Islam a Study in Contrasts By Rev Dan

Islam a Study in Contrasts By Rev. Dan Domke

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• The ancient city of Aden, Yemen, is a mixture of old and new structures. Its port serves as a major fueling center for ships traveling through the Suez Canal. 10/1/98 4

Introduction 4 Back Ground for our Study 4 The Pre-Islamic World 4 Mohammed the Prophet 4 Islam the Religion 4 Beliefs in Conflict 4 What is the Truth? 10/1/98 5

Helpful Information 4 Islam means “submission” or “surrender” to God. 4 800 million, or one out of every six people are Muslim 4 fastest growing religion in the world 4 3, 000 adherents in USA 4 600 mosques and Islamic centers in USA – 10/1/98 Hahn, Ernest, How To respond to Muslims, Concordia Publishing House, 1995, pg. . 11 6

The Koran, Qur ran 4 The sacred book of Islam is the Koran, regarded as God’s ‘uncreated speech’ revealed to man through Muhammad. The basic guide to Muslim daily life is the Koran. Where it is silent, the accepted tradition called sunna is used. Where this is silent, the custom (adat) of an Islamic community provides the answer. Lutheran Cyclopedia, Concordia Publishing House, pg. 420 10/1/98 7

The Koran, Qur ran 10/1/98 8

Main Sects of Islam 4 Sunnites • Sunnites, those Muslims constituting the vast majority • The term sunna, by which the Sunnites refer to themselves (“people of the sunna”), probably means “middle of the road” 10/1/98 9

Main Sects of Islam 4 Sunnites • Sunna (“example”) of the Prophet Muhammad, as is generally believed, for all Islamic groups and sects accept the Sunna, along with the Qur'an (Koran), as binding. 10/1/98 10

Main Sects of Islam 4 Sunnites • The doctrines of the Sunnites were formed toward the end of the 9 th century, and their theology was developed as a complete system during the 10 th century. Both developments occurred, in large measure, as reactions to early schismatic movements, such as the Kharijites, Mutazilites, and Shiites. 10/1/98 11

Main Sects of Islam 4 Shi’ites –Wahhabis –Kharijites –Mutazilites –Ahmadiya mission movement –Shiites (Arabic, “partisans”), the only surviving major sectarian movement in Islam. 10/1/98 12

Main Sects of Islam • The Shiites emerged out of a dispute over the succession to Muhammad (see Caliphate). After the assassination of the fourth caliph, Ali, in 661, the Shiites (partisans of Ali) were those Muslims claiming that it had been Ali's right to succeed Muhammad directly and that the previous caliphs had therefore been usurpers. 10/1/98 13

Main Sects of Islam • They maintained that only the descendants of Ali and his wife, Fatima, Muhammad's daughter, were entitled to rule the Muslim community. This doctrine, known as legitimism, was rejected by the majority of the Muslim community, who came to be known as Sunnites. 10/1/98 14

DISTINCTIVE BELIEFS AND PRACTICES • The Shiites developed a doctrine of the infallibility, sinlessness, and divine right to authority of the descendants of Ali, whom they called imams (see Imam). The main body of Shiites recognize 12 imams and are called the “Twelvers”; the Ismailis recognize 7 and are called the “Seveners. ” 10/1/98 15

DISTINCTIVE BELIEFS AND PRACTICES • The last imam disappeared in 880, and Shiites to this day await his return, when they believe that justice will be established on earth. 10/1/98 16

Five Basic Beliefs of Islam 4 The one-ness of God and his greatness 4 Prayer 10/1/98 17

Five Basic Beliefs of Islam 4 Fasting 4 Almsgiving 4 Pilgrimage 10/1/98 18

The Five Pillars of Islam • Five Pillars of Islam, • called arkan in Arabic, five ritual duties that mainstream Muslims view as central to their faith. These are 10/1/98 19

Five Pillars of Islam • : (1) pronouncing the confession of faith (shahada or kalima); • (2) performing the five daily prayers (salat); • (3) fasting during the month of Ramadan (saum); • (4) paying the alms tax (zakat); • (5) and performing, at least once in life, the major pilgrimage to Mecca (hajj) 10/1/98 20

Islamic Beliefs 4 Muslims believe that Allah chose Hagar and her son Ishmael for the covenant. It is believed the Koran (Qur'an) was given by Allah to Muhammadan and is the final revelation of God to man. It is eternal and infallible and therefore considered superior to the Bible. 10/1/98 21

Islamic Beliefs continued 4 Islam teaches and practices absolute racial equality. However, Muslims are forbidden personal relationships with Christians or Jews. While conversion of non-Muslims to Islam is allowed, converting from Islam to another religion is considered treason and therefore a capital offense. 10/1/98 22

Islamic Beliefs continued 4 The Islamic religion maintains that every person has two recording angels to record their good and their bad deeds. On the day of judgment each person's deeds will determine whether they will be in heaven or in hell. 10/1/98 23

Islamic Beliefs continued 4 As we witness to a Muslim, it must be done with the knowledge that Muslims consider their morals superior and their devotion to God greater than those of Christians. 10/1/98 24

