Islamic Religion Islamic Religion and Arab Cultureand Arab Culture

(Conflict and Reinforcement)(Conflict and Reinforcement)

The Middle EastThe Middle East

Muslim DistributionMuslim Distribution

Muslim World 2000Muslim World 2000

““Allah”Allah”The one GodThe one God

For believing Muslims this is the name of For believing Muslims this is the name of the one God. For them there is no other.the one God. For them there is no other.

““Allah” was originally the name of an astral Allah” was originally the name of an astral god worshipped by the pagan Arabs god worshipped by the pagan Arabs before Islam. The “Kaaba” in Mecca is before Islam. The “Kaaba” in Mecca is survival of this earlier form of religion.survival of this earlier form of religion.

Islam is a most strictly monotheistic faith. Islam is a most strictly monotheistic faith.

The Muslim ViewThe Muslim View

- There is but one God. (Allah)There is but one God. (Allah)- Any other belief is pagan.Any other belief is pagan.- Judaism and Christianity are the result Judaism and Christianity are the result

of earlier revelations by the one God.of earlier revelations by the one God.- They are Religion 1.0 and Religion 2.0.They are Religion 1.0 and Religion 2.0.- Islam (Submission is Religion 3.0Islam (Submission is Religion 3.0- Islam results from direct revelation to Islam results from direct revelation to

the Prophet Muhammad.the Prophet Muhammad.

On Discussing ReligionOn Discussing Religion

• Other peoples’ views on religion must be Other peoples’ views on religion must be respected whether or not one shares them.respected whether or not one shares them.

• Religion is about faith, not reason.Religion is about faith, not reason.• Debating the “truth” of religion is for Debating the “truth” of religion is for

theologians, not soldiers or other theologians, not soldiers or other government people.government people.

• Never challenge a Muslim over the “value” Never challenge a Muslim over the “value” of his religion or yours.of his religion or yours.

• Nevertheless, an objective view of the Nevertheless, an objective view of the subject is necessary.subject is necessary.

Origins of IslamOrigins of Islam(The Hydraulic Theory)(The Hydraulic Theory)

• Rainfall in the Arabian Peninsula is both Rainfall in the Arabian Peninsula is both meager and uneven.meager and uneven.

• An irregular cycle of plentiful rainfall and An irregular cycle of plentiful rainfall and severe drought is unending.severe drought is unending.

• Plenty of rain means more food, means Plenty of rain means more food, means more people.more people.

• Less rain means less food means starve or Less rain means less food means starve or move.move.

• Time of the Islamic revelation and its Time of the Islamic revelation and its establishment as a community corresponds establishment as a community corresponds to a profound drought.to a profound drought.

• Invasion of Syria, Iraq and Egypt followed.Invasion of Syria, Iraq and Egypt followed.

Mean RainfallMean Rainfall

ME in 6ME in 6thth Century Century

World War in the 7World War in the 7thth Century A.D.Century A.D.

- Sassanian Persia and Byzantine Sassanian Persia and Byzantine Rome were the great powers.Rome were the great powers.

- In the M.E. there were independent In the M.E. there were independent Jewish and Christian Arab states.Jewish and Christian Arab states.

- The two great powers fought a ten The two great powers fought a ten year war to the death, to exhaustion. year war to the death, to exhaustion. (kinetic exhaustion?)(kinetic exhaustion?)

- Islam expanded into a vacuum.Islam expanded into a vacuum.

ME in 6ME in 6thth Century Century

Early ExpansionEarly Expansion

Islam and ArianismIslam and Arianism

• The Prophet Muhammad was exposed to The Prophet Muhammad was exposed to many forms of Judaism and Christianity many forms of Judaism and Christianity in his travels.in his travels.

• Early Christian “fathers” in the lands Early Christian “fathers” in the lands captured by the Muslims thought Islam captured by the Muslims thought Islam was just another form of Christianity.was just another form of Christianity.

• ““Arian” Christianity was widespread in Arian” Christianity was widespread in Arabia. It held that Jesus was a great Arabia. It held that Jesus was a great prophet but not God. This is like Islam.prophet but not God. This is like Islam.

