Islam: brief information

About the founder, Muhammed

Born 570 AD in Mecca, member of the Quraysh (a leading tribe). His father died before Mohammed was born, his mother died when Mohammed was 6, his grandfather died when Mohammed was 9.    He was raised in poverty by an uncle (Abu Talib), and tended flocks. His early life was very tragic. He became sensitive to suffering; had a pure heart; was a hard worker; honest. He became known as “the true,” “the upright,” the trustworthy one”.  He was employed by a rich widow named Khadija. At the of age 25 Mohammed married Khadija, had 6 children, 2 sons and 4 daughters (only one daughter, Fatima, survived)

610 AD (age 40) “Night of Power & Excellence” at Mt. Hira: 

Revelation from angel Gabriel (Surah 96); revelations continued over 20 years 

 

About the Koran

Koran = “to recite” [vehicle to salvation]

4/5 the length of the New Testament; 114 surahs (chapters) in decreasing length (surah 2 – 286 verses; 114 – 6); no special chronological or logical sequence.The Koran is an exact copy of the original (tablet) which is in Heaven. No translation can adequately substitute for the original Arabic. The Koran is perfect (whereas the OT and NT have become partly corrupted).

It is believed that every letter was dictated by God (Allah), and that it is of divine origin;  it is infallible. Koran is Muslim “miracle” since Mohammed was illiterate. The Koran is regarded as complete.

Five Basic Doctrines of Islam

 

1)      There is only one true God, Allah 

2)      There are angels (the chief angel is Gabriel, a fallen angel is Iblis (Greek diabolis); also called Shaitan)

3)      Four inspired books (a-Torah of Moses, b-Psalms of David, c-Gospel of Jesus, d-Koran); Koran is Allah’s final message, addressed to all humanity 

4)      28 known prophets (Mohammed is the “seal” of the prophets)

         i.      There will be no more prophets after Muhammed

        ii.      He was the last prophet, and he “sealed” prophecy

       iii.      Jesus was the “seal of sanctity”

5)      There will be a “last day” and a “final judgment”

 

God:   strict monotheism  (Allah)

Reality:  created by Allah; is real and is good

Human being:  supreme creation; consists of body and soul;  individual has value;   purpose is to serve Allah

Human problem:  failure to serve Allah;   a turning away from Allah’s will

Salvation:   complete surrender to Allah;   follow Allah’s will “as it is revealed in the Koran”

Conduct:  obey and follow the guidance in the Koran;   conduct yourself according to the sharia (religious law)

Destiny:   there will be a judgment day

History: linear