SOR2 Notes - Religion and Non-Religion PDF

SOR2 NOTES RELIGION AND NON-RELIGION Expression of the religious dimension in human history -Animism: The belief that all natural objects embody God and are sacred. Possessing souls and are animate. Essentially all things are living and should be respected. - Polytheism: The belief and worship of...

SOR2 NOTES RELIGION AND NON-RELIGION Expression of the religious dimension in human history -Animism: The belief that all natural objects embody God and are sacred. Possessing souls and are animate. Essentially all things are living and should be respected. - Polytheism: The belief and worship of Multiple Gods. Believe that Gods express themselves in different aspects of everyday life. - Monotheism: The belief in one God or Divine being. Omnipresent and Omnipotent. Creates moral code and compass The significance of the religious dimension in human history -Meaning and purpose: To provide answers to existential questions about life, Direction and Moral obligation, structure and consistency -Social Cohesion: Society works together and forms communities as religion is closely connected to cultures -Social Transformation: While it can help maintain structure it can also cause other profound criticisms of those same social structures. The global distribution of the five major religious traditions -Christianity (31%) -Muslim (23%) -Hinduism (15%) -Buddhism (6%) Judaism (0.22%) NEW RELIGIOUS EXPRESSION The rise of new religious expression and spiritualities - Search for fulfilment: Looking for relaxation, Personalisation away from strict religious traditions. SOmething to live by in order to have some sort of guidance. - Seek ethical guidance: Provides Moral compass, traditional methods can be seen as outdated. Difficulty for traditional religious views to keep up with modernity and ethics. - Seek to clarify relationships with society: Connecting with community and others. Meaningful relationships that allow people to give back to society. The growth of New Religious Expressions -Rise of Materialism: The feeling that material objects provide people with meaningfulness and fulfilment. Consumerism = people enjoy buying things quickly. Individualism = people like things that are personal. -Scientific Progress: The more science can explain the operations of the world the less likely people are to need traditional religious explanations. Causing people to turn to NRE to seek guidance. -Growth of Ecological Concern: NRE promotes people to have a spiritual relationship with the Earth. Promote stewardship and a more simple way of life without a strict guideline -Disenchantment: Ways of religious worship can be considered dull and not dynamic while also being strict and not keeping up with modern times. NON RELIGIOUS WORLDVIEWS - Atheism : The disbelief in God or any other transcendent being. No organised way to live - Agnosticism: Not a belief or disbelief, Can neither be proved or disproved - Rational Humanism: Knowing right from wrong without the need for moral code from a God or higher being. Believe humans are the most intelligent beings in the universe. Human experience is enough to provide morals. - Scientific Humanism: Believe that humans are the ultimate authority. Scientific discoveries are considered to be the key to resolving the world’s problems. THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN RELIGIOUS AND NON-RELIGIOUS WORLDVIEWS - View on Transcendence: Christianity has a strong belief in God and the afterlife. Humanism rejects the idea of transcendence - View on Human Person: Humans are of supreme value and are obligated to harmony. Christianity, Made in God’s vision. Humanism, result of evolution and nature adopted by logic - View on Social Responsibility: We should care for humankind and protect the environment. Christianity, social responsibility comes from God and the bible. Humanism, the physical Earth is all we have DEPTH STUDY1- CHRISTIANITY ♰ Significant Figure - Paul of Tarsus - Prolific Writer -Galatians, Corinthians 1 and 2, Acts of Apostles - One of the first leaders of the first generation of christians - One of the most influential religious figures in christianity - Converted from pharisee to christian after the lord revealed his son to him -Evangelisation of the west enabled him to establish the early christian church -Developed Doctrinal teaching about the resurrection and salvation Contributions of Paul: 1. Council of Jerusalem - Conference in Jerusalem in 50 CE established gentile christians did not have to obscure the mosaic law of the Jews - Salvation was only to be found in God’s community - Circumcision replaced