I think it is especially important to try and understand the conflict in the Middle East. To understand it means understanding its many cultures and religions. Islam is made up of several nomadic tribes (Bedouins) bound together by the Muslim religion. The Muslim religion is perhaps one of the largest practiced religions in this area. I like the passage Strayer quotes from Muhammad;

"All mankind is from Adam and Eve, and Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab nor a non-Arab has any superiority over an Arab; also a white has no superiority over a black nor a black has any superiority over a white––except by piety and good action. Learn that every Muslim is a brother to every Muslim and that the Muslims constitute one brotherhood."

This is how the Muslims viewed each other. They also had the belief of "being" or "correct behavior". This means more than just saying your Muslim, but to live and breathe the religion. That your every thought and movement be governed by Allah.

Muhammad Ibn Abdullah (570-632 C.E.) born in Mecca, is Allah's messenger. He is the equivalent to Jesus, Moses, Buddha, and Abraham. Muhammad grew in a time of religious corruption and social inequalities. His revelations came to him approx. 610 and continued for 22yrs. These revelations came to be known as the Quran, the Muslim's live by this text. They are sacred scriptures meant to be recited not simply read. Reciting it in its original Arabic form is said to give one the feeling of "Divine" presence. The Muslim religion is monotheistic, there is only one God, Allah. He is seen as all powerful. creator, good, just, and merciful.

The Core message of the Quran - Law of God these are 5 requirements a.k.a. "Pillars of Islam"

1- There is no God but, Allah and Muhammad is its messenger.
2- prayer 5x a day while facing Mecca, this also involves rituals of cleansing, bowing, kneeling, prostration - this is a reminder that one is always in the presence of the Divine.
3- Be generous, help maintain the community and poor.
4- Fasting "Ramadan" - no food, drink, or sexual relations between dawn and sundown.
This symbolizes purification and reminds us of the needs of the hungry
5- Hajj, pilgrimage to Mecca at least once in ones lifetime.
6-? Jihad- "of the sword" it is the struggle of the fight against evil.

The difference between Sunni and Shia

After Muhammad died, the community became divided. The dispute is based on whom should be the successor? The civil war began with the four Caliphs (close companions of the Prophet). The Sunni's believe the Caliphs are the rightful leaders. The Shia (faction) believe the bloodline of Ali(one of the original Caliphs) is the rightful heir to lead.

I enjoyed this chapter it helped me to understand the religion and the history of its people.