ISLAM A Study of the ISLAM Faith Central Union Church of Christ Winter Quarter 2014.

ISLAM

A Study of the ISLAM Faith

Central Union Church of Christ

Winter Quarter 2014

Main Reference Material Used in this Study

Beverley, J. (2009). Nelson's illustrated guide to religions. Nashville, Tenn.: Thomas Nelson.

Rieber, N. (1993). A resource for the study of Islam. Ft. Worth, Tex.: Star Bible Publications.

Williams, J. (2008). A christian perspective on Islam. Bulington, NC.: NDI Press.

INTRODUCTION – Why Study Islam?

• The most important reason to study Islam is to equip Christians to present the Gospel of Jesus Christ to those of the Islamic faith in such a way that it will be accepted and obeyed.

• A study of Islam is needed so that Christians can understand how approximately one fifth of the world perceives their God.

• Recent world events have focused our attention on the Islamic world.

• Islam has nothing short of world domination as its goal!

INTRODUCTION

Four absolutely key realities in the faith of all Muslims:

1. Total belief in Allah (the Arabic term for God).

2. Muslims also believe that Allah has spoken to the world through Muhammad, the final, ultimate and greatest prophet. The vast majority of Muslims believe Muhammad (who died in A.D. 632) was sinless.

3. Further, the Qur’an is absolutely pivotal to all Muslims. This is the Holy Book of Islam.

4. Islam is also a religion of law.

ISLAM’S NINETY-NINE NAMES OF GOD

Allah – The GodAl Rahim – The MercifulAl Quddus – The HolyAl Mu’mim – The One with FaithAl ‘Aziz – The MightyAl Mutakabbir – The ImperiousAl Bari’ – The MakerAl Ghaffar – The ForgiverAl Wahhab – The BestowerAl Fattah – The OpenerAl Quaibid – The ContractorAl Khafid – The HumblerAl Mu’izz – The Honorer

As Sami’ – The Hearer

Al Hakam – The Judge

Al Latif – The Subtle

Al Halim – The Gentle

Al Ghafur – The Forgiving

Al Ali – The Lofty

Al Hafiz – The Guardian

Al Hasib – The Reckoner

Al Karim – The Generous

Al Mujib – The Responder

Al Hakim – The Wise

Al Majid – The Glorious

Ash Shahid – The Witness


Al Wakil – The Trustee

Al Matin – The Firm

Al Hamid – The Praiseworthy

Al Mubdi’ – The Originator

Al Muhyi – The Life-Giver

Al Hayy – The Living

Al Rahman–The Compassionate

Al Malik – The King

As Salam – The Peace

Al Muhaymin – The Protector

Al Jabbar – The Repairer

Al Khaliq – The Creator

Al Musawwir – The Fashioner

Al Qahhar – The DominantAl Razzaq – The ProviderAl ‘Alim – The KnowerAl Basit – The ExpanderAl Rafi’ – The ExalterAl Mudhill – The AbaserAl Basir – The SeerAl ‘Adl – The JustAl Khabir – The AwareAl ‘Azim – The MightyAsh Shakur – The GratefulAl Kabir – The GreatAl Muqit – The Nourisher


Al Jalil – The Majestic

Ar Raqib – The Watcher

Al Wasi’ – The Englober

Al Wadud – The Loving

Al Ba’ith – The Resurrector

Al Haqq – The Truth

Al Qawi – The Strong

Al Wali – The Friend

Al Muhsi – The Counter

Al Mu’id – The Restorer

Al Mumit – The Death-Giver

Al Qayyum – The Self-Subsistent

Al Wajid – The Finder

Al Ahad – The One

Al Qadir – The Able

Al Muqaddim – The Expediter

Al Awwal – The First

Az Zahir – The Manifest

Al Wali – The Governor

Al Barr – The Benefactor

Al Muntaqim – The Avenger

Ar Ra’uf – The Pardoner

Dhu ‘l-Jalal wa ‘l-Ikram – Lord of Majesty and Generosity

Al Jami’ – The Gatherer

Al Mughni – The Enricher

Ad Darr – The Distresser


An Nur – The Light

Al Badi – The Incomparable

Al Warith – The Inheritor

As Sabur The Patient

Al Majid – The Noble

As Samad – The Eternal-Absolute

Al Muqtadir – The Powerful

Al Mu’akhkhir – The Deferrer

Al Akhir – The Last

Al Batin – The Hidden

Al Muta’ali – The Exalted

At Tawwab – The Acceptor of Repentance

Al ‘Afuw – The Pardoner

Malik al-Mulk – The Ruler of the Kingdom

Al Muqsit – The Equitable

Al Ghani – The Self-Sufficient

Al Mani – The Preventer

An Nafi’ – The Benefactor

Al Hadi – The Guide

Al Baqi – The Enduring

Ar Rashid – The Rightly Guided

Months of the Islamic Calendar (Hijri)

1. Muharram (30)

2. Safar (29)

3. Rabi’ al-awwal (Rabi’ I) (30)

4. Rabi’ al-thani (Rabi’ II) (29)

5. Jumada al-awwal (Jumada I) (30)

6. Jumada al-thani (Jumada II) (29)

7. Rajab (30)

8. Sha’ban (29)

9. Ramadan (30)

10. Shawwal (29)

11. Dhu al-Qi’dah 930)

12. Dhu al-Hijjah (29/(30))

Total Days = 354/(355)

Monday, December 1, 2014 equals Monday Safar 8 1436 A.H.

Julian Day 2456993

The Five Pillars of Islam

1. Shahadah: Confession of Faith: “There is no God but Allah, and Muhammad is His messenger.”

2. Salat: Prayer: All Muslims are to pray five times per day, facing Mecca, the holiest city.

a. Salat-Ul-Fajr: the Morning Prayer,

b. Salat-Ul-Zuhr: the Noon Prayer,

c. Salat-Ul-Asr: the Afternoon Prayer,

d. Salat-Ul-Maghrib: the Evening Prayer,

e. Salat-Ul-Isha: the Night Prayer.

The Five Pillars of Islam – Salat: Prayer

The Five Pillars of Islam

3. Zakat: Tithing: Muslims must give financially to the poor and the needy. This involves giving at least 2.5% of their total wealth.

4. Sawn: Fasting: During the holy month of Ramadan, Muslims are to refrain from food, water and sex from sunrise to sunset.

5. Hajj: As far as possible, at least once in a lifetime, Muslims are to travel to Mecca to engage in rituals of prayer and worship at the central shrine in Islam’s holiest city.

A Sixth Pillar: Jihad

• Jihad, or “striving in the way of Allah.” Many Muslims, especially those of a fundamental bent, see this as an essential “6th Pillar” in the theological superstructure of their faith.

• While many more moderate Muslims interpret jihad as any type of “spiritual striving” for the progress of their faith, there are millions of others who translate this striving as “holy war.”

• September 11 has forever altered the significance of the word jihad to the modern world.

• In February 1998, three and a half years before September 11, Osama bin Laden made his own views clear. Along with other extremists from Egypt, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, he issued a fatwa or ruling that called on Muslims “to kill the Americans and their allies – civilian and military.” He called this “an individual duty for every Muslim who can do it in any country in which it is possible to do it.”

Background to the Two Islams

Here are some key facts that shape the world of Islam today:• The Qur’an uses the term jihad in terms of spiritual struggle.• The Qur’an also uses jihad about “holy war” or just war.• The Prophet engaged in battles of war.• The Prophet taught that Islam must be spread to the whole

world.• Islamic law justifies self-defense and certain acts of war.• Muslims conquered non-Arab lands and people through war.• Muslims divide the world into two: Islam and non-Islam.• Many Muslims believe that all countries should follow Islamic

law.• Many Muslim countries are non-democratic and crush dissent.

The Branches of Islam

Muslims can be grouped under three major branches or types.

1. Sunni• Name comes from Sunna/Sunnah, meaning “trodden path” or

“custom.”• Sunna, or “written traditions,” fill in areas where the Qur’an is either

silent or unclear.• These “written traditions” from “oral tradition” are called the Hadith.

2. Shi’a, also known as Shi’ite• Shi’ite comes from the word Shia, meaning “party” or “faction.”• Largely reside in Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Syria and other Persian Gulf

States.• do not believe in a separation of civil and religious authority – but that

political and religious power should be in the hands of the religious leaders.

3. Sufi

Other Major Items in Islam

1. Contrary to popular opinion, Muslims do not believe that their religion began with Muhammad. They believe:• Islam started at creation when God created Adam and Eve.• Islam was the religion of faithful Jews and Christians.• Jews in the time of Moses were Muslims, and Christians in the

time of Jesus were Muslims!

2. Though Muslim views derive in part from Christian tradition, Muslims do not believe in original sin.• (This is the concept that all human beings are born with a sinful

nature.) • Believe that Adam rebelled against God’s law in the Garden of

Eden but there was no fall of the human race.• Humans are frail and weak, prone to temptation but not

predisposed toward sin.


3. Islam’s emphasis on the majesty and total sovereignty of God cannot be overstressed.• Muslim theologians developed a very rigid doctrine of predestination out of

the emphasis on Allah’s total supremacy.

Qur'an 3:145 And no person can ever die except by Allah's leave and at an appointed term…

Qua’an 3:154 “…Even if you had remained in your homes, those for whom death was decreed would certainly have gone forth to the place of their death…”

• If God is all-knowing and all-powerful, is he not, in some sense, responsible for everything?

4. Islam also teaches that our universe is home to angels, devils, and another kind of spirit known as jinns.• Belief in Satan or the supreme devil, an angel who chose to rebel against

Allah.• Believe in angels, disembodied spirits who obey God.• The English term genie derives from Muslim stories about the jinn,

supernatural entities who can do both good and evil.


5. Islam has very definite views about the Day of Judgment.• At a time known to Allah, the world will end.• All humans will be judged by their deeds.• Humans await either eternal punishment in hellfire or

eternal bliss in heaven.• No notion of purgatory and virtually no openness to any

idea that all humans will eventually reach paradise.• One noted verse in the fourth surah (chapter) of the Qur’an

states: “Those who reject our Signs, We shall soon cast into the Fire: as often as their skins are roasted through, We shall change them for fresh skins, that they may taste the penalty: for God is Exalted in Power, Wise” (v.56).


6. Islam views heaven as the eternal abode of those chosen by Allah.• Heaven is a paradise of bliss and perfection, where sin, evil, pain,

sorrow, and death are no more.• Both males and females will be in heaven.• Significant emphasis in Islamic history on the promise that faithful

Muslim males will enjoy sexual pleasure in heaven with their own harem of virgins. This teaching has been the focus of recent study because of promises made to Palestinian suicide bombers that their death will lead them to a paradise where virgins await their arrival.

7. Muslims claim that Jesus (Isa) is a prophet of Islam.• Muhammad is the chief prophet.• Muslims also look to Jesus as a spiritual guide.• There are significant differences between Muslim and Christian

understandings of Jesus.

Muhammad (570-632 A.D.): the Prophet of Islam

• Muslims believe that the most important fact to grasp is that Muhammad is the Prophet, the final Messenger of Allah.

• Muslims believe Muhammad was born about 570 A.D.• According to Islamic tradition, his father died before

Muhammad was born and his mother (Amina) died shortly after his birth (576 A.D.).

• Tradition states that Muhammad was raised by his grandfather and then by an uncle (Abu Talib) until he reached his teen years.

• When Muhammad was 25 (595 A.D.), a dramatic event happened in his life that forever changed his fortunes. Muhammad married a rich 40 year old widow named Khadijah.

Muhammad’s Wives

• Islamic law allows up to four wives.• Mandates that they all be treated equally.• Muhammad violated this law.• Muslims believe that a prophet can do not wrong.• Muslims must justify the excessive number of wives that

Muhammad took to himself.• Consider the law that tells them the number of wives they can

have.

Surah 4:3 “If ye fear that ye shall not be able to deal justly with the orphans, marry women of your choice, two, three, or four; but ye fear that ye shall not be able to deal just (with them) then only one, or (a captive) that your right hand possess. That will be more suitable, to prevent you from doing injustice.”

Muhammad’s Wives

• Some contend that he had as many as fifteen wives.• Special revelation excused him from the law of four wives.

Surah 33:50 O Prophet! We have made lawful to thee thy wives to whom thou hast paid their dowers; and those whom thy right hand possesses out of the prisoners of war whom Allah has assigned to thee; and daughters of thy paternal uncles and aunts, and daughters of thy maternal uncles and aunts, who migrated (from Mecca) with thee; and any believing woman who dedicates her soul to the Prophet if the prophet wishes to wed her; this only for thee, and not for the Believers (at large); we know what We have appointed for them as to their wives and the captives whom their right hands possess; in order that there should be difficulty for thee. And Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.

Muhammad’s Wives

First Wife – Khadija• She was his employer, wealthy and a widow.• He was her representative as a merchant in camel

caravans.• Khadija was 40 and Muhammad was 25 when they were

married.• She bore him two sons and four daughters. • As long as she lived, she was Muhammad’s only wife.• The other wives came only after her death.• Khadija was died at age 65 (619 A.D.).

Muhammad’s Wives

Second Wife – Sauda (Sawdah)• Within a short two month period, Muhammad overcame his

grief and began his accumulation of wives.• Sauda was a widow of one of his followers.• The reason for marriage was to demonstrate to the Muslim

warriors that their loved ones would be cared for by the Muslim community if they fell in battle.

Third Wife – Aishah (Ayisha)• Ayisha was the daughter of Muhammad’s best friend Abu

Bakr.• Different writers record her age between 7 and 11 years

old at the time of marriage.

Muhammad’s Wives

Fifteen Wives• No qualms about taking women as wives.• No qualms about taking more than the allotted four.• Did see it necessary to justify multiplying wives to

himself by receiving a special revelation.• Based on several historical accounts, Muhammad had

as many as 15 wives and married someone new every year after Khadija’s death.

Muhammad’s Illiteracy

• Muslims believe Muhammad is the messenger from God.

• They believe God’s revelation was made to Muhammad through the angel Gabriel.

• He is believed to have been illiterate, so his spoken words were recorded by others.

• Muhammad is considered to be the final prophet and the comforter promised by Jesus in the Injil (See John chapters 14 through 16).


• Muhammad’s life (and the world) changed forever in the year 610, on the seventeenth night of the Arabic month of Ramadan.

• Muhammad claimed that the angel Gabriel visited him on Mount Hira, near Mecca.

• Muslims believe that in 620, one year after the death of Muhammad’s first wife, the angel Gabriel brought Muhammad by night to Jerusalem on the back of a heavenly horse named Buruq.• Here is the Qur’anic passage that they base this belief upon:

“glory to Allah who did take His Servant for a Journey by night from the Sacred Mosque to the Fartherest Mosque, the precincts which we have blessed…” (Surah 17:1)


• Threats increased to Muhammad’s life in Mecca; so, in 622 AD, Muhammad migrated to Medina, 250 miles to the north of Mecca.

• There he became the military, political and religious head of this new “Nation of Islam.”

• The journey of Muhammad to Medina was known as the Hegira, and is one of the most important dates in the history of Islam.

• Islamic history begins from this date, which is “year 1” of the Muslim calendar marked by the letters A.H. or Anno Hegirae, or “after the Hijra.”

• The city of Yathrob was renamed Medina, which meant “City of Prophet.”


• For the next 8-10 years, Muhammad worked from Medina to unify the various Arab tribes into an invincible fighting force.

• Finally, in January, 630 AD, Muhammad marched on Mecca with a force of 10,000 men.

• It fell with hardly a fight. Reputedly, only 28 Meccans and 2 Muslims were killed.

• When Muhammad entered Mecca, he encircled the Kaaba 7 times, and paid homage to the “Black Stone” as the symbol of monotheism.

• Muhammad purified the Kaaba of its idols and destroyed them.

• According to Muslim tradition, Muhammad destroyed all the idols of the Kaaba except the statues of Jesus and Mary.


• So, believing the Kaaba in Mecca to have been built by their patriarch, Abraham, it became the spiritual heart of this new religion.

• However Medina, continued to be his base from which he conducted military campaigns into Syria.

• During this same period, Muhammad also made treaties with the Christian tribes in the area.

• However, Muhammad increasingly persecuted anyone and everyone who criticized or opposed him in any way.

• Muhammad made a final pilgrimage to Mecca in 632 AD.• Muhammad died in Medina on June 8, 632 AD.• Muhammad was buried in Medina, the “City of Prophet” in the

now famous “Prophet’s Mosque,”

The Qur’an: The Muslim Holy Book

• Yasaf Ali’s English translation of the Qur’an runs to 597 pages in a paperback edition with approximately 6,000 verses.

• Many Muslims, including young boys and girls, have memorized the Entire Qur’an, cover to cover, in Arabic.

• It is a sin for a Muslim to place any book or object on top of the Qur’an.


The Origin of the Qur’an• Most Muslims believe the origin of the Qur’an lies in the

eternal mind of Allah.• Then, when the time was right, according to the will of

Allah, the angel Gabriel dictated the revelations to Muhammad.

• Islam states quite plainly that the Qur’an has one author: Allah. It is not Muhammad’s book.

• To question the Qur’an is to risk eternal punishment. To obey it is to gain eternal life.

• Muslims believe the Qur’an is perfect and contains no errors.


The Structure of the Qur’an• Contains 114 surahs or chapters and over six thousand verses.• The surahs are arranged by size, with the shorter chapters near the

end.• Generally believed the chapters near the end of the Qur’an were

actually written first, most during the time when the prophet was in Medina (A.D. 622-30).

• The longer chapters were written last and were revealed after the Prophet conquered Mecca in A.D. 630.

• The titles of the various chapters are based on some word or idea that appears in the chapter, though the titles do not usually suggest the main theme of the chapters, if one exist.

• Some Muslim scholars have attempted to show that there are hidden scientific truths and mathematical wonders in the Qur’an.

Major Themes of the Qur’an (Allah)

1. Allah• He is the Creator.

• Surah 6:101-102 “He created all things, and He hath full knowledge of all things. That is God, your Lord! There is no god but He, the Creator of all things.”

• Surah 59:24 “He is God, the Creator, the Evolver, the Bestower of Forms (or Colours). To Him belong the Most Beautiful Names: whatever is in the heavens and on earth, doth declare His Praises and Glory: and He is the Exalted in Might, the Wise.”


• He is eternal.• Surah 2:25 “God! There is no god but He, the

Living, the Self-subsisting, Eternal. No slumber can seize Him, nor sleep.”

• Surah 2:3 “God! There is no god but He, the Living, the Self-Subsisting, Eternal.”

• Surah 112:2 “God, the Eternal, Absolute.”


• He is the Guardian.• Surah 89:14 “For thy Lord is (as a Guardian) on a

watch-tower.”• Surah 4:1 “O mankind! Reverence your Guardian-

Lord, who created you from a single person, created, of like nature, His mate, and from them twain scattered (like seeds) countless men and women; reverence God, through whom ye demand your mutual (rights), and (reverence) the wombs (that bore you): for God ever watches over you.”


• He is Holy.• Surah 62:1 “Whatever is in the heavens and on

earth, doth declare the Praises and Glory of God, the Sovereign, the Holy One, the Exalted in Might, the Wise.”

• He is the Lord of All.• Surah 41:9 “And do ye join equals with Him? He is

the Lord of (all) the Worlds.”• He is the All-knowing.

• Surah 35:38 “Verily God knows (all) the hidden things of the heavens and the earth: verily He has full knowledge of all that is in (men’s) hearts.”


• He is Merciful.• Surah 12:64 “He is the Most Merciful of those who

show mercy!”• The phrase “Oft-forgiving, Most Merciful” is used

over and over in the Qur’an, 6 times in Surah 9 alone.

• He is the Revealer.• Surah 5:56 “If only they had stood fast by the Law,

the Gospel, and all the revelation that was sent to them from their Lord, they would have enjoyed happiness from every side.”


• He is the Sustainer.• Surah 7:54 “Your Guardian-Lord is God, Who

created the heavens and earth in six days, and is firmly established on the throne (of authority): He draweth the night as a veil o’er the day, each seeking the other in rapid succession: He created the sun, the moon, the stars, (all) governed by laws under His command. Is it not His to create and govern? Blessed by God, the Cherisher and Sustainer of the worlds!”


• He is worthy of Worship.• Surah 20:14 “Verily, I am God: There is no god but

I: So serve thou Me (only), and establish regular prayer for celebrating My praise.”

Major Themes of the Qur’an (Muhammad)

2. Muhammad.• Muhammad is only mentioned by name four times.• Islam teaches that Gabriel dictated to Muhammad material that was to be

put in the Qur’an about Muhammad.• Teaches that Muhammad is, “the Seal of the Prophets.”• Muhammad is a judge to his followers (4:65) and is to be respected by

them (2:104; 4:46).• Allah himself is a witness to Muhammad’s mission (13:43; 46:8).• Teaches that Muhammad’s prophetic work was predicted by both Moses

(46:10) and by Jesus, of whom the Qur’an says: “And remember, Jesus, the son of Mary said, ‘O Children of Israel! I am the apostle of God (sent) to you, confirming the Law (which came) before me, whose name shall be Ahmad.’”

• The universal messenger from God (34:28).• The symbol of Allah’s mercy to the world (9:61; 28:46-47; 76:24-26).

Major Themes of the Qur’an (Muhammad)• Inspired by Allah: “So did (God) convey the inspiration to His

Servant – (conveyed) what He (meant) to convey. The (Prophet’s) (mind and) heart in no way falsified that which he saw. Will ye then dispute with him concerning what he saw?” (Surah 53:10-12).

• Describes Muhammad as gentle (3:159), very concerned about his followers (9:128), and in deep distress for unbelievers (12:97; 25:30).

• Man of prayer (74:3) and had an “exalted standard of character” (68:4).

• Often mocked by his enemies in Mecca and was accused of being mad (7:184) and under the power of demons (81:82)

• Muhammad is told to adore Allah (96:19), faithfully stick to the message that he is given from God (46:9), follow Allah’s duty for him (30:30), and work hard (66:9).

Major Themes of the Qur’an (Qur’an)

3. Qur’an.• Takes up itself as a subject.• Tells us that Satan is not the auther.• Muhammad could not be the author either, since, the

Qur’an argues, he was completely illiterate.• Only Allah could have produced such a book. • The Qur’an says of itself that it is clear,

understandable, written in pure Arabic, free from error, and that it contains the universal message, one that will guide its hearers into health and into eternal salvation.

Major Themes of the Qur’an (Biblical Material)

4. Biblical Material.• Gives considerable attention to various Old and New

Testament figures.• Muslims claim that Islam began with creation and that Allah

revealed himself to Jews and Christians, though both altered their Scriptures.

• Moses gets the most mention with more than 500 verses or almost 10% of the text dealing with him.

• Other figures include Noah, Abraham, Joshua, David, Jesus, Mary.

• Muslims find it easy to draw comparisons between Muhammad and Moses the law-giver, and also with King David, the warrior of God.

Major Themes of the Qur’an (Jesus)5. Jesus.

• Treats Jesus with respect as a prophet, a teacher and a sign from God.

• States Jesus was born of the Virgin Mary, performed miracles and that his followers were called Muslims.

• Points out that it is a serious error to think that Jesus is the Son of God or that God is a trinity of three Persons, as in Christian tradition.

• For the Qur’an, Jesus is an apostle, but not more than that.• Muslims do not believe Jesus died on the cross.

Surah 4:157 “And because of their saying (in boast), “We killed Messiah ‘Iesa (Jesus), son of Maryam (Mary), the Messenger of Allaah,” – but they killed him not, nor crucified him, but he the resemblance of ‘Iesa (Jesus) was put over another man (and they killed that man), and those who differ therein are full of doubts. They have no (certain) knowledge, they follow nothing but conjecture. For surely; they killed him not [i.e. ‘Iesa (Jesus), son of Maryam (Mary)]:”

Major Themes of the Qur’an (True Believers)

6. True Believers.• Hundreds of verses in the Qur’an are devoted to a portrait of the

true believer.• Vast majority of passages deal with behavior, both the path that is

right and the path that is wrong.• This is in keeping with the common assertion that Islam is a

religion about the right path, much more that it is a religion about the right ideas.

• Muslims are to follow Allah, fear him, and turn from false gods. The true believer patterns his life after the model of the prophet Muhammad.

• Muslims are to be people of prayer and contemplation.• He or she is peaceful, faithful, humble and forgiving.• True believers strive to do good works and protect one another.

Major Themes of the Qur’an (True Believers)

• Are to be charitable, according to the Qur’an, and are to be united in their faith.

• The disciple of Allah engages in fasting and follows Allah’s will on proper marriages (no more than 4 wives) and proper inheritance laws.

• Believers are to remember the rewards of heaven and the pains of hell.

• Resistance to evil and sin also identify the true believer.

• Muslims are to avoid gambling and drinking.• Certain foods are forbidden.

Major Themes of the Qur’an (Unbelievers)

7. Unbelievers.• The whole human setting of the Qur’an involves the storm

created by Muhammad’s prophetic call to decision.• His message creates two options: belief or unbelief.• Considerable discussion of those that the Qur’an calls

hypocrites and unbelievers.• Those who reject Allah’s message are deaf, blind, and full

of disease. They are arrogant, foolish, hate the truth, live in delusion, and their prayers are in vain, and a deceiver.

• Muslims should avoid unbelievers given their perversity. They will be sent into the depths of hell unless they repent.

Major Themes of the Qur’an (Heaven, Hell, Judgment Day)

8. Heaven, Hell, and Judgment Day.• Qur’an gives enormous weight to life after death.• Hundreds of verses about paradise, the pains of hell and the reality

of a final judgment day by God.• Heaven is pictured as a garden paradise with mansions, fountains,

food and drink, and sexual pleasure where believers are full of happiness, peace, and joy in the presence of God.

• Qur’an depicts hell as a place of blazing, eternal fire. The unbelievers will taste the boiling fluids of hell, with their faces covered in flames. They will wear garments of fire, will live in eternal regret and will beg for destruction.

• The Day of Judgment is an absolute certainty, though the righteous have no reason to fear. Justice will be done and human deeds will be weighed in the balance, when the last trumpet sounds.

Helpful Ministry Tips with Muslims

• Speak in loving terms to them – never be loud, harsh, judgmental or condescending. Remember the principle that says: “It is not until love is felt that the message is heard.”

• As you have the opportunity, seek to build a relationship and friendship first – rather than trying to make a convert. And begin with acts of Christian hospitality. Invite them into your home for refreshments and meals (never offer pork).

• Approach them humbly with a servant’s heart and the spirit of a learner, rather than from a haughty know-it-all attitude of pride or spiritual superiority. Ask them questions about their faith and beliefs first rather than trying to force your faith upon them.


• Avoid arguments and debates. This is what they are expecting and are mentally prepared for. But as you have the opportunity, seek to clarify any wrong understandings about Jesus Christ, Christianity, the church, etc., that come up in your discussion.

• Try to keep Jesus as the focus of the conversation and speak of him as Isa Al Masih, “Jesus the Messiah.” Focus on His teachings since the Qur’an speak little of this.

• Emphasize the love of God and the assurance of salvation that He gives his children, along with the forgiveness of sins and certainty of eternal life in heaven when you die.


• Pray with them as you have the opening. Especially ask them if you can pray for their personal needs, family matters, children, worries, concerns, etc. However, do not initially use terms like “Father” or “Abba” since that is a misunderstood concept to them with sexual overtones. Use phrases like “Almighty God” or “Lord God Almighty” – and then close in Jesus’ Name.

• If you have our Bible with you, handle it with respect and never drop it or throw it down. Muslims have a high and holy regard for the Qur’an, so you must show the same respect for your Bible.

• Be sensitive to the gender issue in relating Muslims – and always interact “man to man” and “woman to woman.” It is a taboo in Islam for a man to have personal contact with a woman and vice versa. A woman should never look directly into the eyes of a Muslim man. This is considered forward.


• Women, be modest in your dress around Muslims.• If you are invited into their home, leave your shoes at the door

in keeping with their custom. Do not sit in such a way that the sole of your shoe or foot is facing them. This is highly offensive.

• Never use your left hand for hand-shaking or eating since this is the “unclean hand.” Use your right hand for everything, especially when eating. Muslims often eat from common dishes.

• Above all, NEVER say anything negative or derogatory about Muhammad. Because of their reverence and respect for him, those words will close any open door you might have and result in great hostility.


• Finally, seek to relate to them through the Golden Rule of “doing unto others what you would like for them to do unto you.”

But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you are blessed. “And do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled.” But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear; having a good conscience, that when they defame you as evil doers, those who revile your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed. For it is better, if it is the will of God, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.

- 1 Peter 3:14-17

If you wish to have a copy of the notes used in this study:

• Email me at [email protected] and I will reply

Or

• Bring a USB memory stick and we will download from the church laptop.

ISLAM A Study of the ISLAM Faith Central Union Church of Christ Winter Quarter 2014.

Documents

Transcript of ISLAM A Study of the ISLAM Faith Central Union Church of Christ Winter Quarter 2014.