Defend the statement: Much of recent Muslim history reflects the desire on the part of different Muslim countries to free themselves from colonialism or dependence, and to gain greater control over their affairs.
Explain the significance of the death of Muhammad.
Explain the fundamental beliefs of Quranic teachings.
Trace the historical development of the major features of Islamic pilgrimages.
As with most religions of the world, over years of economical and political progress and change, some ways of religious life must also change. Islam, over the past fourteen hundred years, has grown to be one of the largest religious orders, spreading to every corner of the world. The pressures and challenges generated by global politics and nation-building have not made it easy for any religion to create modes of life that would reflect past values and provide a sense of continuity with their religious heritage. Most Muslims continue to perceive Islam as more than a mere source of religious values. In their view, it still provides the basis for inspiring a whole way of life.
The great religious beliefs held by most Muslims, with the growing military and economic power of the countries in which they live, have disrupted the character and patterns of life of most Muslim people. Their lives now came to be governed or influenced by the policies of the respective colonial powers and internal conflicts over boundaries and political control. In my opinion, Muslims, such as Osama Bin Ladin, are not practicing the religion. They are only using it as a cover for their own political and monetary gain. Saying all Muslims are terrorist due to one man's acts of hatred is like saying all Christians are child molesters, whilst Hinduism was all about looting and breaking up mosques. True Muslims are trying to detach themselves from all this propaganda and "bad publicity", and continue to practice their faith as it was intended.
