Understanding Islam

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Understanding Islam

• 10-4-2009

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Main Points

• The Growth of Islam
• What Islam teaches vs. The Bible
• What you can do to be prepared

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Why Talk About Islam?

• Directly challenges Bible, Church, and Jesus
• 1.5 billion Muslims on earth
• 30 countries have 90 Muslim populations
• Growing in numbers in the US
• Estimated at 4-6 million
• More Muslims in Chicago than Methodists

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Traditional Islam

• 10/40 Countries

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Growth of Islam Locally

• 250,000 Muslims in Indiana
• Several schools / places of worship in Indy
• Al-Ansar (Plainfield)
• Masjid Al-Sahaba (Indianapolis)
• Al-Haqq Foundation (Indianapolis)
• Islamic School of Indianapolis

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Basic Islam

• Islam is the name of the religion
• Muslim is what a follower of Islam is called
• Believe the Koran (Quran)
• Given to Muhammad via angel Gabriel
• The denominations
• Sunni 90 believe spiritual leader can be anyone
• Shiite 10 believe this leader must descend
  directly from Muhammad
• Sufis Islamic Mysticism
• Folk Islam Semi-Idolatry

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Six Basic Beliefs

• Faith in Allah
• Angels
• Holy books
• Torah / Bible
• The prophets
• Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jesus
• Predestination
• Scale of deeds
• Day of judgment

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Required Muslim Duties - Pillars

• First pillar
• Creed of Islam
• Second pillar
• Pray five times per day
• Third pillar
• Ramadan observance

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Physical Cleanliness
Cleanliness is half of Holiness -Muhammad
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Required Muslim Duties - Pillars

• First pillar
• Creed of Islam
• Second pillar
• Pray five times per day
• Third pillar
• Ramadan observance

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Required Muslim Duties - Pillars

• Fourth pillar
• Alms (Zakat)
• Fifth pillar
• Hajj to Mecca
• Room in the Kingdom?
• Sixth pillar
• Jihad

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How Islam Does Authority

• 1st Tier Quran
• 2nd Tier
• Haddith or saying of Muhammad
• Abu Sa'id al-Khudri reported
• Sunnah or habits of Muhammad

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More Authority

• 3rd Tier Law of the land
• Sharia Defines all things social set standard
• Fiqh Ever evolving interpretive law
• Traditions of the elders
• Freedom in Christ (Gal 5113)

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The Bible the Quran
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Bashing Muhammad

• Muhammad was a false prophet, however
• It will accomplish nothing
• It will diminish your credibility with a Muslim
• Paul became all things to all people so must we
• We must find a path that shows respect while
  teaching the truth about Jesus

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Understanding Muslim Culture
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Talking to a Muslim

• Ask Relevant Spiritual Questions
• Jesus is called Messiah in both the Quran and
  Bible Why do you think He has this title?
• Can you tell me what makes a person clean or
  unclean in Islam? Why is this important?
• What is the difference between sin and being
  unclean in Islam?
• In Islam how can someone know for certain that
  God will allow them into Paradise?

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Talking to a Muslim

• Ask Relevant Cultural Questions
• What would happen if
• Eid Al Adha

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Muslims have Questions too?

• Has the Bible been corrupted?
• Do Christians believe in three Gods?
• How can Jesus be the Son of God?
• Why are you not a Muslim?

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Final Thoughts

• New Testament (Injeel)
• Other opportunities
• Jesus (Isa)