Its advanced eco-design gives it a near-zero carbon footprint” * It uses solar-powered generator, naturally vented. Morocco’s Green Mosque Project * “By 2030, Morocco intends to source 52 % of its electricity from renewable energy. The country’s mosques and their imams are acting as key ambassadors for the scheduled transition to clean energy.” * 1,000 mosques classified as green mosques. Green Hajj and Ramadan * Green Hajj : * Tips before, during and after. * Servant of Allah * Links sa’y to water conservation * Pollution * Minimise consumption of food and drink * Clothing and textiles, not just throwing out, instead reusing * Saudi Arabia’s gov says by 2030 they want to be sustainable. Shia What is Green pilgrim? - influencing the behaviour The Green Pilgrim movement advocates for the ‘#plastic_free_Arbaeen’, while creating a demand for plastic alternates through online activism. We also encourage pilgrims to participate in offline activism by carrying reusable bottles and to collectively find solutions to make the holy cities of Najaf and Karbala free from plastic this Arbaeen. Halal - Haram- Living Religion How is Islam a living dynamic religion - Islam’s sacred texts are still actively intepreted and inegratwd into adherents everyday life. Inner peace The Articles of Faith and Inner Peace * Belief in akhira (hereafter) provides * Reassurance of meeting loved ones agaiin as death is seen as a temporary change in abode. * Acknowledgement that all difficulties and injustices will be settled in the afterlife. * A sense of purpose in this life: to worship and do good in this life, knowing that all their efforts will be rewarded in the next life. * Submission to Allah and trusting he will look after you * Knowing Allah will look after * Knowing any wrongdoing will be sorted out * Loved ones will be seen again. * Belief in Qadar (divine determination) provides * Reassurance that Allah knows all that happens as the Caretaker and Sustainer of the universe. * An awareness that all difficulties are good for us if we learn from them and endure patiently. * Realisation that life is a whole learning process - an individual is not in control of destiny and struggles. However, the ability to deal with struggles and find peace, through learning and worshipping, are the distinguishing characteristics of humanity. 5 Pillars of Islam and Inner peace * The pillars of Islam are a means of spiritual development. * Spiritual development allows a person to become more aligned with their purpose of creation and innate nature. * This natural alignment generates inner peace * SHAHADAH: - DAILY PRAYER links to inner peace by submission * Freedom from being a slave to anything other than God. * Acknowledgement of a Higher Power * Guidance from Prophet Muhammad for all actions. * SALAT: PRAYER * Utmost tranquility from correct performance of prayers due to: * Remembrance of God * Discipline, purpose and dedication in life * Time out from busy, stressful life (meditation) * Temporarily leaving the physical life for the metaphysical * Giving thanks allows appreciation for blessings * Seeking forgiveness frees from sins and guilt * Direct connection with Allah * “Surrender in peace.” - Quran * SAWM: FASTING * Spiritual development * Self control * Willpower * Discipline * Feel grater connection with God when fasting * Freedom from being a slave to impulses * Strengthens willpower and discipline * Gratitude for the blessings of sustenance * When fasting a person feels heightened spirituality * Not only fasting with hunger, but also fasting with sll faculties (actions, speech etc.). * ZAKAT: CHARITY * Freedom from being a slave to money * Helping the poor * Total reliance that He is our provider * Gratitude and acknowledgemnt that wealth comes from God and belongs to God * Disconnection from greed * Humans are seen as stewards of the Earth in the sight of God, hence have responsibility in caring for all creation (i.e. providing support for the less fortunate) * HAJJ : PILGRIMAGE * Hajj embodies the height of spirituality in a beliefer’s lifetime * Connection with God * Disconnection from daily stresses * Freedom from sins and guilt * Purification * A sacrifice of journeying and seeking for the sake of God * Connects humanity from diverse backgrounds * Rebirth - freedom from sin * Ummah * Allah is with the people who have patience On the day of judgement there will be people who have incredibly high ranks, through patience. Patience is the hardest quality to embody Enduring times of hardship increases gratitude of blessings during times of ease Articles of faith and inner peace The articles of faith are a means of rpividng meaning for life which generayes a sense of inner peace Belief in god provides the adherent with: * Knowledge that there is a purpose to life * Reassurance that on Belief in angels provides: “Blessed are the affairs of a believer when good happens to them they praise Allah and that is good for them, when bad happens to them they show patience and that is also good for them.” - Prophet Muhammad. Belief in akhira (hereafter) That mentality gives purpose to what muslims do. Qadar (divine determination) * Reassurnce that Allah knows all that happens as the Caretaker and sustainer of the universe. 1. Texts 2. Teachings 3. Inner 4. World World peace 3 factors contributing to peace 1. Education * Facilitates knowing the other * Facilitates accepting differences * Learning about conflict resolution 2. Social justice * Lack of human rights will eventually cause a reaction Muslims believe that if you take rights away from people, eventually they will rise to rebellion 3. Interfaith and intercultural dialogue * Mutual knowledge of each other * Can further improve relations * Can act as a preventative measure towards conflict * Prevents cultural polarisation (extremest either to the left or right) * The purpose of existence is to recognise and worship God, to reach a level of personal integrity built on virtue, and to express these in good works to attain world peace. * Thus, continuous learning, spirituality, and constructive social activism provide a balanced personal development in Islam. Peace in the Qu’ran “Verily God is with the righteous and those who do good” (Qur’an) “Whoever saves a life, it is as though he has saved the whole of mankind” (Qur’an) “Peace, a word from a merciful Lord” (Qur’an) “Indeed, He does not like the proud” (Qur’an) “And We have not sent you (O Muhammad) except as a mercy to the worlds” (Qur’an). Peace in Hadith “Do you know what is more precious than prayer and fasting? Making peace between two people” (Bukhari) “Spread peace, feed the poor, pray at nightm and you will enter paradise” (Ibn Majah). “You do not do evil to those who do evil to you, but deal with them with forgiveness and kindness” (Bukhari) “Spread peace between yourself” (Muslim) “Islam is a mercy. If you see its opposite, cruelty, then know that it is not Islam.” (Ibn Al Qayim). 5 rights of all human beings according to Islamic Law 1. Life - every person has a right to live in safety and earn his or her livelihood. 2. Property - owning and preserving one’s personal property is a fundamental right 3. Human mind - no one, including the self, society, and state, should coerce or remove the ability to think freely 4. Belief and religion - there is no compulsion in religion and every person has a right to keep and pass their religion to future generations 5. Family and lineage - humans have a right to raise a family. Greater Jihad * The struggles one has with themselves * The struggle against oneslef, desires and ego * On his return from a battle the Prophet said On his return from a battle, the Prophet said: “We are finished with the lesser Jihad; now we are starting the greater jihad.” Lesser Jihad * Individual struggles with others. (outward struggle) * Includes: the physical exertion to combat any form of evil, delivering and raising children, fighting against oppressors and aggressors. “We only fight those who wage war against us.” Sharia Law Jihad = struggle Does not refer to holy Hinduism Terms: Atman- soul (eternal) Karma - action and its consequences: the law of cause and effect, where actions have consequences that shape one’s future. Dharma- (duty/morality) refers to one’s duty and ethical obligations per one’s social role and stage of life. Samsara- reincarnation Santana Dharma Ahimsa (non-violence): This is a core principle in Hinduism, emphasizing non-harm to all living beings, including actions, words, and thoughts. Satya- eternal truth: promoting honesty and truthfulness in all aspects of life. Adharma- Aparigraha-non-possessiveness: this involves detachment from material possessions and greed, promoting inner peace and focus. Bramacharya Asteya Why am I here? To fulfil my dharma (duty) and work What happens to me when I die? Is there a god/supreme being? Why is there suffering? Variants - pathway to moksha Bhagavad Gita Setting: Two sets of cousins competing for the throne: the Pandavas and the Kauravas. Key Individuals: Krishna: Incarnation of Vishnu: God of Protecting, Preservation of Good, Dharma restoration, Moksha. Arjuna: The great archer of the Pandavas. Questions Considered: How can someone live a spiritually meaningful life without withdrawing from society? What can someone who does not want to give up family and social obligations do to live the right way? 5 Lessons Krishna teaches Arjuna: 1. Atman is eternal 2. Dharmaa is foundational 3. Inaction is impossible (all actions have intent). 