Reference no: EM133246735

1)Maria Rose Menocal presents us with a picture of life in al-Andalus - the Umayyad Caliphate in southern Spain. How does Menocal describe relations between Muslims, Jews and Christians during this time? What evidence does she point to for her argument that it was a time of religious tolerance? Be specific.

2)The sura #4, "Women," as advertised, addresses the key social institution: the family and specifically a woman's role in family and Islamic society. What are some key statements that the Qur'an makes about women? How do you think these ideas compare with others in the Arabian world? Do you think they are harsher, more clement? Are there any clues within the text to decide one way or another? What about the role of the poor (orphans, widows, etc.)? How are they represented? What light might this cast on the notions of society in the Qur'an as a whole?

3)How would you describe the morality of the Qur'an? Whose responsibility is it to act in a moral manner? How should a Muslim know what is moral and what is not? Again, how do you think this conception of morality relates to the broader context of morality in Arabia at that time?

4)Finally, how would you describe the role of Muhammad as it is presented so far in the Qur'an? What is his position in the faith? What is his job? How do you think this compares to what you know about the main figures in Judaism and Christianity (Moses and Jesus)? How does this Qur'anic presentation of Muhammad compare and contrast with the one presented in the films?