Islamic Beliefs continued 4 A positive approach for getting the attention of a Muslim is a humble explaining that our worship of God is a thankful response to God's mercy and forgiveness. A true Christian lives a life dedicated to serving God in joyful response to Him - not out of a sense of obligation or in a vain attempt to earn heaven. 10/1/98 25

The Sacred Cities of Islam 4 Madinah - located approximately 250 miles north of Mecca - Mecca is located 48 miles east of the red Sea Jerusalem - Located in Israel 10/1/98 26

Map of the Islamic Region 10/1/98 27

Map of the Holy Places of Islam 10/1/98 28

Madinah 4 Medina, also Medinat-en-Nabi (Arabic for “City of the Prophet”) and Medinat Rasul Allah (“City of the Apostle of God”), city in western Saudi Arabia, located in the Al Hijaz (Hejaz) Province. The city houses the remains of the Prophet Muhammad, who fled to Medina from Mecca in 622, an event that marks the beginning of the Islamic calendar. Medina is consequently one of the most sacred shrines of Islam. It is second only to Mecca among the holy places of Muslim pilgrimage. Muhammad's tomb is in the Mosque of the Prophet, located in the eastern section of the city – 10/1/98 "Medina, " Microsoft® Encarta® 96 Encyclopedia. © 1993 -1995 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. © Funk & Wagnalls Corporation. All rights reserved. 29

Mecca 4 Mecca is the birthplace of the prophet Muhammad, founder of Islam, and the most sacred of the Muslim holy cities. – 10/1/98 "Mecca, " Microsoft® Encarta® 96 Encyclopedia. © 1993 -1995 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. © Funk & Wagnalls Corporation. All rights reserved. 30

Jerusalem The Old City is sacred to Christians as the site where Jesus Christ spent his last days on earth; it is sacred to Jews as the historic symbol of the Jewish homeland capital of the first Jewish kingdom; and it is sacred to Muslims as the site of the ascent into heaven of the Prophet Muhammad. "Jerusalem, " Microsoft® Encarta® 96 Encyclopedia. © 1993 -1995 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.

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Map Of Jerusalem 10/1/98 33

Western Wall - Wailing Wall • Biblical archaeologists believe that the Western Wall in Jerusalem, also known as the Wailing Wall, is all that remains of the Second Temple, which was destroyed in AD 70. The destruction of the Temple led to the formation of the rabbinic movement in Jerusalem. The wall remains a sacred place for Jews. Many take pilgrimages to the wall to pray and hold religious ceremonies. 10/1/98 34

• The walls of Jerusalem’s Old City, seen here, were originally built by the Ottomans in the 16 th century. Within the walls are Armenian, Christian, Jewish, and 10/1/98 Muslim sections. 35

Dome of the Rock The Muslim Dome of the Rock, built upon the site where Muhammad is said to have ascended to heaven; "Jerusalem, " Microsoft® Encarta® 96 Encyclopedia. © 1993 -1995 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. 10/1/98 36

Dome of the Rock 4 The Dome of the Rock remains essentially as it was when completed between 691 and 692 by the Caliph (Muslim leader; see Caliphate) Abd al-Malik, although the roof has been renewed several times and other minor changes have been made, mostly to the surface decoration. 10/1/98 37

Dome of the Rock 4 Figured to be the earliest surviving monument of Islamic architecture and probably modeled on the nearby Christian Church of the Holy Sepulcher, the Dome of the Rock was built not only to commemorate Muhammad's ascension to heaven, but also to rival the splendor of Christian and Jewish sanctuaries already in Jerusalem. 10/1/98 38

Dome of the Rock • The building is octagonal in plan, with a large golden dome on top (the original dome was metal covered with gold leaf, but a 1961 restoration replaced this with gold-colored anodized aluminum). The surfaces, both inside and out, are covered in marble and mosaic patterning, much of it on the interior being highlighted with precious stones and gold. 10/1/98 39

Dome of the Rock • Centered under the dome, the Holy Rock itself may be seen, surrounded by an intricately carved wooden screen dating from 1199. 10/1/98 40

Dome of the Rock 10/1/98 41

Dome of the Rock • The oldest extant Islamic structure, the Dome of the Rock stands on the sacred rock in Jerusalem where the Prophet Muhammad is believed to have ascended to heaven. Caliph Abd al-Malik built the mosque during the late 7 th century. The mosque’s basic octagonal design encloses a central space topped by a dome. A rich mosaic decoration covers the outer walls. • "Dome of the Rock, " 10/1/98 42

Arabia 4 Extremely arid - 178 mm (7 in) of rain a year 4 Temperatures reach as high as 54. 4° C (130° F) 4 Encompassing a million square miles 10/1/98 43

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The People of Arabia 4 Minaeans - second Millennium B. C 4 Sabaeans - 10 th cent B. C. to 115 B. C. (see 1 Kings 10: 1 -13). 4 Himyarites - dating from before 700 BC. And lasting through, 525 AD when the Himyarite kingdom fell under Abyssinian control. 10/1/98 – "Himyarites, " Microsoft® Encarta® 96 Encyclopedia. © 1993 -1995 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. © Funk & Wagnalls Corporation. All rights reserved. 46

