Islam
Islam’s origins can be traced back to about 600 CE in the central Arabian Desert. The religion began with the teachings of Mohammed who was considered by his followers to be the last messenger of Allah. Islam spread rapidly from the Arabian Peninsula in less than 30 years. The religion quickly spread into Asia, Europe, and North Africa.7 After the death of Mohammed his followers were faced with a decision of who should become the leader of Islam. The leadership position – known as the kalifa – became a contentious one and led to the split of Islam into what are now known as Sunni Islam and Shia Islam. Shia Islam considered Ali – Mohammed’s cousin and son-in-law – to be the rightful successor while Sunni Islam considered Abu Bakr (a friend and father-in-law of Mohammed) to be the rightful successor. Abu Bakr was the first of four kalifas – the others being Umar, Uthman, and Ali – who contributed to the spreading of the religion of Islam.8
The central tenant of Islam is the absolute belief in a unique, One God known as Allah. Islam teaches that Allah is the all-powerful Creator of an ordered and perfect universe. He is transcendent and not part of His creation. Allah is considered to be ultimately unknowable and transcendent. However Islam also teaches that Allah is not aloof in heaven but is present everywhere and close to mankind. Allah is considered a God of Justice who expects submission to the divine will and righteous behavior of mankind. Allah responds to anyone who cries out to Him and He “mercifully provides guidance to mankind so they can follow the straight path.”9
The holy text of Islam is called the Qur’an. The Qur’an is considered the final revelation from Allah that was revealed to Mohammed in a series of divine revelations. The Qur’an is considered the direct and unaltered words of Allah revealed through the Angel Jibreel to Mohammed. The key teachings of the Qur’an are the same as those in the Tanakh and New Testament: belief in One God with no partners; refrain from sin; and, lead a life devoted to earning God’s favor. The Qur’an was recorded during the time of its revelation by Mohammed’s followers. Muslims consider the Qur’an as the only revealed book in existence today that is in the “precise form and content in which it was originally revealed.”10
For Islam, evil is the result of mankind’s free-will choices. Suffering comes from the willful neglect of following Allah by sinning in one’s life. Islam teaches that “Shaytan” is a tormentor and tempter that can lead one to sin. Islam does not teach a theology of “original sin.” Islam teaches that mankind is born into a natural state of submission to Allah and repentance of sins brings one back to that natural state.11 The purpose of life for a Muslim is to live a life pleasing to Allah in order to gain Jannah (paradise). At puberty an account of each person’s deed is opened and this account will be used on the Day of Judgment. Islam teaches that unbelievers and sinners will be condemned but if one truly repents of one’s sins Allah will grant forgiveness and one will attain Jannah.12
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7Nirupama Bala and James Kirkham. “Islam.” greenstar.org. Greenstar, n.d. [http://www.greenstar.org/Islam/]
8“Who were the caliphs?” religionfacts.com. Religion Facts, n.d. [http://www.religionfacts.com/islam/history/caliphs.htm]
9“What do Muslims believe about God?” religionfacts.com. Religion Facts, n.d. [http://www.religionfacts.com/islam/beliefs/god.htm]
10“The Origin of the Quran.” whyislam.org. Why Islam, 2011. [http://www.whyislam.org/the-origin-of-the-quran/#]
11“What does Islam teach about human nature?” religionfacts.com. Religion Facts, n.d. [http://www.religionfacts.com/islam/beliefs/human.htm]
12“What is the purpose of life in Islam?” religionfacts.com. Religion Facts, n.d. [http://www.religionfacts.com/islam/beliefs/salvation.htm]