Page 144 - Bible Geography and Near East Studies

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 their 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 The Divine Son of God who was virgin-born. He is
Jesus
Son of God God's Word and Savior to humanity.
Jesus was not crucified. Someone was A fact of history that is necessary for the atonement
Crucifixion substituted for Jesus, and He hid until He 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
be God, Jesus, and Mary. Son, 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 is created in God's image and is sinful by
Man Man is created by Allah and is sinless
nature
Salvation is achieved by submitting to the Salvation is a gift accepted by faith in the
will of Allah. There is no assurance of
Salvation atonement of Jesus Christ on the Cross and
salvation - it is granted by Allah's mercy provided through God's grace.
alone.
Muslims accept the Bible (especially the The Bible is the inspired Word of God that is
Bible Pentateuch, Psalms, and Gospels) insofar as complete and not to be added to
it agrees with the Qur'an.
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