Islam

After reading this page you will find the beginning of critical review of the difference between Islam and Christianity follow this link. Overview:

	Monotheistic religion – a system of belief in one God
	Had its beginnings in the seventh century A. D. under the leadership of Muhammad
	Muhammad was alleged to be the greatest of a long line of prophets that includes Moses and Jesus
	Allah is the God of Islam
	Islam means “submission to the will of Allah”
	Islam’s holy book is the Quran

The Five Pillars of Islam

1. Prayers – Muslims are expected to perform sadat [offer prayers] 5 times a day [dawn, noon, afternoon, evening and night]. These prayers involve a series of postures [standing, kneeling, hands and face on the ground, etc] while facing Mecca, their holy city

2. Creedal recitation – Expected to publicly recite the Shahadah: ”There is no god but Allah and Muhammad is the prophet of Allah.” When recited with conviction makes one a believer.

3. Give alms – Muslims are expected to 2 ½ of their income to benefit widows, orphans and the sick. It also may be used to build mosques and religious schools.

4. Fast – Expected to fast during the month of Ramadan during which time Muslims are to abstain from food, drink, smoking and sexual relations during daylight hours.

5. Pilgrimage – Health and finances providing, every Muslim is expected to make an official pilgrimage to Mecca [Hajj] at least once in his or her life. If one is unable to go, one is permitted to have another person make the Hajj for him as a proxy.

· He Five Doctrines of Islam

1. God – One true God, Allah. Allah is said to have seven primary characteristics: He is absolute unity [He can have no son or partner], all-seeing, all-hearing, all-speaking, all-knowing, all-willing and all-powerful.

2. Angels – There is a hierarchy of angels between Allah and humans. Each human being is said to have two recording angels who list all of his deeds, good and bad. This record of deeds will be brought forth at the coming judgment.

3. Holy Books – There are four inspired books: the Torah of Moses, the psalms of David, the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the Quran [contains all the teachings of Muhammad]. The Quran contains Allah’s final message and supersedes all previous revelation. The Quran abrogates any conflicting truth claims and only the Quran has been preserved in an uncorrupted state.

4. Prophets – Allah has sent over 100,000 prophets to human beings but the most important ones number less than 30 and the greatest is Muhammad. Other prominent prophets include Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, David, Solomon, Jonah, John the Baptist and Jesus. Each prophet brought truth for his particular age but only Muhammad is a prophet for all time.

5. Future Judgment – There is coming a Day of Judgment and a resurrection. Allah will judge on the basis of one’s deeds. On the basis of their deeds Muslims will either end up in heaven, a place of please, or hell, a place of torment. Muslims have no assurance of salvation since it is all based on a works system and complete surrender to Allah.