4. Source of evil is found in ‘intent’ behind actions. 5. There are ways to avoid bad karma: * Gandhi Contribution of Gandhi He functioned as a challenger to the tradition - social impact * Gandhi was a committed Hindu who challenged the expression of Hindusim. * He believed that a religion should be able to reform for the sake if adherents. * He campaigned against untouchability; discrimination resulting from the caste system, arranged marriages and dowries - in 1932 he undertook a fast unto death to improve the status of untouchables. * He fought for social justice and equality for all people and this can be seen in the 1948 Indian Constitution that abolisjednuntouchability and brought equality before the law for all people. * ‘ The immediate service of all human beings becomes a necessary part of the endeavour, simply because the only way to find God is to see him in his creation and be one with it…’ (Gandhi) * Gandhi was a scripture scholar - doctrinal impact. * Gandhi was influenced by the Bagavad Gita with its emphasis on the non-possession of the material. * Gandhi espoused the spinning wheel as the national symbol for India suggestive of a simple life. * Gandhi was committed to BRAHMACHARYA - spiritual and practical purity- he embraced simple living- vegetarianism, celibacy, asceticism, founding an Ashram, fasting, making his own clothes. * Many Hindus joined his Ashram - he was a teacher and interpreter if the Hindu scriptures for everyday living. * Gandhi was a rike model of a Hindu way of life. * He was a role Model * Gandhi was the living embodiment of Hindu belief. * He was a karma-yogi - one who seeks god through action. * Gandhi said, ‘ to me religion means truth and Ahimsa.’ (Ahimsa is an ancient Hindu belief in non-violence). * Gandhi said, “non-violence is the greatest force at the disposal of mankind. It is mightier than the mightiest weapon of destruction devised by the ingenuity of man…” * Gandhi was convinced that SATYAGRAHA (soul force) was an action through non-violent resistance and was the strongest power in the world. * As president of the Indian National Congress Gandhi urged non violence, non cooperation and civil disobedience against the British, * In 1930 he led the Salt March to protest against a government monopoly. * Gandi insisted than non violence was no passivitiy but a strong force within - once one knows god one is incapable of feeling or harboring fear. * Ahimsa went beyond not killing, it ruled out evil thoughts, lies and hatred - requires an active love. Satygraha Ahimsa * Temple worship Temple Worship * Demonstrate how the chosen practice expresses the beliefs of Hinduism * Analyse the significance of this practice for botht he individual and the Hindu community Ongoing beat Chanting Praying before the shrine Food offerings Statues of the gods Images Incense drumming/chanting Fire Threaded flowers Circlign the shrine Clapping in time Puja - Bhakti (worship) No shoes Surrounds the 5 senses Importance of Worship - connection to beliefs * For a hindu, worship is very important and is something many Hindus do every day. * Worship is a way of showing love and devotion to Brahman * Hindus belief they have an atman, or piece of Brahman, within them. Therefore, connecting to Brahman through worship is very important. * Hindus use all of their senses when they worship so that they can fully connect to Brahman * There is one God within Hinduism, Brahman, but there are many different deities through which Brahman is expressed, * Worship can be done within the home or temple * Most Hindus worship at home every day but visit a temple when they want to. * Many Hindus also try to visir a temple to celebrate important festivals such as Diwali, the festival of lights. The Temple * A tehmple is Hindu is called a mandir and is a special place where Hindus worship. * In countries where there are many Hindus, such as India, most towns will have a mandir so all people can worship easily * Hindu temples are decorated elaborately as they represent the idea of a palace, which highlights the idea that God is like a king. * The outside of some temples have statues of various deities or scenes from important stories in Hindusim * Each temple has statues (murtis) of many popular gods, such as Ganesha and Shiva, but also some statues of gods that are important to the people of that aprticular community. E.g., Hindus who like to worship Vishnu (known as Vaishnavas) will visit temples that contain statues, or murtis, of the ten avatars of Vishnu. * In the main shrine room there is a dome that reaches up high. This is tp symbolise the idea that Hondus can reach up to God. Visiting the Temple * Inside a temple everyone must remove their shoes as they should not bring dirt into such a special space. * There are areas for worshippers to put their shoes as they come in. then they enter the main shrine room, in which there are statues of various gods. * When they enter the shrine room, Hindus ring a bell to ‘awaken’ the deities and show them that they are ready to worship. * If possible, they will then walk around the main shrine area within the mandir * Next they will either kneel or sit down on the floor in front of the deities, clasp their hands together and offer pranams, or respectful greetings. * Showing respect to the deities leads to what is known as darshan, or ‘receiving sight’ of the deity, who in turn, sees the worshipper. * At this point, Hindus might silently recite personal prayers or traditional ancient prayers. * Worshippers also give offerings to the gods, such as food and gufts, this is to show that the gods are respetced and to indivate that people are worthy of the gods' attention. * Once the offerings of foos have been blessed by the temple priest, theya rae distributed to the visitors. * Within the Temple * Within the tehmple there is a havan, which is a fire sacrifice ot the god Agni, with the fire representing the tongues of the gods. The word ‘havan’ means sacred fire. It can also mean a special ritual tjay people d together to honor a chosen deity. * The offerings made to Agni as part of Havan include items that symbolise the five elements of existence (earth, water, fire, air and space). * Within the temple it is important to worship the gods and there are many aspects of the mandir that are actively used within worship, for example the bell and murtis. * However, Hindus believe that worship comes from within, as Brahman is within all living things. * Hindus believe in the space of the heart, which is the idea that Brahman is within people and therefore can be worshipped wherever they are. * In Sanskrit, “Agni” translates to “fire”. * In Hinduism, Agni is also the name of the god of fire, one of the three chief deities of the Vedas. * He’s revered as the carrier of offerings to the gods, the messenger between humans and the divine, and the personification of the fire of sacrifice. * Agni also represents the digestive fire within the body and one of the five fundamental elements of nature. Ethics - environment How Ethics guide adherents Inner Peace World Peace Religion and Non-Religion Religion and Peace Must have a good understanding of scripture. Quotes: Bhagavad Gita Upanishads Qur’an Hadith scripture → principal teachings → inner or world peace. Tab 15

