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Islam

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• The name of the religion is "Islam", meaning "peace" or "submission" (a peace which comes from surrendering one’s life to God). A "Muslim" is one who submits, referring to a follower of Islam. The community of the faithful is called Ummah.

Poster: What Is Islam And Who Are Muslims?

The Prophet:

• Muhammad understood Islam as the pure, original state of Judaism and Christianity, a restoration to the original state of faith as followed by Abraham and his son Ishmael (origin of the Arabian people). Abraham and Ishmael are of particular importance for Muslims.

• Muhammad is seen as a fully human prophet. Islam is not "Mohammadenism" - there is no worship of Muhammad. Muhammad compares to Moses, not Jesus.

The Holy Book:

• Quran compares to Torah and Jesus as place of importance in each respective tradition. Unlike the Bible, the format of the Quran is not a historical or chronological text. Arranged in 114 chapters called suras from longest to shortest in length. (show text)

• "Quran" means "recitation" and is truly only the Quran as recited in the original Arabic (as the angel presented it to Muhammad). Technically, a translation is not Quran. Even the written Arabic is not the pure Quran, which is said to be ethereal and remains in heaven.

Poster: What Is The Qur'an?

Islamic Law:

• Shariah (Islamic law) is comprised of Quran, Sunnah - traditions (practice and example) of Prophet Muhammad and Hadith - stories about Muhammad, his actions and additional (extra-Quranic) teachings & guidance. In addition, contemporary issues not dealt with directly by these sources are legalized by analogy and consensus of Muslim scholars.

• Islam provides guidance for religious life through all aspects of life

Poster: Apart From The Qur'an Are There Any Other Sacred Sources?