ISLAM

1-Explain the
Significant People and Ideas
contribution SAYYID QUTB BIOGRAPHICAL SUMMARY
to the dvlt & Historical Recognised during the aftermath of WW2, coming of European decolonisation, tensions of
expression Period the cold war and political change in the Arab world.
of Islam of Social/ Born in a very religious family in Egypt, when Abdel Nasser was president. He memorised
Sayyid Qutb Cultural/ the Quran by the age of ten.
Religious He was educated in the US where he was extremely disgusted with the open way of living.
Situation at the Westernised-Believed it full of racism, materialism, greed and capitalismteachings
Time contradictory to Islam.
Ideological competition between capitalism& communism provided
the catalyst for attempts to transform Islam into a universal
ideology in its own right- an offering of a 3rd way of humankind.
Believed in a pan-Islamic state (union of all Islamic states)in Egypt,
governed by laws of Shariah (cosmic law).
Status in He received a modern secular education, qualified as an Arabic language teacher and
Society received a Bachelor of Art degree in 1939.
Studied educational curricula at Colorado State Collage (Masters).
Became chief editor of the Muslim Brotherhoods newspaper.
Considered to society in 1965arrested. B/c planned to overthrow Egyptian government.

The contributions of Sayyid Qutb to Islam

- Sayyid Qutbs contributions lie in his books and writings, which express his values and perspectives.
- Sayyid Qutb wrote book and articles criticising the American way of living and thus criticising the Arab
world for trying to become westernised.
- He wrote a total of 24 books. Three prominent book were Shadows of the Quran, Milestones, Social
Justice in Islam.
- Social Justice in Islam was written first during his time in the West, expressing his belief in tawhid and
in Islam as the only way of life. He attempted to enforce these in Egyptian society.
- He then joined the Muslim Brotherhood, contributing to Islamic perspectives as chief editor of the
brotherhoods newspaper. The beliefs of the Muslim Brotherhood include striving for social justice, the
eradication of poverty and corruption and political freedom (provided the freedoms do not violate the
laws of Islam). These ideas have been inspirational to numerous Islamic adherents.
- Both the brotherhood and the Egyptian govt were trying to rescue Arabs from Euro legacies. However,
after the Nasser govt threw out King Farouk, diff. values began to arise because the brotherhood insisted
on Islamic constitution and free press and they disagreed on the Anglo-Egyptian agreement on the Suez
Canal. This is when Sayyid Qutb was arrested and accused of attempting to overthrow the govt.
- In prison, he completed Shadows of the Quran which is a commentary on the Quran, trying to find new
ideology and thus return to a truly Islamic env by analysing how Muhammad dealt with ignorance. It
contains principles for living and assistance in helping adherents understand the ways in which to
please Allah. The commentary persuades people to engage in a lifelong study of the Quran. These
aspects have furthermore reinforced pillars of faith such as Shahada, the declaration of faith.
- Milestones was published after his release and was so controversial, it lead to him being re-arrested.
Qutb called for the unification of Islamic organizations and aspirations, in addition to the reform of civil
law in accordance with Sharia law and social justice. This helped to reinforce the expression of Zakat.
Three concepts were introduced in Milestones known as jihad (struggle against evil as a community),
jahiliyya (ignorance) and aqida (belief in Allah). As a result, Muslims strive to fulfil their duty to defeat
jahiliyya through forms such as jihad to serve Allah.

