Author: Ahmad Rashid Salim
Notes:
Intro
- Islam is derived from Arabic root “s-l-m” = peace, serenity, submission and surrender
- Muslims believe that in order to experience and attain peace in this world, one needs to understand and align with the Divine Will
- Islam is a complete way of life
- “There is no god but god” → One God
- Muslim god is not male or gendered
- God possesses perfect knowledge and power and sustains the heavens and earth
- God extends mercy, forgiveness, guidance, protection, mental and physical capacity, and life to humanity
- Humans have direct access to God through prayer, worship, revelation and reflection
- Creation Story
- Adam and Eve were created from the same essence
- Humankind was created to be representative of God on earth
- Everyone is born pure and sinless
- Mankind forgot God and their purpose in life
- Original Sin (from christianity) not contained in Islamic teachings
- Books
- Qur’an refers to previous books like the Psalms, Torah and gospel of Jesus, but the exact teachings have been lost, forgotten or changed → Similar but alternate interpretations open
- Qur’an is believe to be the last revelation after which no other books will be revealed
- Jews and Christians are called “People of the book” → shared reference to earlier revelations
- Quran is read in Arabic
- Not chronologically in order of revelation
- Hafez = Muslim who knows Quran by heart
- Messengers
- God sent many prophets to different nations, Adam was first and Muhammad was the final
- Messengers are humans sent by god and deemed infallible
- Judgement
- Muslims are judged by what they know, not all that there is to know
- Worst action is to forget God
- Major Sins
- Injustice
- Murder
- Fornication
- Usury
- False witness
- Losing hope in god
- Day of judgement
- Souls reside in intermediate world until Day of Judgement
- Final day of accountability
- Sent to Heaven or Hell
- No predestination or absolute free will
- Jihad = struggle to overcome problems and deficiencies