Islam
Islam notes

Aisha
Hajj
Ethics
Inner peace
World Peace

Quote Table

Qu’ran
	“And do not be wasteful, indeed he (God) does not love the wasteful”
	Qu’ran
	“Eat and drink but do not be wasteful”
	Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) recommended that we
	“ lay in the ground the plant at hand, even if it's the Last Day”
	Muhammad
	“ Fear god in your treatment of animals”
	Qu’ran 4:36
	“To serve Allah and do good”

Why am I here?
What happens to me when I die?
Is there a god/supreme being?
Why is there suffering?

Depth Study - 
1. Person
2. Practice
3. Ethics
4. Living religion

Aisha
Sunni- follows aisha
Shia- don’t follow aisha
Aisha Bint Abu Bakr
the scholar of scholars because she knew him so well
Married to Mohammed
He was buried in her bedroom
“Mother or the believers”
The men studying Islam would ask her questions
Significance to islam today - 
1. split between sunni and shia
2. Women scholars and women's schools

Background - 
* ‘Jahiliyya’ the days of ignorance
   * Little to no women rights
   * Aisha Bint Abu Bakr was born in Mecca around 607 CE
Character and personality
Knowledge
Significant events
Legacy
Example question exercise

Four rightly Guided caliphs
* Following Muhammad's death, there were some Muslims who believed Ali should have been the caliph.
* When the battle of camel occurs, it re-ignites old tensions + feuds.
* Aishan supports Ali’s rivals.
* SPLIT → Sunni: follow Aisha Shi’a followers of Ali
The question of who has the right to be caliph was to cause more division and bloodshed in Islam than any other issue.

1. Abu Bakr (632-634 CE)
* one of Muhammad’s closest friends
* Muhammad’s father-in-law (father of Muhammad’s wife A’isha)
* pacified and united Muslim tribes
* may have taken the first steps towards a written Qur’an before dying of old age
2. Umar (634-644)
* extended Muslim rule to Syria, Egypt, Persia and Armenia – dividing Muslim world into eight provinces
* reorganised the system of taxation
* fixed the Muslim calendar to Hijra of 622
* garrisoned armies in separate military towns
* reiterated Islam’s tolerant nature towards Jews and ChristianS
* appointed a council of six men to select the next caliph
* killed by assassins 
3. Uthman (644-656)
* authorised the preparation of the definitive version of the Qur’an
* built the first Muslim navy
* conquests continued eastwards, but tribal factionalism and threat of rebellion resurfaced due to nepotism and poor government
* cruelly murdered 
4. Ali (656-661)
* son-in-law and cousin of Muhammad
* moved capital to Kufa in Iraq 
* charismatic figure who inspired fierce loyalty and commitment
* internal tensions burst
* Ali’s authority was challenged by two opposition movements:one a coalition led by Muhammad’s widow, A’isha (daughter of Abu Bakr) and the other Mu’awiya, governor of Syria and a nephew of ‘Uthman
* Ali defeated A’isha’s forces at the Battle of the Camel near Basra (in modern-day Iraq)
* but an indecisive battle, trickery and failed arbitration made Ali appear weak
* Ali is assassinated in 661 and the last of the true caliphs who had lived by Muhammad’s precepts was gone
* after Ali’s assassination there is no fifth ‘Rightly Guided’ caliph
* Mu’awiya successfully claimed the caliphate after the only other candidate, Ali’s son Hassan, withdrew nomination 
* but is not elected by agreement of companions of the prophet  
* he moved the capital to Damascus
* political Islam becomes a Dynasty
Umayyad Dynasty (661-750) is established:
* caliphate becomes hereditary rather than elected
* empire expands 
* Islamic learning flourished and the major traditions of Islamic law began to be established
* free public hospitals and schools were set up in every town

