Sections > Introduction

Essentials Islam

A first impression of the religion of Islam as a clear, structured overview of the religion’s core beliefs, practices, and values. What Muslims believe, how they worship, and the moral code that governs daily life are typically the main topics.

Allah

The highest being in Islam is called "Allah". It was one of the deities worshiped in the Kaaba even before Islam. The position of Allah as supreme God was influenced by the arrival of Judaism and Christianity in Arabia. In traditional Islam, only Allah is worthy of worship. He cannot have a partner, as this is related to the pagan Arab religion. Muslims are taught that Allah cannot be described. Allah's communication can be done through revelations with his word, with angels or inspiration. Allah loves good people and hates the bad. Since there is no certainty in Islam about going to paradise, a Muslim cannot be sure which side he belongs to. Only he who can weigh good deeds will be a winner, but no one knows about it. (Quran 101:6-11) Here a Christian can come with the light of Christ and make the Muslim soul aware that God is good. God is not cruel, but God is love (1 John 4:8, 16).

Qur’an

The holy book of Islam is the Qur’an. It is the basis of Islamic belief and practice. Muslims claim it was spoken to Muhammad. According to traditional Muslims, the Qur’an consists of messages to Muhammad. It started when he was about forty years old in Arabia and lasted for 23 years. They believe that the angel Gabriel recited the word of Allah to Muhammad in the Arabic language. The followers of Muhammad memorized the Qur’an and repeated it to Muhammad so that he could approve or disapprove each verse. The Qur’an was eventually compiled in a book format with 114 chapters. The Qur’an has many references to praise, faith and follow the Bible as Previous Scriptures: the Scroll (revealed to Abraham), Torah (revealed to Moses), Zabur - also called Psalms (revealed to David) and Injil - also called Gospel (revealed to Jesus Christ). Although the Qur’an praises Jesus and the Gospel (3:50, 5:46, 5:110-111), the book denies that he is divine.

Islamic legal system

Introduction

The laws of Islam are based on the Qur'an, Hadith, consensus of authorities (Ijma') and reasoning by analogy (Qiyass). [1] Therefore, the laws are made of human speech and action, unprotected and may fail. [2]

Islamic religious practices

1. Witnessing (Tashahhud) - Bearing witness to the unity of Allah and Muhammad as his Messenger.

2. Prayer (Salat) - Pray five times a day according to a plan.

3. Fasting (Sawm) - To fast during the ninth month of the Islamic calendar (Ramadan) when there is daylight.

4. Alms (Zakat) - Giving a small portion of income to poor people.

5. Pilgrimage (Hajj) – Visit Mecca for religious activities in case the person is healthy and wealthy enough.

6. Holy War (Jihad) – To obey inner struggle guidelines, but used by some radical Muslims to carry out terrorism and evil practices.

Notes

1. Ibrahimkhan O. Deshmukh, The Gospel and Islam, GLS, Mumbai, 2011, 60.
2. E.M. Hicham, How shall they hear? Sharing your Christian faith with Muslims, Belfast, 2009, 42.