Page 5 - World Religions I - Islam

Doctrinal Overview
At the core of Islam are central doctrines to which all Muslims hold fast (See Sections 7-9 for more information on the
Doctrines of Islam.)

• The oneness of Allah.
o Allah is a single Being of Absolute Reality by whom all things were created and through whom all things
exist and function.
o Over ninety percent of Muslim theology deals with the implications of the unity-or oneness-of Allah. By
acknowledging Allah as the one true God, Muslims put themselves in the position to worship rightly, and
therefore be eligible for acceptance by Allah.
o For Muslims, acknowledgment of the oneness of Allah is an important aspect of the concept of
salvation.
• The unseen life.
o Beyond human senses exist numerous non-physical being created by Allah to serve him.
• Angels of light: completely submissive servants with a variety of heavenly and earthly responsibilities.
• Jinn of fire: non-submissive, immaterial beings whose nature is between that of humans and angels.
• Divine revelation.
o Allah has revealed his will for mankind through a series of scriptures that have been presented to
prophets throughout the ages.
• These scriptures provide knowledge of the divine to mankind, as well as instruction and guidance for
life and preparation for the hereafter.
o Prophethood.
o Islam acknowledges and honors prophets that have been chosen as messengers of Allah's will.
• Allah sent prophets throughout the ages as religion decayed from monotheism to polytheism.
• Each prophet came to renew the message of Allah in a way specifically designed for his culture and
time period.
o Final judgment.
o The Qur'an emphasizes that after a period of repose in the grave, all humans will be bodily
resurrected and assembled for a final accounting of their deeds.
 Allah will judge mankind according to his beliefs and deeds, the results of which will either
be eternal rest and bliss in Paradise, or eternal judgment in Hell.
 What man experiences in the afterlife is a revealing of his tendencies in this life.
o Fate/Predestination
o All things—good and evil, obedience or disobedience, faith or infidelity, sickness or health,
riches or poverty, life or death—are decreed by Allah.

Core Practices of Islam
There are five basic practices incumbent on all Muslims, which are known as the Five Pillars of Islam. A Muslim must do
their best to fulfill the Five Pillars since they are considered Allah's commandments.

• Belief and witness.
o The creed of Islam, known as the Shahada, professes the unity of Allah and the messengership of
Muhammad.
 This proclamation is required to be preached to the whole world.
• Daily prayers.
o A daily, continual round of five prayers are to be performed while facing Mecca, the Islamic holy city

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