Introduction to Islam Background: Judaism, Christianity and Islam ...
Introduction to Islam Background: Judaism, Christianity and Islam share a belief in the same single God. While the Old Testament provides the basis for Judaism, Christians view the New Testament as a continuation of the story of the relationship between God and man begun in the Old Testament. Christians acknowledge the Old Testament prophets, but see Jesus as more than a prophet. Christians see him as the “final prophet”, the son of God. For Islam, the wisdom and instruction contained in both the Old Testament and in the Gospels is viewed as valuable instruction. However, Jesus is seen as an important prophet, but most Muslim’s believe Muhammad to be the “Final Prophet.” Beginning in 610 AD, Muhammad, who was unable to read or write, received visits from the angel Gabriel. During these visits, the angel Gabriel dictated God’s wisdom and rules for living to Muhammad, repeating each until Muhammad had memorized the communication. Muhammad, in turn, dictated it to scribes, who recorded and organized these pieces of wisdom and rules into the Quran. This process continued until Muhammad’s death in 632 AD. Muslims maintain that the Arabic version of the Quran has remained unchanged since that time. In addition to the Quran, Muslims look to two other sources for wisdom and guidance. Hadith is the recorded tradition of things said or done by Muhammad and his close associates during his life. Guidelines for living have also evolved from Islamic legal scholarship, helping to bridge the gap from the issues of life in the 600’s AD to current times. To help put Islam into perspective, estimates of the incidence of the major religions of the world are provided below. Estimates were taken from, a study conducted by Pew Research Center in 2012 and reported in Wikipedia: Religion Christianity Islam Secular (Atheist, Agnostic, No Stated belief) Hindu Chinese traditions Buddhism Judaism
Incidence 2.2 billion 1.6 billion 1.1 billion
Percentage of Population 31.5 22.3 16.3
1.0 billion 394 million 376 million 14 million
15.0 05.5 05.1 00.2
Just as Christianity is composed of many denominations that share a core belief in Jesus, Islam is made up of many sects with a core belief in the Quran. The initial split within the Islamic community reflected beliefs regarding leadership following the death of Muhammad. The Sunni’s believed that subsequent leaders should be chosen by the community. The Shi’a believed that leadership succession should remain within Muhammad’s family line. Other differences in beliefs have evolved over time. For example, Muslims believe in eventual judgment and resurrection. Sunni’s believe that God will appear on judgment day and determine fates (Heaven or Hell). Shi’a believe in a day of judgement and eventual placement in Heaven or Hell, but do not believe that God will be present (seen) on that day. It
should be noted that many Muslims believe that placement in Hell is not for all eternity, but rather that those initially place in Hell will eventually reach Heaven due to the mercy of God. According to the website alislam.org, approximately 1.39 billion Muslims currently align with the Sunni sect, while about 200 million align with the Shi’a sect. The author of Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus was raised in a small sect, the Ahmadiyya. This sect has approximately 15 million members worldwide. This sect was founded by Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, a Muslim residing in India in 1889. He described himself as the “divinely appointed as the renewer of Islam.” Most of the Muslim world took exception to his claim, as it countered the claim of Muhammad as the “final prophet.” This group is set apart by their claims regarding Jesus. Beliefs regarding Jesus Most Muslim’s view Jesus as a prophet, but do not believe that he died on the cross. Explanations of the crucifixion include:
another person was substituted for Jesus on the cross (a look-alike); Jesus was removed from the cross before he died, then his injuries were treated in the cave; he had an “immortal body” and was therefore unable to die; he was bodily taken up to Heaven before death.
Mirza Ghulam Ahmad offered another view. He concluded that Jesus was taken down from the cross while still alive, but after losing consciousness (Swoon theory). After having his injuries treated in the cave, Jesus fled to India. In India, Ahmad maintains that Jesus continued his work, living to the age of 120. Ahmad points to similarities in Christian and Buddhist ethics as evidence of Jesus influence in India. According to Ahmad’s book, Jesus in India, Jesus’ burial site is claimed to be in the Roza bal shrine in the city of Strinagar (Kashmir, India).
