...1. Is the religion monotheistic or polytheistic? What are the deities called? A: Islam is strictly monotheistic. There is no way around it. They only worship one god and that is who they stick with. Some sects of islam might be polytheism but the original religion is all about one god. There true god is Allah and that is the one that they worship and follow. Islam does not have any deities because they don’t believe in other gods and they only worship and are loyal to one god, Allah. 2. Who found the religion? When? A: Muhammad was the one who founded the religion. He was the prophet and the one that everyone referred to as the founder. It was founded in the year 622 CE. Islam means submission. The teaching of Muhammad is what brought...
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...Christian god is actually split into a Trinity, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost. Also Jesus is Gods son, but in the Islamic belief the main prophet, Muhammad, is just a man. Episcopalianism, on the other hand, largely splits from not just Islam but also other sects of Christianity. Episcopalians have the book of the common prayer so that more people may become a preacher. Some more differences are that the congregation takes place in the service...
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...Religion, Culture, and Death The five religions discussed during this week’s seminar have many similarities, and just as many differences, in relation to their specific views on death, dying, bereavement and grieving. Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism and Buddhism all contain their own system of beliefs and traditions that members use in order to deal with impending death. Judaism is the oldest of the three monotheistic religions that stems from the Middle East and follows the teachings of Abraham and Moses. Judaism believes that death was a direct consequence of Adam and Eve eating from the forbidden “Tree of Conscience” (Leming, 2011). There are several branches of Judaism throughout the world: Orthodox Judaism, Hasidism, Neo-Orthodox Judaism, Reform Judaism, Conservative Judaism, and Reconstructionist (Wilkinson, 2008). All of these sects of Judaism can have very different traditions in regard to the treatment of the deceased’s body. Under the old Jewish tradition, the body of the deceased must be buried as soon as possible after death, within twenty-four hours if possible, although the burial cannot happen on the Sabbath. Before burial, the body is washed, anointed with oils and spices, and dressed in a white linen sheet after which it is buried in Jewish consecrated ground. More contemporary Jews are more likely to choose cremation over burial. Jews have a multi-tiered morning practice. For the first seven days after the death...
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...The religion of Islam has been in existence since the 7th-century C.E, with its founder being Muhammed. It was one of the first monotheistic religions along with Zoroastrianism, Judaism, and Christianity. Islam has always appealed to people of different backgrounds because of its universal message of paradise after death. Despite this, throughout its life, Islam has experienced changes such as the emergence of radical groups, more equality, and varying translations of the Qur'an while having continuities such as religious persecution, sect divisions, and rituals. Since the beginning, Muslims have shown religious fervor by spreading its core values to gain adherent whether voluntary or not. However, in recent years, there has been an emergence of extreme radical groups of Islam. These groups have committed terrorist attacks against U.S. and France in the name of Islam. Because of these small minority groups, Muslims are automatically seen as terrorist and extremely radical. A big step towards a change of the religion...
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...The conflict between the two sects of Islam, Shia and Sunni, dates back to the death of Muhammad the prophet, in the year 632. Yet, despite its ancient roots, the battle between the two hasn’t been this bloody in centuries. Islam’s schism, simmering for fourteen centuries, doesn’t explain all the political, economic, and geostrategic factors involved in current conflict. But it has become one way to understand the underlying tensions. Two countries that compete for the leadership of Islam, Sunni Saudi Arabia and Shia Iran, have used the sectarian divide to further their ambitions. How their rivalry is settled will likely shape the political balance between Sunnis and Shias and the future of the region, especially in Syria, Iraq, Lebanon, Bahrain, and Yemen. This paper will be examining the current conflict between the two sects and the way in which it has evolved from a religious war to that of political and territorial. The war that fueled the current violence between the sects was the Iran’s Islamic Revolution in 1979. The divide has also giving leaders of the two sects to unite its people for divine purpose. But to fully comprehend the conflict between the two sects, you have to take a look at where it all started. Mohammed unveiled a new faith to the people of Mecca in 610. Known as Islam, or submission to God, the monotheistic religion incorporated some Jewish and Christian traditions and expanded with a set of laws that governed most aspects of life, including...
