Theology

IslamUnderstanding the Times

What is Islam? Islam means “submission”

A follower of Islam is called a Muslim

A devout Muslim is “one who submits” and follows the “pillars” of their religion

The Qur’an The Qur’an is the holy book of Islam which

Muslims believe to be the literal word of God (Arabic Allah)

Muslims believe this to be the culmination of God’s revelation to mankind as revealed to Muhammad, the final prophet of humanity through the angel Jibril

Preserved without error Inscribed on a tablet in heaven

The Hadith The Hadith ranks second to the Qur’an The Hadith records the teachings,

rulings,and actions of Muhammad as recounted by his early associates

Muslims believe the Hadith are inspired by God and are to be obeyed

Diversity of sources & readings

The Central Beliefs of Islam Unitarian theism: the belief in one God in

one person

They reject the Christian doctrine of the Trinity and do not believe Jesus was/is God

It is an unforgivable sin

(shirk) to associate partners with God (i.e.,

polytheism).

Central Beliefs Muslims believe in the existence of angels Muslims believe in jinn: mischievous spirits

made from fire Angels exist in a hierarchy with Gabriel at

the top. Some Muslims believe two angels attend

each person (one recording good deeds, the other recording bad deeds.)

Central Beliefs God sent prophets to every nation under

heaven, though the final prophet is Muhammad.

God gave special books to Moses, david, Jesus, and Muhammad, but the only one given to Muhammad, the Qur’an is the ultimate authoritative scripture

Central Beliefs There is a Day of Judgment when every

human being’s deeds will be weighed (good and evil)

Only if your good deeds outweigh your bad deeds can you hope to enter Paradise rather than going to Hell

The Six Pillars of Islam

1. 1.Confess with sincerity of heart and mind:

“There is no God but Allah and Muhammad is his prophet.”

(monotheistic)

The Six Pillars of Islam

2. Pray five times a day, facing Mecca (Muslim men and sometimes women are expected to meet at a mosque on fridays to pray at noon.)

The Six Pillars of Islam

3.Fast during Ramadan (no food, smoking, or sex during daylight hours)

The Six Pillars of Islam

4.Giving 2.5 percent of annual capital to the poor

The Six Pillars of Islam

5-Make a pilgrimage to Mecca in their lifetime

The Six Pillars

6- Jihad