Houston Smith Part 4

Page 75-End

Sufism: How do the practices of Shi’ite Muslims different from the practices of Sunnis Muslims?

1.       Sunnis are the traditionalists of Islam (from the word sunnah or tradition)

2.       Sufis have aims to fight to separate Islam and worldliness

3.       Sufis often don’t get married but instead they follow spiritual masters

4.       Sufis tend to follow a artistic paths to spirituality through the use of love poetry and music from the flute

5.       Sufism seeks to separate from all things that are not divine. Sufism shows Allah as the most divine.

Thesis: The main difference between the Sufis and the Shi'ites comes about when talking about practicing tradition through the arts in order to separate all things that aren’t divine from Allah who is the most divine.


Whither Islam: How have the practices of Islam influence those who choose to or not to follow the reigion?

1.       There was transition from ancient Islamic practices of following the Muhammad’s spirit to building ties between Muslims and Allah

2.       Islam considers nations more civilized through their developments in art, science, and philosophies

3.       Islam welcomes industrialization , but discourages interaction with the west

4.       Islam is currently is one of the most prominent religions with billions of followers Dark Ages of Egypt

5.       Islam waited to show the west their innovations and philosophies during what is considered to be the

Thesis: For the duration of Islam’s existence it has been a prominent religion. The Islamic faith continues to spread all over the world and seeks to gain even more foundation in the western world.