Picture of Camels 10/1/98 47

Hagar and Ishmael - The Origins of the Arabs 4 Genesis 16: 1 -16 – Hagar - means ( rg*h ) means “Flight – Ishmael - means ( lau@m*v=y ) means “God will hear” 10/1/98 48

The Origins of the Arabs 4 The Naming of Abrahams first son by Hagar 4 Genesis 16: 11 4 Ishmael blessed by descendants who become twelve princes/rulers/tribes. 4 Genesis 17: 18 -20 10/1/98 49

The Origins of the Arabs 4 Ishmael Circumcised 4 Genesis 17: 24 -25 4 Ishmael Blessed and God made a covenant with him, but … 4 Genesis 17: 19 -21 10/1/98 50

Understanding the Biblical Covenant 4 The Foundational Word – Genesis 6: 18 yt!yr!B=-ta# yt!m)q!h&w~ (BHS) b@riyth {ber-eeth'} 4 The Word Covenant {ber-eeth'} is used in the O. T. 272 times. The most frequently used Hebrew word for defining a formal agreement or treaty between two parties with each assuming some obligation for the other. 10/1/98 51

Understanding the Covenant 4 Another term for Covenant is the “Ten Words”. Ex. 34: 28 – Exodus 34: 28 • <yu!B*r=a^w+ <wy{ <yu!B*r=a^ hw`hy+-mu! <v*-yh!y+w~ 28 • b. T)k=Y!w~ ht*v* al) <y!m^W lk^a* al) <j#l# hl*y+l^ • . <yr!b*D+h^ tr#c#u& tyr!B=h^ yr@b=D! ta@ tj)L%h^-lu^ • (BHS) The Ten words of the covenant. • eser Dabar bereeth • Near East Covenants were regarded as “words” of suzerain or words that have authority to control a future relationship. • Suzerain means - a state or regime that exercises control or authority. 10/1/98 52

The Weight of the Word. 4 Since “words” carry such wait, the phrase “Word of God” is bound up with a covenant with God. Last will and testament also speak of a covenant. 10/1/98 53

Covenants were established for human relationships. • A. Suzerainty Covenant: A superior binds an inferior to his rules. • B. Parity Covenant: Both parties are bound by an oath; as equals. • C. Patron Covenant: Superior binds himself to inferior for the benefit of the inferior. • D. Promissory Covenant: guarantees promises to be fulfilled in the future. 10/1/98 54

Two conditions are necessary to make any of these covenants legal and binding. 4 A. It had to be witnessed. B. An oath or promise had to be made to insure its keeping. 10/1/98 55

Origins of the Arabs 4 Hagar and Ishmael forced out of the camp of Abraham – Genesis 21: 12 -21 10/1/98 56

Ishmael’s Sons 4 Genesis 25: 13 -16 4 Nebajoth; Kedar, Adbeel, Mibsam, Mishma, 4 Dumah, Massa, Hadar, Tema, Jetur, Naphish, Kedemah 4 These became kings (sheiks) of the desert. 10/1/98 57

Ishmael’s descendants lived between: Havilah & Shur 4 SHUR. A wilderness-region in the NW part of the Sinai isthmus, S of the Mediterranean coastline and the ‘way of the land of the Philistines’, between the present line of the Suez Canal on its W and the ‘River of *Egypt‘ (Wadi el-ÔArish) on its E. Abraham and Sarah’s handmaid Hagar fled to a well past Kadesh on the way to Shur (Gn. 16: 7). 10/1/98 58

The Wilderness of Shur 10/1/98 59

Map of Saudi Arabia 10/1/98 60

The Kaaba the Black Stone and Pre-Islamic Polytheism 4 Kaaba means a square structure. 4 A place to worship several gods (polytheism) 4 Believed there were swarms of spirits (jinn) 4 Human sacrifice occurred from time to time 4 Worshipped sacred stones 4 Center of this worship was Mecca 10/1/98 61

The Kaaba the Black Stone and Pre-Islamic Polytheism 4 Worshipped Deities – in stars – the moon – depths of the earth – the sky 4 Early Arabs were fatalistic – Fatalism is the belief that events are inevitably determined; inherently anti-Christian denying possibility of a personal relationship between God and the believer. – Were resigned to whatever happened. – 10/1/98 62

The Kaaba was built by…. 4 Angels. 4 Adam, 4 Seth, 4 Abraham 4 Ishmael 4 Qusay, chief of the Quraish tribe; and so on 10/1/98 63

Polytheism inherent part of Islam’s Beginnings 4 Quraysh traced their lineage back to Abraham 4 Monotheism came from the Hanifs – The doctrine of One god was called Hannifiyya – Abraham was neither Jew nor Christian 4 Knowledge of supreme God came directly from Abraham, – Abraham one of Allah’s prophets – Monotheism did not come from Jews or Christians 10/1/98 64

Polytheism inherent part of Islam’s Beginnings 4 Lailaha illa’ llah - means “There is no god but Allah” confirms strong emphasis on Monotheism 4 In early years the Arabs worshipped gods whose names were known 4 When name was known worshippers would enter into a blood tie with the demon or god; 10/1/98 65