2- Analyse The effect of Sayyid Qutb on Islam: Qutbs criticism of the status quo, his belief and enforcement of the basic
the effect of tenants of Islam and his use of his intellect to change society indicate his ability to impact greatly on
this person society, showing that his assassination did not kill his ideals, but made them more powerful as Qutb
or school of became a martyr of Islamic revivalism.
thought on
Islam. Action Effect
Association -MB used Qutbs ideas in their movement as they had a sig impact on them.
with Muslim -It has given rise to a number of militant organizations for example, Hamas
Brotherhood -It has also encouraged the occurrence of some democratic reforms in Egypt.
(MB) -Influenced Muslims to take a more active role in politics and practice aspects of the MB
-Sayiid Qutb =used by people such as the MB and Al Qaeda to justify individual & group
military attacks on what is seen as the decadence of western liberalisation.
Writing: Impacted on Islamic thought around the world evident >translation into many languages.
Social -Presented his belief in a pan Islamic state governed by the Shariah and his criticism of
Justice in Nasser for westernising Egypt. Influenced belief in power of Islam to defy boundaries
Islam -Created enemy relationship with western cultures. Its teachings influenced Muslims to turn
away from racism, materialism, greed and capitalism<<values witnessed in USA
Shadows of -Analysing Quran shows truly Islamic env is what we should strive for.
the Quran -Moving Egypt away from separate politics & rel as that is the pro with west
-Persuading lifelong study & fulfilment of the Quran > rich experience that gives meaning
to life and makes it worth living. This accounts for use of Quran in everyday life& rituals
Milestones -Encourages struggle against evil as a community (umma)in an effort to carry out Allahs will
-Jihad inspired Islamic adherents e.g. militants in Egypt who spread influence to groups such
as al-Qaeda.
-Impact of this book=demonstrated by current widespread observance of Sharia law by
Islamic adherents which is > when Sayyid 1st challenged tradition to return to Islam values.
Overall -Western leaders fight terrorist response to Sayyids ideal by military might, showing they do
ideals not match intellectual arguments presented by Sayyid.
-long term effect of Sayyids ideas is world enveloped by terror as a faith based society uses
small scale but effective military force to attempt to change a military based society depending
on misdirected and therefore ineffective faith and ideas.
EXTENDED RESPONSE
Sayyid Qutb had an immense impact on the Islamic religion. He played an important role in influencing change
at the time and thus shaping many of the values of the religion today. Qutbs criticism of the status quo, his
belief and enforcement of the basic tenants of Islam and his use of his intellect to change society indicate his
ability to impact greatly on society, showing that his assassination did not kill his ideals, but made them more
powerful as Qutb became a martyr of Islamic revivalism.

To begin with, Qutbs association with the Muslim Brotherhood itself was a significant factor in shaping the
extent of his impact on Islam. He influenced Muslims to take amore active role in politics and practise aspects
on the Muslim Brotherhood in their daily lives. He also encouraged the occurrence of democratic reform in
Egypt through the power over individuals which his articles and writings gave him as chief editor. Today, many
militant organisations such as Hamas were given rise due to the influence of Sayyid Qutb in the Muslim
Brotherhood. They use his ideas as justification for their attacks on western liberalisation.

Qutb didnt only write articles, he also wrote books, three of which acted as powerful factors in influencing
Islamic ideals today. Their impact is illustrated in the fact that they have been translated into many languages.
Social Justice in Islam influenced a belief in the power of Islam to defy boundaries. However it also created an
enemy relationship with western cultures, influencing Muslims to turn away from racism, materialism, greed
and capitalism which Qutb witnessed in the USA. Shadows of the Quran had an impact on the nature of
politics in Egypt, encouraging it to be one with religion. This book also emphasized the need to study and fulfill
the Quran throughout life. This accounts for the use of the Quran in everyday life and rituals. However the
most powerful book of all was Milestones, encouraging struggle against evil as a community in an effort to
carry out Allahs will. It introduced new concepts such as Jihad which inspired Islamic adherents such as
militants in Egypt who spread influence to groups such as al-Qaeda. This book challenged the government and
encouraged Muslims to be overpowering and extreme in their pursuit of the Sharia law.

Sayiid Qutbs impact on society can also be reflected through the reaction to his ideals. Western cultures fight
Islamic extremists influenced by Qutb by using their military forces, indicating their inability to match his
 intellectual arguments with ones of equal power. However Qutbs overall effect has been a world enveloped by
terror as a faith based society uses small scale but effective military force to attempt to change a military
based society depending on misdirected and therefore ineffective faith and ideas.
Sayyid Qutb as therefore had an immense effect on Islam through his writings, his ideals and his intellectual
power. His ideas prevail as do his books. Many people have chosen to follow his ways religiously. However,
Qutbs ideas have impacted negatively on others as well as they sometimes indirectly influence violent uproars.
Overall, Qutb was a very controversial character whose impact on society prevails in Islamic daily life.

