Early Islamic History

Question 1

What is Malczycki’s specialty?

Answer 1

Early Islamic history.

Question 2

Does Malczycki agree with the book’s handling of early Islamic history?

Answer 2

He doesn’t agree 100% with it.

Question 3

How does this lecture compare to the book on the history of Islam?

Answer 3

This lecture has a lot more detail than the book does.

Question 4

What perspective does this lecture present on the history of Islam?

Answer 4

A traditional view of the history of Islam and the Islamic Middle East.

Question 5

What is the nature of this lecture?

Answer 5

It is an academic lecture, not a profession of faith.

Question 6

Who are Peter von Sivers and Matt Malczycki?

Answer 6

Malczycki studied & trained under von Sivers from 1997-2005.

Question 7

Why did Malczycki choose the book ‘Patterns’?

Answer 7

He trained with von Sivers and worked with early drafts of the book.

Question 8

What does Malczycki argue regarding early Islamic history?

Answer 8

Students need the general backstory before the academic state of the art.

Question 9

What does ‘Islam’ mean?

Answer 9

‘Islam’ means ‘submission,’ specifically submission to the will of God.

The book says it means ‘concordance,’ but that is not the traditional view.

Question 10

What is the adjective used to describe people who adhere to Islam?

Answer 10

‘Muslim.’

Question 11

What is the root of the word ‘Islam’?

Answer 11

It comes from the same root (sīn-lām-mīm) as the word for ‘peace’ (salām).

Question 12

What is the standard Muslim greeting?

Answer 12

Al-salāmu ‘alaykum, which means ‘Peace be upon you.’

Question 13

What does the word ‘Allāh’ mean?

Answer 13

‘Allāh’ means ‘The God,’ referring to the God worshipped by Jews, Christians, & Muslims.

Question 14

What is the origin of the word ‘Allāh’?

Answer 14

It comes from the Arabic word ‘ilah,’ which means ‘god.’

Question 15

Who was Muhammad?

Answer 15

Born in Arabia; lived ca 570-632 CE; regarded as the Messenger of God & the Prophet of Islam.

Question 16

How do Muslims view Muhammad?

Answer 16

They regard him as a special mortal, but not as a figure of worship.

Question 17

What significant event occurred in 570 CE?

Answer 17

Muhammad was born in the Hijaz region of western Arabia.

Question 18

What happened in 610 CE?

Answer 18

Muhammad began receiving revelation from God.

Question 19

What significant event happened in 622 CE?

Answer 19

Muhammad was forced to flee Mecca and settled in Yathrib, which became Medina.

Question 20

What is the Quran/Koran for Muslims?

Answer 20

It is the word of God as revealed to the Prophet Muhammad.

Question 21

How does the Quran relate to other scriptures?

Answer 21

It is part of the same scriptural tradition as the Torah and Gospels.

Question 22

How does the Quran differ in style from the Bible?

Answer 22

It doesn’t read much like the Bible except maybe books like Ezekiel & Revelations.

Question 23

What is the Quran not?

Answer 23

It is NOT Muhammad’s sayings, teachings, or preaching.

Question 24

What is the traditional Muslim view on the Quran’s text?

Answer 24

Muslims argue it has never changed.

Question 25

What is the scholarly view on the Quran’s completion?

Answer 25

The Quran was probably complete by 690 CE.

Question 26

What is the radical skeptical view on the Quran’s compilation?

Answer 26

It implies that the Quran was put together over a period of centuries.

Question 27

What is the Sunna?

Answer 27

The words, deeds, and customs of Muhammad.

Question 28

What are hadith?

Answer 28

Verified reports of Sunna.

Question 29

When were hadith collected into books?

Answer 29

Beginning in the 600s-700s.

Question 30

What is the significance of hadith in Islam?

Answer 30

They are 2nd only to the Quran in religious, theological, and legal authority.

Question 31

What are the Five Pillars of Islam?

Answer 31

1. al-Shahāda = profession of faith 2. al-Ṣalāh = daily prayers 3. al-Ṣawn = fasting in Ramadan 4. al-Zakat = alms for the poor 5. al-Ḥajj = pilgrimage to Mecca.

Question 32

What are the Six Articles of Faith?

Answer 32

1. al-Tawḥīd = belief in the Oneness of God 2. al-Malā’ika = belief in the Angels 3. al-Kutub = belief in the Books of God 4. al-Anbiyā’ = belief in all the Prophets 5. al-Ākhira = belief in Judgement & Afterlife 6. al-Qadar = belief in Divine Decree.

Question 33

What does the word ‘jihad’ mean?

Answer 33

‘Jihad’ means ‘to strive’ or ‘to struggle.’

Question 34

What are the two types of jihad in classical Islamic theology?

Answer 34

‘Greater jihad’ (personal struggle against sin) and ‘lesser jihad’ (armed conflict).

Question 35

How is jihad viewed in classical Islamic thought?

Answer 35

Generally as a community obligation rather than an individual obligation.

Question 36

Is jihad considered one of the pillars of Islam?

Answer 36

Most Muslims have not counted it as one of the pillars, but some do.