Page 147 - Advanced Bible Geography ebook
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recitations accompanied by bowing, kneeling, and prostrations. Prayers can be performed anywhere but
                are most effective in a communal worship hall known as a mosque. Prayer is thought to strengthen one's
                belief in Allah's existence and goodness, and to integrate this belief into every aspect of life.

               Charitable giving.
                All Muslims are required to donate a percentage of accumulated wealth to needy Muslims. This provision is
                designed to help decrease inequalities in wealth and prevent personal greed.

               Fasting.
                Frequent fasts are recommended for Muslims, but one is obligatory during the Islamic holy month of
                Ramadan. The month of Ramadan commemorates the first revelations of the Qur'an received by
                Muhammad. Fasting consists of abstaining from food, drink, sexual activity, and vices during daylight hours.
                Fasting is designed to remove distractions between man and Allah, and to remove impurities from the body
                and soul.


               Pilgrimage.
                All Muslims who are physically and financially able are expected to make a pilgrimage - known as Hajj - to
                the Islamic holy city of Mecca at least once in their lifetime. The pilgrimage involves a series of symbolic
                rituals designed to bring the faithful as close to Allah as possible.  The pilgrimage is designed to be an
                international gathering of Muslims. Differences are stripped away, and unity is encouraged.

                                          A Comparison Chart to Christianity
               Subject                Islam                                                         Christianity

                God         Only one god - called Allah           Only one God - a triune being called God or Yahweh
                            A prophet who was virgin-born, but not the  Divine son of God who was virgin-born. He is God's
                 Jesus
                            Son of God                            Word and Savior to humanity
                             Jesus was not crucified. Someone was
                 Crucifixion   substituted for Jesus and He hid until He   A fact of history that is necessary for the atonement
                                                                  of sin and the salvation of believers
                            could meet with the disciples
                            Since Muslims do not believe in the
                 Jesus'     Crucifixion, there is no need to believe in the  A fact of history that signifies God's victory over sin
                Resurrection                                      and death
                            Resurrection
                            A blasphemy signifying belief in three gods.  The one God is eternally revealed in three coequal
                 Trinity    In Islam, the Trinity is mistakenly thought to  and coeternal persons: God the Father, God the Son,
                            be God, Jesus, and Mary               and God the Holy Spirit
                            Sin is disobedience to the established law. A
                 Sin                                              Sin is rebellion against God. Sin grieves God
                            character flaw.  Sin does not grieve Allah.
                 Man        Man is created by Allah and is sinless   Man is created in God's image and is sinful by nature
                            Salvation is achieved by submitting to the
                            will of Allah. There is no assurance of   Salvation is a gift accepted by faith in the atonement
                 Salvation                                        of Jesus Christ on the Cross and provided through
                            salvation - it is granted by Allah's mercy   God's grace
                            alone





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