Introduction

Explain the characteristics of the Middle East before the advent of Islam. Introduce Islam and the general impact it had on the Middle East.

Introduce the three examples you have chosen as evidence of the changes Islam brought about.

Thesis-state the impact of Islam on the people and culture of the Middle East as shown in the examples you have chosen and the contrast you will be making

Transition-prepare the reader for the first topic of the essay.

I. Before, Islam the pre-Islamic Arabs religions were Bedouin polytheism, Judiasm, and Christianity. Mecca was the center of Bedouin polytheism with its Ka’ ba, which was used as a temple for their religion. By 7th century Islam had emerged. One might wonder, how did Islam become a predominant religion to the people of the Middle East? Along, came Muhammad in 612!He put a shut down to the pagan society and introduced “monotheism”. He changed society because, at the time, most of “the Arabs were pagans who worshipped local Gods, believe in spirits, and called on soothsayers for prophesies.” He taught them that they should only be worshiping One God, and he is the creator of the universe. Muhammad also demonstrated social conduct and taught the Arabs morals. He taught the Arabs to live the way God intended them to live, and created a community based on equality, justice and compassion. First, Islam has impact the people and culture by introducing moral codes so they can improve as a society. Secondly, had there been no Islam, women in the Middle Eastern society would have continued being deprived of their rights. Society treated women as if they were sex objects instead of equal human beings.

Lastly, today, one can look at the Middle East and see the exceptional visual arts, ceramics and architecture. From the breath taking mosques to the calligraphy, one can see the major influence Islam has had on the Middle East art and architecture. Overall Islam has helped transition the Middle East morally, socially, and culturally. If Islam was not brought to the Middle East society would not have moral codes today, tribes would still exist, and bloody wars between tribes.

Body 1

The focus of the content of this paragraph should be a summary of the First example or area you are discussing as evidence of Islam’s impact upon the Middle East.

In this paragraph you should fully explain the example. For example, if you chose women’s rights as one of your examples, you will clarify what Islam states regarding women’s rights and how it enforces women’s rights. This paragraph must show your command of the example you have chosen.

Example-use a specific quotation or scholarly evidence that provides evidence of the Islamic teaching.

The Middle East would be a disaster without Islam. One of the most important things Islam has done for the Middle East is set up moral codes for their society. These moral codes came from the Qur’an and were used to help shape their society. It served as a direct guidance from Allah himself, and explained what was acceptable, expected, right and wrong. Some key moral codes Islam has set up are society’s laws must be obeyed, fornication and lewd behavior are forbidden, and intoxication is forbidden. The whole purpose of these codes is it is for a man or women’s duty to live his or her life according to Allah’s dictations. Islam enforces these moral codes by informing society if they are not following these rules, they are not living in accordance to what Allah wants, and will have to pay the consequence for their actions. “For every bad action there is a consequence” is a a wonderful quote to use in reference to the Islamic teachings, because Allah is watching your every action and you will be held accountable in the afterlife.

Body 2 -This paragraph will address the First example that you summarized in the previous paragraph and explain how this example is a direct result of Islam’s impact.

Clarify the context before the advent of Islam in order to make your point that the changes you are discussing are a direct result of Islam.

Analysis-Explain how the work you described in the previous paragraph is a direct result of Islam.

Relationship—Explain how the example you have chosen is evident in the Middle East after the spread of Islam and has significantly changed the Middle East.

Life without Islam left the Arabs morally deprived. Life was pointless, it had no meaning or purpose. There was no guidance to help them establish morals for themselves. Instead, the pagans depended on soothsayers and spirits for answers and decisions. During the Pre-Islamic Era the Bedouins of the 7th century lacked a unifying religious system. They had no unification, religion, or much in the way of moral code, since they were mostly concerned with daily pleasure. There was also no government, therefore there was no sense of law or moral code. The only law of the land was lawlessness. This resulted in people would take the law into their own hands, they became compulsive drinkers, and fornication and leading were acceptable. In the event a crime was committed, the injured party took law in its own hands, and tried to administer “justice” to the offender. Islam put a stop to all of these immoral behaviors. Islam brought laws provided within the Qu’ran to ensure society’s laws are obeyed, and to forbid intoxication, fornication and lewding behavior. The spread of Islam and has significantly changed the Middle East, because ever since Islam the Middle East has become a society that now has moral standards the people follow. They know the difference between right and wrong, and what they can do and cannot do, because these are direct instructions from Allah himself.

Body 3

The focus of the content of this paragraph should be a summary of the Second example or area you are discussing as evidence of Islam’s impact upon the Middle East.

Before Islam was born in the Middle East, women did not hold any value in society. They were not respected and were treated more like objects. Islam has improved the standard of living for women and increased their rights. Islam states that the status of Muslim women is the same as the men. According to Allah in the Qu’ran both have are equal and have equal responsibilities to uphold the lifestyle he wants them to live. Even the Islamic prophet emphasized the importance of treating women equally. He always treated women with the up most respect and was very kind to them. “Treat your women well and be kind for them for they are your partners and committed helpers”-Prophet Muhammad-

Body 4—This paragraph will address the Second example which you summarized in the previous paragraph

Same format as body 2-with example 2

Prior to adopting Islam, women had no status in society. They were treated like territory, and the male class dominated everything. They were not allowed to pick their spouse. A male would choose their wife, and she no choice but to accept. If a women were divorced, she would have to remain divorce, remarrying was not allowed. Today’s day, a typical window in most circumstances should be able to inherit their deceased husband’s belongs. However, men in the pagan Arab society would highly disagree. A window was not entitled to inherit her husband belongings, instead it was to be passed down to the son in the family. Furthermore, she was not allowed to inherit any belongs from her parents. There were no set limits on how many wives a many can marry. He was free to have as many as he wished. According to www.womeninislam.ws says, there were no laws that said a man beating his wife was unacceptable.

Although historically women are often seen as a lower class, the Islamic Qur’an explained that women are equal to men, giving women the opportunity to seek their rights. After Islam was adopted in the Middle East, it changed women’s rights and living standards significantly, instead of treating women like property according to Allah, men were required to take full care of their women.“4:34 MEN SHALL take full care of women with the bounties which God has bestowed more abundantly on the former than on the latter, and with what they may spend out of their possessions.” A women can choose her spouse, and divorce her spouse if she desires. Verse 2:228 says, Women undergo a three month a three month waiting period, without remarrying. When the period is over the husband can either take them back or let their wives go. The men cannot force the women to stay, if the women does not want to according to verse 4:19 “It is not lawful for you to [try to] become heirs to your wives [by holding onto them] against their will.” Both men and women have equal rights here, because they both have the choice of leaving if they desire. She can also inherit belongs from her parents and deceased husband. A man is not allowed to have several wives and beating her is unacceptable. None of this could happen without the miracle of Islam.