Huston Smith Part 4

Chapter 8- Sufism
Question: How did Sufism come to be and what is it?
Main Ideas:
1. Those within the Islamic Community after Muhammad's death were known as Sufis
2. Every message in the Koran is important
3. Sufis wanted to encounter God directly
4. Esoteric- only understood by few
5. Symbolism is a principle method
Thesis Statement: Sufism came to be after the death of Muhammad and is the mystical dimension of Islam.
Summary: Sufism is the mystical dimension of Islam and is practiced by some of the Muslim community. Symbols are very important to Sufis, as it gives them something to worship God with and give emphasis to a specific idea or concept. Sufis believe that the Koran is very sacred and that every message told in it should be practiced as often and accurately as possible. Sufis also wanted to encounter God directly in their everyday lives. Because of this, Sufism is esoteric, or only understood by a few people.

Chapter 9- Whither Islam
Question: How has the whither, or degree of following Muhammad's words, changed in the religion?
Main Ideas:
1. Practice of Islam is replaced by "mere profession"
2. Muslims have wandered from the words of Muhammad
3. Faithful prayer is very important
4. God is amazing and great
5. There is only one God in the world, Allah
Thesis Statement: Muhammad is still very important in the religion of Islam, but his words have slightly different meaning now and Muslim's interpret them differently because of "mere profession".
Summary: Islam over the years has slightly changed due to the "mere professions" of Muhammad's words and the prophet's words are interpreted differently today than they were many years ago. Some things have stayed the same and that includes one faithful prayer that reads, "God is most great, God is most great. I testify that their is no god but God. I testify that Muhammad is the prophet of God. Arise and pray. God is most great. God is most great. There is no god but God".