with Baptism - Sola Fide (Faith in God alone) became part of fundamental theology - Provided Christians with the opportunity to create own traditions Contributions of Paul: 2. Missionary journeys - Paul’s extensive missionary work transitioned many to Christianity and established the first generation of christians -Paul converted to christianity after having a vision of God and changing from a pharisee - “This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the gentiles their kings and the people of israel” Acts 9:15 - Undertook 3 missionary journeys over 10 years to spread christianity into Europe, mainly the Mediterranean and Asia Minor. Preached gospel, converted gentiles, established communities founded on the beliefs of christian tradition - Established early christian church as a religious tradition “How could we not give thanks to to God for having given us an apostle of this category” Pope Benedict XVI Contribution of Paul: 3. Writings - Galatians, Corinthians 1 and 2, Acts of Apostles - Helped establish what christian beliefs are and how they should be expressed - Contain doctrine of principle beliefs such as salvation - “It is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: First to the jews, then to the Gentiles” Romans 1:16 Impact of Paul: 1. Theology - Paul’s epistles allowed for christian way of thinking (ethics) - Sola Fide (Faith in God alone) became an essential ideology within christianity (For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God) Ephesians 2:8-9 - Agape (Unconditional love) Significant to christian ideology. Impact of Paul: 2. Ethics - Established a large portion of moral guidelines - Emphasised the obedience to secular law - Significant ethical teaching of celibacy “It is good for a man not to have sexual relations with a woman.” 1 Corinthians 7:1. Essentially for differentiating christianity and judaism - “Whoever resists authority resist what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgement” Romans 13:2 - Used as ethical benchmarks for good christian living - “Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. Do everything in love.” 1 corinthians 16:13-14 Impact of Paul: 3. Development of Christian traditions - Eliminated Jewish laws for christians allowing them to develop their own religious traditions that differ - Over two billion christians still read Paul’s epistles today and practise the traditions set by him. - “Paul’s work is as profound as it is persuasive” Scholar Mark Powell Environmental Ethics AGAPE: - Corinthians; “Stand firm in the faith, be courageous, be strong…Do everything in love.” - Pauls's writing: “love is the fulfilment of the law,” - Paul has 13 letters attributed to him in the New Testament often read in the second reading in the liturgy of the Word at Mass - The Evangelical Alliance Mission (TEAM) SOLA FIDE: - Paul's “is by grace that you have been saved through faith”, (Ephesians 2:8-9) - Martin Luther stated that “indulgences are in error who say that a man is absolved from every penalty and saved” - "Justification is the forgiveness of sins and the declaration of righteousness before God." Doctrine of Justification (1999) Environmental Ethics Stewardship:(Landfill Pollution) - Genesis 1:1 states “In the beginning God created heaven and earth.” -Genesis 2:15 which clarifies “the Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.” - The Australian Earth Stewardship Team (AEST)“Reuse and Sorting Rubbish” initiative in Perth -Pope Benedict XVI stated in 2009, “the environment is God’s gift to everyone, and in our use of it, we have a responsibility - Tasmanian Anglican Church’s 2014 Synod agreement - Orthodox church’s 1997 statement by His All Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholowmew, condemning pollution stating “it’s a crime against the natural world” Environmental Ethics Creation as Revelation: (Climate Change) - “God’s invisible qualities'' in creation “have been clearly seen” (Roman) - Lutheran Theologian Joseph Sittler, who stated that “The revelation of Creation is inseparable from the revelation of God” -Creation Care, which is a protestant organisation that has created the ‘Carbon Tracker App’ Significant Practice - Baptism: - A rite of initiation in Christianity as it’s the “point of entry into the Christian Church.” - Baptism involves dipping or immersing the recipient into holy water, in order to cleanse a person from original sin, allowing them to enter heaven. - it can take place at any age, but only once. Most churches baptise both infants and adults, with the exception of Pentecostals, Baptists and Latter Day Saints who do not permit infant baptism (due to the belief that they cannot be correctly informed). Ritual Structure of Baptism: Each phase contains a series of rituals and their arrangement in this structure is not rigid. 