$JES 911 Essence of World Religions Reference Book

Author(s): Pravin K Shah
Publisher: JAINA Education Committee

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Essence of World Religions
descendants which results in the awareness of a very special link between Muslims, Jews, and Christians as all Abraham's children. The Qur'an mentions, among others, Abraham and his sons, Solomon and the queen of Sheba, and the disciples of Jesus. The Muslims also recognize earlier Scriptures, namely, the Taurat (Torah) given to Moses, the Zabur (Psalms) of David, and the Injil (Gospel) of Jesus. Islamic doctrines are commonly discussed and taught widely under six headings:
God: the sole creator, the One and Only Angels: servants of God, play an important role in the daily life of Muslims Scriptures: God's speech Messengers: God's message revealed through His Messengers The Last Day: every soul will stand-alone and will have to account for its deeds Predestination: the divine initiative is all decisive in bringing humans to faith (“had God not guided us, we had
surely never been guided,” 7:43) When applied to Islam, the word religion has a far more comprehensive meaning than it commonly has in the West. Islam encompasses personal faith and piety, the creed and worship of the community of believers, a way of life, a code of ethics, a culture, a system of laws, an understanding of the function of the state, in short, guidelines and rules for life in all its aspects and dimensions. Islam teaches absolute monotheism and Mohammed's primacy as the last Prophet. Stress is on the brotherhood of believers, non difference of religious and secular life, obedience to God's Law, abstinence from alcohol, good conduct, and the limitation of all except Allah. Islam is based upon five pillars or principle acts of faith to which every Muslim in the world adheres.
Faith in Allah (Shahada): there is no God but God (Allah) and Mohammed is God's Prophet or Messenger (in Arabic - la-illalah il-lalah ud Muhammedun rdsulon).
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