Polytheism inherent part of Islam’s Beginnings 4 The god became their patron (remember the list of different covenants) 4 Allah was one god among many who were guardians of contracts. – Over the years traditions were forgotten and Allah emerged as the supreme god. – His daughters were elevated above all other gods, • Al-Manat; goddess of fate • Allat or ar-Rabbah; the lady • Uzza - the mighty 10/1/98 66

Polytheism inherent part of Islam’s Beginnings 4 Together they were called the swans and were the daughters of the vague but supreme god, Allah. 4 Mohammed would later be shaped by these religious beliefs and traditions in building his moral, ethical, and political religion of Islam. 10/1/98 67

PART II - Mohammed, Muhammed, Mahammed 4 Western Studies – Have come up with little known as well as questionable information about Mohammed – Showed to be an epileptic, social agitator, to one of the forerunners of the Mormons – Muslims do what the Mormons do about their history. – It is coached in old traditions that cannot be proven 10/1/98 68

Mohammed 4 His birth – circa 570 -632 AD – many date his birth much later than 570 – year of his birth traditionally called the year of the elephant 4 Note on Abyssinians – These were later to become Monophysite Christians - who only believed that Christ had only one (Mono) nature and that of divine. – The Abyssinians were attacking Mecca and then driven off – The Abyssinian Governor first used elephants and 10/1/98 a tool of war in the year Muhammud was born. 69

Mohammed - His Parents 4 Knowledge is obscured by time 4 Father died before Mohammed was born 4 Fathers name Abdallah, a merchant died on trip to Median. 4 Father Killed by robbers 4 Abdallah was a Hashim, a small clan within the Quraysh. 4 Mothers name Aminia of the clan of Zuhrah; 4 She died two years after Mohammed’s birth 10/1/98 70

The Childhood of Mohammed 4 Born into poverty – In Sura 93: 6 -11, find you an orphan …. found you needy 4 Raised by Grandfather, Abd-al-Muttalib 4 Then raised by uncle Abu Tahib 10/1/98 71

Mohammed as a Teen 4 He entered the employ of a rich merchant’s widow 4 Her name Khadijah. 4 Traveled with caravans learning the trade. 4 During his travels meet Jews and Christians alike. 10/1/98 72

Mohammed as an Adult-becomes aware of evils of his society 4 At age 25 Khadijad proposed marriage. There was a fifteen year difference in age. 4 Four daughters two sons were born to them - the two sons died very young. 10/1/98 73

Mohammed as an Adult-becomes aware of evils of his society 4 Mecca displays all the normal evils of a town of commerce – There was the very rich and the very poor. – Slaves and class barriers inhibited any improvement of the underprivileged. – These wrongs drove Mohammed to religion which lead him to believe he was called by God. 10/1/98 74

Mohammed as an Adult-becomes aware of evils of his society – From this point on everything he did was purely religious – He preached the same message as the O. T. prophets, repent, the judgment of God is at hand. 10/1/98 75

Mohammed and the dominion of god. 4 After his marriage money and time was no problem 4 At first worked hard at wife's business 4 Began to be troubled over own salvation 4 Troubled by wrongness and evil in his peoples lives 4 This drove him to long hours of prayer, (brooding) 4 The lives of Jews and Christians reflected was in stark contrast with his people who were pagan 10/1/98 76

Mohammed and the dominion of god. 4610 -11 AD A cave near Mecca tree miles away- first vision from Jibra’il (Gabriel) 4 His wife was the first convert she supported him so he could devote himself completely to his mission. 10/1/98 77

The first converts 4 His first converts - his friend, Abu Bakr, the once powerful Omar; his slave, Zayd; his daughter, Fatina; his sons-inlaw, Uthman and Ali; and his uncle, Hamza - had to flee Mecca to seek asylum in Coptic Christian Abyssinia 10/1/98 78

Coptic Christianity Copt means a native of Egypt. • In the 4 th century the Abyssinians, who had adopted Christianity of the Monophysite type (see Monophysitism), spread into Arabia, conquering a large part of it. Judaism, too, was introduced into the region. Both religions were established and to a considerable degree supplanted the existing religious beliefs, which were based mainly on astrology and occultism. 10/1/98 79

Monophysite • Monophysitism, Christian schismatic sect of the 5 th and 6 th centuries that maintained that Christ had only one (divine) nature, thereby opposing the orthodox doctrine that he was both divine and human. 10/1/98 80

Monophysite • The Monophysites were mainly confined to the Eastern church and gained little strength in the West. At the directive of Pope Leo I, the Council of Chalcedon in 451 attempted to steer a middle course between the orthodox and Monophysite views (see Chalcedon, Council of). 10/1/98 81

Monophysite • The resulting edict did not satisfy the Monophysites, and the controversy continued, the Monophysites being supported by the Copts and the Eutychian sect. The Eastern church, in an effort to suppress the heresy, in the first half of the 6 th century excommunicated the Monophysites, who thereupon formally seceded from the parent church. 10/1/98 82

Monophysite • The Monophysites split into two factions over controversies regarding the incorruptibility of Christ's body. After 560 AD a third faction, the Tritheists, arose; they interpreted the three persons of the Deity as three separate gods and hence were regarded by the other factions as heretics. • 10/1/98 83