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...to be the state religion of Moslem countries. Its simple creed and tenets gives it a universal appeal, and the fact that it has no racial barriers and it embraces universal unity also helps it to spread rapidly in both African and American communities. Furthermore, easy communication and practicality of its Five Pillars also helps it to spread even more swiftly in the Western Hemisphere. Many sources are available that provide information for extensive research on the topic of Islam; however, personal communication as a source, provides a more unique perspective on this topic. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to highlight as well as to summarize a recent interview with an Islamic adherent as he gives his opinion on this topic. This summary will provide an in-depth report with regard to the Islamic experience. The interviewee helps to address the religious, political, cultural, and racial aspects of Islam. Some of which include the similarities and differences between Islam and other religions and how it shapes his life. The interviewee will also give his perspective with regard to the perception of the Muslim culture; he will explore Islam’s link to...
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...Student’s Name Instructor Name Class Monotheistic Religions Over the years religion and political issues have coincided, one influencing the whole result of the other as it is evident presently. In line with this pattern, every day political decisions run parallel to the people's religious convictions. The results of the interaction between religion and politics can be seen reflected through the news and different media outlets. It should be noted that no nation has been spared of the effects of religious politics because religious legislative issues inside of a nation might significantly influence issues in another nation with a totally diverse point of view toward religion, governmental issues, and the issues being referred to. Thus, there is an ever-increasing need to make a global "analytic map of faith," with the capacity to adequately explain the location and influence of these religions on human behavior. Such map proves to be a significant tool to explain why a particular religion is associated with specific behaviors or actions. Religious beliefs are diverse across the globe. Although majority of people are of the belief in the presence of one supreme God (Monotheism) others believe that there are multiple gods. Another sect believes in no God at all (atheism). Owing to this diversity, setting up a global analytical map of faith proves to be a challenging task. Nevertheless, the three popular monotheistic religions (Judaism, Christianity and Islam) are a superb benchmark...
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...According to Israel’s Ministry of foreign affairs the Jewish religion is the oldest of the three monotheistic faiths. Judaism is a set of cultural beliefs passed on for around 5,000 years. Judaism is more of a culture religion This is interesting. I’m not sure what you mean by a “culture religion.” I assume this means a religion that also has a strong sense of culture and identity. that is a set of traditions followed by the Jewish community and followers. I had interviewed a person by the name of Brent Leder who is a Reformed Jew. When he was in the fourth grade, Brent had started to learn Hebrew. In order for him to be Bar Mitzvah, he must know the Hebrew language and must read from the Torah at the age of 13. He has inspired me to learn more about the Jewish religion and what it means to be Jewish. That’s great. It’s good to have an open mind and want to learn more about religion. As I sat down and asked Brent questions about his religion, he began to tell me about the meaning and the history of Judaism. Since he practices the reformed sect of the religion there are more lenient rules because it is the least strict of the three sects. When I had asked him about what the Jewish thoughts and beliefs are about Jesus, Brent said, “Jesus was just a carpenter that was sentenced to crucifixion on the cross.” Interesting response. More dismissive of Jesus than many Jews are. As I asked questions, Brent began to get in depth about the religion by telling me everything he knows. I...
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...In Islamic religion, Muslims believe that there is only one God and Muhammad, his messenger. Hindus on the other hand, is a religion that was not founded by a certain individual. Even most writers of the sacred texts of Hinduism, remain unknown. The Islamic belief system includes 6 articles of faith which are fundamental beliefs that there is only one God (Allah), angels of God, prophets of God, revealed books of God, the day of judgment and the divine decree (sometimes shortened to 5 articles of faith leaving out the belief in the supremacy of God's will). Typically when people think of Hinduism, the first thing that comes to mind is multiple gods. I was told by my step grandfather, who had practiced Hinduism most of his life, that Hinduism can vary and not to think Hindus follow a set religion. He explained to me that it depends on the person and whether or not they think there is only one God or millions. Hinduism can actually span over many different belief systems including pantheism (God and the universe are the same) or henotheism (belief in one god but not denying the existence of others). Despite all of the talk about Hinduism being polytheistic, there is one universal "God" called Brahman (although simultaneously a triad of deities). This is up to the follower on whether they think Brahman is considered their one God worshipped among a million of others. If so, I would believe Hinduism might be recognized as henotheistic. Conversely in Islamic religion, Muslims simply...
