Transcript Document 7133455

Understanding Islam
Why spend time studying Islam?
 Islam is the second largest religion in the world
 Islam is the fastest growing religion both in the
world and the USA
 Many terrorists, including Osama Bin Laden &
those associated with Al Qaeda are Muslims, who
claim the teachings of Islam as the main reason
behind their acts of terrorism
 There is a world of confusion about Islam today,
especially in the media, in our government, and in
the church
What is Islam?
 Islam is the fastest-growing religion in the
world
 The word Islam comes from an Arabic word
which means “submission”
 Followers of Islam are called Muslims
Facts about Islam:
 There are over 1.3 billion Muslims in the
world
 Islam is currently the fastest growing
religion in the world (2.9%)
 Islam is also the fastest growing religion in
America
 It is the second largest religion practiced in
the world, next to “Christianity”
Facts about Islam:
 Countries with significant Muslim
population:
–
–
–
–
Indonesia – 88% - 210 million
Pakistan – 97% - 154 million
India – 12% - 128 million
Bangladesh – 83% - 117 million
 There are approximately 7 million Muslims
living in the United States today
According to the CIA Handbook, 2004
Roots of Islam:
 Islam began in Saudi Arabia by an Arab man
named Muhammad (570-632 AD)
 At the time, the Arabian tribes living in that area
practiced polytheism, with some 360 known
deities
 In 610 AD, Muhammad claims to have received
the first of several visions from the angel Gabriel
 He continued to receive visions for the next 22
years until his sudden death in 632 AD
 These visions comprise the holy book of Islam,
the Qur’an
Roots of Islam:
 Muhammad’s visions led him to believe that there
was only one god, Allah – and he began to preach
against the polytheism of his day
 In 622, persecution eventually led to Muhammad
and about 100 families fleeing from Mecca (his
home town) to Yathrib (which is now called
Medina)
 This event is now referred to as “Hijrah,” and
marks the beginning of the Muslim calendar
Roots of Islam:
 Muhammad and his army led several sieges
against Mecca
 After forming a treaty with his own tribe,
the Quraysh, he and his army took control
of Mecca without a fight in 630
 He personally destroyed the idols in the
Ka’bah, and was able to unify all of the
Arab tribes under Islam within year
 Muhammad died suddenly on June 8, 632
Types of Islam:
 After his death, much confusion and
disagreement among Muslims led to the
forming of different sects of Islam:
 Although there are more than 72 different
sects (denominations) of Islam practiced
today, there are two main types that make
up the majority of Islam
Major sects of Islam:
 Sunni
– Believe the successor to Muhammad should be elected
– Believe religious authority comes from the Qur’an, the
Hadith, and the counsel of the elders (ulama)
– Believe there should be a separation between religiuos
and civil authority
 Shi’ite
– Believe the successor to Muhammad should be from his
bloodline
– Believe that authority comes from the Iman, and later
the ulama
– Believe there should be no separation between religious
and civil authority
Sources of authority:
Say: "O People of the Book! you have no ground to stand

Muslims
view
Islam
finalthe
revelation,
upon
unless you
stand
fast as
by the
the Law,
Gospel, and all
the
(Taurat),
the
thesuperseding
revelation that
hasLaw
comeoftoMoses
you from
your Lord.“
(Qur’an
5:68)
Psalms
of David (Jabur), and the Gospel of Jesus
Christ (Injil)
 While the holy book of Islam, the Qur’an,
indicates that the Old and New Testaments of the
Bible are both authoritative and uncorrupted
(5:68), modern Muslim belief is that the Bible has
been corrupted and is no longer authoritative
Sources of authority:
 The Qur’an
 Hadith – the traditions of the prophet
 Qiyas – analogies taught by Muslim
scholars based upon the Qur’an and the
Hadith
 Ijma – the consensus of the community &
especially of Islamic scholars
What is the Qur’an?
 The Qur’an (also spelled Koran) is the holy book
of Islam
 The word Qur’an means “recitations”
 The Qur’an contains the visions which
Muhammad received from the angel Gabriel
 The Qur’an is made up of 114 surahs or chapters
 The Qur’an is written in Arabic, an ancient
Semitic language similar to Hebrew & Aramaic
One of the earliest manuscripts of the Qur’an, dated to the 7th century AD (or the 1st Islamic century)
Two early manuscripts, dated to the 8th century AD or the 2nd Islamic century
The earliest complete manuscript of the Qur’an, dated to 1002 AD (393 AH – “After the Hijrah)
“Alif Laam Raa, A Book which We have revealed unto thee,
in order that thou mightest lead mankind out of the depths of
darkness into light - by the leave of their Lord - to the Way
of (Him) the Exalted in power, worthy of all praise!” –
Qur’an 14:1
What is the Qur’an?
