1. Islam By Shenay, Arjeta, Brooke & Andrew :)

2. What are some of the major beliefs of the religion of Islam? There may not be another religion like Islam with its simplicity and unity of beliefs. Whether one is a Muslim in Singapore or Saudi Arabia, a Sunni or Shiite, a scholar or poor person, the major beliefs are the same. There is little argument about their broad meanings. The Quran states that it is righteousness to believe in Allah, the last day, angels, the Book, and the messengers. Muslims believe Islam is God's final message to humankind, a reconfirmation and perfection of the messages that God has revealed through earlier prophets. A. Oneness of God: The central Muslim belief is that there is only one God to be worshipped, unique incomparable, eternal, absolute and without peer or associate. Allah is the name of the One and Only God in Arabic. The word Allah is used by Muslims, Christians and Jews alike who speak the Arabic language. Allah has ninety-nine beautiful names, such as: The Gracious, The Merciful, The Beneficent, The Creator, The All-Knowing, The All-Wise, The Lord of the Universe, and others. He is the Creator of all human beings. Muslims do not believe in the idea of a trinity or a unity with God which implies more than one God in one. B. Oneness of mankind: Other important tenets of Islam are that God is the Creator of all that exists and that His will is supreme. People are created equal in front of the Law of God and there is no superiority for one race over another. God made humans of different colours, nationalities, languages and beliefs so that we get to know each other. The best of people are those who are pious and righteous. C. Oneness of Messengers and the Message: Muslims believe that God sent different messengers and prophets throughout the history of mankind in order to guide them. Muslims believe in Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Ishmael, Jacob, Moses, David, Jesus, and Muhammad. All came with the same message to worship the one true God. Some were sent books, such as the original Torah or the original Gospel. However over time the true message was changed or misinterpreted. Muhammad is the 'seal' of all the prophets -- that is, the last.

3. What are some of the major beliefs of the religion of Islam? D. Angels and the Day of Judgment: Muslims believe that there are unseen immortal creatures such as angels created by God in the universe for special tasks. Satan was also created to test mankind. Muslims also believe that humans are responsible to God for their actions; and that, on the Day of Judgment, an all-knowing and merciful God will judge His creation according to their deeds in this life. On that 'day' all people of the world throughout the history of mankind till the last day of life on earth, are to be brought for accounting. The reward or punishment is to be Heaven or Hell. E. Innocence of Man at Birth: Muslims believe that people are born free of sin. It is only after they reach the age of puberty and it is only after they commit sins that they are to be charged for their mistakes. No one is responsible for or can take the responsibility for the sins of others. However, the door of forgiveness through true repentance to God is always open.

4. What is the difference between Shia and Sunni? 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.

5. How do Islamic beliefs compare to those of other major world religions?

6. What is Islam’s major religious figure? And why? Allah (god) is the main figure of Islam. The Qur'an mentions only 25 prophets by name but also tells that God sent many other prophets and messengers, to all different nations that have existed on Earth. The main and the last messengers/ Prophet is Muhammad. And what a prophet actually means in the Muslim sense of the term, is a person whom God specially chose to teach the faith of Islam.

7. What is the main Muslim text? The Quran is the religious text of Islam, and the finest piece of literature in the Arabic language.

8. What was the role of Islamic fundamentalists in the overthrow of the Shah of Iran? Islamic groups were about to set a network with the against the shah as they didn’t get funding from the government. The Islamic groups were promising heritage values and old ways, which people wanted The shah wanted to get rid of the Mullahs which outrage the Iranians. He wanted to change the Shiite tradition which separated them from the Sunni’s Mosques became a meeting place for these organisations.