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...Jesus vs. Mohammad “Compare and Contrast” Introduction The information contained in this document is to depict two highly religious idols, and how they influence many during their ages. Jesus was the center and founder of Christianity, while Mohammed was a great prophet of Islam. Christianity and Islam are the largest religions in the world. They account for over 2 billion of the world’s population. Christianity and Islam also share many things in common, but they differ in other aspects. Although, Jesus and Mohammed lived righteously by the principles that were created by them, they affected humanity like an echo in the past and present. This research is to compare and contrast the key elements of Jesus and Mohammed historically, respectively, and how their legacy is still being carried out in the world today (Wikipedia, 2008). (1) Trace the lives of Jesus and Mohammed historically The Life of Jesus Christ (**6** BC - **29-33** AD) Historians do not exactly know the birth date of Jesus Christ. It has been said his birth took place on or around December 25th 6 BC in the city of Jerusalem. This day is traditionally celebrated by Christians as the birthday of Jesus. Jesus was born unto a father Joseph, and a mother “The Virgin Mary. Other than shortly after his birth, little is known of the life of Jesus other than what is recorded in the “Four Gospels”. These events were written some fifty to eighty years after the death of Jesus. These Gospels are derived of an...
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...Understanding Islam Darren Crowe February 2, 2016 Sarah Mueller Understanding Islam Islam Islam dates back into the 6th century AD, the religion of the Muslims and a monotheistic faith regarded as revealed through Muhammad as the Prophet of Allah. The word Islam means submission or surrender and Muslim means one who surrenders themselves to God. The Arabic word for god is "Allah" which has become a kind of name of God in Islam. The Mosque is most known place to worship in the Muslim community, the mosque always points toward Mecca at a sacred stone, but if Muslim is in Mecca they would face the sacred stoned named Ka’aba. This stone was believed to been built by Abraham. The five pillars, Quran, and the Ramadan will also be discussed in this paper. Quran The Quran or Koran means the reading in Arabic. The Quran is a form of sacred texts of Islam that is broken down into 114 suras or chapters ("What Is Islam?", n.d.). Within the chapters of the Quran ethnics, theology, law, and history is discussed as God literal words. The Quran came about into new order by a holy spirit by the name Gabriel, who gave the Quran to Muhammad. Muhammad full name is Muhammad Ibn Abdullah and is known as the final prophet of God to the world. Muhammad was born in Mecca in 570 A.D and died in 632 A.D., by being poisoned. Five Pillars The first Pillar consist of the testimony of faith, meaning there is no true god but Allah, and Muhammad is the messenger of God. Second Pillar is prayer...
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...misconceptions and conceptions about its belief, values and goals. In this research paper l will examine the teachings of Islam and how they are interpreted and or practiced in different countries and cultures, including the United States, Great Britain, the Middle East, India and Pakistan, and other country of Asia. How Islam is understood in each country's culture and how is it contrasted with Christianity and Judaism? How do these understandings impact the ways that Muslims and non-Muslims interact and communicate with one another. Religion is one of the moving forces behind many of the event and attitude that have shaped our world. During the centuries, countries and cities have been developed and destroyed; and battle have been fought, all to protect or make known one religion or another. Islam is the second largest religion in the world; without doubt Muslims differ in their personal engagement and practice between doctrinal and cultural attitude, and have different apprehension about the correct practice of Islam. It had remained fairly invisible to most Americans prior to the Arab oil embargo of 1973 and the Iranian Revolution of 1978–1979 with its taking and holding of US hostages (Simmons, Gwendolyn, Zoharah 2008). Of course, American interest in Islam has been further heightened by the horrific events of September 11, 2001, prior to which not much information about Muslims and Islam was available in US newspapers, on radio or television or on the bookshelves in the bookstores...
