Islam (Foundations)

Speaker: 
Dr. Timothy Tennent

This course is a summary of the complete lecture series, "Introduction to Islam." Special emphasis is placed on the Christian response to Islam in light of recent world events. There are seven separate lectures totaling about three and a half hours. These lectures were recorded by Biblical Training in South Hamilton, Massachusetts during the summer of 2002.

Recommended Reading

The Koran, N.J. Dawood, trans., Penguin Books, 1983.

Islam: The Straight Path, 3rd edition, John L. Esposito, Oxford University Press, 1998.

The Word of Islam, J. Alden Williams, University of Texas Press, 1984.

Class Outline

Historical Context
Historical Context

The geography and cultural influences in Arabia during the 6th century a.d. had a significant influence on the beginning and development of the religion of Islam. Muhammad's early life was normal. When he was 40, he claimed to have a revelation from the angel Gabriel about worshipping the one "true" God, Allah. He receives further revelations that he records in what has become known as the Quran. Because of his revelation, Muhammad destroyed the family idols and then fled to Medina with a group of his supporters. There were significant military battles in which Muhammad and his followers defended themselves even though they were greatly outnumbered. Some of the Muslim mosques that were built have great religious and historical significance.

(37 min. 00 sec.)
The Qur'an and the Five Pillars
The Qur'an and the Five Pillars

The Muslims believe that the Quran is a divine revelation from God given directly to Muhammed beginning in about 610 a.d. The Five Pillars of the Islamic religion are the confession of faith, ritual prayer, almsgiving, fasting and pilgrimage.

(47 min. 00 sec.)
Sunni, Shia, and Sufi Islam
Sunni, Shia, and Sufi Islam

Muhammad's successors were call caliphs. From the beginning, there was disagreement about what characteristics would qualify someone to be a caliph. The four "Rightly Guided Caliphs" were in power in successive years from 632 to 661. The two major divisions in Islam are the Shia Muslims, which are Arab, and the Sunni Muslims, which are Persian. The main difference between these two movements was over how the successors to Muhammad would be determined. A third movement in Islam is known as Sufi.

(34 min. 00 sec.)
Authority and Revelation
Authority and Revelation

Along with the Quran, the Hadith is another source of revelation for the Muslim religion. The Hadith addresses many social and economic issues that come up in daily life. The Sunna is a collection of oral tradition about Muhammad, and the Hadith is a collection of narratives about Muhammad that are written. The Sunnis also have a provision for the community coming to a concensus about something new being agreed to as having equal authority with the Quran and Hadith. In the Shia community an Imam can declare something as revelatory truth. These components combine to make up Sharia law, which governs the Muslim community.

(14 min. 00 sec.)
Is Islam a Religion of Peace?
Is Islam a Religion of Peace?

If we look at this as an exegetical statement, we can see that from looking at the teachings of the Quran, Islam is not a religion that at its root, advocates peaceful propagation. If we look at this as a historical statement, Islam has not historically been a religion of peace, even though some of its followers may advocate living at peace with others. The two contradictory principles that exist in tension in the Muslim religion are Da'wah and Jihad.

(31 min. 00 sec.)
Islamic Fundamentalism
Islamic Fundamentalism

It is timely to explore the rise of Islamic fundamentalism and how that has resulted in the rise of Osama bin Laden and recent terrorist activities. An effective response to this movement will require a Christian presence among Muslims around the world.

(25 min. 00 sec.)
Islam and Christianity
Islam and Christianity

Islam and Christianity have major theological differences including their view of Scripture, the nature of God, who Jesus is and what is required for salvation. There are specific strategies that can help us witness to Muslims genuinely and effectively.

(26 min. 00 sec.)