Islam is a monotheistic religion originating with the teachings of Muhammad, a 7th-century Arab religious and political figure. The word Islam means "submission", or the total surrender of oneself to God (Arabic: الله, Allāh). An adherent of Islam is known as a Muslim, meaning "one who submits (to God)". There are between 900 million to 1.5 billion Muslims on the basis of self-identification, making Islam the second-largest religion in the world, after Christianity.

Muslims believe that God revealed the Qur'an to Muhammad, God's final prophet, and regard the Qur'an and the Sunnah (words and deeds of Muhammad) as the fundamental sources of Islam. They do not regard Muhammad as the founder of a new religion, but as the restorer of the original monotheistic faith of Abraham, Moses, Jesus, and other prophets. Islamic tradition holds that Judaism and Christianity distorted the messages of these prophets over time either in interpretation, in text, or both.

Islam includes many religious practices. Adherents are generally required to observe the Five Pillars of Islam, which are five duties that unite Muslims into a community. In addition to the Five Pillars, Islamic law (sharia) has developed a tradition of rulings that touch on virtually all aspects of life and society. This tradition encompasses everything from practical matters like dietary laws and banking to warfare.

Almost all Muslims belong to one of two major denominations, the Sunni and Shi'a. The schism developed in the late 7th century following disagreements over the religious and political leadership of the Muslim community. Roughly 85 percent of Muslims are Sunni and 15 percent are Shi'a. Islam is the predominant religion throughout the Middle East, as well as in parts of Africa and Asia. Large communities are also found in China, Western Europe, the Balkan Peninsula, and Russia. About 20 percent of Muslims live in Arab countries.



In other words, we are not what most ppl think.

I'll be back on after morning prayer, any questions, ask away.

"Islamic tradition holds that Judaism and Christianity distorted the messages of these prophets over time either in interpretation, in text, or both."

Well, at least I agree with something about it.

On a more serious note,...

Thank you for taking the time to share the knowledge. It's always interesting to hear what other's believe.

I was going to ask if it was indeed based on the God of Abraham, but you’ve already answered that verifying my original belief that it is indeed based on the same folklore as the Bible (at least in general, if not in detail).

So these really are basically all the same religion that just fell into parts. People often refer to these religions like as if they are three completely different religions, Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. But in reality they are actually three differnet distortions of the same religion each claiming that the other two are the distorted ones.

And of course, just as Islam broke up into Shi’a and Sunni, Christianity broke up into Catholicism and Protestantism. I have no clue how the Jews are making out as far as sects are concerned.

I will forever see all of these religions as just one big confused mess. They are all the same religion to me. All they are doing as far as I can see is demonstrating clearly that no one will agree on what their original doctrines were saying.

No offense intended. I’m just sharing my view, and I appreciate the fact that you posted this information so that I could comment on it.

Thanks for tha, even though it was taken directly from Wikipedia ...

Islam is a religion like all others. It seeks to exploit the weak, and subjugate the masses.

lol, yeah i do alot of "copy and paste" but i read it first to make sure its right.

Belushi, I am unallowed to try to change ppl's mind about us, but i am sad u think that way. anymore questions?

There are people here that confuse religion and christianity with a belief system in a God, god or whatever. I myself have no religious affiliation. And am not sure about Christianity. But, believe in God, with Jesus as His son, so chosen.
It fears me as some who claim an affiliation with religion and Christianity are just an organized force to recken with. Pushing power and misconceptions on others. Take out the organization and power, then release it to me. I may be more accepting. You know?
As for trying to change peoples minds, could happen. I and many others are open to learn.
Thank you for the info.
Kat

http://youtube.com/watch?v=NpGs2SiBPCA

this should awnser alot of questions. anything else you would like to ask, just_a_smoker@hotmail.com. IM me.

judaism has no "sects" just degrees of practice: reform, orthodox and conservative

I really never expected for so many questions to be asked, but it's my duty to help others, so keep on asking.

Having lived in Islamic countries on and off for 9 years, and experienced, both Shias and Sunnis, I have very few questions about islam.

But thanks for the offer

It’s interesting that the major prophets of so many religions, always seem to be the last.

Anyway, PJ Question: Have you been able to ascertain if there have been any revelations or prophecies in the Islamic faith since Muhammad? Or is the faith still adhered to exactly as Muhammad left it?


You write: “They do not regard Muhammad as the founder of a new religion, but as the restorer of the original monotheistic faith of Abraham, Moses, Jesus, and other prophets.”

So with the many various prophets over the first half of man’s existence, why is it that Muhammad would be the last? Could it not be possible that over thousands of years, some change might occur that would require further “revision” or update or maybe just “correction”?
As you’ve said it happened before!

“Islamic tradition holds that Judaism and Christianity distorted the messages of these prophets over time either in interpretation, in text, or both.”

Why do you think there could be such difference between distortion in the first couple thousand years and none in the next few?

Your quote:
“This tradition encompasses everything from practical matters like dietary laws and banking to warfare.”

With regards to warfare. Forgive my ignorance with regards to your faith, but I’m just wondering if the message of your faith is similar to the Christian faith. In other words is it peace at all cost? Or is aggression approved of? Or is defense appropriate, and if so when is “what “ is being defended an approved reason for murder?

Sorry, but you have just become our resident authority. Sometimes it’s necessary to attempt to fit someone’s faith into the picture of society as it exists today.

Alright, here we go!

You do not regard Muhammad(pbuh) as the founder of a new religion, but as the restorer of the original monotheistic faith of Abraham, Moses, Jesus, and other prophets.

