ISLAM FOR BEGINNERS BRS 107.pdf - CUEA

It is very important to know that religiously; the entire society of Arabia and of Makka inparticular, was evolving towards a new life, perhaps a better one. Arabian TraditionalReligions evolved from animism to idolatry and from Idolatry to polytheism and frompolytheism to henotheism. Judaism, however, was present but limited to the Jews alone.Christianity was there in the peripheries of Makka but divided into numerous sects. This isthe situation that was in vogue towards the end of 6 th century. Muhammad’scontemporaries, though still rooted in their tradition, sought for a new way of life to fill thevacuum, which was created by the political, social-economic and religious status. Who willbring this social-political change? Who will fight against poverty and injustice and build aharmonious society? Who will bring a religion that will satisfy Arabians?We believe that any historical event is influenced by the existing cultures; historicallyspeaking, Muhammad must have been influenced by these cultures, events and ideaspresent in Arabia, as we will identify some in the course of this subject. He certainly tooksome and rejected some others. Perhaps he modified and adapted some ideas to go wellwith his views. Nonetheless, he had his own integrity and identity, which brings up hisoriginality, though he borrowed. His originality might be shown in the way he handledwhatever he received from Makka and its surroundings.Study Questions 3What do you know about the cultural,economic and political context of Arabiabefore Islam?What tells you that Islam was influencedby the existing religions of the time ofMuhammad?If Islam was influenced by the time inwhich Muhammad lived, do you believethat he received a revelation?Differentiate influences and revelation inthe building of Islam as a religion.Frederic N. Mvumbi,OP Page 15 of 85