What you need to know about Islam #2

To understand Islam it is very helpful to know the culture that it was derived from. Muhammad bore islam from seventh century Arabia. Knowing that it makes me want to ask the question where was Allah up to that point? Modern day Arabia is the countries of Yemen, Oman, United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan. 

Before Islam was born in this region it was ruled by tribes. The tribal leaders were the governing authority. There was not any other form of law or government. Each tribe was very loyal to their own tribe and culture. So as Islam was formed loyalty was a deeply rooted trait in the culture. Remember that!

These tribes/Arabs during this time and as Muhammad started Islam were known for being extremists in just about everything....extreme love, extreme hate, and absolutely no tolerance for anyone different than them. Are you starting to get the picture yet?

So once Islam was formed it had embraced the tribal/Arabic characteristics. It was their way or no way. They did not sit down and have diplomatic discussions with those who were different than them! So today we see that even many non-Arab Muslims have adopted the same characteristics such as Iranians, Afghans, Pakistanis, Indians and others.

Islam did not change anything about this tribal culture, and Jihad (striving for the cause of Allah) is a core belief. See how it fits right in? Islam calls for followers to act out their courage and faith in Allah in violent ways. Remember....my way or death! 
Islam taught when they did conquer an enemy they were rewarded with possessions of that enemy and thus this was a big draw for the Arab tribes to come into Islam. It actually became a problem in early Islam on the proper way to divide the enemies possessions as Islamic history tells us.

So Muhammad was born into a culture of conquest and bloodshed, and it was normal. 

This small picture we see so far should already start to help you see the big picture!

John 8:32 “and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

Tom