05-22-2008, 05:20 PM
Islam
Founder
Founded by Muhammad. It dates from AD 622, in Mecca and Medina. Headquarters in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. Main sects: Sunni, Shi’ite.
Writings
Qji’ran (Koran) in Arabic form. Hadith (Muhammad’s words and deeds).
Who is God?
One sovereign God, Allah, who spoke through the prophet Muhammad. Allah is more a god of judgement and wrath than of grace and love. Communicates through angels and prophets.
Who is Jesus?
Jesus is a prophet like Adam, Abraham, Moses, David and Muhammad. Virgin born. Miracle worker. Sinless. Not Gods son. Not divine or God Himself. Not crucified. Did not die for the sins of the world (he ascended to heaven without dying). Referred to as messiah, servant, word, spirit, prophet, messenger, righteous, blessed, and near Allah. Will return to rule for a period of time.
Who is the Holy Spirit?
No Holy Spirit or Trinity. Believe Allah’s spirit is present in the world. Jesus has the spirit of Allah within himself
How to be saved.
Humans are fallible, fickle, and need guidance. Allah rewards and punishes based on human’s work and God’s mercy. God will weigh good deeds against bad deeds.
What happens after death?
Resurrection of bodies. Final judgment and rewards. Eternal hell for those who reject Islam or do not live by the light. Eternal Paradise for those saved.
Other beliefs or practices.
Followers are called Muslims. Go to mosque for prayers, sermons, counsel. Pray five times daily facing Mecca. Confess faith in Allah and his apostle Muhammad. Holy efforts to spread Islam (jihad) Fast during the month of Ramadan. Share wealth with the needy. Make pilgrimage to Mecca