Monophysite • In Egypt, Syria, and Mesopotamia the Monophysite congregations remained strong throughout the controversy. Although finally condemned in 680 -81, at the sixth ecumenical council, Monophysitism continues in some churches to this day. The modern Abyssinian church, Armenian church, Coptic church, and Jacobite church are all Monophysitic bodies. 10/1/98 84

Abyssinia 10/1/98 85

Mohammed begins his mission of preaching. 4 He first goes to Mecca 4 He preaches a new ethical and moral religion 4 Is met with strong resistance, the resistance grows because it 4 4 was affecting both the political, economic, and religious life of the clans. His strict monotheism hurt the manufacturers of idols for the Kaba and other holy places. His ideas would bring about a new political system and a different kind of authority. (There is no separation of religion and the state in Islam. ) As his popularity grew so did the resistance. His converts grew more aggressive in their fight against evil. Followers had to flee Mecca and a strong persecution began 10/1/98 86

Mohammed Remains in Mecca his followers flee 4 While alone in Mecca received a vision in a cave three miles from Mecca. Continued his preaching. Persecution began in earnest and Mohammed encouraged his followers to emigrate to Abyssinia 615 AD. 4 In 616 AD Omar ibnal-khattab, one of the most violent opponents was converted. This changed the structure of power. But was not enough for immediate change. His followers were few. 4 In 619 AD his wife died. And in 620 AD he moved to Taif. The leaders rejected him, horrified at any new religious ideas. 4 He returns to Mecca, there has a vision, dream where he is body carried to the Jerusalem. At the wailing wall, there a winged horse by the name of Buraq flew him to heaven and back, then by a purported miracle he was returned to Mecca. The legend of this flight made Jerusalem the third most holy sight in Islam. The “dome of the rock”. 10/1/98 87

The Move to Medina: 622 -30 AD • Mecca continues to reject Mohammed because of preaching against the Kaaba and idol worship. His strict monotheism and the lost of profit to the idol makers is the reason. • He flees to a cave and his pursuers are unable to find him. • 200 miles later on September 24, 622 he arrives at Medina. • Those had already fled greeted him at the gates of the city. 10/1/98 88

The Move to Medina: 622 -30 AD • The city was first called Yathrib, then renamed “City of the Prophet. • As he rode through the town a plush, gardened city, they asked him to stay and welcomed him. • By 623 AD Mohammed began organizing raids against the caravans to Mecca. 10/1/98 89

The Move to Medina: 622 -30 AD • There were both Jews and Christians living in Medina. They were discussed with Mohammed's warring tendency and warlike faith. • He began saying he was the messiah, making both Jews and Christians upset. He was accused of idolatry. • A Moslem girl going to a Jewish goldsmiths shop, found herself the object of a prank. A Jew pined her skirt behind her and to her upper dress, and when she stood, her legs were exposed. 10/1/98 90

The fight begins • She told others of her shame at her exposure. A Moslem killed the man, the Jews then killed the killer. • Mohammed surrender the Jewish quarter, for 15 days, until their surrender, and ordered all the Jews out and to leave all the possessions behind. • In 625 AD the Meccan King, Abu Sufyan, with 3000 men, attacked Mohammed defeated him. 10/1/98 91

The fight begins • Mohammed took six months to recover. He was now at war with Mecca. • In 626 Abu Sufyan and the Quraish with the aid of the Jews who were forced out of Medina attached Mohammed at Medina. • After two years Mohammed claimed some Moslems were attached, a he broke the truce by attacking Mecca. 10/1/98 92

The fight begins • When Mecca falls, he destroys the idols in the Kaaba, he leaves the black stone however and sanctions the kissing of it. • He declares Mecca to be the Holy City of Islam and no unbeliever should ever enter it. • While Jews were forbidden, Christians were placed under Moslem protection with the full right to worship, except that if there were any loans, they had to repay them with interest. 10/1/98 93

The Death of Mohammed • On June 7, 632, after a long agony, he passes away in Mecca. • Great confusion followed his death. No heir is left, Ali a son-in-law becomes leader of the Moslems in 656 AD. He is assassinate in 661 AD. Ali’s son takes his place, but is also assassinated. Before his death, he founds the Shi’a or Shi’te Moslems. 10/1/98 94

The spread of Islam • Moslem armies continued to expand their territory over the next 100 years. • Armenia, Syria, Palestine, Irag, Persia, Egypt, North Africa, and Spain fell to Moslem armies. Islam was spread by force of the sword. Most of these places were Christian strong holds. • Only the defeat of Islamic armies in 732, at the Battle of Tours, France halted its spread. If it had not been successfully stopped, the whole of the Western world would have become Moslem. 10/1/98 95

Islam the Religion • After Mohammed’s death. Few had heard his words. To preserve them, the Koran was put together, completed in A. D. 650. • It was put together from notes taken by some of his early followers, and oral traditions. • The Koran is considered the very words of Allah. 10/1/98 96

Islam the Religion • It is claimed that the book was brought down directly from heaven by the angel Gabriel. • The Koran is required reading in all Islamic schools. • The word Koran, Qu’ran means reading or recitation. 10/1/98 97