The following information about Islam (Ethical Principles, Pillars of Faith, Pillars of Worship) generally applies across sects: General Ethical Principles Islam for Dummies (John Wiley and Sons, 2003) provides the following overview of the ethical principles that are drawn from the Quran and Hadith:
Every action has moral significance. Every action has components of both good and evil. Moral actions are those that result in justice, i.e., that maximize the good and minimize the evil. Faith and works are both required. The moral choices you make will determine your fate. Intentions are as important as deeds. It is not good enough to advocate for what is right or just, and then fail to act. Actions must come from the heart, consistent with ones words.
When it comes to doing what is morally right, having the proper character is as important as following a set of rules. In other words, the rules become so much a part of who you are that you no longer think of them as rules. Extremes should be avoided. In other words, avoid arrogance, use of a boisterous voice, and a “know-it-all” attitude.
Pillars of Faith
Belief in one god (Allah) Belief in all of His angels Belief in all of His books (e.g., Hadith, Legal Scholarship) Belief in all of His messengers (prophets) Belief in the last day (judgement day) and resurrection from the tomb
Pillars of Worship (also referred to as Pillars of Religion or Pillars of Islam) 1. Shahada. Testifying by repeating the basic confession of Islam: “There is no God but God (Allah) and Muhammad is the messenger of God (Allah).” This is a basic affirmation of faith, much like the Shema in Judaism (Deuteronomy 6:5[NIV], Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.) , and Jesus’ “Two rules” for Christians (Luke 10:2527(NIV) Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind; and, Love your neighbor as yourself.) 2. Salat: Prayer. The number of times called to prayer varies by sect, ranging from three to five times a day. Mosque prayer areas are constructed so that individuals are facing towards Mecca when offering prayer. 3. Zakat: Charity. Judaism and Christianity talk about tithing in support of the church, with the expectation that some of the tithe will assist those in need. In Islam, a percentage of a person’s liquid assets are to be donated to the needy. Income levels are set such that those with limited or no financial resources are not expected to participate in giving of assets. 4. Saum: Reflecting and Fasting. Ramadan is a period of fasting. The timing of Ramadan coincides with the lunar cycle, beginning at the new moon in the second to the last month of the Islamic calendar, and continuing through one moon cycle. Fasting occurs from dawn to sunset. Fasting is defined in three ways: a. Literal: No consumption of food or drink (water allowed), alcoholic beverages, smoking materials, or involvement in sexual activity. b. Moral: Avoid other forms of sin c. Spiritual: Minimize distractions, focus mind on God. 5. Hajj: Make one pilgrimage to Mecca
Incidence 2.2 billion 1.6 billion 1.1 billion
Percentage of Population 31.5 22.3 16.3
1.0 billion 394 million 376 million 14 million
15.0 05.5 05.1 00.2
Just as Christianity is composed of many denominations that share a core belief in Jesus, Islam is made up of many sects with a core belief in the Quran. The initial split within the Islamic community reflected beliefs regarding leadership following the death of Muhammad. The Sunni’s believed that subsequent leaders should be chosen by the community. The Shi’a believed that leadership succession should remain within Muhammad’s family line. Other differences in beliefs have evolved over time. For example, Muslims believe in eventual judgment and resurrection. Sunni’s believe that God will appear on judgment day and determine fates (Heaven or Hell). Shi’a believe in a day of judgement and eventual placement in Heaven or Hell, but do not believe that God will be present (seen) on that day. It
should be noted that many Muslims believe that placement in Hell is not for all eternity, but rather that those initially place in Hell will eventually reach Heaven due to the mercy of God. According to the website alislam.org, approximately 1.39 billion Muslims currently align with the Sunni sect, while about 200 million align with the Shi’a sect. The author of Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus was raised in a small sect, the Ahmadiyya. This sect has approximately 15 million members worldwide. This sect was founded by Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, a Muslim residing in India in 1889. He described himself as the “divinely appointed as the renewer of Islam.” Most of the Muslim world took exception to his claim, as it countered the claim of Muhammad as the “final prophet.” This group is set apart by their claims regarding Jesus. Beliefs regarding Jesus Most Muslim’s view Jesus as a prophet, but do not believe that he died on the cross. Explanations of the crucifixion include:
another person was substituted for Jesus on the cross (a look-alike); Jesus was removed from the cross before he died, then his injuries were treated in the cave; he had an “immortal body” and was therefore unable to die; he was bodily taken up to Heaven before death.
