Searching for the Truth How Christianity Compares to World Religions Islam Teacher: Tony Griffies

Home > Learning Center > Bible Classes > Searching for the Truth

“_____”

“Alex, I’ll take World Religions for 100..”

• It has gained thousands of converts in N. America, including many professional athletes.
• It is the youngest among world religions but is still the largest.
• It is so missionary minded that it is seeking to convert Western countries, not just African and Asian countries.

“Islam”

The Back-story

• Islam claims to have nearly 1 billion followers world-wide
• Islam originated in modern day Saudi Arabia, expanding into Africa and Asia via trade routes.
• Indonesia weighs in with the most followers of Islam:  roughly 120 million.\
• Islam” means “submission”—submission to Allah.
• “Muslim” means “one who lives his life according to Allah’s will.
• Allah is the name given for God by Muslim.
• Jihad: often translated “holy war”; actually means “struggle”; has dual meaning:
• “greater Jihad” is the internal struggle to stay on the straight and narrow and 
• “lesser Jihad” is the struggle against outside forces such as state powers, tyrannical armies, etc… and is the legitimization for militant actions.

So who is Muhammad?

• Born in A.D. 570 in the town of Mecca, Arabia
• He was born poor and orphaned at age six.
• He claimed that when he was 40, Allah called his name and spoke to him.
• Allah’s revelations to Muhammad were recorded and became the Koran (Qur’an).

What about Jesus?

• The Koran speaks of 28 different prophets of Allah—Jesus is one of them.
• Muslims believe in the virgin birth; refer to Mary as Jesus’ mother.
• It is believed that Jesus did many miracles while on earth.
• Muslims do not believe in the resurrection of Jesus.
• Muslims are taught Jesus was one of the greatest prophets of Allah to ever live, but he is not God in the flesh—Allah is one.

The Five Pillars of Islam

• Shahada—confession of faith, “There is no god but Allah and Muhammad is his prophet.”
• Prayer: five times a day (at daybreak, noon, mid afternoon, after sunset, and early evening); must be kneeling toward Mecca.
• Alms: Muslim law requires the giving of 2.5% of personal earnings to widows, orphans, and the unfortunant.
• Ramadan: ninth month of Islamic lunar year; fasting is required for the entire month (only during the daylight hours.) 
• Pilgrimage to Mecca:  called the Hajj; must be performed at least once in a Muslim’s life; can send someone else in your place if you can’t make it...

Salvation

• Muslims do not believe Jesus’ death plays any part in the forgiveness of sins.
• One of Allah’s 99 names is Mercy—Muslims rely on this facet of Allah to forgive them of sin.
• Muslims who perform all the essential obligations of worship (the Five Pillars) with the proper attitude of total submission to Allah will go to  Heaven.

Important Writings

• The Koran:  most sacred of Islamic books; inspired writing
• The Torah of Moses
• The Zabur (Psalms of David)
• The Injil (Gospel of Jesus)

Remember, “Islam” means “submission” in Arabic.  

• It is this idea of complete submission to and perfection in performing the obligations of worship that really separate Christianity from Islam.

Bible Focus

• Romans 3: 22-24
• Ephesians 2: 8-10

Home | Search | Welcome Center | Learning Center

Copyright © 2003 - Highlands Church of Christ
All rights reserved.