The Study of Muslim Conflicts Why? I find myself less and less patient and satisfied with assertions that “Islam teaches us...” This seems to me to be an attempt to bypass the role of Muslims in articulating this thing called Islam. Let me be clear, and perhaps controversial here: “Islam” teaches us nothing. The Prophet Muhammad does. Interpretive communities do. I would argue that God does, through the text of the Qur’an. But in the case of texts, there are human beings who read them, interpret them, and expound their meanings...In all cases, the dissemination of Divine teachings is achieved through human agency. Religion is already mediated. - Omid Safi Who have been your Agents in understanding Islam?

The Study of Muslim Conflicts Why study this? Islam is neither uniform nor simple. Let us learn the different perspectives and allow individuals to judge which one is the best for themselves.

The Study of Muslim Conflicts Why do Muslims believe Muhammad (pbuh) was a prophet and no prophet will come after him? How does academia answer this question? Are Muslims required to reject any prophets who appeared before or after the Prophet Muhammad?

The Three Fundamentals of Faith Does my existence have purpose? Is there any proof of a Divine existence? Is there any proof of life after death? God, Prophethood, The Hereafter Are there clear signs? Yes. Is the evidence undeniable? No. That would contradict the purpose of rewarding faith.

What is Faith? The conflation of submission/practice and faith. The conflation of faith and certainty. The Leap of Faith is to trust. More specifically: to trust certain theological doctrines to be true. 1. Assume 2. Trust 3. Know

The source of faith Faith as a conscious decision to trust. Faith consists of a mixture of knowledge, will, love and hope. Are there objects, exercises or habits in your life that increase your faith? Are there things that decrease your faith?

“Signs” in the philosophy of the Quran The ordered, transient, physical and biological world around us. The Rare Earth Theory: Astrobiologists claim complex life is incredibly unlikely to exist elsewhere in the galaxy due to various extremely rare events that allowed Earth to come into existence. What does the scarcity of complex life in our galaxy induce you to ask?

“Signs” in the philosophy of the Quran What if extraordinarily pious, ascetic, wise and compassionate men, who never erred in their teachings and taught their societies the meaning of virtue also swore in the existence of a Divine Source? Would you believe them? What if they said there was a purpose to life? The Qur'an criticizes those who refuse to believe those prophets for no tangible reason.

Why Should I have faith? We doubt the testimony of those who are either unwise or untruthful in their words. There is no clear reason to doubt prophets and their testimony because they were pious men who spoke with wisdom. How do I establish fundamental proofs in my faith? 1. The Qur'an 2. The Collective Memory 3. Collective Practice 4. Reason Interpretive Communities & Agency