Bind Us Together – Relating to Muslims

What is Islam? Islam means “Voluntary submission to God” Abrahamic faith, along with Judaism and Christianity (People of the Book) Shares many of the prophets Qur’an points Muslims to the Scriptures (Torah, Psalms and Gospel) for more details Holy Book is the Qur’an Directly dictated to Mohamed by the angel Gabriel in Arabic Instructional Is never translated, only interpreted Treated with great respect (never on the floor or touch with feet or sat on) Hadith (narratives of Mohamed) Mohamed is the last and final prophet Both Faith and a Way of Living

Pillars of Islam (Belief) Belief in One God (99 names, all but one Surah starts with “In the name of God, the Compassionate and the Merciful”) Belief in the Prophets Belief in the Books of God (Torah, Psalms, Gospel, Qur’an) Belief in angels Belief in the final judgement based on righteous living

Pillars of Islam (Duties) Confession of Faith “There is no God but Allah and Mohamed is the prophet of Allah” Ritual prayer 5 time daily Facing Mecca and bowing before God, recitation of the Fatiha (opening surah of the Qur’an) multiple times Giving alms for the poor Fasting during the month of Ramadan during the day Celebration of the revelation of the Qur’an, feasting at night Haj Pilgrimage to Mecca once during lifetime if possible Celebration of the provision of a tremendous sacrifice to replace Abraham’s son who was to be sacrificed.

“Christian. Muslim. Friend. Twelve Paths to Real Relationship” Live with Integrity Keep Identity Clear Cultivate Respect Develop Trust Dialog about the Different Centers Practice Hospitality Answer the Questions Confront the Distortions Seek Peace and Pursue It Partner with the Person of Peace Commend Christ