Prompt 1

Prompt 1
Throughout this semester, we have encountered a number of historical developments (social, legal, cultural, political) that have been deemed “Islamic” and have informed our understanding of Islam and Islamic history. Shahab Ahmed, author of What is Islam, further pushes our conceptions of what can be termed “Islamic.” For this prompt, read Ahmed’s arguments in “Six Questions about Islam” (Chapter 1 of What is Islam? under Week 15 Readings – about 100 pages). Focus on the themes and
“big picture” discussions he puts forth (do not get bogged down with names).

Once you have completed the reading, write a paper agreeing or disagreeing with Ahmed’s opinion of how the West approaches the study of Islam and Islamic history. Use materials we have covered in class: our primary sources, course lectures, textbooks. Successful papers will consider the variety of elements we have covered in this course and articulate a well-crafted, succinct argument about the question at hand by utilizing primary and secondary materials from this course.

You must use my teacher’s website for primary and secondary sources.
augustsamie.com/courses
Password to access materials: vitameatavegamin