Islam

Historic monotheistic faith like Judaism and Christianity

The Name

Islam – means complete submission or surrender in Arabic

s-l-m – peace (salam). Expectation of soundness and safety that includes safety from divine retribution in the life to come

Believer is called Muslim (s-l-m) Term “Mohammedan” considered

offensive by Muslims

Universal and Inclusive Religion

View of Qur’an (Islamic Scripture): Islam is the universal and primordial faith (Adam to Muhammad, including Jesus).

Focus on God’s sovereignty in the universe

Focus on choice of those who affirm the oneness of God and submit to his will

Judgement day involves consequences of choice

Simple Profession of Faith

No initiation ritual equivalent to baptism in Christian

One becomes a Muslim by reciting the shahadah before two witnesses:

“I bear witness that there is no god except God, and I bear witness that Muhammad is the messenger of God”

Becoming a Muslim involves rights and responsibilities

Arabian Context of Islam

Pre-Islamic Arab history known as the age of jahiliyah (age of foolishness or ignorance) involving lack of moral conscience

Allah (the God) recognized as supreme creator god before Islam but worshipped along with other gods

Even before Islam the Ka’bah in Makkah(Mecca) was as sacred place and pilgrimage site: an ancient square building containing images of gods and goddesses, perhaps even images of Jesus and Mary (in Islam it has been purged of its polytheistic associations, but remained a sacred site and made the direction of prayer for Muslims all over the world).

Before Islam

Qur’an presents a focus in pre-Islamic times on pleasure and living for today

Like ancient Hebrews, ancient Arabs had no belief in an afterlife

Values of Arab society eventually become part of religious framework (e.g. manliness, hospitality, honour, protection of defenseless, covenants)

Jewish and Christian communities exist in ancient Arabia before emergence of Islam in the 7th century

Pious ones (hanifs) accept ethical monotheism associated with Judaism and Christianity

Tribal interests and intertribal conflicts continue even after the establishment of Islam