Islam and Muslims

* The word "Islam" isArabic and means "submission to the will of God." Islam teaches thatone must submit to God - Allah, in Arabic - in order to achieve true peace ofmind. Allah is God, the same God Christians and Jews worship.

* The word"Muslim" means "one who submits to the will of God,"regardless of race, nationality or ethnic background.

* Eighty percent ofMuslims are not Arabs.

* Muslims believe that all of God's prophets, whoinclude Abraham, Noah, Moses, Jesus and Muhammad, brought the same message ofMonotheism. Muhammad is believed to be the final prophet.

* Human beingsare not believed to be sinful, but are seen as capable of both good and evil.Muslims believe God has given people free will.

* One's deeds and actionsmeasure one's faith.

* Islamic teachings encompass all aspects of lifeand ethics; consciousness of God is encouraged in all aspects of humanaffairs.

* Worship in Islam is not limited to religious rituals.Humility, sincerity, patience and charity are encouraged through the writings inthe Qur'an.



The Qur'an

*."Al-Qur'an" literallymeans "the recitation." This is the final message to mankind revealedto the Prophet Muhammad.

* Muslims believe the Qur'an has been perfectlypreserved in both its words and meaning in a living language. God's finalrevelation to humankind was publicly recited in front of both Muslim andnon-Muslim communities during the lifetime of the Prophet.

* The Qur'an'smain message is submit to Almighty God and worship Him alone.



TheProphet Muhammad

* Muhammad, a documented, historic figure, lived in thefull light of history. Many details of his life are known.

*"Hadith" literature is the preserved sayings and teachings of theProphet. God sent the revelation to Muhammad over the course of 23 years, and hein turn preached and lived it. He was a man who lived a humble life in theservice of God, and established an all-encompassing religion and way of life byshowing what it means to be an ideal friend, husband, teacher, ruler, warrior andjudge.



The Islamic Way of Life

* The true balance of anIslamic life is established by having a healthy fear of God as well as a beliefin His infinite Mercy. A life without fear of God leads to sin and disobedience,but believing that we have sinned so much that God will not possibly forgive usonly leads to despair. Islam teaches that life is a test, and that all humanbeings will be accountable before God.






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