Islam the Religion • The structure of the Koran • Is divided into 114 Suras readings listed in the order of their length expect for the first which is a prayer. • It is not uncomman that Moslems have memorized the whole work. It is a little longer than the New Testament. 10/1/98 98

Islam the Religion • The sum and substance of the Koran is: • The creed: There is no God but Allah, and Muhammed is his prophet. ” 10/1/98 99

Beliefs in Conflict • Islamic View • The Qur’an – Koran • Progressive Revelation • All previous revelations superceded • Bible has mistakes 10/1/98 • Christian View • The Bible – • Complete Revelation • Perfect • Infallible • Inerrant 100

Beliefs in Conflict • Islam View • Christianity View • Text of bible forged or changed • Reliability of Scripture is sure • Incarnation of Christ • Inspired I Timothy 3: 16 • Trinity • Work of Holy Spirit • Original Sin • Qu’ran – down to every syllable inspired by God 10/1/98 • Eyewitness accounts 2 Peter 1: 12 101

Beliefs in Conflict – Biblical Trustworthiness – Dead Sea Scrolls • In 1947 Jum’a, a shepherd discovered ancient scrolls rolled up in leather and cloth in a cave to the northwest of the Dead Sea in the Qumrân Valley. These ancient texts, which include the Book of Isaiah in its entirety and fragments from all other books of the Old Testament except for the Book of Esther, 10/1/98 102

Biblical Trustworthiness – Dead Sea Scrolls • turned out to be more than 1000 years older than any other known Hebrew texts. • One example that will serve to make the point of reliability is that of the Isaiah scroll. Some 70 ft long, it took over three years to unroll. 10/1/98 103

Biblical Trustworthiness • Made of a copper alloy, little change took place over a thousand years, except for a few letters and words being indifferent places in the text. This brings to mind what Jesus said, that not one jot or title shall of my word will be lost or changed. 10/1/98 104

Biblical Trustworthiness • The Smallest Letter • Not one jot or tittle: the jot is the smallest letter of the Hebrew Alpha bet. Not even the jot will be lost in terms of how God preserves His Word. Here is a comparison of the first letter of the Hebrew alpha Bet and the jot. It is the Ah-leph and the Yohd: a y this is the Word of God preserved by God Himself. 10/1/98 105

Beliefs in Conflict • Islam – Qu’ran • Christianity-Bible • Work of one man • Work of 40 Authors • All words of Muhammed written down, but no collection of Muhammeds words were made. • Kings, peasants, philosophers, fishermen, poets, statesmen, scholars, farmers, and herdsmen. • 60 generations 10/1/98 • 1600 years 106

Beliefs in Conflict • Islam – Qu’ran • 632 AD Mohammed Dies • 633 AD, Said ibn Thabit ordered to bring Qu’ran together • By 651 AD, versions of the text were eliminated and it has not changed since 10/1/98 107

Beliefs in Conflict • Islam – Qu’ran • If people believed it was from God then it would be lived out. Mohammed concluded this from O. T. Prophets • Christianity-Bible • Teaches Original Sin • No one able to live out the law of God – Jame 2: 10 • Moral Code – For Moral Government 10/1/98 108

Beliefs in Conflict • Islam – Qu’ran • Christianity - Bible • Does not ask if theology is true? • Nothing wrong with asking if true. In fact we are encouraged to ask – see John 3: 1 and Acts 17: 11 • Salvation by Works Alone 10/1/98 • Salvation by grace • Ephesians 2: 8 -9 109

Beliefs in Conflict • Islam – Qu’ran • Christianity - Bible • Mohammed the final Prophet of God. Qu’ran the final revelation Christians and Jews looked upon as unbelievers because they do not accept Mohammad of the Final prophet of God. 10/1/98 110

Beliefs in Conflict • Islam and Jesus • Jesus and the Bible • They says they accept Jesus as bible teaches about him. • Jesus true God, True Man • True God – Romans 9: 5 • This to merely exalt • True Man – 2 John 7 Muhammed above Jesus. • Allah created man 10/1/98 with the ability to do works righteousness. 111

• Beliefs in Conflict • Islam and Jesus • Jesus and the Bible • One God • Allah q. And Mohammed is his prophet 10/1/98 • Three Persons • Father • Son • Holy Spirit • Compare Deut. 6: 4 with Isaiah 9: 6, Matt. 28: 19, II John 7, John 112 14: 9

The Two natures of Christ • Jesus was a true man and was true God • Jesus was true man • I John 4: 2 -3; & 2 John 7 • John spoke against the Docetists 10/1/98 • Docetists – denied the incarnation and replaced it with a supernatural visitor, who seemed human a kind of phantom, who did not really die for sins. Gnosticism was its ally. 113

The Two natures of Christ • Jesus was true man • Docent = a teacher, lecturer • Doketain = to seem to believe, • Human limitations • Hunger, Matt. 4: 2; • Weariness, John 4: 6; 10/1/98 114

The Two natures of Christ • Jesus was true man • Human limitations • Ignorance of fact, Luke 8: 45 -47 • Human pain, weeping at grave John 11: 35, 38 • Agonizing in Gethsemane, Mk 14: 3242, Lk 12: 50; heb 5: 7 -10, 10/1/98 • Suffering on the cross, 115

