A Way To Peace: Understanding Followers and Beliefs Of Islam

An article printed in the Daily Zamboanga Times on Sept. 15, 2008, helped me to understand Muslims and the similarities and differences with the other major religions of the world. Let me briefly make a summary of the author,Charlie S. Apostol,AlHajj's work.

There are two billion followers of the Holy Qur'an which makes Islam the world's largest religion. Muslims are found all over the world but especially in Asia and the Middle East. Followers of Islam are called Muslims and all Muslims believe in one God called Allah.

The basic message of Islam is submission only to God. Muslims believe that God revealed his message to Prophet Muhammad and also to the prophets who came years (Centuries) before Muhammad including Adam, Moses, Noah, Abraham and Jesus. The Qur'an is flawless and the guidelines are thought to be the final Revelation of God to Mankind through the words of Muhammad.

There are five fundamental tenets of Islam called the Five Pillars.
(1)Only God is worthy of worship
(2)Five Daily prayers are basic and also there is an Islamic belief in angels.
(3)During the month of Ramadan all Muslims fast from dawn to dusk
(4)Charity must be given by Muslims out of a pure heart.
(5)All Muslims must attempt to make one trip to Mecca during their lifetime. (during the month of Dhul Hijjah)

Muslims believe in the Scrolls of Abraham, the Christian Old Testament (Tawrat sent to Moses) and the Psalms of Christianity.

Muslims believe in the New Testament (Jesus, Son of the Blessed Mary) and in the
messages of Muhammad.

Muslims believe in Heaven and Hell, in Eternal Life after Death and a Day of Judgment. The basic concept of Islam is the belief in One God.

Islamic law covers all aspects of life including issues of daily living, relationships, marriage, inheritance, restitution for injuries as well as society issues of governing and foreign relations.

There are obviously many differences with the major religions of the world but similarities are present.

Most seem to believe that the extremists, the International Islamic Terrorists ,
have at least a misunderstanding of the Islamic faith and, at worse, a perverse and dangerous self-serving viewpoint that misrepresents many or most Muslims wish for Peace.