 The revelation of Allah in His own words –
the eternal, uncreated speech of Allah
 Delivered by the Angel Gabriel
 Given to the prophet Muhammad
 Which supercedes all previous revelation
(ie, the Bible)
What is the Qur’an?
 The Qur’an was not written by Muhammad
 The Qur’an was written shortly after
Muhammad’s death by his followers over a period
of about 30 years
 Muhammad was said to have recited to his
followers the contents of his visions, which his
followers memorized
 His followers then wrote down the contents of the
Qur’an from memory
 There are no original manuscripts of the Qur’an
5 Pillars of Islam
1. Faith (Confession of the Faith) –
Shahadah
–
–
–
La ilaha illa Allah. Muhammad rasul Allah
“There is no god but Allah. Muhammad is
the Messenger of God.”
Spoken with sincerity, this confession is all
that one must do to become a Muslim
5 Pillars of Islam
2. Prayer – Salat
–
–
–
–
Pray 5 times a day (early morning, noon, midafternoon, sunset, evening)
A Friday afternoon service is also required
Pray facing Mecca
Salat is also required at funerals and during
the two eclipses (sun & moon)
5 Pillars of Islam
3. Almsgiving – Zakat
–
–
–
A tax of 2.5% due once annually
Some Muslim governments collect the tax
Every man 16 years and older pays the tax
5 Pillars of Islam
4. Fasting – Sawm
–
–
–
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A 30 day fast that occurs from sunrise to sunset
during the 9th month of Ramadan (Sept/Oct)
During the last 10 days, Muslim men observe the
“night of power” (a vigil-type retreat)
Muslims must fast from food, drink, smoking, and
sexual relations
However, they can partake of any of those activities
after sunset
The fast is a commemoration of Muhammad’s
receiving of the Qur’an during the 9th month
5 Pillars of Islam
5. Pilgrimage - Hajj
–
–
–
–
The pilgrimage to Mecca is required once in
each Muslim’s life
They must be able to afford the trip – no loans
are allowed
Before entering Mecca, the male Muslim
must put on special clothes, and observe
several complicated rites during the trip
Guides are offered to help Muslims through
the obscure and difficult rituals
What Muslims Believe:
The Muslim Creed:
“I believe in Allah; and in His Angels; and
in His Scriptures; and in His Messengers;
and in The Final Day; and in Fate, that
Good and Evil are from Allah, and
Resurrection after death be Truth.
I testify that there is nothing worthy of
worship but Allah; and I testify that
Muhammad is His Messenger.”
Six Articles of Belief
1. Belief in Allah
 The word “Allah” in Arabic means “the deity, or
the god.”
 Allah is the general word in Arabic for god, and
thus is not a proper name (i.e., like the name
Yahweh or Jesus)
 This is why missionaries to Arabic-speaking
countries often use the word “Allah” to translate
the Hebrew word Elohim or the Greek word Theos
from the Old & New Testaments into Arabic.
1. Belief in Allah
 However, in many parts of the world, the word
Allah has come to mean “the god of Muslims” or
the “god of the Qur’an.”
 Therefore it can function almost as a proper name
for the Muslim god, depending upon the context
 But because Allah is just the general word for god
in Arabic, English-speaking Muslims will often
just use the word “God” to refer to the god of the
Qur’an – which creates a lot of confusion.
1. Belief in Allah
 The Oneness of Allah – absolute
monotheism
– “In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Ever
Merciful. Proclaim: He is Allah, the One and
Only; Allah, the Eternal, Absolute; He
begetteth not, nor is He begotten; And there is
none like unto Him.” - (Qur’an 112:1-5)
– Allah has no partners or associates (son, spirit,
etc.)
1. Belief in Allah
 Allah is Transcendent – the Creator
Allah is He beside Whom there is no god,
Knower of the unseen and the seen.
He is the Most Gracious, the Ever Merciful.
Allah is He beside Whom there is no god,
the Sovereign, the Most Holy,
the Source of Peace, the Bestower of Security,
the Protector, the Mighty,
the Subduer, the Exalted.
Holy is Allah, far above that which they associate with Him.
Allah is He, the Creator, the Maker, the Fashioner;
His are the most beautiful names.
All that is in the heavens and the earth glorifies Him.
He is the Mighty, the Wise.