A World Theocratic StateA World Theocratic State

- The Umma.The Umma.- Islam is a “seamless garment.” Islam is a “seamless garment.” - Administered first from Damascus, Administered first from Damascus,

then from Baghdad.then from Baghdad.- Splintered early into “de facto” Splintered early into “de facto”

separate regions ruled by mercenary separate regions ruled by mercenary soldiers.soldiers.

- Has not been united for a thousand Has not been united for a thousand years.years.

Many forms of Islam - 1Many forms of Islam - 1

• Sunni – accepts the authority of Sunni – accepts the authority of Quran, and the early example Quran, and the early example (Sunna) of Islamic community and (Sunna) of Islamic community and majority community leaders.majority community leaders.

• Shia – Represents the interests of Shia – Represents the interests of the “underclass.” Probably the “underclass.” Probably developed as a result of Arab developed as a result of Arab discrimination against the discrimination against the conquered. Identity “pinned” to the conquered. Identity “pinned” to the rights of the prophets family. rights of the prophets family.

Many Forms of Islam - 2Many Forms of Islam - 2

• ShiaShia– Twelvers. Prevalent in Iraq and south Twelvers. Prevalent in Iraq and south

Lebanon.Lebanon.

– Seveners. Exist mainly in India and Seveners. Exist mainly in India and Pakistan.Pakistan.

– Fivers. Only in Yemen. Nearest Shia sect Fivers. Only in Yemen. Nearest Shia sect to Sunnis in law. Follow ancient to Sunnis in law. Follow ancient rationalist school of law.rationalist school of law.

Basic Facts of Sunni and Basic Facts of Sunni and Shia IslamShia Islam

• No “ordained” clergy. Ulema are scholars No “ordained” clergy. Ulema are scholars and officials, not priests.and officials, not priests.

• No Hierarchy.No Hierarchy.

• No sacraments. No baptism. Affirmation of No sacraments. No baptism. Affirmation of Islam is substitute. Marriage is a Islam is substitute. Marriage is a religiously certified contract.religiously certified contract.

Predominate forms of Islam Predominate forms of Islam are law drivenare law driven

• Man is insignificant. God is everything. Man is insignificant. God is everything. Man’s function is to obey God. Man’s function is to obey God.

• Therefore, knowing the will of God as Therefore, knowing the will of God as expressed in religious law is all expressed in religious law is all important.important.

• Determining accepted law and its Determining accepted law and its application is the principal function of application is the principal function of Ulema (clerics)Ulema (clerics)

The “Roots” of the law -1The “Roots” of the law -1(Usul Fiqh)(Usul Fiqh)

• Quran – The uncreated word of God. Quran – The uncreated word of God. It was not written by man (Muslim It was not written by man (Muslim understanding). It descended from understanding). It descended from heaven and has existed in this form heaven and has existed in this form and words for all eternity.and words for all eternity.

• Hadith – Various authorized Hadith – Various authorized collection of records of the practice collection of records of the practice of Muhammad and the early Muslim of Muhammad and the early Muslim community. The Shia and Sunni community. The Shia and Sunni have different collections.have different collections.

The “Roots” of the law - The “Roots” of the law - 22

• Qiyas – analogy from case law.Qiyas – analogy from case law.• Ijma’ – Because Islam has no “chain of Ijma’ – Because Islam has no “chain of

command,” consensus of Scholars or any command,” consensus of Scholars or any group of Muslims effectively determines group of Muslims effectively determines what law is accepted.what law is accepted.

• Ijtihad – individual striving for Ijtihad – individual striving for understanding of God’s will based on understanding of God’s will based on Quran, etc. The Shia believe this is still Quran, etc. The Shia believe this is still possible but the Sunni have not for a possible but the Sunni have not for a thousand years.thousand years.

Shia and Sunni beliefs on Shia and Sunni beliefs on IjtihadIjtihad

• The Twelver Shia believe that Ijtihad is The Twelver Shia believe that Ijtihad is still possible and that certain great still possible and that certain great scholars have this ability. They are scholars have this ability. They are certified by the “Howza.” A “university” certified by the “Howza.” A “university” of scholars. There are basically two, one of scholars. There are basically two, one in Iran and the other in Iraq. The two in Iran and the other in Iraq. The two are intimately connected.are intimately connected.