Abbasids Dynasty (750-`258)
* Umayyad dynasty was overthrown by descendants of the Prophet’s paternal uncle Abbas
* Abbasids moved capital to Baghdad
* strong centralised government
* great economic prosperity
* enormous wealth and resources 
* eventually Empire fell to Mongols
* end of caliphal period
* Mongols descendants convert to Islam within next 100 years but maintain control
* sunni and shi'a

Battle of Camel
* Uthman (3rd caliph) was assassinated in Medina (home of Muhammad - Muslims fled during Hijra → fled mecca to avoid persecution
* Aisha was in Pilgrimage when she heard the news
   * Aisha wanted justice straight away
   * Ali (4th caliph) had opted to wait until he had full control to punish the murderes.
2 armies, 2 different ideas on how to deal with murder:
1. Aisha and an army decided to head out to Basra to get justice.
2. Ali was heading out towards Iraw, when he heard news of the army and changed course.
Ali supporters who believed he should have been first caliph
Aisha who believes her dad was the correct first caliph → tension between the tribes

* When the two forces met there were talks and Ali promised to punish the assassins
* Aisha and other leaders were satisfied and they returned to their camps
* Unfortunately, a seditious person Abdullah Ibn Saba and his cohort attacked Aisha’s side at night and told Ali that Aishab and her forces attacked first
* In confusion, full battle broke. Ali’s forces eventually were victorious
* Aisha led an entire army of thirty thousand men
* Aisha was not afraid to get into politics and make herself heard

Legacy
Knowledge:
* She was a gift to this Ummah, from the Prophet.
* After the Prophet Muhammad’s death, Aisha played a great role in the spread of Islamic knlowledge.
* Aisha possessed a remarkable memory and used this gift for memorising the Prophet’s sayings.
* Sje jas greatly assisted with the Islamic education of women, men, and children. Thus, she has shown the importance of education in a woman’s life. 
* “Whenever we, companions of the Prophet Muhammad encountered any difficulty in the matter of any sayings of the Prophet, we referred it to Aisha and found that she had definite knowledge about it” - Abu Musa Ashari (Islamic scholar, follower of muhammad)
* Established a school in Medina.
* She was visited by leading scholars Umar ibn Khattab, his son Abdullah, Abu Huraya, Abu Musa al - Ashari, Abdullah ibn Abbas, Abdullah ibn Zubayr, Zayd ibn Khalid al Juhani, Rabia ibn Amr al Jurayshi, Saib ibn Yazid and Harith ibn Abdullah
* Her status has in turn uplifted the status of Mujslim women.
* The depth and breadth of her knowledge far surpassed thatb of most individuals after the Prophet, man or woman.
* She has shown the importance of education in a woman’s life.
* She also taught female and encouraged them to seek knowledge she taught more than 50 women.
* Her closeness to the messenger of god, jern knowledge f the Qu’ran, and hern amiable attitude toward the troubles of women both before and after her marriage, were on advantage to women. - (Haylamaz 2012 secondary source)
* Her life, her scholarly opinions thought over 1400 years old, are not collecting dust in some ancient manuscripts, nit are alive and bused as a basis and a guide for Muslims thoughout the Muslim world, from America to the Middle East, the Indo-Pak subcontinent to Southeast Asia.

Lesley Hazleton

fDevelopment of islam
* Reform : 
* Reinterpretation
* Redirectopm
* expansion

Expression of Islam
* Principal beliefs
* Sacred texts
* Core ethical teachings
* devotion/rituals

Significance to Islam:
* Contemporary influence
* Later generations
* Whole traditions

Exam questions
* Summarise the contribution of ONE significant person ton the development and expression of Islam
* Summarise the impact of the significant person or school of thought
Hajj
HAJJ
The idea that ppl that go to Hajj and Mecca are living out that connection with Allah ( what they believe)
* Fifth pillar
* Means “pilgrimage”
* It is an obligation
* An outward expression of an inward faith
* Rituals → express what Muslims believe, also recount key moments in Islamic history

Equality of all Human Beings:
* Ihran clothing
* Seeing and interacting with fellow Muslims from all nationalities and races whether rich/poor, elite/common, black/white, educatedd/uneducated, young/old.
* Hajj is a practical way of developing equality as it removes racism as all Muslims are gathered at the same place for worship.

Detachment from the Load of Sin:
* Hadith about sin and Islamic belief of Original Sin.
* Concept of sin in Islam : sins against God and sins against humanity.
* Before Muslims depart they make sure they seek forgiveness from friends and family, settle debts, repent to God, return trusts, etc.
* Rules of Ihram connect to behaviour of a Muslim.

Praying of Arafat
JUMRAT = Stoning of the devil.
Tawhid - the oneness of God.
* Hajj represents the largest of the concentric circle around which the Muslim insitiution of prayer is built. Represents the Universe.
                        
Ihraam : 
1. It is to ensure people focus on the spirit not btheir earthly needs (wearing deodorant, having sex)
2. It is also the clothing (equality as everyone wears the same thing)

Hajj : the pilgrimage, an act of worship (collective and individual)
* Establishes a connection with monotheism.

Tawaf : 
becoming one with the Universe (walking around the Ka’bah in 7 circles counter clockwise). Everyone is moving together (metaphor for how humanity should be - moving together as one)

Sa’y : walking for 7 laps between two locations (hills) known as Safa and Marwa (450m apart).
Zamzam : Gabriel touches wing into desert → water

Halq or Taqseer : Halq → shaving head and removing all hair (strongly recommended for men only)
Taqseer → is cutting the hair short from all sides for men and only about an inch from one side for women.

Arafat : a mont close to Mecca
M said “Hajj is Arafat”
M became the Prophet
Pray until sunset

Muzdalifa: a small valley close to Arafat. They stay overnight or pray Maghrib (sunset prayer) and Ishaa (night prayer).

Jamarat : the plural of Jamarah which means a hot bead bin Arabic. The stoning as a symbolic art of challenging Satan and evil desires.