1. Period of Instruction: Typically a priest or ordained minister informs the parents of the meaning of baptism and their responsibility to raise the child in the Christian faith. Also when godparents are announced/chosen. 2. Repentance and Conversion: Original sin is forgiven and they are now a member of the Christian faith. 3. Commitment to Christ: Parents are reminded of their responsibility to educate and nurture the child within the Christian faith. Minister then asks for the godparents to commit themselves to the child and their spiritual personal development. 4. Baptism with water following a set baptismal formula (denominational specific): Celebrant recalls God’s plan of salvation and blesses the water to be used. Following the Trinatarian Formula the priest states ‘I baptise you in the name of the Father’, while pouring water over the child’s head: ‘and of the Son’, pouring water over the head a second time; ‘and of the Holy Spirit’, pouring water over the head a third time. Five Symbols used in Baptism: 1. The Cross: Baptism invoked God’s protection and asks for entrance into the body of the Christian Church. show that the child belongs to Christ, who now offers his help and grace always to face and overcome the sufferings and trials that life may throw at us. 2. Holy Water: Symbol of divine life as well as a sign of purity and cleansing from original sin. 3. The Oil: Symbolises the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Also said to strengthen the faith of the anointed. 4. White Clothing: The white colouring represents purity and wearing the white garment during Baptism symbolises the recipient's status as clean of sin. 5. The Dove: Symbolises the Holy Spirit and peace between God and Humankind ever since Noah sent a dove out of his ark to see if the water that God has used to flood the Earth (to destroy sinful people) had receded. A dove was also present at Jesus’ Baptism. Bible exerts on baptism: “And now what are you waiting for? Get up, be baptised and wash your sins away, calling on his name.” (Acts 22:16) “Whoever believes and is baptised will be saved but whoever does not believe will be condemned” (Mark 16:16) “For we were all baptised by one Spirit so as to form one body—whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink.” (1 Corinthians 12:13.) CATHOLIC ANGLICAN ORTHODOX BAPTIST PENTECOSTAL Considered to be an act of salvation (the child is now Christian). Completed before Immersed briefly 3 times to symbolise The Trinity. Also do confirmation Insist that believers be baptised and it should be done by immersion rather than by the sprinkling or Believe that baptism is only for believers. As such, they do not practise infant baptism. To be baptised in a Pentecostal the congregation as a symbol of church membership. and communion at the same time as baptism. pouring of water. Do not baptise infants. Church the candidate must possess faith in Jesus Christ and repent for their sins - Affirms forgiveness that is received through faith. How Baptism Expresses the Beliefs of Christianity: 1. Death and Resurrection - Death and resurrection of Jesus Christ - Expressed through readings during the practice - “For whom you were baptised, you were buried with christ through your faith and in the activity power of God” (Colossians 2:12) - Reveals Jesus christ death and resurrection allows adherents to achieve salvation 2. Expression of trinity - Recited by minister - “I baptise you in the name of the father, son and of the holy spirit” - Catholics = sign of the cross - Orthodox = immersed in water 3x 3. Salvation - Focused on turning away from sin - Believe in God’s grace - Baptism is considered necessary inorder to achieve salvation - “Be baptised in the name of Jesus christ so your sins will be forgiven” (Acts 2:38) Significance to an individual - Centred around baptism being fundamental to faith and enables adherents to express the principle beliefs of christianity - Baptism assures adherents are forgiven for born sin - Living relationship with Christ - Direct act of obedience to follow Jesus and be apart of the great commissioning - “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God without being born of water and spirit” John 3:5-6 Significance to the community - Marks a sense of belonging to the community and a commitment to the following teachings - Believe they are all part of the body of christ and share in salvation - “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations”- Great