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...North America for over 300 years, since the time the religion was brought to America by West Africans. The Arabic term islam means "surrender," or "submission." Islam's believers (known as "Muslims" from the active participle of "islam"), accept surrender to the will of Allah . Allah is viewed as God or the creator, sustainer, and restorer of the world. The will of God, to which man is to submit, is made known through the Qur'an (the Koran), revealed to his messenger Muhammad. Muhammad, it is claimed was the last of the great prophets which included Adam, Noah, Moses, Jesus and some others. The basic belief of Islam is expressed in the shahadah, the Muslim confession of faith, "There is no god but God; Muhammad is the prophet of God." Islamic beliefs include belief in angels, the revealed books and Scriptures, a series of prophets, and a Last Day (of Judgment). Muslim duties include five daily prayers, fasting (during the month of Ramadan), and a pilgrimage (hajj) to Mecca; these four elements plus the profession of faith are called the Five Pillars.The Qur'an (which is Arabic for reading or recitation) is regarded by Muslims as The Word Of God, delivered to Muhammad by the angel Gabriel. The Qur'an is divided into 114 surahs (chapters), the early surahs revealed in Mecca are ethical and spiritual teachings and the Day of Judgment, whereas the later surahs are concerned with social legislation and the politico-moral principals of community. The “sunnah” a clear and well-trodden...
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...1 Islamic Religion 2 Islam is among the largest monotheistic religions practiced in the world today. Like Christianity and Judaism, Islam believes in one Supreme deity, being Allah, or God. Although, Islam is considered to have a significant historical past, it is the youngest of the three monotheistic religions and can be linked to its counterparts. Islam’s identity and tradition are portrayed by the Five Pillars of Islam, the belief in the six articles of faith, and the holy texts of the Qur’an. Islamic prayer can be considered an important duty amongst its followers. Each believer must face towards Makkah or Mecca, which is Islam’s holiest city, and pray five times a day during sunrise, noon, mid-afternoon, sunset, and evening. Even though Islam can be interpreted and learned about through educational texts, to really understand its traditions and practices, one may gain knowledge by interviewing a person of this faith. In the following paper, included will be an introduction to Islam, an interview and its summary of a person practicing this faith, a compare and contrast to Christianity, and an overview of Islamic tradition. All these different aspects of this religion should provide a better understanding of Islam and what its practices consist...
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...essential elements of the faith, how they are practiced, and the distinctions among the three branches: Shiite Islam, Sunni Islam, and Sufism. Write a 1- to 2-paragraph response for each of the following directives and note where there are differences among the three branches of Islam. 1. Explain the meaning of the name, Islam. The word “Islam” is derived form the Arabic root “asalama” which literally means peace, purity and submission. Thus Islam means “surrender to the Almighty” and Muslim means “one who is in a state of submission”. It is understood that this submission is to the Will of God, as is laid down in the Quran. This tenet is unequivocally accepted by all sects of Islam be they Shia, Sunni or Sufis. 2. Explain the basic concepts of Islam. Islam is an unerringly monotheistic religion. It enjoins the existence of one God, his prophet Muhammad who is the Last Prophet in a long line of prophets sent throughout time and to every civilization, and the Quran as the Word of God revealed to Muhammad through the angel Jibrael. Muslims believe that God is one and incomparable and the purpose of life is to worship him and to adhere to his word, as laid down in the Quran, and in Sunnah , as closely as possible. They believe that Islam is the final, completed and universal version of a faith revealed too many prophets before; most notably Abraham, Moses and Jesus, but whose message has now been distorted. 3. Describe the practices of Islam. The...
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