Understanding Islam

In Islam, the forgiveness of sins through Christ is not realized since Muhammed is their final prophet. They focus on their efforts, actions, and submission to Allah as their believed path to salvation. 

Core Convictions

  • The Five Pillars 
    • Shahada: Confession or verbal affirmation of Islam 
    • Salat: Praying five times a day in the prescribed manner, including cleansing themselves and facing Mecca while praying. 
    • Zakat: Giving 2.5% of income to Islamic charities. 
    • Sawm: Participating in the month-long fast with other Muslims known as Ramadan. 
    • Hajj: Muslims must pilgrimage to Mecca at some point in their lives or have someone else go on their behalf. 

Six Tenets

  1. There is one God (monotheism).
  2. Good spirits do the will of Allah; evil spirits do the will of Satan.
  3. Allah uses prophets to speak to humanity. 
  4. Prophets have written the holy books (E.g., Muhammed, angel Gabriel, Moses and the Torah, David and the Psalms, Jesus and the Gospels).
  5. Allah will judge those going to paradise and hell by their good works on Earth. 
  6. Allah has predestined all that occurs.

Important Key Terms

  • Halal
    • Things that are permissible for Muslims without sin 
    • Usually, food places will specify if something is Halal in a predominantly Muslim country. 
    • Alcohol is non-halal or banned because of its negative effects on the body and society. 
  • Sharia
    • The aspirations of Muslims to the message of the Quran. 
    • The goal is to protect life, property, family, faith, and intellect.
    • Most Muslims agree violence is not Sharia; however, some groups have used Sharia to justify their violence in the world. 
  • Mecca 
    • The place in which Muhammed received revelations from Allah. 
    • The place in the world where Muslims should make an effort to go to during Ramadan 
    • A wall in the Mosque is pointed towards Mecca so that Muslims know where to face when they pray. 
  • Eid al-Adha
    • Celebration in response to Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son, Ishmael (not Isaac). 
    • Muslims observe the sacrifice of goats and bulls depending on the size of the Mosque. 
    • These are symbols that forgive their sins, and the meat is used to feed Muslims from the poor to the rich. 

Hebrews 10:1-18

According to this passage, who is the perfect sacrifice? 

Why might that matter for someone believing in Islam?

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