Exploring the Religions of Our World (3rd Edition)

Chapter 4: Discovering Sacred Texts: Islam

 

Discovering Sacred Texts: Islam 

Film Focus: Islam is the subject of this episode from the British Library, and the Qur’an is highlighted as its major piece of sacred literature. Woven into the explanation of the Qur’an and its art is a discussion of the Five Pillars of Islam, which order the life of a Muslim.

Text Focus: Pages 198–202

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are the primary sacred texts of Islam? When were they written/put together as a “canon”? What is the original language? Who is considered the author? What type of literature is included?
  2. What is unique about these texts? Consider their message, their art, their binding, and more.
  3. Compare the primary text of Islam to the primary texts of Christianity. How are they similar? How are they different?
  4. What do you notice is distinct about the art in Islam’s sacred texts? What is similar to other sacred texts?
  5. What is Hadith? How is it related to the Qur’an?
  6. What are the Five Pillars of Islam? How are they practiced?

 

*Permission to link to this video for use in the classroom as part of the accompanying lesson has been granted by the producer.

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