commission Matthew 28 DEPTH STUDY2 - HAJJ Rituals of Hajj - Ihram: Bathing and cleansing rituals. Seamless white robes women during the whole pilgrimage. Purification And redemption for sins - Tawaf: The first circling of the Kaaba 7 times anticlockwise. Complete submission to Allah and fate laid out in the universe - Wuquf: Day of prayers in Arafat repenting to Allah for their sins. - Jamarat: Throwing stones at pillars three times in Mina. Represents expelling sins and ridding themselves of outside influence - Kaaba: The final Circling of Kaaba after Arafat to signify Belief expressed through Hajj - Tawih: Belief in Allah alone - Malaika: Belief in angels - Kutubullah: Belief in holy books - Rusul: Messages from angels - Al-Akhira: This expresses the belief of “Judgement day” Significant Figure - A’isha Bint Abu Bakr - The wife of Muhammad - Performed all five pillars of islam and memorised the entire Quran Contribution of A’isha: 1.Tafsir (Quranic Exegesis) - Exegesis: Critical explanation or interpretation of a text especially a scripture - Tafsir: Qur'anic Exegesis - Her knowledge of the Quran allowed her to rebuke falsehood in early Islam - Bukhari accounts that she disproved Muhammad seeing Allah himself - “Eyes comprehend Him not, but He comprehends all eyes. He is subtle, the aware” - Surah 6:13 - Kalam is theology in arabic - Being a prominent woman in the Age of Ignorance (Jahiliyya) she paved the way for women as they were generally seen with contempt - A’isha Abd al-Rahman (different A’isha) was the first female muslim to make a name for herself in the field of Quranic Exegesis Falsehood in early Islam Quote from the Quran or Hadiths Continuing impact on Islam Disproved suggestions that Muhammad has himself seen God “Eyes comprehend Him not, but He comprehends all eyes. He is the subtle, the aware” - Surah 6:13 This clarifies the nature of Allah for adherents and further demonstrates the meaning behind oneness of Allah (Tawid) and why Allah is not depicted in any mosque, rather Calligraphy is used Contribution of A’isha: 2. Fiqh (Canonical Jurisprudence) - Fiqh: The theory or philosophy behind Islamic law, based on the teachings of the Quran and traditions of the prophet - A’isha made Fiqh rulings which have become integrated into sharia law - Famous mediaeval writer al-Asgalani “One fourth of the laws of Sharia are based on the hadiths from A’isha” - Sharia law - Sharia law constitutes a guide for Muslims on living a ethical life - Sharia means “the way” according scholar Asma Afsaruddin - A’isha accused of Adultery and rebuked those who slandered - “Verily! They who spread the slander are a gang among you” (Qur’an) - This slander lead to a Fiqh judgement - Continuing impact = It is required today that there be four eye witnesses to prove adultery which protects women. This comes from Muhammads revelations - Contribution of A’isha: 3. Hadiths Islamic Bioethics terms: - Ijtihad: Islamic legal ter, referring to independent reasoning by an expert in islamic law to find a solution to a legal question - Fatwa: A ruling on a point of Islamic law given by a recognised authority - Taqlid: Following a previous ruling - Mufti: Is an Islamic jurist qualified to issue a non-binding opinion on a point of Islamic law - Ulama: Islamic Scholar Bioethics: - A discipline dealing with ethical implications of biological research, applications, and healthcare ➡️ ➡️ ➡️ ➡️ ➡️ ➡️ - Process of ethical decision making: Adherents(issue) Qur’an Sunna and Hadiths Scholars Qiyas Fiqh rulings Mufti Bioethics: 1. Seeking the common good -According to Islam, life is the most important aim in the universe and its great result - “If anyone killed a person not in relation to murder, or for spread of mischief in the land - it would be as if he killed all mankind” - Surah (5:32) - “indeed, you blood and property and your honour are inviolable, like the inviolability of this day of yours and of this month of yours until the day you meet your lord” - (Bukhari: 1739) - “Verily, we create man in the best conformation” - (Quran 33: 73) - Seeking treatment: “Allah does not burden a soul greater than what it can bare” - (Quran 2: 286) - Suffering and sickness: “When a muslim experiences any hardships like sickness, Allah wipes away sins just as a tree sheds its leaves in autumn” - (Bukahri: 5647) - Istislah: One of the major principles in promoting and securing benefits and preventing removing harms in the public sphere - Maslaha: To seek, promote, secure common good Bioethical issue, Euthanasia: - The ending of a human life through artificial means - Considered suicide in Islam which is