Islam
The study of Islam is unique in many ways. In the twenty first century this ‘uniqueness’ provides many insights as well as barriers.
The best place to start with the study of anything is the very beginning. In our case, or the case of Islam, that is Saudi Arabia (more specifically Mecca & Medina) in the 7th cent C.E. Not only is the beginning the best place to start, but also the most important for understanding the development of any religion or culture; however, we must be willing to branch out and move away from our starting point. Unfortunately, with Islam it is here that many people seem to hit a wall.
In modern times there is an obvious association between Islam and the East, and why not? There are numerous nation states that specifically declare themselves Muslim, and it is there that a large percentage of the worlds Muslim population resides…Pakistan, Palestine, Bangladesh, Afghanistan….ect…ect. However; one cannot forget that Islam exists outside of the ‘East’. It also exists in America, Canada, France, ect….ect. It is imperative that we make this realization, and from this realization the distinction between Islam and the East.
When talking about a distinction between Islam and the East, what are we talking about? While religion is part of our culture it does not dictate the latter, nor does the latter the former. Unfortunately much study into what it means to be Muslim is coloured by the study of the culture of the Middle East. Clearly the customs of these people affect the way they practice their religion, and it even makes a direct impact on what it means to be Muslim. However, in the broad sense these cultural and ethnic distinctions cannot speak for the Muslim community around the world.
As stated earlier, it is important to understand where and how a religion began. By looking at Saudi Arabia and surrounding countries since the 7th cent we can see how Islam developed and matured. By looking at Islam around the world and drawing focus to the overlaps and distinction between Muslims around the world we can hope to highlight the Universal aspects or what truly is a Universal relgion.
