STUDIES OF RELIGION 1 – DEPTH STUDY: ISLAM HSC NOTES

Summary:

In this Studies of Religion About Islam, there’s a story of Rabi’a al-Adawiyya who was a significant figure in Islam who emphasized the importance of developing a personal relationship with God based on love and rejecting material possessions. Islamic ethical teachings on environmental ethics stress the responsibility of humans as stewards to care for and protect the environment. Hajj, the fifth pillar of Islam, involves a pilgrimage to Mecca and various practices that express the beliefs of Islam and have historical links to monotheism. The significance of Hajj includes strengthening the relationship with Allah, developing spiritual strength, and building community.

Excerpt:

Studies of Religion About Islam

1. SIGNIFICANT PEOPLE AND IDEAS
● Explain the contribution of Rabi’a al-Adawiyya to the development and expression of Islam
● Analyse the impact of Rabi’a on Islam

HISTORICAL CONTEXT – Why was the significant person so important at this time?

Umayyad & Abbasid dynasties 661 – 750 CE

● Islamic world expanded beyond the Arabian peninsula to the Byzantine & Persian empires
● New cosmopolitan cities (i.e Basra & Kufa) booming w/ social, economic, and religious activity
● Successful empire, development of bureaucracy
↪ Time of great prosperity and extravagance – focus on increasing wealth
↪ Highly spiritual ppl rejected this material world, emphasized simple living modeled by Muhammed and Rightly Guided Caliphs + focused on Hereafter – emphasis on ‘fear of god’ & ‘punishments of hell’ (Akira)

Bonus…
● Marriage & family = Arab/Muslim norm
● Mysticism not accepted practice in Islam

LIFE AND EDUCATION
● Born in 717 CE into one of Basra’s poorest families
● Orphaned & sold into slavery → hard labour by day & prayer + meditation (state of worship) by night
● Master overhears her prostration & weeping one day → releases her the next day after witnessing her devotion
● Journeyed into the desert & goes into retreat. Spiritual attraction → have a following of disciples including Sufyan Ath-Thawri – inspiration solely from God
● Little known about her education but most of it comes from her experiences – true moments of intimacy with God