Changes And Continuities Of Islam Essay

The Changes and Continuities of Islam

The period from 600 C.E to 1450 is often referred to as the Post Classical period. During this period, there were many reforms and developments occurred. One of the major developments was the founding and spread of the monotheistic faith, Islam. There are 1.7 billion Muslims in the world today, making it a worldwide religion based on specific principles and values. Regardless of its prominence today Islam has been developing and changing for many centuries. From it's founding, Islam basic tenets have remained the same, but major alterations have occurred to match societal changes.

The leadership of the Islamic community passed to Abu Bakr as-Siddiq, one of Muhammad's closest associate, after Muhammad's death in 632. Part of the community felt that, Abu Bakr as-Siddiq was not the true leader and that the true Caliph was Ali ibn Abi Talib. This allegation was supported by the fact that he was Muhammad's cousin, his adopted son, his first converted, and husband of his daughter. Both sides believe that Muhammed specifically designated their leader this split the community: Supporters of Abu became

The true definition of the word among Muslims is “a war or struggle against unbelievers.” -Webster Dictionary. This is talking about the convincing people who are non-believers by presenting and showing the greatness and power of the Islamic beliefs. Now a days some terrorist have interpreted to mean that anyone that is not a believe should be forced to convert and anyone who stands in the way of this goal should be killed. The terrorist used the word “Jihad” as justification for bombing, fighting and killing innocent people just because they do not believe in the same thing you do. In many ways the word has been destroyed in the same way many other words like “gay” have been destroyed. Groups of people misusing a word and giving it a distorted