3- Descibe
Ethics
and explain Islamic ethical teachings are an extension of the Sharia which is based on the Quran and the sunna.
Islamic The decisions are based on views of Tawhid (unity of God) and umma (promotion of harmony within
ethical Islamic community) however, Islam isnt monolithic i.e. there is a diversity of views in ethical matter. This
teachings on diversity comes from jurisprudence, different Islamic sects, differences in cultural backgrounds and
bioethics different levels of religious observance.
The Sunni and Shia have varying processes of jurisprudence. Sunni base it on Sharia, ijma, qiyas & taqlid
while Shia base it on Mujtahid (a scholar who uses reason to form an opinion) &personal interpretation
The five categories of behaviour are fard (obligatory), mustahab (recommended but not compulsory),
mubah (neither liked nor disliked), makruh (advised against but not forbidden) and Haraam or Halal.
Jurisprudence is the theory of law or a system of laws applied in a particular country.
The process of Islamic jurisprudence is derived from the:
- Quran: most imp. authority which states concepts, laws and practical matters
- Sunna: which confirmed rulings of the Quran and is (along with hadith) complementary to the Quran
- Ijma: consensus of Muslim scholars.It helps make decisions on modern issues not spoken of in Quran.
- Qiyas: legal ruling arrived at through deductive reasoning. For sunni, Qiyas are binding.

BIOETHICS is a science that sets a system of medical and environmental priorities for acceptable survival. It concerns
itself with ethical questions that come about in the relationships between biology and medicine, the research &
practice in these areas and the connections with politics and law. Bioethical issues include:
Organ - Muhammad told Muslims to seek remedy +treatment, declaring presence of cure for every illness.
donation - Organ donation not act of transgression against body but is act of charity+benevolence to other
humans, loved + encouraged by God.
- principle of saving human life=priority over harm2 corpse<<must be handled+ treated with respect.
-For both living and deceased donors, Islam supports this if it is not a reciprocal arrangement (ie
payment), if the donor is willing and capable of making an informed decision, if the relatives are in
consent, if the donation will extend/improve the life of the recipient and if there is no external pressure
 influencing the matter. Living donors cant donate sexual or vital organs<<if donation means risking
life then it is condemned as act of suicide.
QUOTE: Whoever saves the life of one person it is as if he saved the life of all mankind (Qur-5:32)
Euthanas -Suicide is not permitted; do not kill yourselves nor kill one another.
ia/suicid -Muslims=encouraged to turn to God when in despair. Life & death=exclusively in Gods hands.
e -Islamic law : it is only permissible to turn off life support if the individual is brain dead.
-One must not kill or take own life. Can refuse treatment/cant be given drugs to hasten death.
- Suffering terminal illness=opp. to compensate for past sins with promise of great reward after
QUOTE: The sins of a person fall like leaves off a tree<<if a person endures suffering in sickness
QUOTE: Take not life, which God has made sacred (Quran-6:151)^^^(MUHAMMAD QUOTE)
Abortion -Murder=prohibited as is murdering of a foetus.
-Some scholars think soul not dvlpd until after 4mnths however most say abortion not right at any stage
because soul/embryo has full potential to be human
-Abortion=only permitted if mothers life =risk or if pregnancy =result of rape
-also in some cases, abortion permitted b4 four mnths if foetus=seriously malformed with untreatable
disease.
QUOTE:Kill not ur offspring for fear of poverty, it is we who provide for them and for you (Qur-17:32)
Assisted -use of IVF is only permitted if the sperm is from the father and the egg from the mother, otherwise it
Insemina would be a tantamount to adultery.
tion -Surrogate motherhood=condemned coz it tampers with normal process of procreation, biologically
4- Describe divides motherhood+ reduces motherhood from value to price, suggesting exploitation.
one
significant Significant Practices in the life of Adherents
practise
within Islam The fifth and final Pillar of Islam is the Hajj or pilgrimage. It takes place on the 8 th day of Dhu-al-Hijja,
drawn from the twelfth month of the Islamic Lunar calendar. Muslims travel to centre of world=spiritual
Hajj. Every Muslim who is able must make this journey at least once in their lifetime. The obligation excuses
those who are old, sick, poor or disabled.
The pilgrimage presents many rituals such the state of ihram required by the believer, the specific places
of prayer, the sacrifice of an animal and the throwing of stones. These are all symbolic rituals.
This expression of faith through pilgrimage=obligation to Muslims that expresses their true religious
identity.<<they re-enact actions of imp ppl in muslim history, thus understand the religion better
Pilgrims do not worship the Kaba but they worship what it represents- the one God.

