Topic: Teachings of Islam Continued: Sharia Law, Sunni Shiite Schism & Islamic Art and Mosque Architecture
1. What is Sharia Law?
System of Islamic Law
2. How was it developed?
Over time Interpreted from the Quran, Life and behaviors of Muhammad & traditions
3. Why is Sharia Law that of a theocracy?
Islamic Law covers: government, civil, religious, moral law
4. How did Islam impact women from Muhammad’s teachings?
Woman could inherit property, refuse marriage and be educated.
Still patriarchal Inherit less property than men and harder to divorce.
5. How did its development Islam differ from the original teachings of Muhammad?
Woman’s education, destruction of cultural art (not idols) intolerance towards people of the book and other faiths
6. Give an example of cultural diffusion causing this change?
Persia’s custom of wearing veils.
7. Give examples of how the Taliban go against Mohammad’s original teachings.
Shooting of the 14 year old Afghan girl wanting to go to school, Destruction of the Afghan Buddha
Building Muslim Empire/Divisions Emerge
Caliph – Successor of Muhammad (like the Catholic Pope)
Abu Bakr – Muhammad’s father in law first Caliph. Began uniting tribes and expansion of land.
Taught others not to worship Muhammad only Allah
Caliphate – Land under Islamic control
Mahdi – Final Caliph to usher in a worldwide caliphate
Sunni and Shiite Schism
1. What caused the schism between Muslims
When it came time to choose the 4th Caliph
Sunni belief – Caliph to be picked based ones character
Shiite Belief – Muhammad’s son in law Ali should be Caliph keeping a family bloodline for future
Caliphs.
What is the percentage today of Sunni to Shiite.
2. 85% Sunni 15 % Shiite
3. Where do most Shiites live today? Iran
Islamic Art: Calligraphy is the highest form/ Geometric shapes and floral patterns
No humans, animals or landscapes
Mosques – Domes richly ornate inside and out. No chairs Pray mats
Minarets - 4 towers call to pray
Literature – Poetry is most revered