a major sin (Haram) - The concept of a life that is not worthy is not existent in Islam as all human life is considered sacred - A person does not have the right to end a life since Allah has given it to them for a temporary amount of time only he can take life away Bioethics: 2. The principle of necessity (Darura) - Allows muslims to do things that would otherwise be permissible - It is done with an objective to achieve communal gain and protect individuals from harm - “If…forced by necessity without wilful disobedience, thy lord shall be forgiving and most merciful” - (Quran 6:145) Bioethical issue, Abortion: - The deliberate termination of a human pregnancy: Medical and surgical - In Australia there is no restriction, latest to be done is in victoria at 24 weeks - Abortion was decriminalised in New South Wales on 2nd of October 2019 - Exceptions made for extraneous circumstances Islamic stance on abortion: - Abortion is impermissible if the family cannot afford a child - It is permissible under extreme circumstances e.g. rape - Abortion is permissible before 40 days for legitimate reason and impermissible after 120 days unless there is a pressing matter - Yaqeen institute: “Muslim jurists have always viewed the foetus as the precious origin of human life” Bioethics: 3. Purity of intention (Ikhlas Al Niyah) - Ikhlas: A secret between human being Allah - Requires the right intention and right action whether the action is done in private or public - Hadith of Intention: “deeds are according to their intentions and every person will receive accordingly what he/she intended” (Bukhari) - “Intension is the sincere consecration of the action for God and it is the momentum of the hearts toward God” Bioethical issue, Organ donation: - Human organs and tissue may be donated from both living and deceased donors for transplantation - In August 2012, the minister for health launched the Increasing Organ Donation in NSW Application: - Humans should seek remedies for all ailments as instructed by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) - Donation is an act of charity (Zakat) benevolence, altruism for mankind - “Whoever saves a life would be as if he had saved all of mankind” (Surah 5:32) - All actions in Islam are judged based on intention, therefore, a donation which does not inflict harm on the donor is permissible and deemed an act of charity - Fatwa 1: “It is permissible for a living person to donate party of the body” - Fatwa 2: “There is no permissibility whatsoever for transplantation or donation of organs” - Not permissible to donate reproductive organs - There is no obligation Religion and Peace Christianity inner peace: Teaching 1. Fidelity - Calmness clearness to make wise choices, relating to their relationship w ith God - Fidelity signifies unwavering faithfulness to divine commandments and spiritual principles - Fidelity is an adherents relationship with God, that is faithful in following commands and principles - “Make every effort to live in peace with everyone” (Hebrews 12:14) - “ Do it all in the name of the Lord, Jesus” (Colossians 3:17) - Shows devotion and obedience to God - “Go into your room and shut the door and pray” Matthew 6:6 Church Authority - Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby “We are servants of Christ, our task is to be faithful” Lived example: - Ignatian examen - Daily prayerful reflection on the events of the day - Ignatius Loyola in his spiritual exercises as “a gift that came directly from God” - St Mary’s tower retreat centre offers spiritual retreats which last for 32 days Christianity inner peace: teaching 2. Self Compassion - Self compassion is the practice of focusing on the importance of loving oneself, and the neglect of this self compassion potentially hinders and individuals relationship with God - Matthew 22:36-40 “‘Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself” - Adherents must love themselves and repair their relationship with themselves Church Authority - Christian theologian James C Wilhot “CLothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience” (Colossians 3:12) - “Self-acceptance was a virtue that needed to be cultivated for spiritual wholeness” Lived Example - Hillsong (Pentecostal) - Embodies spiritual self-discovery through contemporary movement - Song used ‘Who you say I am’ quotes “I am chosen not forsaken” Christianity inner peace: teaching 3. Forgiveness - The decision to release feelings of resentment towards individuals - Making a conscious effort to forgive individuals and let go of grudges - Comes from the our father prayer “forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us” - “that