1. Judaism, Christianity, and Islam
An Introduction

2. Early Beginnings
The Call of Abram From Ur of Chaldea into Palestine (modern-day Israel)
They were shepherds from Mesopotamia (modern-day Iraq) following God’s will
Three promises made to Abraham Gen 12:1-3; Gen 22:15-18
Nation, Multitude of descendants
Land
Seed promise

3. Abraham’s family tree Hagar – Abraham - Sarah Ishmael Who is Abraham’s
rightful heir?
Isaac

4. Early Conflict Sarai/Isaac and Hagar/Ishmael Gen 16-21; Gal. 4:22-28
Muslims believe Bible is corrupted and that Ismael was the rightful heir of Abraham
Genealogy of Bible follows Isaac - Joseph
Egyptian bondage – deliverance by Moses during exodus

5. Exodus 3:14- “I Am That I Am”

6. Isaac and Ishmael
God promised Abraham and his family all the land between the River of Egypt and the Euphrates Rivers
Arabs claim their ancestry to Ishmael
Jews claim their ancestry to Isaac
This is one of the reasons for the Arab – Israeli conflict

7. Law and the Prophets Nations give up knowledge of God Rom 1
Hebrews/Jews continue monotheism
3 promises fulfilled – Jesus is the seed
Gal. 3:16
Jews reject their Messiah Acts 2:29-36
Modern rabbinic Jews continue rejection
Christians are true “children of Abraham” Gal. 3:24-29

8. Modern Israel
No longer God’s chosen people due to rejection of The Messiah
Became a nation in 1948
Purely a political state with semi-religious activity
Muslims continue their ancient hatred
Our responsibility to Israel: Rom. 1:16

9. Islam
Submission to God

10. Muslim-
One who submits to God

11. Mohammed – founder of Islam
Among idolaters, he accepted monotheism
In 622 Mohammed was driven from Mecca, he fled to Medina
In Medina he was accepted as a prophet, (a messenger from God), believers increased in numbers, all of Medina
He eventually returned to Mecca by force
Within 100 yrs. Islam had spread through Arabia – peace by coercion

12. The Role of Mohammed
"In Islam there can be no confusion or doubt that Muhammad was a man, and only a man, chosen by the Creator to fulfill a divine mission as a prophet. Muhammad's mission was literally to 'read' what Allah had ordered and ordained, nothing more.
The Prophet received his revelations from God, sometimes in solitude, sometimes in the presence of others. Words flowed from his mouth in a way that others described as inspired. This was Muhammad's “wahy” (divine inspiration or revelation). Muslims believe that the Qur'an is the Word of Allah expressed through the revelations to the Prophet." - Introduction To Islam, M. Cherif Bassiouni via Mark Copeland, Executable Outlines

14. Five Pillars of Islam
FAITH
PRAYER
ALMSGIVING
FASTING
PILGRIMAGE

15. 5 Pillars of Islam Pilgrimage to Mecca Charity to the poor
Prayer five times a day
Recite: there is no god but God and Muhammad is his prophet
Fast during the holy month of Ramadan

16. 1. PROFESSION OF FAITH (SHAHADAH):
Muslims bear witness to the oneness of God by reciting the creed "There is no God but God and Muhammad is the Messenger of God." This statement expresses a Muslim's complete acceptance of and total commitment to Islam.

17. 2. PRAYER (SALAH):
The world's Muslims turn individually and collectively to Mecca to offer five daily prayers at dawn, noon, mid-afternoon, sunset and evening. In addition, Friday congregational service is also required.

18. 3. ALMSGIVING (ZAKAH):
Social responsibility is considered part of one's service to God; so almsgiving is obligatory. 2.5 percent of an individual’s net worth, excluding obligations and family expenses, is reserved for the welfare of the entire community, especially its neediest members.

19. 4. FASTING DURING RAMADAN (SAWM) :
The fast is an act of personal worship in which Muslims seek a richer perception of God. It is also an exercise in self control.
During Ramadan, abstention from eating, drinking and sexual activity is obligatory from dawn to sunset.
The end of Ramadan is observed by three days of celebration – a time for family reunion and gift-giving.

20. 5. PILGRIMAGE TO MECCA (HAJI):
The pilgrimage is an expression of Islamic faith and unity. For those Muslims who are physically and financially able to make the journey to Mecca, the pilgrimage is a once in a lifetime duty that is the peak of their religious life.

22. Mecca and the Ka’aba
The Ka'aba is a semi-cubic building that stands about 15 meters high and meters wide. It is an ancient, simple structure made of granite. In the SE corner, a black meteorite (the "Black Stone") is embedded in a silver frame. Stairs on the north side lead to a door which allows entry to the interior, which is hollow and empty. The Ka'aba is covered with a kiswah, a black silk cloth which is embroidered in gold with verses from the Qur'an. The kiswah is re-done and replaced once a year.

23. At Death of Mohammad
No clear successor but close followers and personal companions led the movement
Caliphates of Abu Bakr, Umar ibn al-Katthab, Uthman ibn Affan, and Ali ibn Talib (his cousin), in succession.
These were “Rashidun” (rightly guided) caliphs or Imams.
Primary concern: extend faith and wipe out apostasy – turbulent period with battles, murder and intrigue.

24. Islam Continues To Develop
(The caliphates) ”…period of rule would be just as formative as that of the Prophet himself. Muslims would define themselves and their theology according to the way they assess the turbulent, glorious and tragic events of these years." - Karen Armstrong, ibid.
Religion of “Peace” (salaam) extended by sword
Right of succession led to major division.

25. Differences
Question: What's the Difference Between Shia and Sunni Muslims?
Answer: Both Sunni and Shia Muslims share the most fundamental Islamic beliefs and articles of faith. The differences between these two main sub-groups within Islam initially stemmed not from spiritual differences, but political ones. Over the centuries, however, these political differences have spawned a number of varying practices and positions which have come to carry a spiritual significance.

26. Differences A Question of Leadership
The division between Shia and Sunni dates back to the death of the Prophet Muhammad, and the question of who was to take over the leadership of the Muslim nation. Sunni Muslims agree with the position taken by many of the Prophet's companions, that the new leader should be elected from among those capable of the job. This is what was done, and the Prophet Muhammad's close friend and advisor, Abu Bakr, became the first Caliph of the Islamic nation. The word "Sunni" in Arabic comes from a word meaning "one who follows the traditions of the Prophet."

27. Differences
On the other hand, some Muslims share the belief that leadership should have stayed within the Prophet's own family, among those specifically appointed by him, or among Imams appointed by God Himself.
The Shia Muslims believe that following the Prophet Muhammad's death, leadership should have passed directly to his cousin/son-in-law, Ali ibn Abu Talib. Throughout history, Shia Muslims have not recognized the authority of elected Muslim leaders, choosing instead to follow a line of Imams which they believe have been appointed by the Prophet Muhammad or God Himself. The word "Shia" in Arabic means a group or supportive party of people. The commonly-known term is shortened from the historical "Shia-t-Ali," or "the Party of Ali." They are also known as followers of "Ahl-al-Bayt" or "People of the Household" (of the Prophet).

28. Further Studies What is Islam - Origins
Islam and Christianity Compared
Major Beliefs of Islam
What is the Qur’an?
Responding to Islam
Is Islam a Religion of Peace?
The Church – God’s Eternal Kingdom