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Basic Facts about Islam Adapted from a
brochure of the General Commission on Christian Unity and Interreligious Concerns of the
United Methodist Church. Used with permission.
Why do we need to know
about Islam?
Understanding that we are all children of God, good
creations, it is important for us to understand and to value the perspectives of our
Muslim neighbors. Dialogue helps us gain knowledge about Islam and build relationships
with brothers and sisters in a related Abrahamic faith tradition.
What is Islam?
The word Islam means “to submit” or “to
obey,” derived from a word for peace. Muslims believe that they are to conform their
lives in accordance with a divinely revealed path of submission to God. Islam teaches that
God is merciful and compassionate. God promises the faithful peace and equality and
entrance to eternal life.
Who is Allah?
Allah is the Arabic word for the one God. Muslims believe
that there is no other God but God, and that there are no divisions in the Godhead.
Who is Muhammad?
Muhammad was born in the year 570 C.E. Muslims believe
that, when he was 40, the angel Gabriel appeared to him in a cave where he was meditating,
and, over the next 23 years, revealed to him messages from God. These messages were
compiled into the Qur’an. Muslims do not regard Muhammad as divine with God, but as
the last of the prophets. Muslims believe that the prophets of the Hebrew Scriptures and
Jesus were true prophets, but in Muhammad the prophetic tradition was perfected.
Who Is a Muslim?
A Muslim is a person who is a member/follower of the
religion of Islam. The word “Muslim” means one who “is submitted” to
the will of God. There are Muslims all around the world, with large
populations in Africa, Central and Southeastern Europe, and Asia as well as in the Middle
East. In the United States, about 1/3 of Muslims are African American. There are about 6-7
million Muslims in the U.S. Most Muslims are not Arabs, and not all Arabs are Muslim.
How did Islam Begin?
Islam was founded in the 7th century C.E. by
the prophet Muhammad based on revelations he received from God. The community took shape
around the Qur’an and the teaching and example of Muhammad in the cities of Mecca and
Medina in today’s Saudi Arabia.
What Are Some of the Basic Aspects of Islam?
There are Five Pillars, or basic practices and beliefs of
Islam:
What Is the Qur’an?
The Qur’an is the sacred scripture of Islam. It has
been preserved in its original language for over 1400 years. The Qur’an is a record
of the words revealed by God to Muhammad. Although there are many interpretations of the
Qur’an, only the original Arabic words and form are considered authentic. The
Qur’an addresses humanity regarding worship, belief, just relationships, wisdom, law
and other guidelines for faithful living.
How Does Islam relate to
other religions?
Islam is one of the Abrahamic family of faiths that also
includes Judaism and Christianity. Muslims recognize Abraham, Moses, Jesus and other
Biblical figures as part of this tradition.
What Are the Branches of Islam?
There are two primary branches, the Shi’ite and the
Sunni. The majority are Sunni. Those who believe that Ali (Muhammad’s cousin and
son-in-law) was the rightful successor to Muhammad, and that leadership of the community
should remain in the family line of the prophet, are called Shi’ite. Sufism is a form
of Islamic mysticism. Sufis place emphasis on the inward experience of God, and on
individual acts of spiritual discipline.
What Is Jihad?
“Jihad” means struggle or exertion in the way of
God. The “greater jihad” is the struggle against temptation and evil within
oneself. The “lesser jihad” is working against injustice or oppression in
society. Sometimes this external form of jihad can include using armed force, within
prescribed ethical limits.
Did You Know?
Islam is the fastest growing religion in the World. Right now there are
about 1.2 billion Muslims in the world. By 2025, Islam is expected to grow by 50%.
Christianity is the next fastest growing, expected to grow by 31%. There are currently
about 2 billion Christians in the world. Indonesia has the greatest number of Muslims in a
country, with over 170 million adherents. Pakistan has the next largest Muslim population,
with 136 million. Resources
R. Marston Speight, God Is One: The Way of Islam,
Second Edition with Afterword and Study Guide (New York: Friendship Press, 2002) 175
pages. $9.95. Order from Friendship Press, 800-889-5733. Athar, Shahid, “Twenty-Five Questions Asked About
Islam.” http://www.islamfortoday.com/athar02.htm.
“Holy Qur’an Resources.” http://www.quran.org.uk Hathout, Hassan, Reading the Muslim Mind.
Plainfield, IN: American Trust Publications, 1995. Charles Kimball, Striving Together: A Way Forward in
Christian-Muslim Relations. Maryknoll, NY: Orbis Books. 1991. Arthur Magida & Stuart Matlins, eds., How to Be a
Perfect Stranger, vol. I and II. Woodstock, VT: Jewish Lights Publishing. 1996, 1997.
Jane I. Smith, Islam in America. New York: Columbia
University Press, 1999. “Striving Together in Dialogue: a Muslim-Christian Call to Reflection
and Action.” A statement by Muslims and
Christians highlighting the importance of dialogue and issues needing attention today.
Geneva: World Council of Churches, 2000. Available on the web at http://www.wcc-coe.org/wcc/what/interreligious/striving-e.html.
Or through the Presbyterian Church (USA) Distribution Service 800-524-2612 (PDS#
74-292-01-005).
All of this material may be downloaded, copied and used freely, with credit to National Council of Churches, USA. Copies are not to be sold. |