it is not enough to simply to forgive someone seven times, but seventy times seven” (Matthew 18:21) - “Be kind and compassionate to one another forgiving each other forgiving each other, just as christ forgave you” (Epesians 4:32) Church Authority - “Theologian Professor JM Vorster “Jesus teaches his followers to pray for the forgiveness of sin … and motivate for their own forgiveness” - Pope Francis (2023) Angelus message “forgiveness is not a good deed that we can choose to do but a fundamental condition” Lived Example - Pentecostal, seventh day Adventist Church - ‘Forgive to live’ seminar - Junior's story “cleanse you from all “unrighteousness” -I4GiveFoundation aims to “increase community awareness of the power of forgiveness to transform human relationships” Christianity World Peace: Teaching 1. Pacifism - World peace is an ideal state of peace within and among all people and nations on Earth - “Peacemakers are blessed” (Matthew 5:9) - “Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ (Romans 1:7) - “ If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all” (Romans 12:18) - “ Turn the other cheek” (Matthew 6:39) Pacifism - Central teaching about a path of peace - Christopher Dorn spiritual writer “With the birth of Christ, this peace on earth is announced” - “Put your sword back into its place, for all who take the sword will perish by it” (Matthew 26:52) Church Authority - Pope John XXII Pacem in Terris (Papal Encyclical 1963) - “Most truly safeguards the dignity of the human person” - “Stronger than any violence” Lived example - National Council of Churches in Australia (NCCA) - Works united in order to seek the “eradication of injustices” (Dorn) - Gaza emergency appeal Christianity World Peace: Teaching 2. Agape - Teaching centred around unconditional love for one another and God - Agape refers to the fatherly love of God for humans, as well the human reciprocal love for God - “Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God” (John 4:7) Church Authority - Pope Francis “Fratelli Tutti” (Papal Encyclical 2020) - “Love that transcends without borders” - “Whoever loves a brother or sister lives in the light” - Theologian Dr Keith Plummer “He calls us to love, and He has revealed to us the variety of forms that true love takes” Lived Example - Compelled love organisation - Aims to “extend his love to others” - “Relieve suffering and distress and… restore dignity and value” Christianity World Peace: Teaching 3. Mercy - Core teaching about providing care and nurture towards others - In the bible mercy is forgiving - God’s forgiveness when represent our sins - “Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy” (Matthew 5:7) - “Go and learn what this means; ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice’” (Matthew 12:7) - “Be merciful, even as your father is merciful” (Luke 6:36) Church Authority - Pope Francis “Misericordiae Vultus” (Papal Encyclical) 2015 - Taken from the new testament, Francis recognises how “Jesus Chrsit is the face of the father’s mercy” and that adherents should strive towards being “Rich in mercy” (Ephesians 2:4) - Pope Francis addresses that mercy is needed as “it is the wellspring of peace” - Theolergian Millard Erickson: “God’s Mercy is his tenderhearted, loving compassion for his people” Lived example - In Communion is a christian orthodox organisation -“Loving not only neighbours but enemies, seeking conversion of adversaries rather than victory over them” Islam inner peace: Teaching 1. Jihad - Greater Jihad: The internal spiritual struggle against one’s own base desires and temptations - Striving for self improvement, moral purification and deeper connection and with God - Requires constant vigilance and self-discipline Quotes - “Fight in the cause of God those who fight you, but do not commit aggression, for God loves not aggressors” (Qur'an 2:190) - “He who purifies it will prosper, and he who suppresses it will be ruined” (Quran 91: 9-10) - “Who avoid major sins and shameful deeds, and forgive when angered” (Quran 42:37) Supporting body: Imam Al-Ghazali: “It involves continuous effort to align one’s actions and intentions with the will of Allah” Explanation: To achieve inner peace, one must align their attentions with Allah although it may be a conscious effort. Sheik Hamza Yusuf: “It is the effort to purify the heart, to overcome the lower desires, and to achieve a state of spiritual and moral excellence.” Explanation: Lived Example: - Lebanese Muslim institute: Provides adherents with the opportunity to have a full Hajj experience. - Includes; accommodation, food and programmed lessons to ensure adherents