Islamic Studies: Five Pillars and Jihad

Exam Format

• Exam is all essay, including one longer essay.
• Materials provided for short essay questions.

Five Pillars of Islam

• Faith: Declaration that there is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is the messenger.
• Prayer: Performing ritual prayers five times a day.
• Charity: Giving a portion (2.5%) of wealth to those in need.
• Fasting: Fasting during Ramadan, from dawn to sunset.
• Pilgrimage: A once-in-a-lifetime journey to Mecca.

Jihad

• Greater Jihad: Struggle against the lower self, including purifying the heart and avoiding evil.
• Lesser Jihad: Outward struggle and defending oneself in war.

Sharia

• Religious regulations for Muslims covering all aspects of life.
• Derived from the Quran and Hadith, providing guidelines.
• Including worship, personal matters, family, and laws.

Crusades

• Series of religious wars (11th-15th centuries).
• Primarily between Christians and Muslims.
• Goal: Reclaiming Jerusalem and the Holy Land.
• Motivations included religious zeal, political power, economic gain and spreading Christianity.

CS Lewis's "Mere Christianity"

• Focused on core Christian beliefs shared by all denominations.
• Avoided complex theological topics, denominational differences, Church structure and teachings that divided Christians.
• Presented a simple and accessible message to unite Christians.

Branches of Christianity

• Roman Catholicism: Largest branch, centered on the authority of the Pope and tradition. Emphasizes seven sacraments and venerates saints and Mary.
• Eastern Orthodoxy: Composed of independent churches. Values tradition and scripture, rejects papal authority, and uses icons.
• Protestantism: Originated from the Reformation. Bible as sole authority, salvation through faith (Sola Scriptura, Sola Fide), and generally recognizes two sacraments (Baptism and Eucharist).

Protestant Reformation

• Began with Martin Luther’s criticism of the sale of indulgences.
• Luther argued that indulgences couldn't forgive sins, and that salvation came through faith alone.
• The Church rejected Luther's criticisms.
• Luther's conclusions lead to his rejection of the Catholic Church and the beginning of the Reformation with justification by faith (Sola Fide).

What is Heaven

• Not our ultimate home, but the complete restoration of our world.
• Driven by Jesus' resurrection and the beginning of God's New Creation
• Heaven will come to earth and everything will be renewed.
• Our hope lies in this complete restoration.

Second Vatican Council and Nostra Aetate

• Marked a significant shift in the Catholic Church's approach to other religions.
• Nostra Aetate emphasized a more respectful and open stance towards other faiths.
• Recognized that elements of truth can be found in other religions while reaffirming Jesus Christ as the final, complete revelation.
• The Church remained committed to preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ while respecting other religions.

This quiz covers key concepts in Islamic studies, including the Five Pillars of Islam, the distinctions between greater and lesser jihad, and the essence of Sharia law. Additionally, it explores the historical context of the Crusades and their impact on Muslim-Christian relationships. Prepare to engage with both short and longer essay questions.