What is Hajj : 
The annual pilgrimage that Muslims embark on to Mecca, involves visiting holy places and performing certain religious rites.
Hajj mustg be performed once in a lifetime
Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam

Behold, the first House (of prayer) established for humankind is the one at Bakkah (makkah), a blessed place

Pilgrimage is a duty - whoever enters it is in security. Pilgrimage to the house is a duty owed to God by all who can afford a way to it.

Whoever performes hajj will come olut as the day they were born - pure and free from sins.

3 types of hajj
Most common is hajj tamattu 
Pilgrims usually arrive bone or two weeks before the actual start date of hajj and perform their umrah.
Umrah consists of getting into a state of ihram, making tawaf around ka’bah and doing sa’y.

The actual hajj starts on the i8th of Dhul Hijjah
Pilgrims re-enter into the state if ihram, and proceed to Mina where they stay the night

Connection with Messengers of God
* Adam and eve
   * Mount arafat meeting up point
   * First building of ka’bah

* Abraham:
   * Leaving haar and ishamael in valley emergence of zamza well
   * Sa’y ritual
   * Sacrifice ishmael
   * Satan tries to persuade him out of it
   * Qurbam amd jamarat rituals
   * Relding the kabah as the centre

Remembrance of the day of judgement
* During hajj, masses are moving in unison and with a common dress stripped of all wordly possessions, enacting the Day of Judgment

Hajj in the contect of other pillars
* While shahadah detaches one from finite and false masters; Ka’aba
* Salat detaches one fromm the worldy affairs
* Zakat detaches the worshupper from the pangs of material wealth
* Fasting detaches the worshipper from the physical desires and emotional impulses
* Hajj is a detachment from the load of sins

Hajj in the context of other pillars
While shahadah detaches one from finite and false masters;
Salat detaches one from the worldly affairs;
Zakat detaches the worhsipper from the pangs of material wealth
Fasting detaches the worshipper from the physical desires and emotional impulses.

Impact of Hajj on Adherent
* Brings the pilgrim closer to God and hopes to become a better.
* When leaving for Hajj, the pilgrim is reminded of the ultimate departure from this world the Hereafter.
* Rituals of Hajj remind the pilgrim of the Day of Judgement as everyone is gathered together in the same worship whilst all seeking God’s mercy.
* The pilgrim connects to universal monotheism by tracing in the footsteps of Abraham.
* The pilgrim increases gratitude to God as they see a lot of poor and less fortunate people at Hajj than themselves.

Development of Mental, Spiritual and Physical Strength:
* The Hajj process entails a sacrifice of time, money, comfort, worldly affairs, and many carnal desires and pleasures for the sake fo God with no selfish end.
* Enduring all this with an incessant remembrance of God throughout the Hajj process leaves a firm lounging and love of God inside the pilgrim with lasts

Impact of Hajj on Community
* Creates universal feeling of brotherhood sisterhood amongst Muslims gathering together at the same place to do the same thing.
* Hajj is the greatest social event in the Muslim world; it is where you meet new people, share ideas, see all different types of cultures, and pass on experiences etc.
* Hajj increases a wider God- consciousness amongst the Muslim community.
* Removes division between differemt religious interpretations.
* Hajj = an outward expression of an inward faith.

Hajj talk notes ISRA
Have to be apply then be selected
If and when accepted, it is believed to be an invitation from Allah
Age limit for Hajj
Worship obligation (fard) begins at puberty 
Hajj in the Qu’ran 
Behold, the first House (of prayer) established for humankind is the one at Bakkah (Makkah), a blessed place and a centre of guidance for all peoples. (Qur’an)

Different types of hajj
Qiran: Umrah and hajj together\
Tamattu : umrah and hajj separately. Most popular type
Ifrad: only hajj
Umrah
Pilgrims usually arrive on or two weeks before the actual start date of hajj, and perform their Umrah.
Umrah consists of ihram tawaf and sa’y.
After this completion of this, the pilgrims exit the state of ihram
Umrah reason: 20k cost
Medina speaks to the heart/soul
Mecca speaks to the mind

Tawaf’s link to core beliefs
Belief in messengers:

Rituals of Hajj
Ihram includes:
* Being physically pure
* Making intention
* Reciting the talbiya
* Wearing the appropriate garments
* Performing two units of prayer
* Women must wear hijab - full coverage no neck no hair no jewellery - can either have full face covering or no face covering
* No perfume
* Try not to think impure thoughts
* Enter state of ihram from the bus to get to mecca
* Get into the state of ihram when boarding the plane

Ihram’s link to core beliefs.
Tawhid:
* Reciting the talbiya directly reminds adherents of monotheism and the Oneness of God.
Belief in messengers

United through intentions and purpose of being there, regardless of language communication blockages.

The Ka’abah represents Tawhid
Tawaf represents Tawhid

Tawaf’s link to core beliefs
* Belief in Messengers
   * Muslims believe that the Ka’bah was initially built by Adam and rebuilt by Abraham.
   * Muslims believe that earlier Propeths before Muhammaf (PBUH) used to perform pilgrimage to the Ka’bah.
* Belief in the afterlife
   * Whilst per

Sa’y
Walking between sada and marwa 7 times

Staying the night at Mina
* On the 8th of Dhul Hijjah the Hajj begins.
* Pilgrims proceed to Mina and stay the night there
* Pilgrims stay in large tents with beds and bathrooms for each of the pilgrims
When staying in Mina - praying, still in state of ihram,

Then go to mount Arafat
The day of Arafat - sin redemption
On the 9th of dhul Hijjah pilgrims proceed to the plain of Mount Arafat where they will supplicate, pray repent, reflect, and engage in worship until sunset.
Muslims pray 5 times a day
During araft, pray from sun up to sun down.
Being at arafat represents judgement day - equality before Allah.

“Hajj is Arafat” - Prophet Muhammad (pbuh)
Arafat - mental state
Muslims can pray for others, can make a list.
Mainly asking for forgiveness, 
The true physical representation of surrendering yourself to Allah. 
In doing that surrender, represents Tawhid.

Australia’s allocation = 100 people. That is it.

Muzdalifah - stay the night after Arafat, spend the night in prayer and collect the stones for Jamarat.
Physically represents how unimportant wealth and social status are. It is the idea of removing yourself from worldy pleasures, removing yourself from anything that connects you to the world.