• The Sunni think this path to law is now The Sunni think this path to law is now blocked, but recent pressure has caused blocked, but recent pressure has caused them to at least reconsider the subject.them to at least reconsider the subject.

Schools of Sunni LawSchools of Sunni Law

• Hanbali – In use only in Saudi Arabia and Hanbali – In use only in Saudi Arabia and Qatar. Relies only on Quran and Hadith Qatar. Relies only on Quran and Hadith for making judgments of law. Forms the for making judgments of law. Forms the background of Wahhabism, takfiri background of Wahhabism, takfiri jihadism and Al-jihadism and Al-Qa’ida.Qa’ida.

• Hanafi – This was the official “school” of Hanafi – This was the official “school” of law of the Ottoman Empire and for that law of the Ottoman Empire and for that reason is widely accepted. reason is widely accepted.

• Shafa’i – The oldest and most widely Shafa’i – The oldest and most widely accepted school.accepted school.

• Maliki – Prevalent in western north Africa.Maliki – Prevalent in western north Africa.

Shia LawShia Law

• More organizationally structured than More organizationally structured than Sunni law and based on the ijma’ Sunni law and based on the ijma’ (consensus) of the great mujtahids of Shia (consensus) of the great mujtahids of Shia Islam. They are also called ayatollahs.Islam. They are also called ayatollahs.

• The consensus is formed in the Howza of The consensus is formed in the Howza of a great center of learning or in the a great center of learning or in the following of a single man.following of a single man.

• Such a man is called a “marja at-taqliid” Such a man is called a “marja at-taqliid” or “reference point for emulation.”or “reference point for emulation.”

• Such a man’s opinions have no authority Such a man’s opinions have no authority after his death.after his death.

Ijma’ and Group Ijma’ and Group ConsensusConsensus

• Because of the lack of hierarchy, Because of the lack of hierarchy, group identity within Islam and group identity within Islam and belief in what Islam is altogether belief in what Islam is altogether dependent on the group’s dependent on the group’s acceptance of the leader or the acceptance of the leader or the group’s teaching.group’s teaching.

• ““Official” Islamic authorities do not Official” Islamic authorities do not accept this bit it is effectively the accept this bit it is effectively the truth.truth.

““Levels” in IslamLevels” in Islam

• Like all great religions Islam exists Like all great religions Islam exists at different levels of sophistication.at different levels of sophistication.

• At the top, men like Al-Ghazali, great At the top, men like Al-Ghazali, great philosophers ranking with Aristotle philosophers ranking with Aristotle and Plato.and Plato.

• At the bottom, a mass of folk religion At the bottom, a mass of folk religion and superstition filled with demons, and superstition filled with demons, genies and charms.genies and charms.

The Five PillarsThe Five Pillars

• Witness – “There is no God, but God and Witness – “There is no God, but God and Muhammad is the messenger of God.”Muhammad is the messenger of God.”

• Pilgrimage – To Mecca at least once in a Pilgrimage – To Mecca at least once in a lifetime during “Dhu al-Hajj.”lifetime during “Dhu al-Hajj.”

• Prayer – Five times a day, preferably in Prayer – Five times a day, preferably in formation.formation.

• Alms – “Zakat” Tithing, preferably to the Alms – “Zakat” Tithing, preferably to the poor.poor.

• Fasting- in Ramadan unless one is traveling Fasting- in Ramadan unless one is traveling or ill.or ill.

The MahdiThe Mahdi

• Both Shia and Sunni Islam believe in the Both Shia and Sunni Islam believe in the existence of a “Mahdi” or savior. This belief existence of a “Mahdi” or savior. This belief is probably based on earlier Jewish and is probably based on earlier Jewish and Christian beliefs. Christian beliefs.

• In the case of the Shia, the belief is that the In the case of the Shia, the belief is that the Mahdi is the same person as the “hidden” Mahdi is the same person as the “hidden” 1212thth Imam of the Twelver Shia community. Imam of the Twelver Shia community. According to their belief this descendant of According to their belief this descendant of Muhammad awaits the time of final Muhammad awaits the time of final judgment when he will come with Jesus to judgment when he will come with Jesus to judge all.judge all.