(Qur’an 59:22-24)
1. Belief in Allah
 Allah is Merciful
– Every chapter in the Qur’an except one begins
with the phrase: In the name of Allah, the
gracious, the merciful
– But the Muslim concept of mercy is more about
benevolence and providential care (for
example, sending rain) – It is not his gracious
mercy in not punishing people as they deserve
1. Belief in Allah
 Allah is Holy
 Allah is Omnipotent, Omniscient, and
Omnipresent
 Allah is the judge
2. Belief in Angels
 Angels fill the gap as mediators between god and
man
 Most angels are good messengers and helpers of
Allah. One, however, is evil: Iblis (Satan), who
was thrown out of heaven for refusing to bow
down to Adam (Qur’an 7:11-18).
 Each person has 2 angels assigned to him: one to
record a person’s good deeds and the second to
record his bad deeds
 Other supernatural beings of fire are the jinn. They
are lower than angels, limited in life-span, male or
female, good or evil.
3. Belief in the books (sent by
Allah)
 The Qur’an - the uncreated, perfect word of
Allah
 The Bible – Muslims acknowledge the
Bible as real revelation, but believe it has
become corrupt and is therefore no longer
authoritative
4. Belief in all prophets and
Messengers (sent by Allah)
 A messenger (rasul) is sent with the Word of God




(Scripture) to guide and reform the recipients: Moses (the
Taurat), David (the Zabur), Jesus (the Injil), and
Muhammad (the Qur’an).
A prophet carries information or declares the word of
Allah, but does not necessarily receive a divine book
The Qur’an mentions 25 prophets, the Hadith mentions
124,000 prophets
Adam, Abel, Abraham, Lot, Moses, Jonah, Jesus, John,
etc.
Muhammad (the “last messenger” or “seal of the
prophets”)
5. Belief in fate (Qadar)
 Muslims believe in Qadar or “fate”
 While believing also in a certain amount of
free will, Muslims believe that Allah has
sovereignty predestined all that will happen
 Qadar also includes the belief in Allah as
the creator of all things
6. Belief in the day of judgment
and the resurrection
 Islam teaches a day of judgment, bodily
resurrection, the immortality of the soul, and a
literal heaven and hell
 The living and the dead shall be gathered in the
presence of Allah and judged by the book placed
in their hands. The book will be handed to each in
either the left hand or the right hand.
 Those men that enter heaven will also have their
wives and children with them
 Islam even teaches that Jesus will be involved in
some end-time events
Salvation in Islam
 Islam calls all people to repentance
The messengers of God, whose proud lives were never penetrated by any
element of sin, would always invite sinners to seek God’s forgiveness and
encourage them to place their hopes in His mercy, for His kindness and
compassion toward His believing servants are such that He would never
abandon them in the dark pit of disobedience and sin. On the contrary, He
invites all men to return to Him, and it is up to us to answer His call and
thus act to attain our salvation.
God’s acceptance of repentance indicates a particular worthiness in man
to receive God’s mercy, a worthiness which causes the gates of
forgiveness to remain open before sinners. They have the opportunity to
express contrition and shame before God over their dark past and to
abandon and attempt to make up for the evil they have committed. If they
do this, all their misfortune will be turned to good fortune, and all their
darkness to light.
—Sayyid Mujtaba Musavi Lari, Resurrection Judgement and the Hereafter: Lessons on Islamic Doctrine (Book Three), trans. By
Hamid Algar (N.p.: Foundation of Islamic Cultural Propagation in the World, 1992), 163
Salvation in Islam
 Islam does not allow “fox-hole”
conversions
The one who continues to sin until he witnesses death and
then begins to experience regret, saying, “Now I repent”—
the repentance of such a one will not be accepted. (Qur’an
4:18)
Salvation in Islam
 Islam teaches salvation by works
It is only those gifted with understanding who take heed; those who
fulfill Allah’s pact and break not the covenant; who join together the
ties of kinship that Allah has bidden to be joined, and fear their Lord,
and dread the evil reckoning; those who are steadfast in seeking the
favour of their Lord, and observe Prayer, and spend secretly and
openly out of that with which We have provided them, and overcome
evil with good. For them is the best reward of the Hereafter: Gardens
of Eternity, which they shall enter and also those who are righteous
from among their ancestors, and their consorts and their progeny.
