RELIGIONS OF THE WORLD Reflection Paper Assignment - Islam

Instructions: These reflection papers are a chance for you to think through and relate to the assigned readings in your own way.  Think of this paper as a kind of "journal" in which you reflect on the ideas in the readings. The study and practice of religion is a highly personal experience and each person comes to the Qur'an, the Bible, the Bhagavad-Gita or any other religious text in his or her own way.  Therefore, you are encouraged to be creative and to write about your own personal experiences, relating them to the faith practices and wisdom traditions we will be studying this semester.  However, be aware that creativity and chaos are not synonymous-in other words, you need to make sure the ideas and thoughts expressed in your paper are coherent and understandable, and most importantly, that they directly relate to the readings.  Essays must be typed in 12-point font and should be 2-3 pages (double spaced) in length.  When you cite a source, be sure to include the title of the book and page number.  If you cite a source other than our class textbooks, include a bibliography at the end of the paper.

Some of you may be very familiar with one particular religion we are discussing this semester.  If this applies to you, try (if only for the short period of weeks we are in this class together) to look at your own religion with "new eyes."  For example, if you are a Christian, try to consider how a Buddhist might see your religion.  If you an Atheist, try considering life from a Muslim's perspective.  Does this change anything for you?  If so, how?  Don't be afraid to experiment with ideas.

1. What do the terms Islam and Muslim mean and what are their significance?

2. Compare and contrast the life of the Prophet Muhammad with the life of Jesus, as presented by Young in our textbook.  What similarities or differences stand out?  

3. Discuss the nature and content of the Qur'an. How was it revealed to Muhammad?  How does the Qur'an see itself (and how do Muslims see it) in relation to the Old and New Testaments?

4. In Islam, as in Judaism, humans are not inherently sinful.  What is the human condition, according to Islam, and how do humans recover their remembrance of God?

5. Discuss and describe the Five Pillars of Islam, including their inner or symbolic significance.