Huston Smith Part 1

What is the significance of Islam in history (Islamic Background)

• The Islamic empire was greater than the Roman is size and cultural diversity.
• Muslims were able to assimilate their subjects into their culture well because of their faith.
• Muslims are Semites as they are descendants of Shem.
• Islam and religious zeal contributed greatly to the Arabic empire's spread. 
• Islam splits from the Torah/bible in saying that Ismael created the city of Mecca.
• Islam was significant because it was a driving force behind the expansion of the Arab empire, which was highly influential on a large area.

How did Muhammad's become a prophet and spread God's word?

• Last of the prophets, no more will come after him.
• Morally superior to his contemporaries, he rejected the animistic religion of the time.
• Was told in his retreat to proclaim several times.
• Began to preach but faced harsh opposition in Mecca.
• His message began to spread despite the opposition.
• Muhammad is the last of the prophets and was called upon by God to proclaim His message because he was not deceived by the false idols of the time. He spread his word in his sermons and grew in popularity despite the leaders of Mecca's best efforts.

What happened during the height of Islam's expansion under Muhammad and why is it significant?

• Muhammad left Mecca in secret for Medina/Yathrib, where he was welcomed and became magistrate.
• Muhammad continued to live his life in a virtuous way even once he became more powerful.
• Muhammad had an excellent career as a statesman and unified vast portions of the globe.
• After years in Medina, he returned to conquer Mecca but forgave his enemies and focused on the spread of Islam. 
• No other Arab leader has unified as great of an area geographically and culturally as Muhammad, making him rank of the most influential man of history according to Michael Hart.
• Muhammad's tact and skill as a leader helped to spread Islam and bring all of the tribes of Arabia together, and this is significant because it has never been repeated.

What is "The Standing Miracle"?

• The Koran is considered a miracle because it is written as great poetry by an almost illiterate man, Muhammad.
• Its name means a recitation and it is the most memorized book in the world.
• The created Koran contains the divine reality of the uncreated Koran.
• The Koran considers each sentence to be a revelation because it is said to be from God without any muddling from being passed down.
• The Koran has a strong emotional effect on its followers.
• The Koran's ability to convey its message without losing anything to its followers and that it was written as it is by an illiterate man are what and why it is the standing miracle.