Hum 400: Religion and Philosophy - Importance of the Prophet Muhammad to Islam

HUM 400: Religion and Philosophy

1. Based on your reading of chapter 10 of the Fisher text on Islam, discuss

the background and importance of the prophet Muhammad to Islam.

Prophet Mohammad is the most important figure in Islam because he is the true prophet to Islam. He was born in Makkah in 570 CE. He began by earning his living by being a businessman and a trader. He married Khadija a widow when he was twenty five years of age. They were blessed with six children two sons and four daughters. When he was forty years of age he went to retreat to Mount Hira for meditation in Ramadan. During this retreat prophet Gabriel received the first revelation from Prophet Gabriel. He was selected as the prophet because of his honesty, helping the poor, orphans and the poor and also for speaking truth at all times. His mission was to restore the worship of One True God the creator of the universe.

Prophet Muhammad is an important figure in Islam as he acts as the role model for Muslim individuals and societies. In his life he demonstrated superior morality, skills and other good habits which are characters that help people from engaging in sin. He lived a life that every person can find truth and provide a good example to the others. Prophet Muhammad acts as a leader and a role model from a unified perspective. He also acts as a unifying factor to the Muslims because they all regard him as their prophet and his teaching acts as the guiding factors in their lives. Therefore, his prophesies and teachings act as the foundation of Islamic religion. Followers of Islam believe such teachings and prophesies are what every religion should have.

(Question 2 is answered on the next page)

2. What are the central teachings of Islam and why is Islam the fastest growing religion in the United States?

Islam teaches that Allah is the only God worthy to be worshiped. Islam teach that the only sin God cannot forgive is associating anything with God. Believers need to surrender to God in their completeness to have belief in their own hearts. The aspect of surrender to God is a major focus in Islamic religion. Islamic teaching focus on belief in angels as part of God's creation. All the angels except Satan are considered as good. The angels carry important roles concerned with souls and spirits of human, for example, carrying revelations and carrying messages to the prophets. Islam also teaches the belief in the prophets. Mohammed is believed to be the last prophet in a long line of prophets. The prophets are believed to have all natural perfections, honesty, and excellent character. All scriptures found in the Quran are the purest scriptures