The Two natures of Christ • Jesus was true man • Jesus had to be true man to suffer and died • Unless he was true man he would not be qualified to pay for mans sins • Unless he experienced what it was like being a man and his frailties, without sinning, he could not help us in our suffering. Heb. 2: 17 -18; 4: 15 -16; 5: 2, 7 -9 10/1/98 116

The Two natures of Christ • Jesus true God • Monophyitism taught only one nature, only divine, only pretended to be ignorant of facts. • Jesus was without sin, but could be tempted, Matthew 4: 1 -11 • Temptation to retreat from Cross, Matt. 16: 23 Lk 22: 28. 10/1/98 117

The Two natures of Christ • Jesus true God • Isaiah 7: 14 • Isaiah 9: 6 • Matthew 1: 21 -22, John 20: 28, John 14: 8 -10, Romans 9: 5, Philippians 2: 6 –Hebrews 1: 3 -8, 1 John 5: 20 10/1/98 118

Beliefs in Conflict • Islam on Salvation • By Works • Bible on Salvation • By Grace • Ephesians 2: 8 -9 • Moslems will charge Christians with inconsistent use of the bible. 10/1/98 119

Beliefs in Conflict 10/1/98 • Discuss the question. Do our actions correspond to what we claim to believe? Are we really willing to put the bible into practice and believe it as it was intended to believed? 120

• Beliefs in Conflict – Our Challenge to believe what we claim. • Truth is thrown to the ground Daniel 8: 12—Because of rebellion, the host [of the saints] and the daily sacrifice were given over to it. It prospered in everything it did, and truth was thrown to the ground. (NIV) 10/1/98 121

The Challenge to believe what we claim to believe. • John 14: 30—I will not speak with you much longer, for the prince of this world is coming. He has no hold on me. (NIV) • Ephesians 6: 11—Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. (NIV) 10/1/98 122

The Challenge to believe what we claim to believe. • Christians battle against spiritual forces every day, not with weapons of steel but with weapons that are words and ideas of scripture to combat deceit. Further, God sends a powerful delusion as a judgment on those who reject the truth. In fact they cannot believe because they are already lost. 10/1/98 123

The Challenge to believe what we claim to believe. • 2 John 7 —. . . many deceivers, who do not acknowledge Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh, have gone out into the world. Any such person is the deceiver and the Antichrist. (NIV) • 10/1/98 God’s Word is Truth istrs truth 124

The Challenge to believe what we claim to believe. • Proverbs 30: 5 -6—Every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him. Do not add to his words, or he will rebuke you and prove you a liar. (NIV) • John 17: 17—Sanctify them by the truth; Your word is truth. (NIV) 10/1/98 125

The Challenge to believe what we claim to believe. • The church is to be unified in this truth and the word is the pillar of the church. Ephesians 2: 20 • Acts 4: 32—All the believers were one in heart and mind. (NIV) 10/1/98 126

The Challenge to believe what we claim to believe. • 1 Timothy 3: 15—. . . if I am delayed, you will know how people ought to conduct themselves in God's household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth. (NIV) • The church is to be faithful to the word. Not to change it or add to it: Proverbs 30: 5 -6; Revelation 22: 18. 10/1/98 127

Beliefs in Contrast Meeting Points Between Christianity and Islam: • 1 - Belief in one God. • 2 - God is the creator of all things. • 3 - God is omnipotent, omnipresent, almighty, merciful etc. 10/1/98 128

Beliefs in Contrast Meeting Points Between Christianity and Islam: • 4 - Christ was conceived by the Spirit of God, and born from the virgin Mary. • 5 - Belief in the coming of Christ, and that He performed miracles, also belief in some of the Old Testament prophets. • 6 - Belief in heaven and hell, angels and devils (Satan). 10/1/98 • 7 - Judgment day and everlasting life. 129

Beliefs in Contrast • Beliefs in Contrasts Disagreement Points Between Christianity and Islam: • 1 - Muslims deny that God is "Triune", and consider that as polytheism. 10/1/98 130

Beliefs in Contrast Father is ot N • Is is Son 10/1/98 ot N • Is God is • Is Not Holy Spirit 131

Beliefs in Contrast Father • Christ is True God True Man, He is one with the Father and the Holy Spirit. And yet He is one person. John 14: 8 -12 • Human Nature 10/1/98 Son Holy Spirit 132

Beliefs in Contrast • Beliefs in Contrasts Disagreement Points Between Christianity and Islam: • 2 - They deny the divinity of Christ, His sonship to God, and consider that as blasphemy since God did not marry, and has no wife. 10/1/98 133

Beliefs in Contrast • Beliefs in Contrasts Disagreement Points Between Christianity and Islam: • 3 - They deny Christ's crucifixion, His death on the cross and resurrection on the third day. • 4 - They consider Christ as a mere prophet, and a messenger of God. 10/1/98 134

Beliefs in Contrast • Beliefs in Contrasts Disagreement Points Between Christianity and Islam: • 5 - They deny the authority of the Bible, that it contains the true word of God. Also, that the gospel was correct at one time, but was slanted and perverted by Christians later on. 10/1/98 • 6 - They do not believe in the Holy Communion (Eucharist), and consider it as a bloody sacrament. 135