nafs are put aside in order to achieve greater Jihad Islam inner peace: Teaching 2. Submission - Submission: The act of yielding to a superior force or authority - Total surrender to the will of God Quotes: - “Indeed it is the guidance of Allah which is [true] guidance. And we have been commanded to submit to the Lord of all the worlds” (Q 6:71) - “Indeed, whoever submits his face to Allah while being a doer of good will have his reward with his Lord. And there will be no fear concerning them, nor will they grieve.” (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:112) - “When his Lord said to him, 'Submit', he said, 'I have submitted [in Islam] to the Lord of the worlds.” (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:131) - “Allah is all knowing, All-wise. He has complete knowledge of what is hidden in the heavens and the”(Quran 2:20) Authority: - “If one responds to the calls of God and follows the divine regulations, they will certainly win great happiness” Imam as-Sadr Lived Example: - Hajj: The Pilgrimage to Mecca - Hajj is a journey in which adherents are to completely submit to Allah - Pillar of Salat (five daily prayers) Islam Inner peace: Teaching 3. Taqwa - Consciousness and the mindfulness of Allah - Motivates a person to live in accordance with God’s will avoiding sin - “And whoever fears Allah - He will make for him a way out” (Quran 65: 2-3) Lived Example - Islam world peace: Teaching 1. Compassion - Compassion: Refers to having sympathy for others - Essential to Islamic adherents as they are encouraged to serve in compassion just as Allah did Quotes: - "And the servants of the Most Merciful are those who walk upon the earth easily, and when the ignorant address them [harshly], they say [words of] peace." (Quran 25:63) - “And speak to people with good [words] and establish prayer and give zakah.” (Quran 2:83) Lived Example - Zakat is a pillar in islam which obligates adherents to donate 2.5% of their income to charity - The Sadaqa Welfare Fund : People volunteer to assist in the welfare fund through relief aid projects of distributing food to people living in poverty in countries such as Yemen, Africa and Syria Islam world peace: Teaching 2. Justice - Justice: The act of seeking a just jugement and treatment for all people Quotes: - “God commands justice and fair dealing” (Quran, 16:90) - “O you who believe, be upright for God, and be bearers of witness with justice!” (Quran, 5:8) - “Stand firm for justice, even against yourselves.” (Surah An-Nisa 4:135) Supporting body: - Imam Syed Wadood on the current Palestine-Israel conflict "The Quran notes that even at times of war justice must be upheld even if it's against your enemy.” - Essay Plan: The believers are but one brotherhood, so make peace between your brothers. Quran 49:10 Evaluate how teachings derived from Sacred Texts and Writings guide Muslim adherents to “make peace”. P1 - Inner Peace Teaching: Greater Jihad - Greater Jihad is the personal spiritual struggle within an adherent against their base desires and temptations - The implementation of Jihad “involves conscious effort to align one’s actions and intentions with the will of Allah” (Imam Al-Gazali) - The idea of Jihad stems from scripture specifically the Qur’an where “Indeed We have created man (to live) in hard struggle” (Quran 90:4). This exemplifies the inevitability of personal struggle in the attempt to achieve inner peace through the submission to Allah. - Adherents express the key pillar Shahadah (Faith in God alone) through acting out greater Jihad as their personal struggle allows them to profess faith in Allah and eventually achieve submission. - The Lebanese Muslim Association provides adherents with the opportunity to have the full experience of Hajj through the use of programs. The association provides: accommodation, P2 - Inner Peace Teaching: Submission - Submission is the act of yielding to a superior force or authority - Submission is the quintessential goal of all Muslim adherents as they seek to be true worshipers of Allah as It is the guidance of Allah which is [true] guidance. And we have been commanded to submit to the Lord of all the worlds” (Quran 6:71) - The act of submission and its importance are extremely prevalent throughout the Quran ““Indeed, whoever submits his face to Allah while being a doer of good will have his reward with his Lord. And there will be no fear concerning them, nor will they grieve.” (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:112) - "The essence of Islam is submission to the will of Allah. It’s not just about praying five times a day or fasting during Ramadan. Dr Kakir Naik