5-
Demonstrate
how this The Hajj is a reflection of Islamic beliefs. It shows unity, endurance, will power, strength and much more.
practise The rituals involved in the Hajj are all symbolic in their reflection of the beliefs of Islam:
expresses Ihram can refer to the first stage of Hajj and also the white garments worn to Hajj which could be used as
the beliefs of the persons funeral wrapping. It symbolises human equality and unity before God (all look the same).
Islam Also allows focus on God and nothing else. Teaches resisting temptation, respect and patience
Tawaf is the recitation of prayers while moving in a circle. The prayers awaken Muslim consciousness that
God=centre of reality+source of meaning in life.
Say is hurrying seven times between Safa and Marwah which re-enacts the story of Hajars search for life
giving water and food.
Arafat is where Adam& Eve found each other. It is symbolic of absolute and utter devotion to one God and
is also seen as a rehearsal for Judgement Day as everyone is the same and there is no discrimination.
Jamra is stoning the pillars to symbolise Abrahams throwing of stones at Stan when he tried to dissuade
Abraham from sacrificing his son. It reflects defying temptation. Also, throwing stones=re-enactment of
stoning the false gods and thus the establishment of monotheism when Muhammad entered mecca
The shaving of heads after the stoning is symbolic of being reborn and purified. Reaffirms that there is
good and evil<<symbolic of erasing the inner desire to commit evil acts.
Nahr now involves giving money while before it was slaughtering an animal to re-enact Abraham who, in
place of his son, sacrificed a sheep God had given him. Money/meat from animal=given to poor/society.
The Hajj highlights the power of faith and emphasises the importance of Gods presence.
It encourages brotherhood of all Muslims and reflects peace and harmony from spirituality.
The Hajj also reinforces the main Islamic beliefs in the four pillars preceding it:
Shahada: The Hajj reinforces this through the prayer of the Talibiyya states pilgrimage=only for glory of
Allah. Closeness to Allah is also reinforces in the visit to Mount Arafat (place of Muhammads last sermon)
Salat: Pilgrims are directly communicating to Allah during the Hajj and are also in actual proximity of the
kaba which is faced when praying. It reinforces presence of Allah in everyday life.
Zakat: This is reinforced in the nahr ritual. It reflects the need to help others and rely on spiritually rather
than materialism.
Sawm: The Say reinforces the same beliefs as Sawm, highlighting the importance of food and empathy for
those who do not have it. Hajj also creates the same sense of will power and strength needed in sawm.
How does the Hajj reinforce Tawhid, Angels, Books of Allah, Rusul, Akhira, Fate/predestination?
Pilgrimage to the House is incumbent upon men for the sake of Allah, upon everyone who is able to undertake the
journey to it 3:96
6- Analyse
the The significance of the Hajj for the individual:
significance - The individual will receive special consideration of Judgment Day.
of this - Pilgrimage=closeness to Godone surrenders himself to him through prayer+supplication to God.
practise for - The stoning of the devil reaffirms good and evil. It erases the inner desire to commit evil acts and
both symbolizes defying Stan and temptation.
individual - It allows the individual to be rejuvenated and reborn through cleansing from sin; whoever performs the
and Muslim Hajj...will come home like a newborn.
community. - The individual also gains redemption and defies Satan through the Hajj rituals.
- The Hajj creates a pure state of mind for the individual where they can practice courtesy and respect,
focusing on God and nothing else.
- Hajj allows individual to gain better understanding of Islam history+allows change to better person.
- It creates strugglemakes pilgrim stronger+helps him/her understand imp aspects of his/ her life.
- new status or social rank is gained Hajji for males and Hajjah for females.
The significance of the Hajj for the community:
- Islam gains by having a larger %age of its followers involved in the active participation within the
religion rather than simply labelling oneself & being an individual
- The pilgrimage evokes people to talk about the religion and its popularity grows as do its principles,
encouraging more people to goon pilgrimages, more people to follow associated religious practises and
more people to submit to the will of God.
- Hajj reinforces importance of unity and the peace (salam) amongst Muslims of all races. It reflects a
sense of pride in the global umma as they pray together and are equal in the ihram garments
- It=universal reminder of blessing of Allah on humanity of our diversity+brotherhood to worship1 Allah
- Results in strong sense of fellowship+encourages cohesion and preservation of Islamic traditions
- It also helps the community through the donations and is the largest annual peace gathering.