Huston Smith Reading (pgs 231-242)

Koran is maybe the most recited, and read book in the world. Muslims tend to read the Koran literally. The Koran came to Muhammad in small segments. Muhammad had no control over the flow of revelation. It is not just the message and language of the Koran that make it powerful, but the sound, the rhythm. The Koran is directly doctrinal and indirectly historical. It proclaims the unity, omnipotence, and mercy of God- and humans total dependency on Him. In the Koran God speaks in first person.

Basic theological concepts of Islam are virtually the same as Judaism and Christianity.

God is immaterial and invisible.

God inspires fear, an appropriate emotion for something so great.

Islam means Peace.

The world was created because of Allah's will, and it is good. Because of this the material world must likewise be good.

People do forget their divine nature, and must repeatedly be reminded so they can correct their mistake.

Humans have two obligations. Gratitude, and surrender.

When people die they must first deal with the Judgement, Allah decides where to send you. He looks at all of your transgressions, and the things you did well. To heaven or hell.

Koran is a book that emphasizes deed over idea.

Huston Smith Reading (pgs 221-231)

Islam is close to the West (ideologically y geographically).

Islam began with God. Allah means "the God". He is the one and only, no one can compare. Muhammad was His prophet. He was born into an ignorant chaotic world, where there was lots of corruption (his view). "The times call for a deliverer". He was pure hearted and beloved, with a good character. He married a women 15 years his senior, her name was Khadija. When he was up contemplating in a cave an angel can to him. The angel told him to "proclaim". He went to his wife, who was convinced that he had become a prophet. He began to preach about God. He said he was only a preacher of God's word, God's message.

Muhammad's preaching, views, created great hostility. People began to attack and ridicule him. Eventually people openly persecuted him. At first he gained few followers, however, slowly he gained many more followers.

Muhammad received a sign from God and he led his people to Yathrib (which turned into Medina). From the time he arrived in Medina he assumed a leadership role. He unified people throughout the rest of his life.

He died in 632 A.D. he died with almost all of Arabia under is control.