World Religions: Islam

John 14:6 Islam “I (Jesus) am the Way and the Truth and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” World Religions: Islam

What is Islam? Islam is the world’s second largest religion with a following of over 1 billion people. World Religions: Islam

What is Islam? Islam The word “Islam” means “submission to God”. The word “muslim” means “one who submits to God”. Islam = religion Muslim = follower World Religions: Islam

Where is Islam? Islam has spread across the whole world, but the largest populations of Muslims are found in Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, in an area known as the 10/40 Window. World Religions: Islam

Islam Where is Islam? Percentages by nationality: Asian – 60% Arab – 22% Sub-Saharan Africa – 12% Eastern Europe – 5% Other – 1% World Religions: Islam

Origin Islam Islam was founded in 610AD by a man named Mohammed. Mohammed was a merchant/trader who lived in a polytheistic area/culture. World Religions: Islam

Origin At the age of 40, Mohammed received a vision from the angel Gabriel, who gave him the “shahada” – “There is no god but Allah, and Mohammed is his messenger.” World Religions: Islam

Origin Mohammed began preaching his message, but gained few followers early on, and was actually persecuted in his home area (Mecca). He and his followers fled to Medina. World Religions: Islam

Origin In Medina, Mohammed united conflicting tribes, and later returned to Mecca with 10,000 followers and conquered it. By the time of his death in 632AD, most of Arabia had converted to Islam. World Religions: Islam

The Qur’an Mohammed reported receiving “ayah” (revelations) from Allah until his death. These revelations form the verses of the Qur’an (Koran), the Muslim “bible”. World Religions: Islam

The Qur’an Islam Muslims also consider the Torah (first five books of the Old Testament) as sacred and divinely given by Allah. World Religions: Islam

Beliefs Islam Islam has seven fundamental beliefs that every Muslim must accept: World Religions: Islam

Beliefs Islam Belief in Allah Belief in the angels (good and bad) Belief in the “books of god” Belief in the prophets (Mohammed, Adam, Abraham, Moses, etc.) World Religions: Islam

Beliefs Islam 5. Belief in the “last/judgment day” 6. Belief in the divine measurement of human affairs (Allah’s justice) 7. Belief in life after death. World Religions: Islam

Beliefs Islam Muslims also believe in Satan, heaven, and hell. They also believe that Ishmael (the father of the Arab world), not Isaac (the father of the Jewish world) received the promise of God’s covenant. World Religions: Islam

Beliefs Islam About God/the Trinity: Muslims reject the Christian belief in one God in three Persons. Islam teaches that there is one god and his name is Allah, not Yahweh (the God of the Bible). World Religions: Islam

Beliefs Islam About Jesus: Muslims believe that Jesus (Isa al Masih) existed, but He was just another of Allah’s prophets, not God-in-the-flesh. Though Jesus is respected and revered, Mohammed is considered a greater man and prophet than Jesus. World Religions: Islam

Beliefs Islam About the Bible: Muslims recognize parts of the Bible as true, but believe that most of the Bible is corrupted and inaccurate. World Religions: Islam

Salvation Muslims believe in a works-based salvation. In other words, there are certain things you have to do to earn your salvation. World Religions: Islam

Salvation Islam To be saved, Muslims must completely obey Allah, the Koran, and the “Five Pillars of Islam”. World Religions: Islam

Salvation Islam The Five Pillars of Islam: 1. Shahada (Affirmation) – Consistent recitation of and belief in the creed that “there is no god but Allah, and Mohammed is his prophet/messenger”. World Religions: Islam

Salvation Islam The Five Pillars of Islam: 2. As-Salah (Prayer) – Praying toward Mecca (the holy city) five times a day. World Religions: Islam

Salvation Islam The Five Pillars of Islam: 3. Zakah (Almsgiving) – Giving a minimum of 2.5% of their income to the poor. World Religions: Islam

Salvation Islam The Five Pillars of Islam: 4. Siyam (Fasting) – Fasting from dawn to dusk every day during Ramadan (the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, when Mohammed received his first revelation from Allah). World Religions: Islam

Salvation Islam The Five Pillars of Islam: 5. Al-Hajji (Pilgrimage) – Traveling to Mecca (the holy city) at least once in their lifetime, if they are financially able. World Religions: Islam

Islam Misconceptions All Muslims are terrorists/extremists. All Muslims believe in Jihad (violence/war against unbelievers). All Muslims oppress women. All Muslims are Arabic. World Religions: Islam

Similarities Islam Islam is similar to Christianity in many ways: Belief in one god. Belief that Jesus existed. Belief in afterlife. Belief in benevolence. World Religions: Islam

Differences There are some pretty big differences between Islam and Christianity. Based on what we’ve learned so far, what do you think are some of those differences? World Religions: Islam

Differences Jesus – Muslims believe that Jesus existed and was a great prophet. Christians believe that Jesus was the Word made flesh, the Son of God, the Messiah, and that He is part of the Trinity – He is God! World Religions: Islam

Differences Islam The Bible – Muslims believe in only parts of the Bible. Christians believe the Bible is the inspired Word of God. World Religions: Islam

Differences Salvation – Muslims believe they are saved by what they do. Christians believe they are saved by Who they know. World Religions: Islam

Differences Relationship with God – Muslims believe in knowing Allah through the Koran, through prayer, etc. Christians believe that when they believe in Jesus, the Holy Spirit (God) takes up residence in them and they know Him intimately. World Religions: Islam

Think about it... Many people say that Christians and Muslims worship the same god. What do you think? Is Allah the same as the God of the Bible? World Religions: Islam

Think about it... Muslims regard Jesus (Isa al Masih) as a divine prophet (messenger from Allah). What do you think – is that enough? Is it okay to think Jesus was just a good teacher, prophet, etc.? World Religions: Islam

Think about it... Will Muslims go to Heaven? World Religions: Islam

Relate If you ever have a chance to have a conversation or become friends with a Muslim, here are some tips! World Religions: Islam

Relate LISTEN. Be a good friend. Many Muslim cultures put a high value on friendship/hospitality. Do NOT tear down their faith or beliefs. Ask lots of questions. World Religions: Islam

Relate Islam Here are some good questions to ask: What led you to believe/follow Islam? What have you been taught about Jesus? How do you know you’ve done enough in Allah’s eyes to be saved? World Religions: Islam

Wrap-Up Do you have any thoughts/questions? World Religions: Islam

John 14:6 Islam “I (Jesus) am the Way and the Truth and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” World Religions: Islam