The Meaning of Islam
Islam essentially means a religion that is largely monotheistic and which is articulated by a text referred to as the Qur’an. As a word, Islam is taken to reference to the ‘submission to God’. In that regard, the word is derived from salaam (the root word) which essentially means peace. With that in mind, a Muslim is an Islam adherent i.e. the one who submits to the will of God so as to acquire peace.
The basic concepts of Islam
According to Nasr (2003), Islam is basically founded on one concept and the other concepts are essentially derived or informed by the first basic concept. The key concept in Islam is that Allah (God) is only one. With that in mind, the basic concept of Islam postulates that since we only have one God, who is Allah, only him should be praised and worshiped. The other concept in Islam which is also largely important is Judgment day.
Practices of Islam
When it comes to the practices of Islam, we have several pillars of practice (five to be specific). The first pillar is the profession of faith, that is, God is only one and Muhammad is his prophet. The second pillar is prayers where Muslims ideally pray five times in a day. Third, we have charity which is the distribution of wealth to those who are less fortunate. Fourth, we have fasting and fifth is pilgrimage which is also known as Hajj.
The goals of Islam
The goals of Islam according to Farah (2003) are the preservation of honor, lineage preservation, mind preservation, wealth preservation, life preservation as well as the preservation of the religion of Islam. These are variously taken to be the fundamental goals of island.
The view of authority in Islam
In Islam, authority, as a body, is concerned with judgment and rulings explication as far as the divine Islamic doctrine is concerned. However, it is important to note that conjecture and supposition must not be used to attain this explication. To be likened to divine intendment, the explication in this case must be informed by conviction and certitude.
Part 2
Legal ideal in Islamic law
In Islamic law, the legal ideal is derived from two main sources. This includes the Qur’an which essentially contains the divine revelations and the Prophet Mohammad’s examples as outlined in the Sunnah. However, it is important to note that apart from these legal ideals can be derived from other secondary sources i.e. religious scholars’ consensus. The Qur’an guides Muslims in attaining the ideal by spelling out the various pillars of Islam.
The relationship between philosophy and theology within Islam
With regard to development, theology and philosophy within Islam came about at different time periods and roots. When it comes to the relation between the two, it is important to note that both are representatives of Islamic tradition two chief intellectual perspectives. Further, both played a huge role in the encounter between Islam and modernity. It can also be noted that in some instances, it is quite in order for Muslims to hold separate philosophical and theological beliefs.
Artistic themes
When it comes to Islamic art and architecture, there are various artistic themes which are expressed. This includes but is not in any way limited to humility, kindness and free giving, commitment as well as submission to only one God and conformity to Islamic teachings. These themes are largely explored by the use of textiles, painting, ceramics as well as calligraphy. It is however important to note that with regard to art in the Islamic world, conformity with the teachings outlined in the Qur’an is of essence.
References
Nasr, S.H. (2003). Islam: religion, history, and civilization. HarperSanFrancisco
Farah, C.E. (2003). Islam: beliefs and observances. Barron’s Educational Series
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