1. Islam Historic monotheistic faith like Judaism and Christianity

2. The Name  Islam – means complete submission or surrender in Arabic  s-l-m – peace (salam). Expectation of soundness and safety that includes safety from divine retribution in the life to come  Believer is called Muslim (s-l-m)  Term “Mohammedan” considered offensive by Muslims

3. Universal and Inclusive Religion  View of Qur’an (Islamic Scripture): Islam is the universal and primordial faith (Adam to Muhammad, including Jesus).  Focus on God’s sovereignty in the universe  Focus on choice of those who affirm the oneness of God and submit to his will  Judgement day involves consequences of choice

4. Simple Profession of Faith  No initiation ritual equivalent to baptism in Christian  One becomes a Muslim by reciting the shahadah before two witnesses: “I bear witness that there is no god except God, and I bear witness that Muhammad is the messenger of God” Becoming a Muslim involves rights and responsibilities

5. Arabian Context of Islam  Pre-Islamic Arab history known as the age of jahiliyah (age of foolishness or ignorance) involving lack of moral conscience  Allah (the God) recognized as supreme creator god before Islam but worshipped along with other gods  Even before Islam the Ka’bah in Makkah(Mecca) was as sacred place and pilgrimage site: an ancient square building containing images of gods and goddesses, perhaps even images of Jesus and Mary (in Islam it has been purged of its polytheistic associations, but remained a sacred site and made the direction of prayer for Muslims all over the world).

6. Before Islam  Qur’an presents a focus in pre-Islamic times on pleasure and living for today  Like ancient Hebrews, ancient Arabs had no belief in an afterlife  Values of Arab society eventually become part of religious framework (e.g. manliness, hospitality, honour, protection of defenseless, covenants)  Jewish and Christian communities exist in ancient Arabia before emergence of Islam in the 7 th century  Pious ones (hanifs) accept ethical monotheism associated with Judaism and Christianity  Tribal interests and intertribal conflicts continue even after the establishment of Islam