Islam
Culture Region
There are 1.57 billion Muslims around the world, mostly in the Middle East, but also in Africa in Egypt and Nigeria. (Wikipedia)
Muslims believe that the angel Gabriel appeared to Muhammad and revealed God's message to him. They believe in "Allah,' an all powerful and mighty god.
Muslims do not believe in icons, but an important figure is the prophet Muhammad.
Muslims believe that the angel Gabriel appeared to Muhammad and revealed God's message to him. They believe in "Allah,' an all powerful and mighty god.
Muslims do not believe in icons, but an important figure is the prophet Muhammad.
Diffusion
Gabriel appeared to Muhammad and revealed the messages of God. Muhammad compiled these revelations in the Qu'ran, the Muslims' holy book. They believe in the five pillars-1)God is the only God and Muhammad is his prophet, 2)Prayer, 3)Almsgiving, 4)Fasting during Ramadhan, and 5) the Hajh or pilgrimage to Mecca.
Islam diffused by relocation when Muhammad and his followers were driven from Mecca to Medina. The Ottoman Empire also helped to expand Islam. Islam spread by a reverse-hierarchical diffusion; the religion gained popularity first among the poor. Also, stimulus diffusion emerged when the Shiites and Sunnis split over succession disagreements. In modern times, Muslims have moved into Europe and are expanding into the West. There have not really been any barriers to Islam except when the Muslims were initially driven out of Medina.
The founder of Islam was Muhammad. There are no official leaders, only "jurists" who are educated in Islamic studies.
Fragmentation occurred when Muhammad died and there was no one to determine religious issues. Sunnis and Shiites disagreed over who should lead the people, although now they are more politically opposed than religiously.
Information from Wikipedia and history notes
Islam diffused by relocation when Muhammad and his followers were driven from Mecca to Medina. The Ottoman Empire also helped to expand Islam. Islam spread by a reverse-hierarchical diffusion; the religion gained popularity first among the poor. Also, stimulus diffusion emerged when the Shiites and Sunnis split over succession disagreements. In modern times, Muslims have moved into Europe and are expanding into the West. There have not really been any barriers to Islam except when the Muslims were initially driven out of Medina.
The founder of Islam was Muhammad. There are no official leaders, only "jurists" who are educated in Islamic studies.
Fragmentation occurred when Muhammad died and there was no one to determine religious issues. Sunnis and Shiites disagreed over who should lead the people, although now they are more politically opposed than religiously.
Information from Wikipedia and history notes
Religious Ecology
Islam believes that cows are sacred animals. Food products such as pork and alcohol are banned.
They believe that the Earth should be treated with respect because it is a gift from their god. Many Muslim countries are centers of massive oil exports however.
They believe that the Earth should be treated with respect because it is a gift from their god. Many Muslim countries are centers of massive oil exports however.
Culture Integration
Economically, many Arabic countries were wealthy oil exporters. However, rather than investing money, they put money into building massive mansions and mosques, so their economy is suffering at the expense of oil consumers.
An important site of pilgrimage is the Kaaba. Every able bodied Muslim is required to make at least one trip to the Kaaba in Mecca in their lifetime. They believe that the Kaaba is the site where Abraham built the first place of worship. Another important site is the mosque in Medina, the birthplace of Islam.
Politically, Muslims have had tension with Jews for many years. After the Romans destroyed Jerusalem in 70 AD, Jews were scattered about the world. Muslims took over the area of Palestine, but after World War I, the Balfour Declaration established a Jewish homeland in Palestine. This angered Islamic Palestinians and since then, war has been fought over the disputed Gaza Strip.
An important site of pilgrimage is the Kaaba. Every able bodied Muslim is required to make at least one trip to the Kaaba in Mecca in their lifetime. They believe that the Kaaba is the site where Abraham built the first place of worship. Another important site is the mosque in Medina, the birthplace of Islam.
Politically, Muslims have had tension with Jews for many years. After the Romans destroyed Jerusalem in 70 AD, Jews were scattered about the world. Muslims took over the area of Palestine, but after World War I, the Balfour Declaration established a Jewish homeland in Palestine. This angered Islamic Palestinians and since then, war has been fought over the disputed Gaza Strip.
Cultural Landscapes
Structures in Islam include mosques, which are places of worship, and the holy site of the Hajj, the Kaaba.
Sacred places also include mosques, the birthplace of Muhammad in Medina, and the Kaaba.
Sacred spaces include various mosques like in Medina and the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem.
Sacred places also include mosques, the birthplace of Muhammad in Medina, and the Kaaba.
Sacred spaces include various mosques like in Medina and the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem.