Islam: Basic Beliefs and Practices Copyright by Norman Geisler 2008

Islam: Basic Beliefs and Practices

Islam: Basic Beliefs and Practices

Copyright by Norman Geisler 2008

I. Background of Islam

II. Basic Beliefs of Islam

III. Basic Practices of Islam




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A. Meaning of Islam

Islam means “submission”

Muslim means “submitted one”


A. Meaning of Islam



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A. Meaning of Islam



B. History of Islam


A. Meaning of Islam



B. History of Islam

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B. A Brief History of IslamB. A Brief History of Islam1. He was born in Mecca (Arabia): A.D. 570 2. He received his first revelation: A.D. 6103. He preached in Mecca with little results.4. He fled (Hijra) from Mecca to Medina: A.D. 6225. He returned and took Mecca by force: A.D. 6306. He received many more revelations organized into the 114 Suras (chapters) of the Qur’an.7. Muhammad Died: A.D. 6328. Islam spread as far as France by 732 where Charles Martel defeated the Islamic armies at Tours.

1. He was born in Mecca (Arabia): A.D. 570 2. He received his first revelation: A.D. 6103. He preached in Mecca with little results.4. He fled (Hijra) from Mecca to Medina: A.D. 6225. He returned and took Mecca by force: A.D. 6306. He received many more revelations organized into the 114 Suras (chapters) of the Qur’an.7. Muhammad Died: A.D. 6328. Islam spread as far as France by 732 where Charles Martel defeated the Islamic armies at Tours.

The Statistics of Islam TodayThe Statistics of Islam Today

• 1.2 billion Muslims in the world• 1/5 of the world’s population• Second only to Christianity (1.8 billion)• The fastest growing religion in the world• 3.3 million Muslims in the USA• More Muslims than Methodists in America• Biggest growth is among African Americans

• 1.2 billion Muslims in the world• 1/5 of the world’s population• Second only to Christianity (1.8 billion)• The fastest growing religion in the world• 3.3 million Muslims in the USA• More Muslims than Methodists in America• Biggest growth is among African Americans





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II. Basic Beliefs of MuslimsII. Basic Beliefs of Muslims

1. One God (Allah)2. Prophets (Muhammad is the last) 3. Angels (good and bad)4. The Qur’an is the Word of God 5. Final day of judgment (heaven & hell)

1. One God (Allah)2. Prophets (Muhammad is the last) 3. Angels (good and bad)4. The Qur’an is the Word of God 5. Final day of judgment (heaven & hell)







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Basic Practices of MuslimsBasic Practices of Muslims

1. Shahadah: To recite the creed: “There is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is his messenger.”

2. Salat: To pray five times a day toward Mecca3. Sawm: To fast one month a year—ninth lunar

month of the year, Ramadan4. Sakat: To give 1/40 of their income5. Hajj: To make the pilgrimage once in their

lifetime to Mecca (in Saudi Arabia)

1. Shahadah: To recite the creed: “There is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is his messenger.”

2. Salat: To pray five times a day toward Mecca3. Sawm: To fast one month a year—ninth lunar

month of the year, Ramadan4. Sakat: To give 1/40 of their income5. Hajj: To make the pilgrimage once in their

lifetime to Mecca (in Saudi Arabia)

Hajj: Pilgrimage to Mecca

Jihad (Holy War):The Final Duty

Jihad (Holy War):The Final Duty

Al Bukhari Vol. 1, Bk. 2, 25 (Hadith) Allah's Apostle was asked, “What is the best deed?” He replied, “To believe in Allah and His Apostle (Muhammed). The questioner then asked, “What is the next (in goodness)?” He replied, “To participate in Jihad in Allah's Cause.”

Al Bukhari Vol. 1, Bk. 2, 25 (Hadith) Allah's Apostle was asked, “What is the best deed?” He replied, “To believe in Allah and His Apostle (Muhammed). The questioner then asked, “What is the next (in goodness)?” He replied, “To participate in Jihad in Allah's Cause.”

Jihad: The 2nd Best DeedJihad: The 2nd Best Deed

Jihad Against America: September 11, 2001

Jihad Against America: September 11, 2001

http://www.time.com/time/photoessays/wtc/2.html

http://www.time.com/time/photoessays/wtc/8.html

Sura 8:60: “Against them make ready your strength to the utmost of your power, including steeds of war, to strike terror into the hearts of the enemies of Allah.”

Sura 8:60: “Against them make ready your strength to the utmost of your power, including steeds of war, to strike terror into the hearts of the enemies of Allah.”

The Tactic of TerrorismThe Tactic of Terrorism

“I assure you, dear brothers, that we are firm on the road of jihad for the sake of God inspired by His Prophet....”

(Bin Laden, 9/23/01)

“I assure you, dear brothers, that we are firm on the road of jihad for the sake of God inspired by His Prophet....”

(Bin Laden, 9/23/01)

The Islamic Jihad Against America

The Islamic Jihad Against America

“Hostility toward America is a religious

duty, and we hope to be rewarded for it by God.

I am confident that Muslims will be able to

end the legend of the so-called superpower that

is America.”

“Hostility toward America is a religious

duty, and we hope to be rewarded for it by God.

I am confident that Muslims will be able to

end the legend of the so-called superpower that

is America.”

Bin Laden: Hostility is a Religious DutyBin Laden: Hostility is a Religious Duty

“Islam says: Kill all unbelievers…kill them and put them to the sword and scatter their armies.... Islam says whatever good there is exists thanks to the sword and the shadow of the sword….There are hundreds of Qur’anic Psalms and sayings of the prophet Muhammad urging Muslims to value war and to fight.”

“Islam says: Kill all unbelievers…kill them and put them to the sword and scatter their armies.... Islam says whatever good there is exists thanks to the sword and the shadow of the sword….There are hundreds of Qur’anic Psalms and sayings of the prophet Muhammad urging Muslims to value war and to fight.”

Khomeini: Qur’an says “Kill”Khomeini: Qur’an says “Kill”

“Non-Muslims are our enemy according to the Qur’an, so Americans are our enemy. We hate America. I believe in jihad. I will do whatever I can do. If I am provided the opportunity to get weapons, I will use them.”

Shafia Salaam, 16, Afghan refugee living in Pakistan (NYT, Oct 21, 2001)

“Non-Muslims are our enemy according to the Qur’an, so Americans are our enemy. We hate America. I believe in jihad. I will do whatever I can do. If I am provided the opportunity to get weapons, I will use them.”

Shafia Salaam, 16, Afghan refugee living in Pakistan (NYT, Oct 21, 2001)

Qur’an: Non-Muslims are our EnemyQur’an: Non-Muslims are our Enemy

“The persecution or elimination of non-Muslims has been a cornerstone of Islamic conquests and rule for centuries. The Qur’an provides ample evidence that Islam encourages violence in order to win converts and to reach the ultimate goal of an Islamic world. Conversions from Islam to any other faith are often punishable by death.” (Franklin Graham, Dec. 3, 2001)

“The persecution or elimination of non-Muslims has been a cornerstone of Islamic conquests and rule for centuries. The Qur’an provides ample evidence that Islam encourages violence in order to win converts and to reach the ultimate goal of an Islamic world. Conversions from Islam to any other faith are often punishable by death.” (Franklin Graham, Dec. 3, 2001)

Franklin Graham: Qur’an encourages Violence

Franklin Graham: Qur’an encourages Violence

“The religion of "submission" continues to advance, as a rule by force, in Africa in part of Nigeria and Sudan, and in Asia, notably in Indonesia, where non-Moslems are given the choice of conversion or death. And in all countries where Islamic law is applied, converts, whether compulsory or not, who revert to their earlier faith, are punished by death.”

Paul Johnson, National Review 10/15/01

“The religion of "submission" continues to advance, as a rule by force, in Africa in part of Nigeria and Sudan, and in Asia, notably in Indonesia, where non-Moslems are given the choice of conversion or death. And in all countries where Islamic law is applied, converts, whether compulsory or not, who revert to their earlier faith, are punished by death.”

Paul Johnson, National Review 10/15/01

Ex-Muslims are being KilledEx-Muslims are being Killed

Other Practices: Treatment of WomenOther Practices: Treatment of Women

Polygamy: A man may have four wives Polygamy: A man may have four wives

Sura 4:3: “If you fear that you cannot act equitably towards orphans, then marry such women as seem good to you, two and three and four....”

Muhammad Could Have More Wives: (He Had Up to Fifteen Wives)

Muhammad Could Have More Wives: (He Had Up to Fifteen Wives)• Sura 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 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).”

• Sura 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 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).”

It’s OK to Marry Adopted Son’s Divorced Wife:

It’s OK to Marry Adopted Son’s Divorced Wife:

Sura 33:37: “Then when Zaid [Muhammad’s adopted son] had dissolved (his marriage) with her, with the necessary (formality), We joined her in marriage to thee: in order that (in future) there may be no difficulty to the Believers in (the matter of) marriage with the wives of their adopted sons.... And Allah's command must be fulfilled.”

Sura 33:37: “Then when Zaid [Muhammad’s adopted son] had dissolved (his marriage) with her, with the necessary (formality), We joined her in marriage to thee: in order that (in future) there may be no difficulty to the Believers in (the matter of) marriage with the wives of their adopted sons.... And Allah's command must be fulfilled.”

Sura 4:34: “Men are in charge of woman because Allah hath made the one to excel the other…. As for those from whom ye fear rebellion, admonish them and banish them to beds apart, and scourge them.”

Sura 4:34: “Men are in charge of woman because Allah hath made the one to excel the other…. As for those from whom ye fear rebellion, admonish them and banish them to beds apart, and scourge them.”

Wife Beating is ApprovedWife Beating is Approved

Al Bukhari, Vol. 1, Bk. 6, 301 (Hadith) : "Then he (Muhammad) passed by the women and said, "O women, give alms as I have seen that the majority of the dwellers of Hell-fire were you (women)." They asked, "Why is it so O Allah's messenger?" He replied, "You curse frequently and are ungrateful to your husbands.…”

Al Bukhari, Vol. 1, Bk. 6, 301 (Hadith) : "Then he (Muhammad) passed by the women and said, "O women, give alms as I have seen that the majority of the dwellers of Hell-fire were you (women)." They asked, "Why is it so O Allah's messenger?" He replied, "You curse frequently and are ungrateful to your husbands.…”

The Majority in Hell are WomenThe Majority in Hell are Women

Al Bukhari, Vol. 1, Bk. 6, 301 (Hadith): “I have not seen anyone more deficient in intelligence and religion than you....” The women asked, “O Allah's messenger, what is deficient in our intelligence and religion?” He said, “Is not the evidence of two women equal to the witness of one man?” They replied in the affirmative. He said, “This is the deficiency in her intelligence….”

Al Bukhari, Vol. 1, Bk. 6, 301 (Hadith): “I have not seen anyone more deficient in intelligence and religion than you....” The women asked, “O Allah's messenger, what is deficient in our intelligence and religion?” He said, “Is not the evidence of two women equal to the witness of one man?” They replied in the affirmative. He said, “This is the deficiency in her intelligence….”

Women are Deficient in IntelligenceWomen are Deficient in Intelligence

Sura 4:89:0 “They desire that you should disbelieve as they have disbelieved, so that you might be (all) alike; therefore take not from among them friends until they fly (their homes) in Allah's way; but if they turn back, then seize them and kill them wherever you find them, and take not from among them a friend or a helper.”

Sura 4:89:0 “They desire that you should disbelieve as they have disbelieved, so that you might be (all) alike; therefore take not from among them friends until they fly (their homes) in Allah's way; but if they turn back, then seize them and kill them wherever you find them, and take not from among them a friend or a helper.”

Jihad:Kill Those Who Leave Islam

Jihad:Kill Those Who Leave Islam

Sura 8:12: “When your Lord spoke to the angels, “I will be with you: therefore establish the faithful. I will cast a dread into the hearts of infidels.” Strike off their heads then, and strike off from them every finger-tip.”

Sura 8:12: “When your Lord spoke to the angels, “I will be with you: therefore establish the faithful. I will cast a dread into the hearts of infidels.” Strike off their heads then, and strike off from them every finger-tip.”

Kill UnbelieversKill Unbelievers

The Execution of Islamic Law:

Shiria

The Execution of Islamic Law:

Shiria

A photographer records a public execution in Jeddah from behind the bars of a window http://www.kamaz.demon.co.uk/amnesty/briefing/8.html

A photographer records a public execution in Jeddah from behind the bars of a window http://www.kamaz.demon.co.uk/amnesty/briefing/8.html

Sura 9:29: “Fight those who do not believe in Allah, nor in the latter day, nor do they prohibit what Allah and His Apostle have prohibited, nor follow the religion of truth….”

Sura 9:29: “Fight those who do not believe in Allah, nor in the latter day, nor do they prohibit what Allah and His Apostle have prohibited, nor follow the religion of truth….”

Make War against UnbelieversMake War against Unbelievers

Sura 8:40: “And fight with them until there is no more persecution and religion should be only for Allah; but if they desist, then surely Allah sees what they do.”

Sura 8:40: “And fight with them until there is no more persecution and religion should be only for Allah; but if they desist, then surely Allah sees what they do.”

Fight until all are MuslimsFight until all are Muslims

Sura 9:5: “Then, when the sacred months have passed, slay the idolaters wherever ye find them, and take them (captive), and besiege them, and prepare for them each ambush. But if they repent and establish worship and pay the poor-due, then leave their way free. Lo! Allah is Forgiving, Merciful.”

Slay the IdolatersSlay the Idolaters

Sura 9:30: “And the Jews say: Ezra is the son of Allah; and the Christians say: The Messiah is the son of Allah; these are the words of their mouths; they imitate the saying of those who disbelieved before; may Allah destroy them; how they are turned away!”

Sura 9:30: “And the Jews say: Ezra is the son of Allah; and the Christians say: The Messiah is the son of Allah; these are the words of their mouths; they imitate the saying of those who disbelieved before; may Allah destroy them; how they are turned away!”

May Allah Destroy Christians & JewsMay Allah Destroy Christians & Jews

Sura 4:76: “Those who believe fight in the cause of Allah, and those who reject Faith Fight in the cause of Evil: So fight ye against the friends of Satan: feeble indeed is the cunning of Satan.”

Sura 4:76: “Those who believe fight in the cause of Allah, and those who reject Faith Fight in the cause of Evil: So fight ye against the friends of Satan: feeble indeed is the cunning of Satan.”

Disbelievers Fight for SatanDisbelievers Fight for Satan

Sura 5:51: “O you who believe! do not take the Jews and the Christians for friends; they are friends of each other; and whoever amongst you takes them for a friend, then surely he is one of them; surely Allah does not guide the unjust people.”

Sura 5:51: “O you who believe! do not take the Jews and the Christians for friends; they are friends of each other; and whoever amongst you takes them for a friend, then surely he is one of them; surely Allah does not guide the unjust people.”

Don’t Befriend Christians and Jews Don’t Befriend Christians and Jews

Reward for JihadReward for Jihad

• Sura 8:60: “Whatever you spend in the cause of Allah shall be repaid to you and you shall not be treated unjustly.”

• Sura 8:60: “Whatever you spend in the cause of Allah shall be repaid to you and you shall not be treated unjustly.”

Al Bukhari Vol. 1, Bk. 2, 35 (Hadith) The Prophet said, “The person who participates in (Holy battles) in Allah's cause and nothing compels him to do so except belief in Allah and His Apostles, will be recompensed by Allah either with a reward, or booty (if he survives) or will be admitted to Paradise (if he is killed in the battle as a martyr).”

Al Bukhari Vol. 1, Bk. 2, 35 (Hadith) The Prophet said, “The person who participates in (Holy battles) in Allah's cause and nothing compels him to do so except belief in Allah and His Apostles, will be recompensed by Allah either with a reward, or booty (if he survives) or will be admitted to Paradise (if he is killed in the battle as a martyr).”


Sura 4:74: “Therefore let those fight in the way of Allah, who sell this world's life for the hereafter; and whoever fights in the way of Allah, then be he slain or be he victorious, We shall grant him a mighty reward.”

Sura 4:74: “Therefore let those fight in the way of Allah, who sell this world's life for the hereafter; and whoever fights in the way of Allah, then be he slain or be he victorious, We shall grant him a mighty reward.”


Various Views on JihadVarious Views on Jihad

• I. It is Purely a Spiritual Struggle.

• II. It is Literal but only Defensive.

• III. It is Literal and not Merely Defensive.

Evidence from:– A. The Context in the Qur’an– B. The Example of Muhammad – C. The History of Islam

• I. It is Purely a Spiritual Struggle.

• II. It is Literal but only Defensive.

• III. It is Literal and not Merely Defensive.

Evidence from:– A. The Context in the Qur’an– B. The Example of Muhammad – C. The History of Islam

A. The Context in the Qur’anA. The Context in the Qur’an

• 1. The context is literal (killing, cutting, beating, etc.).

• 2. Other events are taken literally (e.g., war in self-defense and idolatry).

• 3. It was practiced literally and aggressively by Muhammad.

• 4. It was practiced literally and aggressively by early Islam.

• 1. The context is literal (killing, cutting, beating, etc.).

• 2. Other events are taken literally (e.g., war in self-defense and idolatry).

• 3. It was practiced literally and aggressively by Muhammad.

• 4. It was practiced literally and aggressively by early Islam.

B. The Example of Muhammad B. The Example of MuhammadMuhammad Condoned killing of: 1. --Unbelievers in general .2. --A Jew who wrote poetry against him.3. --Any Jew who fell into their hands.4. --600 to 900 Jews were killed.5. --A man who refused to help find treasure.6. --Meccans who satirized or insulted him.7. --A one-eyed shepherd who said he would never become a Muslim.8. --A woman who wrote a poem against him. She was killed as she

nursed her baby. (From Sirat Rasul Allah, earliest Life of Muhammad)

Muhammad Condoned killing of: 1. --Unbelievers in general .2. --A Jew who wrote poetry against him.3. --Any Jew who fell into their hands.4. --600 to 900 Jews were killed.5. --A man who refused to help find treasure.6. --Meccans who satirized or insulted him.7. --A one-eyed shepherd who said he would never become a Muslim.8. --A woman who wrote a poem against him. She was killed as she

nursed her baby. (From Sirat Rasul Allah, earliest Life of Muhammad)

C. Evidence from the History of Islam

C. Evidence from the History of Islam

D. Evidence from the Early Spread of Islam

D. Evidence from the Early Spread of Islam

E. Evidence From the Later Spread of Islam

E. Evidence From the Later Spread of Islam

1972: Munich Olympics 1979: U.S. Embassy in Iran Seized1980s: Kidnappings in Lebanon1983: Marine Barracks in Beruit Bombed1985: Achille Lauro Hijacked1985: TWA Flight Hijacked1986: German Nightclub Bombed1988: TWA Flight Bombed1993: WTC Bombed1996: Khobar Towers Bombed1998: US Embassies Bombed 2000: USS Cole Bombed2001: World Trade Center, Pentagon Attacked2002: Bali Nightclub Bombed, Moscow Theatre 2003: Philippine Airport Bombed2004: Madrid Train Bombed, Americans Beheaded2005: London Transit2006-2008: Hundreds of Attacks in Iraq

Note: This does not count the hundreds of attacks against Israel

3. Evidence from Recent Terrorism

8,814 Attacks Since 9/11

Sura 2:256 “There is no compulsion in religion.” Sura 2:256 “There is no compulsion in religion.”

What About the Tolerance Verses?

All Jihad verses cited are from later, Medinan verses and thus abrogate the earlier, more peaceful Meccan verses.

Note: Muhammad became more belligerent after A.D. 622 as he gained power in Medina.

All Jihad verses cited are from later, Medinan verses and thus abrogate the earlier, more peaceful Meccan verses.

Note: Muhammad became more belligerent after A.D. 622 as he gained power in Medina.

Jihad Abrogates PeaceJihad Abrogates Peace

Sura 2:106: “Whatever communications We abrogate or cause to be forgotten, We bring one better than it or like it. Do you not know that Allah has power over all things?”

Abrogation of Earlier “Revelations”

Sura 16:101: “When We substitute one revelation for another, and Allah knows best what He reveals (in stages), they say, ‘Thou art but a forger’: but most of them understand not.”

Earlier “Revelations” Can be Changed

“If it is a true religion, it must take up the sword and advance. To what point should it advance? To the point that they either submit and say, "We are Muslims," in which case they become your brothers, or they say, "We will retain our own religion and will carry on our own way of worship; but we will follow the public [Sharia] law of Islam."

http://www.al-islam.org/beliefs/philosophy/jihadandshahadat.html

“If it is a true religion, it must take up the sword and advance. To what point should it advance? To the point that they either submit and say, "We are Muslims," in which case they become your brothers, or they say, "We will retain our own religion and will carry on our own way of worship; but we will follow the public [Sharia] law of Islam."

http://www.al-islam.org/beliefs/philosophy/jihadandshahadat.html

Muslim Tolerance: Convert or Submit Muslim Tolerance: Convert or Submit

Consistent with Teachings of the Qur’an (Sura 9:5)

Contrary to Teachings of the New Testament (Mt. 26:52)

Contrary to Example of Jesus Christ

Consistent with Example of Muhammad

Logical Outworking of Islam

Illogical Outworking of Christianity

Christianity grew by use of the sword on it

Islam grew by use of the sword on others

Comparing Religious WarsComparing Religious Wars

JIHADJIHAD CRUSADESCRUSADES

Percent of Muslims Supporting TerrorismPercent of Muslims Supporting Terrorism

• CNN (8/23/07)—26% of Muslim youth • Pew Foundation (2007):• Palestinians-----70%• Nigeria----------42%• Lebanon---------34%• Malaysia--------26%• Jordan-----------23%• America---------22%• Muslim Expert (Sam Solomon)---up to 40%• 22% of 3 million is an army of 660,000 Muslim terrorist or

supporters in the US!

• CNN (8/23/07)—26% of Muslim youth • Pew Foundation (2007):• Palestinians-----70%• Nigeria----------42%• Lebanon---------34%• Malaysia--------26%• Jordan-----------23%• America---------22%• Muslim Expert (Sam Solomon)---up to 40%• 22% of 3 million is an army of 660,000 Muslim terrorist or

supporters in the US!

On Innocent On Morally Guilty

An act of GodAn act of Man

For Religious Reasons

On all Unbelievers

For Moral Reasons

As a Last Resort As a First Resort

On some Unbelievers

Commands to KillCommands to KillThe God who gives life can take itThe God who gives life can take it

QUR’ANQUR’AN OLD TESTAMENTOLD TESTAMENT

At any Time At a Specific Time in OT

For Redeeming EveryoneFor Redeeming No One

Confirmed by GodNot Confirmed by God

Documents

Islam: Basic Beliefs and Practices Copyright by Norman Geisler 2008