Lesson 10 - Islamic Culture

Question 1

What if the first category in distinguishing Islamic culture from Islamic religion?

Answer 1

1.) Some cultural elements are essential or central to Islam, even if its not universal among professing Muslims.
(5 pillars, 5 core beliefs, Quran as authority, Muhammad as ideal model for Muslims)

Question 2

What is the 2nd category in distinguishing Islamic culture from Islamic religion?

Answer 2

Some cultural elements are required or encouraged by authoritative Islamic sources.
(reciting the Quran, avoiding pork/alcohol, male circumcision)

Question 3

What is the 3rd category in distinguishing Islamic culture from Islamic religion?

Answer 3

Some cultural elements are a common distinctive of Muslims around the world (not clearly required or encouraged)
(saying allah for God, memorizing the Quran, treating the Arabic language as privilege, certain greetings, observing holidays)

Question 4

What is the 4th category in distinguishing Islamic culture from Islamic religion?

Answer 4

Some cultural elements are a common distinctive of Muslims in particular societies or regions, ex. middle eastern cultures. (Men wearing caps/turbans, greeting with kiss, arranged marriages, honor killings)

Question 5

What is the 5th category in distinguishing Islamic culture from Islamic religion?

Answer 5

Some cultural elements are a common distinctive of Muslims who identify with a particular Islam tradition. (Shi’ite commemoration of the day of Asura, Sufi meditational practices, Salafi endorsement of violent jihad)

Question 6

What are the Biblical Texts that Muslims use to claim Muhammad was foretold int he Bible?

Answer 6

1. ) Deut. 18:15-19
   - - “The Lord will raise up a prophet like me”
   - - Muslims say this couldn’t be about Jesus, because Jesus wasn’t like Moses in that he wasn’t a military/government leader, but Muhammad was
   - - Christian response: this prophecy is limited to a Israelite (“brother/”countrymen”); Also, Peter in Acts 3 directly relates this prophecy to Jesus
2. ) John 14-16 - texts refer to an advocate or helper that is to come
   - - Muslims belief that this text has been corrupted and changed from periklutos (“exalted one” meaning Muhammad) to paracletos (“advocate” or helper). They also say since the Holy Spirit hadn’t been given yet, it couldn’t be talking about it.