(#1.)Have you been able to ascertain if there have been any revelations or prophecies in the Islamic faith since Muhammad(pbuh), or is the faith still adhered to exactly as Muhammad(pbuh) left it?

Awnser: Our faith is still the same since the time of muhammad (pbuh). Nothing has changed.

(#2.)with the many various prophets over the first half of man’s existence, why is it that Muhammad(pbuh) would be the last?

Awnser: Muhammad (pbuh) is the last messanger why? Because he came with the perfect religion for all the worlds ( man , jeen and all the other creations ....) and because Allah made a promise that he will keep the quran unchangable which shows that Allah choosed Islam to be the last religion and since it s the last religion then Muhammad (pbuh) is the last mesanger.

(#3.)Could it not be possible that over thousands of years, some change might occur that would require further “revision” or update or maybe just “correction”?

Awnser: that was the fault made by christians so that Allah sent Muhammad (pbuh) with Islam ... we are creations and the quran was revealed by Allah our creator and he knows what was, and what is, and what will, be and what is not if it is how it would be ....so Allah sent a book which could stands the test of time and which will lasts till the end.

(#4.)Why do you think there could be such difference between distortion in the first couple thousand years and none in the next few?

Awnser: I'm not sure what you mean, if you could please explain more I would be happy to awnser.

(#5.)With regards to warfare. Forgive my ignorance with regards to your faith, but I’m just wondering if the message of your faith is similar to the Christian faith. In other words is it peace at all cost?

Awnser: If someone starts the fight, we may fight back, but if they stop, we must stop as well.

(#6.)Or is aggression approved of?

Awnser: Only in a matter of defense

(#7.)Or is defense appropriate, and if so when is “what “ is being defended an approved reason for murder?

Awnser: We don't fight unless someone came to fight....for example what if someone come and attack you and wanted to take your land, inslave your daughters and rape them? Then it is a must to fight agains those people. But to go and kill someone like this it s forbidden and muslims are not responssible for that like to kill someone who did not do something to you even if he or she a disbeliever. it's none of our business but it's a must to show them the right way peacefully. But if they refuse then back off and save and keep your faith and let them save and keep thier faith because everyone will know what is right and what is wrong in front of Allah.

Sorry, but you have just become our resident authority. Sometimes it’s necessary to attempt to fit someone’s faith into the picture of society as it exists today.

I enjoy helping ppl understand Islam. It is my duty to Allah.

one observation that i have made is as follows, islam is a much younger religion than the religions its connected 2. christianity and judaism both went through violent evolutions and islam is going through that now as it is younger

As I do again say that anyone can have any religious stronghold they wish. As I have studied the qua'ran in detail, I look at Muhammad as a false prophet. example: This is the quran's account of the same scripture in Genesis 1. Now this is just the first book of the bible....It goes on an on the difference between the way it was originally written and intended and the way Muhammad interpreted for his own use.

The Quran's account

[37:102] When he grew enough to work with him, he said, "My son, I see in a dream that I am sacrificing you. What do you think?" He said, "O my father, do what you are commanded to do. You will find me, GOD willing, patient."
[37:103] They both submitted, and he put his forehead down (to sacrifice him).
[37:104] We called him: "O Abraham.
[37:105] "You have believed the dream." We thus reward the righteous.
[37:106] That was an exacting test indeed.
[37:107] We ransomed (Ismail) by substituting an animal sacrifice.
[37:108] And we preserved his history for subsequent generations.
[37:109] Peace be upon Abraham.
[37:110] We thus reward the righteous.
[37:111] He is one of our believing servants.

The Bible's account (Genesis)

22:1 And it came to pass after these things, that God tempted Abraham, and said to him, Abraham: and he said, Behold, [here] I [am].
22:2 And he said, Take now thy son, thy only [son] Isaac, whom thou lovest, and go into the land of Moriah; and offer him there for a burnt-offering upon one of the mountains which I will name to thee. (Genesis).

Qu'ran

And who believe in (the Qu'ran and the sunnah) which has been sent down (revealed) to you and in that which was sent down before you [the Taurat (Torah) and the Injeel (Gospel), etc.] and they believe with the certainty in the Hereafter.

They are on (true) guidance from their Lord, and they are successful.

Verily, those who disbelieve, it is the same to them whether you (O Muhammad) warn them, they will not believe.

PJ, Thanks for the information.

Your faith, on the surface,would seem to have a firm foundation, and a peaceful one. In fact, I know that Islam live here in the United States and "hopefully" peacefully live with other religions. As far as you can tell, or from what you can say, what do you attribute all the fighting to? Is there no way to have peaceful cohabitation?

BIBLE:

"In Lystra there sat a man crippled in his feet, who was lame from birth and had never walked. He listen to Paul as he was speaking. Paul looked directly at him, saw that he had faith to be healed and called out, "Stand up on your feet!" at that, the man jumped up and began to walk.
When the crowd saw what Paul had done, they shouted in the Lycaonian language, "The gods have come down to us in human form!" Barnabas they called Zeus, and Paul they called Hermes because he was the chief speaker."
Acts 14:8-12


qu'ran

[ 9:31] They have set up their religious leaders and scholars
as lords, instead of GOD. Others deified the Messiah, son
of Mary. They were all commanded to worship only one god.
There is no god except He. Be He glorified, high above having
any partners.

watch, this man was a christian pastor who converted to islam.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UJhPaSXVrKI

copy and paste. I cannot and will not argue. Allah forbids us to try and change someone's iman by force. Some people must come by the right path on their own.

Thats prolly I always "Islamic extremists!" And not just "Islamic"