Jamarat
* On the 10th of Dhul Hijjah after sunrise pilgrims go jamarat to perform their stoning
* They stone the largest pillar (Jamarat ul-Aqaba) seven times
* The act of stoning is just throwing something at the Jamarat
* Muslims are reminded that their efforts against sata can be done through God alone - Tawhid.
* Belief in messengers - stoning symbolises Prophet Ibrahim’s rejection of Satan
* Belief in Qadr - by stoning and rejecting satan, Muslims completely surrender the Will and Divine Decree of Allah.
* Symbolizes the effort of Prophet Ibrahim when he sacrificed an animal instead of his son.

Once finished Jamarat, exit the state of Ihram.
* Muslims wait for the confirmation that their sacrifice of an animal has been made.
* Pilgrims exit the state of ihram
* First day of Eid al-Adha (Festival of the sacrifice)
* Muslims will spend time with the animal they will sacrifice to connect with their food deeper.
* They become more grateful - gratitude is very significant
* In a world of constant consumption, this sacrifice makes you think about giving up, wher eit comes from, recreating Propeht Ibrahim’s experiences.
* Allows Muslims to reflect, never take things for granted, connection.
* After the confirmation, they exit the state of Ihram- shaving their head.
* Tawaf Al-Ifadhah
   * Pilgrims then go to Mecca and make tawaf al-ifadhah
   * Pilgrims have until sunse tof the 12th of Dhul Hijjah to complete this.
   * Represents letting go 
Final Day: 12th of Dhul Hijjah
* This is the third day of Eid al-Adha (Festival of sacrifice)
* Pilgrims again stone each pillar at the Jamarat seven times
* If pilgrims are going to depart Mecca after this, they perform a farewell tawaf of the Ka’abah.
* Emotional moment of saying goodbye

Ethics expressed though Hajj

Equality of all human beings:
* Hajj enables a Muslim

Detatchment of sin
* Sins against God v Sins against humanity
* Detatchment is main part of hajj - no makeup, jewellery, sin.

In addition to removing racism, pilgrimage is the greatest social even in the world
For centuries Muslims shared ideas, passed on experience and books when they met at Hajj.
Ethics - environmental
How Ethics guide adherents

Green Mosques
* Mosques are the centre of the Muslim community therefore should be upholding envinromentally friendly practices.
* “do not upset the balance” - (Qu’ran, 55:7-9)
Punchbowl Mosque - Australia
* It was designed to utilise passive solar and environmental strategies.
* Integrated passive heating and cooling strategies instead of aur conditioning.
* Concrete to maintain temperature.
* The minaret has large openings to either side and fixed vents in the dome facilitates natural cross-ventilation.
* Rainwater is collected and reused throughout toilet systems.
Cambridge Central Mosque, Britain opened in 2018
* “Its advanced eco-design gives it a near-zero carbon footprint”
* It uses solar-powered generator, naturally vented.
Morocco’s Green Mosque Project
* “By 2030, Morocco intends to source 52 % of its electricity from renewable energy. The country’s mosques and their imams are acting as key ambassadors for the scheduled transition to clean energy.”
* 1,000 mosques classified as green mosques.

Green Hajj and Ramadan
* Green Hajj : 
   * Tips before, during and after.
   * Servant of Allah
   * Links sa’y to water conservation
   * Pollution
   * Minimise consumption of food and drink
   * Clothing and textiles, not just throwing out, instead reusing
   * Saudi Arabia’s gov says by 2030 they want to be sustainable.

Shia
What is Green pilgrim? - influencing the behaviour 
The Green Pilgrim movement advocates for the ‘#plastic_free_Arbaeen’, while creating a demand for plastic alternates through online activism. We also encourage pilgrims to participate in offline activism by carrying reusable bottles and to collectively find solutions to make the holy cities of Najaf and Karbala free from plastic this Arbaeen.

Halal - 
Haram-

Living Religion
How is Islam a living dynamic religion
- Islam’s sacred texts are still actively intepreted and inegratwd into adherents everyday life.
Inner peace
The Articles of Faith and Inner Peace
* Belief in akhira (hereafter) provides
   * Reassurance of meeting loved ones agaiin as death is seen as a temporary change in abode.
   * Acknowledgement that all difficulties and injustices will be settled in the afterlife.
   * A sense of purpose in this life: to worship and do good in this life, knowing that all their efforts will be rewarded in the next life.

* Submission to Allah and trusting he will look after you
   * Knowing Allah will look after
   * Knowing any wrongdoing will be sorted out
   * Loved ones will be seen again.

* Belief in Qadar (divine determination) provides
   * Reassurance that Allah knows all that happens as the Caretaker and Sustainer of the universe.
   * An awareness that all difficulties are good for us if we learn from them and endure patiently.
   * Realisation that life is a whole learning process - an individual is not in control of destiny and struggles. However, the ability to deal with struggles and find peace, through learning and worshipping, are the distinguishing characteristics of humanity.

5 Pillars of Islam and Inner peace
* The pillars of Islam are a means of spiritual development.
* Spiritual development allows a person to become more aligned with their purpose of creation and innate nature.
* This natural alignment generates inner peace

* SHAHADAH: - DAILY PRAYER links to inner peace by submission
   * Freedom from being a slave to anything other than God.
   * Acknowledgement of a Higher Power
   * Guidance from Prophet Muhammad for all actions.

* SALAT: PRAYER
   * Utmost tranquility from correct performance of prayers due to:
      * Remembrance of God
      * Discipline, purpose and dedication in life
      * Time out from busy, stressful life (meditation)
      * Temporarily leaving the physical life for the metaphysical
      * Giving thanks allows appreciation for blessings
      * Seeking forgiveness frees from sins and guilt
      * Direct connection with Allah
      * “Surrender in peace.” - Quran

* SAWM: FASTING
   *  Spiritual development
   * Self control
   * Willpower
   * Discipline
   * Feel grater connection with God when fasting
   * Freedom from being a slave to impulses
   * Strengthens willpower and discipline
   * Gratitude for the blessings of sustenance
   * When fasting a person feels heightened spirituality
   * Not only fasting with hunger, but also fasting with sll faculties (actions, speech etc.).

