What Does Islam Believe?
Over the past year I have studied in depth the Islam
religion and how it compare to Christianity. Three sources were used in my
study: “Neighboring Faiths-Introduction to World Religions by Winfried
Corduan”, (Liberty University Textbook), “The Oxford Dictionary of World
Religions by John Bowker” and the “Quran” which is believed to have be dictated
to Mohammed by God.
Islam is fundamentally different from Christianity.
Islam is a works-oriented religion, while Christian faith is based on salvation
by grace through faith as a result of the shed blood of Christ. Christianity
recognizes the necessity of shedding of blood for forgiveness of sin (Hebrews
9:22)“ As a works oriented religion, Islam requires that its
followers earn their way to heaven by performing the five pillars of the faith.
1. Say the confession of faith. There is no God but Allah and Mohammed is the
prophet of God. 2. Pray Muslims are to pray five times a day, shortly before
sunrise, mid-morning noon, mid-afternoon and after sunset. 3. Give alms,
Muslims are to give about 2,5 percent of their wealth. 4. Fast during Ramadan.
For the lunar moth, from sunrise to sunset. They are not allowed to have
anything pass down their throat. From sunset to sunrise they are permitted to
eat as much as they what. 5. Make a pilgrimage to Mecca. Every Muslim who is
able must travel to the birthplace of Islam.
All
Muslims believe Jesus was born of a virgin and that he was prophet but he was
only a man. The believe Jesus , healed the sick and raised the dead, The Quran
refers to Jesus as the breath of God, the spirit of God, the life of God and
the word of God. Muslims believe that Jesus was not crucified on the cross. God
took him back to heaven. The Quran speaks of Jesus as a prophet, “"When
Jesus came with Clear Signs, he said: 'Now I have come to you with Wisdom, and
in order to make clear to you some of the (points) on which you dispute. (
Quran 43:63-64)
The
average Muslim around the world has a tremendous misunderstanding of
Christianity, They get their beliefs from movies, music and television. They
believe Christianity has three gods: God the Father, God the Son and God the
Mother (Mary). They believe that Christians and Jews have changed the Bible;
therefore Although the Quran acknowledges the Gospel of Christ, the Torah of
Moses (first 5 books in the Bible), to Psalms of David, the existing copies
can’t be trusted. Shiites tend to be more radical, the Quran directs them, “Your
Lord inspired the angels: "I am with you, so support those who believe. I
will cast terror into the hearts of those who disbelieve. So strike above the
necks, and strike off every fingertip of theirs” (Quran 8:12) There are many
passages in the Quran that commands the Muslim to kill, murder and behead the
non-believer. It is these passages that clearly contradicts that Islam is a
religion of love.” These passages could influence an average Muslim to become
radical But,as I visit with Muslims I
find that the average Muslim are much like Christians they know enough to call
themselves Muslims. They are materialistic, want a job and hope to live a good
life.
Finally,
Muslims believe in Satan, Judgement Day of God, Heaven and Hell. In contrast to
Christianity they do not know if they are going heaven, They hope their good
works out weigh their bad works. Christ
calls us to love everyone. “I give you a new command: Love one
another.” (John 14:34-35) We must reach out to all people groups with the true
message of Christ. We cannot allow ourselves to stereotype people by the way
they dress, their culture, religion. My friend we have a mission field here in
Palestine. May we as Christians follow Paul’s teaching, “There is no difference
between Jew and Gentile.” The Gospel of Christ Salvation is for anyone, Let us
go forth in love and share Christ in our post-modern society with boldness. May
God bless and may He give you opportunities to share Christ.