Mirza Ghulam Ahmad offered another view. He concluded that Jesus was taken down from the cross while still alive, but after losing consciousness (Swoon theory). After having his injuries treated in the cave, Jesus fled to India. In India, Ahmad maintains that Jesus continued his work, living to the age of 120. Ahmad points to similarities in Christian and Buddhist ethics as evidence of Jesus influence in India. According to Ahmad’s book, Jesus in India, Jesus’ burial site is claimed to be in the Roza bal shrine in the city of Strinagar (Kashmir, India).
The following information about Islam (Ethical Principles, Pillars of Faith, Pillars of Worship) generally applies across sects: General Ethical Principles Islam for Dummies (John Wiley and Sons, 2003) provides the following overview of the ethical principles that are drawn from the Quran and Hadith:
Every action has moral significance. Every action has components of both good and evil. Moral actions are those that result in justice, i.e., that maximize the good and minimize the evil. Faith and works are both required. The moral choices you make will determine your fate. Intentions are as important as deeds. It is not good enough to advocate for what is right or just, and then fail to act. Actions must come from the heart, consistent with ones words.
When it comes to doing what is morally right, having the proper character is as important as following a set of rules. In other words, the rules become so much a part of who you are that you no longer think of them as rules. Extremes should be avoided. In other words, avoid arrogance, use of a boisterous voice, and a “know-it-all” attitude.
Pillars of Faith
Belief in one god (Allah) Belief in all of His angels Belief in all of His books (e.g., Hadith, Legal Scholarship) Belief in all of His messengers (prophets) Belief in the last day (judgement day) and resurrection from the tomb
Pillars of Worship (also referred to as Pillars of Religion or Pillars of Islam) 1. Shahada. Testifying by repeating the basic confession of Islam: “There is no God but God (Allah) and Muhammad is the messenger of God (Allah).” This is a basic affirmation of faith, much like the Shema in Judaism (Deuteronomy 6:5[NIV], Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.) , and Jesus’ “Two rules” for Christians (Luke 10:2527(NIV) Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind; and, Love your neighbor as yourself.) 2. Salat: Prayer. The number of times called to prayer varies by sect, ranging from three to five times a day. Mosque prayer areas are constructed so that individuals are facing towards Mecca when offering prayer. 3. Zakat: Charity. Judaism and Christianity talk about tithing in support of the church, with the expectation that some of the tithe will assist those in need. In Islam, a percentage of a person’s liquid assets are to be donated to the needy. Income levels are set such that those with limited or no financial resources are not expected to participate in giving of assets. 4. Saum: Reflecting and Fasting. Ramadan is a period of fasting. The timing of Ramadan coincides with the lunar cycle, beginning at the new moon in the second to the last month of the Islamic calendar, and continuing through one moon cycle. Fasting occurs from dawn to sunset. Fasting is defined in three ways: a. Literal: No consumption of food or drink (water allowed), alcoholic beverages, smoking materials, or involvement in sexual activity. b. Moral: Avoid other forms of sin c. Spiritual: Minimize distractions, focus mind on God. 5. Hajj: Make one pilgrimage to Mecca