(Qur’an 13:20-23)
Salvation in Islam
 Islam teaches a different concept of forgiveness
than the Bible
– Allah forgives whom he will
– No one can be sure of their forgiveness – the Day of
judgment will reveal it
– There is no forgiveness for certain sins (for example,
shirk – associating god with a created thing)
– The Qur’an gives no personal confessions of sin (Psalm
51) or developed analogies of forgiveness (Hosea,
Prodigal Son)
Salvation in Islam
 Islam offers some a second chance after
death
Those who have wronged themselves in this world will be asked by
the angels when they die what they have done. They will say, “We
were weak and oppressed and unable to move.” Then the angels will
ask, “Was God’s earth not wide enough for you to travel in it (so
that you might hasten from the land of ignorance to that of faith and
knowledge)?” The abode of these evildoers shall be hellfire; how
evil and terrible an abode! Excepted from this shall be those men,
women and children who were indeed unable to act or to move; they
could not flee and they had no path of escape. It may be that God
will forgive and show mercy to them, for He is Merciful and
Pardoning. (Qur’an 4:97-98)
Salvation in Islam
 Islam also offers hope to unfaithful
Muslims who do not go to heaven through a
“purgatory” type temporary stay in Hell
Those Muslims who do not inherit heaven will be punished with a
temporary stay in hell, and will go to heaven later as long as there is
"one atom of faith in their hearts" as stated by the Prophet
Muhammed. (Islam, Wikipedia Encyclopedia, 2004)
Islam vs. Christianity
GOD
HUMANITY
SIN
ISLAM:
CHRISTIANITY:
Singular unity
– no partners
Good by
nature
Sin = rejecting
good guidance
– no
atonement
need for
forgiveness
One in essence,
three in person
Sinful by nature
Moral rebellion
against God –
causes spiritual
death – atonement
essential for
forgiveness
Islam vs. Christianity
SALVATION
JESUS
ISLAM:
CHRISTIANITY:
Good deeds
outweigh bad
deeds
One of major
prophets, but
not Son of
God – affirm
virgin birth
and miracles
By grace, through
faith, in Christ
alone
One and only Son
of God, the only
mediator between
God and man
Islam vs. Christianity
ISLAM:
DEATH OF
JESUS
THE BIBLE
Did not die on
the cross, but
ascended to
heaven – Judas
died on the
cross
CHRISTIANITY:
Died a physical
death, and was
raised bodily 3
days later –
essential for
salvation (1 Cor
15)
Corrupt,
Authentic,
superseded by divinely inspired,
Qur’an
final authority
Understanding Muslims
A Muslim’s Worldview
 Muslim’s are theocentric – god is very
much what their world revolves around
– Inshallah – “if Allah wills”
– In contrast, Americans and Europeans represent
a very materialist orientation
A Muslim’s Worldview
 To Muslims, Christians represent a
lascivious lifestyle
– Muslim parents mourn when their children
become Christians because they believe they
have abandoned any sort of moral restraint
– Muslim nations are threatened by modern
cultural influences, such as TV, movies, and
music. The Hindus of India are responsible for
much of the material in South Asia
A Muslim’s Worldview
 To Muslims, Christians represent a
lascivious lifestyle
– Muslim young men treat and regard Western
women almost as prostitutes – just look at how
they dress!
A Muslim’s Worldview
 To Muslims, Christians (Americans) are in-
consistent regarding the treatment of
“terrorists”
– America's support of “terrorist” acts of Israel
against Palestinians – the “Israel can do no
wrong” mentality
– More on Israel in a moment
A Muslim’s Worldview
Concept:
Muslim:
“Christian”:
Unity
Emphasized
Only if
pragmatic
Time
Respect the past Future
orientation
Family
Solidarity
Adapted from Bill Barrick, Understanding Muslims
Individualistic
A Muslim’s Worldview
Concept:
Muslim:
“Christian”:
Peace
Integration,
external
Contentment,
internal
Honor
All important
Not priority
Status
Family, name,
age
Wealth,
accomplishment
Adapted from Bill Barrick, Understanding Muslims
A Muslim’s Worldview
Concept:
Muslim:
“Christian”:
Individualism
Subordinate to
group
Independence a
priority
Secularism
Totally
unacceptable
Largely
acceptable
Change
Undesirable
Desirable
Adapted from Bill Barrick, Understanding Muslims
A Muslim’s Worldview
Concept:
Muslim:
“Christian”:
Efficiency
Little or no
concern
Imperative
Adapted from Bill Barrick, Understanding Muslims
A Muslim’s view of Israel
 Israel & Muslims have historically been
enemies
 Why? – Genesis 16
 Muslims believe Ishmael was the “special
son” of Abraham, and that Ishmael was the
son offered to God as a sacrifice, not Isaac
 Therefore, all of the promises of the Old
Testament to the Jews really belong to the
Arabs
A Muslim’s view of Israel
 Ishmael is the ancient ancestor of most, if
not all Arabs (Gen. 25:13-16)
– Northern Arabs – descendants of Ishmael
– Southern Arabs – descendants of Joktan (Gen.