* ZAKAT: CHARITY
   * Freedom from being a slave to money
   * Helping the poor
   * Total reliance that He is our provider
   * Gratitude and acknowledgemnt that wealth comes from God and belongs to God
   * Disconnection from greed
   * Humans are seen as stewards of the Earth in the sight of God, hence have responsibility in caring for all creation (i.e. providing support for the less fortunate)

* HAJJ : PILGRIMAGE
   * Hajj embodies the height of spirituality in a beliefer’s lifetime
   * Connection with God
   * Disconnection from daily stresses
   * Freedom from sins and guilt
   * Purification
   * A sacrifice of journeying and seeking for the sake of God
   * Connects humanity from diverse backgrounds
   * Rebirth - freedom from sin
   * Ummah
   *

Allah is with the people who have patience
On the day of judgement there will be people who have incredibly high ranks, through patience.
Patience is the hardest quality to embody

Enduring times of hardship increases gratitude of blessings during times of ease

Articles of faith and inner peace
The articles of faith are a means of rpividng meaning for life which generayes a sense of inner peace
Belief in god provides the adherent with:
* Knowledge that there is a purpose to life
* Reassurance that on 
Belief in angels provides:

“Blessed are the affairs of a believer when good happens to them they praise Allah and that is good for them, when bad happens to them they show patience and that is also good for them.” - Prophet Muhammad.

Belief in akhira (hereafter)
That mentality gives purpose to what muslims do.

Qadar (divine determination)
* Reassurnce that Allah knows all that happens as the Caretaker and sustainer of the universe.

1. Texts
2. Teachings
3. Inner 
4. World
World peace
3 factors contributing to peace
1. Education
* Facilitates knowing the other
* Facilitates accepting differences
* Learning about conflict resolution
2. Social justice
* Lack of human rights will eventually cause a reaction
Muslims believe that if you take rights away from people, eventually they will rise to rebellion

3. Interfaith and intercultural dialogue
* Mutual knowledge of each other
* Can further improve relations
* Can act as a preventative measure towards conflict
* Prevents cultural polarisation (extremest either to the left or right)

* The purpose of existence is to recognise and worship God, to reach a level of personal integrity built on virtue, and to express these in good works to attain world peace.
* Thus, continuous learning, spirituality, and constructive social activism provide a balanced personal development in Islam.

Peace in the Qu’ran
“Verily God is with the righteous and those who do good” (Qur’an)

“Whoever saves a life, it is as though he has saved the whole of mankind” (Qur’an)

“Peace, a word from a merciful Lord” (Qur’an)

“Indeed, He does not like the proud” (Qur’an)

“And We have not sent you (O Muhammad) except as a mercy to the worlds” (Qur’an).

Peace in Hadith
“Do you know what is more precious than prayer and fasting? Making peace between two people” (Bukhari)

“Spread peace, feed the poor, pray at nightm and you will enter paradise” (Ibn Majah).

“You do not do evil to those who do evil to you, but deal with them with forgiveness and kindness” (Bukhari)

“Spread peace between yourself” (Muslim)

“Islam is a mercy. If you see its opposite, cruelty, then know that it is not Islam.” (Ibn Al Qayim).

5 rights of all human beings according to Islamic Law
1. Life - every person has a right to live in safety and earn his or her livelihood.
2. Property - owning and preserving one’s personal property is a fundamental right
3. Human mind - no one, including the self, society, and state, should coerce or remove the ability to think freely
4. Belief and religion - there is no compulsion in religion and every person has a right to keep and pass their religion to future generations
5. Family and lineage - humans have a right to raise a family.

Greater Jihad 
* The struggles one has with themselves
* The struggle against oneslef, desires and ego
* On his return from a battle the Prophet said On his return from a battle, the Prophet said: “We are finished with the lesser Jihad; now we are starting the greater jihad.”

Lesser Jihad
* Individual struggles with others. (outward struggle)
* Includes: the physical exertion to combat any form of evil, delivering and raising children, fighting against oppressors and aggressors.

“We only fight those who wage war against us.”

Sharia Law

Jihad = struggle
Does not refer to holy
Hinduism
Terms:
Atman- soul (eternal)

Karma - action and its consequences: the law of cause and effect, where actions have consequences that shape one’s future.

Dharma- (duty/morality) refers to one’s duty and ethical obligations per one’s social role and stage of life.

Samsara- reincarnation
Santana Dharma
Ahimsa (non-violence): This is a core principle in Hinduism, emphasizing non-harm to all living beings, including actions, words, and thoughts.

Satya- eternal truth: promoting honesty and truthfulness in all aspects of life.
Adharma- 
Aparigraha-non-possessiveness: this involves detachment from material possessions and greed, promoting inner peace and focus.

Bramacharya
Asteya

Why am I here?
To fulfil my dharma (duty) and work 
What happens to me when I die?
Is there a god/supreme being?
Why is there suffering?

Variants - pathway to moksha

Bhagavad Gita
Setting:
Two sets of cousins competing for the throne: the Pandavas and the Kauravas.

Key Individuals:
Krishna: Incarnation of Vishnu: God of Protecting, Preservation of Good, Dharma restoration, Moksha.
Arjuna: The great archer of the Pandavas.

Questions Considered:
How can someone live a spiritually meaningful life without withdrawing from society?
What can someone who does not want to give up family and social obligations do to live the right way?