The Sunni MahdiThe Sunni Mahdi

The Sunni Mahdi is different. He The Sunni Mahdi is different. He

Is an extraordinary man who has come into Is an extraordinary man who has come into

the world as a “renewer of religion the world as a “renewer of religion (mujaddid(mujaddid

al-din). He may be of any profession,al-din). He may be of any profession,

soldier, scholar, etc. There have been soldier, scholar, etc. There have been manymany

claimants to the title.claimants to the title.

The Sufis - 1The Sufis - 1

• ““Orthodox” Islam is a matter of law and Orthodox” Islam is a matter of law and obedience to God’s law.obedience to God’s law.

• This is a view of man’s relationship to This is a view of man’s relationship to God which is not enough for many.God which is not enough for many.

• In response many Muslims have In response many Muslims have individually or in groups believed that individually or in groups believed that they could know God’s love personally.they could know God’s love personally.

• They are called Sufis and their They are called Sufis and their mysticism is related to that of Jews and mysticism is related to that of Jews and Christians.Christians.

The Sufis - 2The Sufis - 2• In the early days of Islam these people were In the early days of Islam these people were

persecuted terribly for what was seen to be persecuted terribly for what was seen to be blasphemy. blasphemy.

• Many were burned or crucified for their “sin.”Many were burned or crucified for their “sin.”• After a few hundred years, a great scholar After a few hundred years, a great scholar

(alim) appeared who reconciled mainstream (alim) appeared who reconciled mainstream Islam to the Sufis by persuading them to Islam to the Sufis by persuading them to accept the idea that they did not actually see accept the idea that they did not actually see God, but, instead only his image. (Al-Ghazali) God, but, instead only his image. (Al-Ghazali) This saved them and they are widely This saved them and they are widely accepted today.accepted today.

• There are many Sufi “orders,” the members There are many Sufi “orders,” the members of which are often professional people.of which are often professional people.

Popular ReligionPopular Religion

• The high culture of Islam is only part of The high culture of Islam is only part of the story.the story.

• ““Peoples’ Religion” is the rest of the story.Peoples’ Religion” is the rest of the story.• Village religion is filled with belief in Village religion is filled with belief in

saints, love of God as creator and tribal saints, love of God as creator and tribal custom as modifying Islam.custom as modifying Islam.

• In Iraq, village religion mixes strongly In Iraq, village religion mixes strongly with Sufi empathic feeling and Sharia law with Sufi empathic feeling and Sharia law to make a “brew” that is inherently hostile to make a “brew” that is inherently hostile to Al-Qa’ida’s constipated view of Islam.to Al-Qa’ida’s constipated view of Islam.

CultureCulture

- Not a “soft”discipline”, not about Not a “soft”discipline”, not about cute folkways.cute folkways.

- The totality of group custom, The totality of group custom, tradition and informal “law.”tradition and informal “law.”

- Often expressed informally by local Often expressed informally by local and oral passage.and oral passage.

- Often in conflict with “High Often in conflict with “High Culture.”Culture.”

ME EthnicityME Ethnicity

Alien Social Science Alien Social Science ModelsModels

- Based on assumptions of causes of Based on assumptions of causes of human behavior imported from the human behavior imported from the West.West.

- Usually contain an economic Usually contain an economic determinist (marxist) bias.determinist (marxist) bias.

- Inadequate to explain personal Inadequate to explain personal behaviors of religious zealots.behaviors of religious zealots.

- Inadequate to explain soldiers Inadequate to explain soldiers anywhere.anywhere.

Emic vs. EticEmic vs. Etic

• Emic knowledge is that which you “learn” Emic knowledge is that which you “learn” from what people tell you about themselves or from what people tell you about themselves or others.others.

• Etic knowledge is what you decide is true Etic knowledge is what you decide is true about the same people after you have about the same people after you have evaluated all available data, including the evaluated all available data, including the Emic knowledge.Emic knowledge.

• Never! Never! Accept what people tell you Never! Never! Accept what people tell you about themselves at face value.about themselves at face value.

• People have many reasons for telling you People have many reasons for telling you things that are not accurate. things that are not accurate.

Mean RainfallMean Rainfall

Culture of Poverty in the Culture of Poverty in the M.E.M.E.

