Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the etymological connection between the word 'Islam' and 'salam'?
What is the etymological connection between the word 'Islam' and 'salam'?
How was Islam mainly spread in its earliest phase according to the text?
How was Islam mainly spread in its earliest phase according to the text?
What was a key factor in the spread of Islam in peripheral regions?
What was a key factor in the spread of Islam in peripheral regions?
Why is the term 'conversion' considered inappropriate when discussing the spread of Islam?
Why is the term 'conversion' considered inappropriate when discussing the spread of Islam?
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What is the significance of the standard Muslim greeting 'as-salaam 'alaikum'?
What is the significance of the standard Muslim greeting 'as-salaam 'alaikum'?
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Why is Islam referred to as a 'Religion of the Book' in the text?
Why is Islam referred to as a 'Religion of the Book' in the text?
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What event served to trigger a 'war on terror' by the United States and its allies?
What event served to trigger a 'war on terror' by the United States and its allies?
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What is a subject that has raised the profile of Islam throughout the world?
What is a subject that has raised the profile of Islam throughout the world?
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Where have the debates about Islam taken place since 11 September 2001?
Where have the debates about Islam taken place since 11 September 2001?
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What triggered discussions about Islam in various public forums?
What triggered discussions about Islam in various public forums?
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What has become an ideology of hatred for an angry minority according to the text?
What has become an ideology of hatred for an angry minority according to the text?
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Which event led directly to the removal of Muslim governments in Afghanistan and Iraq?
Which event led directly to the removal of Muslim governments in Afghanistan and Iraq?
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Study Notes
Islam, Muslims, and Islamism
- Since 11 September 2001, Islam has become a subject of analysis and discussion globally, triggering a "war on terror".
- The event raised the profile of Islam, leading to debates about the religion, its beliefs, and practices.
- Questions about Islam, previously discussed in academic circles, have entered the mainstream of public consciousness.
Islam: A Religion of Peace
- The word "Islam" means submission to God, and is etymologically related to the word "salam", meaning peace.
- The standard Muslim greeting, "as-salaam 'alaikum", means "peace be upon you".
- Muslims argue that Islam is a religion of peace, and that its pacific nature is often misunderstood.
Historical Spread of Islam
- In its early phase (up to around 750 CE), Islam spread through the Arab conquest.
- In subsequent centuries, its spread was largely peaceful, along trade routes from Africa to China and Southeast Asia.
- Islam absorbed local traditions and customs, often merging with older religious traditions, such as Zoroastrianism, Buddhism, or Hinduism.
Agents of Islamic Spread
- Scholars, holy men, and merchants played a crucial role in spreading Islam, often "Islamizing" local cults and customs.
- The process of acculturation, rather than conscious conversion, characterized the spread of Islam over the centuries.
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Description
Test your knowledge on the topics covered in Chapter 1 'Islam, Muslims, and Islamism' from the book 'Islam: A Very Short Introduction' by Malise Ruthven. Explore concepts such as the history of Islam, differences between Islam and Islamism, and societal impacts post 9/11.
