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This is a multi-part lecture I delivered to students in my class on Religion and Politics.  This focuses on the context within which Islam emerged.  There is an earlier talk on the Satanic Verses if you are interested. 

As I would always do, I asked students for reactions to these lectures Here is what they said. 

Many of you were very surprised to learn about the story of revelation and the origin of the Koran.  

Regarding the idea of not showing images of Mohammed, there are images of him as a young boy circulating in the Islamic world.  But they are before he became a prophet.  Hence no problem. 

You liked the idea that all prophets were flawed and that all resisted the idea of their prophethood lest they were promoting their unworthy selves and were misunderstanding God’s intentions. 

Several of you were struck with the fact that there were 360 Gods in the pantheon. You said you realized the significance of that number from the numerology lecture even before I discussed it.  Bravo to you. 

Regarding the fact that Islam just means to submit to God’s will some wondered why people were not just called Believers.  Interesting point.  The original Christians were called followers of The Way, i.e., the example of Jesus.  Ironically, that is what the term Sunnah means, the examples or ways of the Prophet. 

Several were surprised at the countries where Muslims live. You thought Arabs and Muslims were the same.  The fact that there are more Muslims in the US than in Lebanon was a surprise. 

Only one person thought Mohammed was considered a God

You were surprised that Mecca was a cosmopolitan city, not a desert. (But dry by Michigan standards). 

You were surprised that although Islamic rule was spread by conquest, the Islamic religion was not. 

You liked the list of false understandings about the origins and nature of Islam.  It is called “unlearning.” 

Jinn was a new and interesting concept to you.   Local people have stories about a Jinn in the house who rattle around and wakes people at night.  Two local guys put up a big billboard in East Dearborn a few years ago advertising themselves as “Jinn Busters.”  Is your marriage in trouble?  Do you have low self-esteem?  Lost your job?  A Jinn did it.  We can help.  (I am not sure they are still in business). 

Question:  If you are not physically able to fast do you still have to?  The answer is no.  There are waivers for such people, including pregnant or menstruating women, the ill, soldiers in combat, etc. 

Did I tell you the story of my exchange on a pastor’s discussion group?  I mentioned the Satanic Verses and said I wished  we knew there were three Satanic Verses in the Bible.   One person said if this were true, he would renounce his religion because if any part of it is false, then all is false.  (Note: This is called Idolatry with a Book).  Another said he agreed.  Then we would have to examine each verse within the context of an overall divine plan to make sure we were not being deceived by Satan.  Hmm. 

Some of you may want to read something on this topic.  British writer Karen Armstrong wrote a very readable biography of Mohammed.  I like that she used primary sources.  

Some of you wished you could talk to Muslims.  If you seek a beautiful opportunity, look about you.  (Note:  That is a paraphrase of the Michigan state motto).  The people in this class are very friendly and thoughtful.  They might also like to talk to you.