- Low Mean Rainfall as previously Low Mean Rainfall as previously explained.explained.

- Up until now this has meant Up until now this has meant permanently inadequate arable land permanently inadequate arable land available.available.

- Permeating belief in the “limited good.” Permeating belief in the “limited good.” - Tendency toward belief that life is Tendency toward belief that life is

transactional and that all deals are transactional and that all deals are “zero sum.”“zero sum.”

Effect of “Zero Sum” Effect of “Zero Sum” IdeaIdea

- Difficulty in negotiating with “win-Difficulty in negotiating with “win-win” outcome as goal.win” outcome as goal.

- West (U.S.) typically seeks negotiated West (U.S.) typically seeks negotiated outcomes in which both sides win. outcomes in which both sides win. (Dialectic) (Dialectic)

- Easterners know we expect this and Easterners know we expect this and tell us what we want to hear.tell us what we want to hear.

- In the East, negotiations, typically are In the East, negotiations, typically are about graceful surrender of the about graceful surrender of the weaker. weaker.

Scarcity Model Scarcity Model ApplicabilityApplicability

- Inside-Outside identity applies Inside-Outside identity applies throughout the region. (hua wahid min-throughout the region. (hua wahid min-na)na)

- Tribal, family or other ethnic identity Tribal, family or other ethnic identity competes with or complements religion.competes with or complements religion.

- ““Zero Sum Game” mentality is applied Zero Sum Game” mentality is applied in personal life, business, government.in personal life, business, government.

- Many understand our way, but not Many understand our way, but not ready to accept it “inside.”ready to accept it “inside.”

Segmentary Lineage Segmentary Lineage SystemsSystems

- People imagine themselves to be related People imagine themselves to be related by blood. (sometimes they are)by blood. (sometimes they are)

- Necessary to form self-defense alliances Necessary to form self-defense alliances among tribes, families, villages, etc.among tribes, families, villages, etc.

- Begins in pastoral situation. Persists Begins in pastoral situation. Persists for a long time in towns.for a long time in towns.

- Layers of: family, extended family, clan, Layers of: family, extended family, clan, tribe, confederation. “Khums.”tribe, confederation. “Khums.”

Custom and CultureCustom and Culture

- ‘‘Urf. The totality of tribal customary Urf. The totality of tribal customary law as conceived and accepted by a law as conceived and accepted by a particular group. Sometimes particular group. Sometimes accepted by ‘Ulema, sometimes not.accepted by ‘Ulema, sometimes not.

- ‘‘Aada. Literally that which is Aada. Literally that which is accepted as daily practice by a accepted as daily practice by a group,group,

- Taqliid. Tradition.Taqliid. Tradition.

Compromise Not EasyCompromise Not Easy

- System biased against it. One who System biased against it. One who compromises feels like a “loser.”compromises feels like a “loser.”

- Instinct is to “outplay” interlocutor.Instinct is to “outplay” interlocutor.- Still possible even if as last resort.Still possible even if as last resort.- Requires consensus (ijma’) of group Requires consensus (ijma’) of group

involved.involved.- Went wrong at CD 2.Went wrong at CD 2.- Evolution of compromise better than Evolution of compromise better than

spectacular.spectacular.

Their Own Culture is Still Their Own Culture is Still StrongStrong

- Colonialists and Others have tried Colonialists and Others have tried hard to “globalize” the M.E.hard to “globalize” the M.E.

- So far, not a lot of success, maybe So far, not a lot of success, maybe with time.with time.

- Exposure to world media will make Exposure to world media will make long term changes in attitudes.long term changes in attitudes.

Big NewsBig News

People in the Middle East do not want to People in the Middle East do not want to be“ like us.” They want a good life.be“ like us.” They want a good life.They want the “goodies,” but not theThey want the “goodies,” but not the““baggage” of our culture. Typically baggage” of our culture. Typically They value, unity, not individuality. TheyThey value, unity, not individuality. Theyvalue family and tribal loyalty. Not some value family and tribal loyalty. Not some other set of values. It is not true that insideother set of values. It is not true that insideevery Iraqi there is an American who wants every Iraqi there is an American who wants

toto““get out.”get out.”

FinisFinis

(The End)(The End)