Beliefs in Contrast • Beliefs in Contrasts Disagreement Points Between Christianity and Islam: • 7 - They do not believe in Holy Baptism, but in washing certain parts of the body before each prayer (Wadoo), and believe in circumcision. Every Muslim has to be circumcised. • 8 - They believe that any non-Muslim is a godless person, and should become a Muslim before he is accepted by God. 10/1/98 136

Beliefs in Contrast • Beliefs in Contrasts Disagreement Points Between Christianity and Islam: • 9 - They believe that Islam is the only true religion accepted and requested by God, and that it cancels all other religions. • 10. - Islam allows polygamy. Any man may marry up to four wives at one time, and may divorce and remarry as many wives as he wishes, but allowed to keep 10/1/98 only four at one time. 137

Beliefs in Contrast • Beliefs in Contrasts Disagreement Points Between Christianity and Islam: • 11 - They believe that their prophet Mohammed is the greatest of all prophets, and that he is the seal (last) of all prophets sent by God. 10/1/98 138

Beliefs in Contrast • Beliefs in Contrasts Disagreement Points Between Christianity and Islam: • 12 - They believe that any non-Muslim may become a Muslim, but it is not allowed for any Muslim to change his religion. If he does, he is considered a backslider(Murtadd), and he will not be accepted by his society, has no civil rights, disowned by family, has no right for inheritance, and should be killed by any Muslim. 10/1/98 139

Beliefs in Contrast • Beliefs in Contrasts Disagreement Points Between Christianity and Islam: • 13 - A Muslim may marry a Christian woman, but Muslim women are not allowed to marry non-Muslim husbands unless they change their religion and become Muslims. • 14 - When a Muslim marries a Christian or any non-Muslim girl, their children are automatically considered as Muslims. 10/1/98 140

Witnessing to a Moslem • One should know: • 1 - Everything about Muslims, education, religion, beliefs, way of life, thinking, psychological needs, etc. • 2 - The Teachings beliefs and doctrines. 10/1/98 141

Witnessing to Moslems • 3 - The Christian faith and its true doctrines, which should be communicated to the non-Christians. • Note: This raises the question: Do you know what the bible teaches and can you defend those beliefs? Do you live an authentic Christian Life? Are you a disciple, committed to the bible as God intended it to be believed and lived out? 10/1/98 142

Witnessing to a Moslem • 4 - Be a committed Christian dedicated, to deal with all people in love, live his Christian faith, and be an example for others in his society. • 5 - Present the Christian faith according to the Bible truth in an objective and simple manner, in which he reflects his own faith without prejudice. 10/1/98 143

Witnessing to Moslems • 6 - To avoid foolish arguments, show respect for Muslims and their religion, and never try to attack, look down or lessen of their life, habits, traditions or beliefs, etc. • 7 - Always show Christian love, which is reflected through behavior and attitude in his daily living. 10/1/98 144

Witnessing to Moslems • 8 - Try to invite interested Muslims to visit the church (where that is available), and attend different church activities, which might be interesting for him, through which he might be touched: like, youth meetings, Bible studies, church services and festivals, potluck suppers, etc. 10/1/98 145

Witnessing to Moslems • 9 - To read special books and other literature which deal with the subject of approaching Muslims with the gospel. Also, become acquainted in answering questions which Muslims raise about the Christian faith, and when possible use some verses from the Koran which witness for Christ. 10/1/98 146

Moslem Persecution of Christians 4 Damare, a small Sudanese boy was taken as a slave and forced to tend camels after his village was attacked by radical Muslims. One day Damare, who had been raised in a Christian home, snuck away from his master to attend a church service. When he returned, his Muslim master was waiting for him and accused of committing a deadly act, "meeting with infidels. " The master then dragged Damare into a field where he nailed his feet and knees into a large board while the boy cried out in agony. 10/1/98 147

Damare 4 Damare was miraculously rescued and has told The Voice of the Martyrs that just as Jesus was nailed and forgave, he forgives also. What bold faith from a simple Sudanese boy! Damare is not alone in the persecution he has endured. The Muslim government of Khartoum in the North has declared a jihad, or holy war, against the mostly Christian South. Omar Hassan al-Turabi, an Islamic leader, has stated that anyone who opposes Islam "has no future. " 10/1/98 148

Damare • Since 1985, approximately two million have perished due to the genocide. Families in the South are terrorized-fathers killed, mothers raped, and children sold into slavery. Yet in the midst of these atrocities, the Christians in Sudan remains strong, worshiping their Savior and leading others to Him. Thankfully, in recent months the onslaughts have begun to subside and peace talks are on the table. 10/1/98 149

Damare • The boy in the article above, Damare, has now received some assistance from workers with The Voice of the Martyrs. His wounds are still open and additional medical attention as well as some rehabilitation is still needed. (VOM is looking into further assistance. ) If you want to know what's really going on in over 40 countries where Christians are facing persecution, subscribe to The Voice of the Martyrs monthly newsletter. This award-wining newsletter is sure to inspire and challenge like no other! Sign up for a free Voice of the Martyrs monthly newsletter! http: //etools. ncol. com/a/jgroup/bg_wwwpersecutionco 10/1/98 150 m_cn-button_9. html