07-12-2006, 03:32 PM
I've been here for a few months. I've learned a lot of Islam outside of what the media portrays. I wanted to kind of give a summary of what I've learned here. Please correct me where I am wrong if I am wrong and elaborate on any areas which need elaboration.
Theology-
1) Allah - Allah is the one God. Creator of everything. He is one in nature. He has sent many prophets to people on earth to reveal his will. Some prophets are known to us and some are not known.
2) Allah has sent in the past prophets to every group of peoples on earth. So even the eskimos have had a prophet from Allah.
3) Mohammed was Allah's final prophet.
4) The Quran, although produced by Mohammed, was actually written by Allah.
5) The biggest miracle and proof that Mohammed was a prophet from Allah is the Quran itself.
6) Muslims believe that the Quran is perfect, containing no error either scientific or historical.
7) Jesus - Muslims believe that Jesus was another prophet from Allah and not the Son of God and not God.
8) They believe that Jesus' teachings were twisted and that Jesus had no intention of being worshipped as God.
9) They believe in Jesus' virgin birth.
10) They believe that Jesus did not die on the cross, rather a look alike was killed instead and Jesus was laughing from the crowd watching the crucifiction of this other man.
11) Thus they do not believe in the resurrection of Christ. But they do believe that Jesus ascended into heaven and didn't suffer death on earth...yet. They believe he'll die on earth after his return.
12) They believe that parts of the bible are from Allah (God) and some parts are not from Allah. (I am not sure which parts though)
13) They believe that Mohammed was sinless as Christ was sinless. Meaning that they never committed intentional sin.
14) They believe that salvation comes from obeying the law of Allah as prescribed in the Quran and accpeted Haddiths.
15) The put their hope in salvation in the hands of Allah which they say is most mercifull.
16) They believe that Muslims who convert to Christianity or any other religion ought to be put to death.
Social -
1) Muslim men can have up to four wives. Mohammed had more than that but had special permission from Allah.
2) Muslims should dress modestly. Men with loose clothing which doesn't reveal body shape and women should cover their heads.
3) Muslims abstain from certain foods...such as wine and other drinks.
Other-
1) Haram is sin.
2) Fatwa is an opinion given by Muslim scholars. Fatwa's do not have to be followed. (as a side question, some Fatwa's are enforced by governments and punishable by death are they not? e.g. Men having beards in the Taliban regime?)
3) Haddiths are second only to the Quran in authority.
4) Haddiths were written by the people who lived in contact with Mohammed.
5) Mohammed died a physical death.
6) Jesus will come back some day. (what will he do when he returns?)