5 Lessons Krishna teaches Arjuna:
1. Atman is eternal
2. Dharmaa is foundational
3. Inaction is impossible (all actions have intent).
4. Source of evil is found in ‘intent’ behind actions.
5. There are ways to avoid bad karma:
* Gandhi
Contribution of Gandhi
He functioned as a challenger to the tradition - social impact
* Gandhi was a committed Hindu who challenged the expression of Hindusim.
* He believed that a religion should be able to reform for the sake if adherents.
* He campaigned against untouchability; discrimination resulting from the caste system, arranged marriages and dowries - in 1932 he undertook a fast unto death to improve the status of untouchables.
* He fought for social justice and equality for all people and this can be seen in the 1948 Indian Constitution that abolisjednuntouchability and brought equality before the law for all people.
* ‘ The immediate service of all human beings becomes a necessary part of the endeavour, simply because the only way to find God is to see him in his creation and be one with it…’ (Gandhi)
* Gandhi was a scripture scholar - doctrinal impact.
* Gandhi was influenced by the Bagavad Gita with its emphasis on the non-possession of the material.
* Gandhi espoused the spinning wheel as the national symbol for India suggestive of a simple life.
* Gandhi was committed to BRAHMACHARYA - spiritual and practical purity- he embraced simple living- vegetarianism, celibacy, asceticism, founding an Ashram, fasting, making his own clothes.
* Many Hindus joined his Ashram - he was a teacher and interpreter if the Hindu scriptures for everyday living. 
* Gandhi was a rike model of a Hindu way of life.

* He was a role Model
* Gandhi was the living embodiment of Hindu belief.
* He was a karma-yogi - one who seeks god through action.
* Gandhi said, ‘ to me religion means truth and Ahimsa.’ (Ahimsa is an ancient Hindu belief in non-violence).
* Gandhi said, “non-violence is the greatest force at the disposal of mankind. It is mightier than the mightiest weapon of destruction devised by the ingenuity of man…”
* Gandhi was convinced that SATYAGRAHA (soul force) was an action through non-violent resistance and was the strongest power in the world.
* As president of the Indian National Congress Gandhi urged non violence, non cooperation and civil disobedience against the British,
* In 1930 he led the Salt March to protest against a government monopoly.
* Gandi insisted than non violence was no passivitiy but a strong force within - once one knows god one is incapable of feeling or harboring fear.
* Ahimsa went beyond not killing, it ruled out evil thoughts, lies and hatred - requires an active love.
Satygraha
Ahimsa

Temple worship
Temple Worship
* Demonstrate how the chosen practice expresses the beliefs of Hinduism
* Analyse the significance of this practice for botht he individual and the Hindu community

Ongoing beat
Chanting
Praying before the shrine
Food offerings
Statues of the gods
Images
Incense
drumming/chanting 
Fire
Threaded flowers
Circlign the shrine
Clapping in time
Puja - Bhakti (worship)
No shoes
Surrounds the 5 senses

Importance of Worship - connection to beliefs
* For a hindu, worship is very important and is something many Hindus do every day.
* Worship is a way of showing love and devotion to Brahman
* Hindus belief they have an atman, or piece of Brahman, within them. Therefore, connecting to Brahman through worship is very important. 
* Hindus use all of their senses when they worship so that they can fully connect to Brahman
* There is one God within Hinduism, Brahman, but there are many different deities through which Brahman is expressed,
* Worship can be done within the home or temple
* Most Hindus worship at home every day but visit a temple when they want to.
* Many Hindus also try to visir a temple to celebrate important festivals such as Diwali, the festival of lights.

The Temple
* A tehmple is Hindu is called a mandir and is a special place where Hindus worship.
* In countries where there are many Hindus, such as India, most towns will have a mandir so all people can worship easily
* Hindu temples are decorated elaborately as they represent the idea of a palace, which highlights the idea that God is like a king.
* The outside of some temples have statues of various deities or scenes from important stories in Hindusim
* Each temple has statues (murtis) of many popular gods, such as Ganesha and Shiva, but also some statues of gods that are important to the people of that aprticular community. E.g., Hindus who like to worship Vishnu (known as Vaishnavas) will visit temples that contain statues, or murtis, of the ten avatars of Vishnu.
* In the main shrine room there is a dome that reaches up high. This is tp symbolise the idea that Hondus can reach up to God.

Visiting the Temple
* Inside a temple everyone must remove their shoes as they should not bring dirt into such a special space.
* There are areas for worshippers to put their shoes as they come in. then they enter the main shrine room, in which there are statues of various gods.
* When they enter the shrine room, Hindus ring a bell to ‘awaken’ the deities and show them that they are ready to worship.
* If possible, they will then walk around the main shrine area within the mandir
* Next they will either kneel or sit down on the floor in front of the deities, clasp their hands together and offer pranams, or respectful greetings.
* Showing respect to the deities leads to what is known as darshan, or ‘receiving sight’ of the deity, who in turn, sees the worshipper.
* At this point, Hindus might silently recite personal prayers or traditional ancient prayers.
* Worshippers also give offerings to the gods, such as food and gufts, this is to show that the gods are respetced and to indivate that people are worthy of the gods' attention.
* Once the offerings of foos have been blessed by the temple priest, theya rae distributed to the visitors.
* Within the Temple
* Within the tehmple there is a havan, which is a fire sacrifice ot the god Agni, with the fire representing the tongues of the gods. The word ‘havan’ means sacred fire. It can also mean a special ritual tjay people d together to honor a chosen deity.
* The offerings made to Agni as part of Havan include items that symbolise the five elements of existence (earth, water, fire, air and space).
* Within the temple it is important to worship the gods and there are many aspects of the mandir that are actively used within worship, for example the bell and murtis.
* However, Hindus believe that worship comes from within, as Brahman is within all living things.
* Hindus believe in the space of the heart, which is the idea that Brahman is within people and therefore can be worshipped wherever they are.
* In Sanskrit, “Agni” translates to “fire”. 
* In Hinduism, Agni is also the name of the god of fire, one of the three chief deities of the Vedas.
* He’s revered as the carrier of offerings to the gods, the messenger between humans and the divine, and the personification of the fire of sacrifice.
* Agni also represents the digestive fire within the body and one of the five fundamental elements of nature.
Ethics - environment
How Ethics guide adherents

Inner Peace

World Peace

Religion and Non-Religion

Religion and Peace
Must have a good understanding of scripture.
Quotes: 
Bhagavad Gita
Upanishads
Qur’an
Hadith

scripture → principal teachings → inner or world peace.
Tab 15

Transcript for:Islam and Hinduism Overview

Transcript for:
Islam and Hinduism Overview