10:26)
Muhammad claimed to be a descendant of
Ishmael
A Muslim’s view of Israel
 Muslims have historically controlled
Palestine…
 Until Israel announced statehood in 1948
– Footnote:
 Muslims view that event as infidels (Jews)
turning a house of peace (place where Allah
rules) into a house of war (where people are
not in submission to Allah)
A Muslim’s view of Israel
 Since that time, many Muslims believe that
the only answer is to remove or destroy
Israel
“Peace for us means the destruction of Israel” - YasserArafat
“When Israel won the first military conflicts with the Arabs it was a
tremendous defeat for Allah. Finally, Ayatollah Khomeini in Iran explained
that Israel is a judgment from Allah for the backslidden condition of the
Muslims.
The defeat of Israel, therefore, has become the primary sign of Allah’s pleasure
with the faithful Muslims. When Israel pulled out form Lebanon... It was
heralded as the first Arab victory in more than fifty years of conflict. It was a
confirmation that Allah finally is pleased with the violent path of the Iranian
backed fanatical Muslim guerilla Hezb’Allah (meaning “Allah’s party”)” –
Barbara Richmond (Christian writer)
A Muslim’s view of Israel
 They have declared jihad on Israel AND the
United States, since we are the main support
superpower behind Israel
“We declared jihah against the US government, because the US
government is unjust, criminal, and tyrannical. It ahs committed
acts that are extremely unjust, hideous and criminal wheter
directly or through its support of the Israeli occupation.
For this and other acts of aggression and injustice, we have
declared jihad against the U.S., because in our religion it is our
duty to make jihad so that god’s word is the one exalted to the
heights and so that we drive the Americans away from Muslim
countries.” – Osama bin Laden
A Muslim’s view of Israel
 On February 22, 1998, bin Laden called on
all Muslims to declare jihad on the U.S.
A Muslim’s view of Israel
“For over seven years the United States has been occupying the lands
of Islam in the holiest of places, the Arabian Peninsula, plundering its
riches, dictating to its rules, humiliating its people, terrorizing its
neighbors, and turning its bases in the Peninsula into a spearhead
through which to fight the neighboring Muslim peoples…. We-with
God’s help-call on every Muslim who believes in God and wishes to be
rewarded to comply with God’s order to kill the Americans and plunder
their money wherever and whenever they fine it. WE also call on
Muslim ulema, leaders, youths, and solider to launch the raid on
Satan’s U.S. troops and the devil’s supporters allying with them, and to
displace those who are behind them so that they may learn a lesson.
The ruling to kill the American and their allies-civilians and military-is
an individual duty for every Muslim who can do it in any country in
which it is possible to do it, in order to liberate the al-Aqsa Mosque and
the holy mosque [Mecca] from their grip, and in order for their armies
to move out of all the lands of Islam, defeated and unable to threaten
any Muslim.” – Osama bin Laden (World Islamic Front Statement, Feb.
23, 1998)
Understanding Jihad
 Jihad is an Arabic word that literally means
“struggle” or “striving.”
 Contrary to popular opinion, Jihad does not
mean “holy war,” although in certain
contexts in can essentially mean “fighting
for religious reasons.”
Understanding Jihad
 There are two main types of Jihad
– Greater (inner) jihad – This is the internal
struggle a Muslim has trying to do what Allah
wants him to do
– Lesser (outer) jihad – This is an external
struggle, a military or armed struggle against
the enemies of Islam
Understanding Jihad
 Those Muslim organizations involved in
suicide bombings and other acts of
terrorism specifically refer to their activities
as acts of jihad
 In fact, many of their organizations include
the name, Jihad in the title. For example,
the “World Islamic Front for Jihad against
Jews and Crusaders”
Understanding Jihad
 Disagreement over Jihad
– Many Muslims believe that killing any “innocent”
people (non-military personnel) in the name of jihad is
wrong
– Other Muslims believe that killing certain enemies of
Islam in “self-defense” is allowed under jihad, but
nothing more
– Still other Muslims believe that killing of any one
(directly or indirectly) who is against Islam and not in
submission to Allah is not only allowed under jihad,
but is commanded by the Qur’an
Understanding Jihad
 Why the disagreement? – There are two
reasons why Muslims disagree on the
meaning and extent of jihad
– First, the Qur’an contradicts itself in regard to
how Muslims should treat and deal with
“infidels” (non-Muslims) and specifically Jews
and Christians
– The earlier Surahs of the Qur’an teach more
peaceful relations between Muslims and nonMuslims
Understanding Jihad
Fight in the cause of Allah against those who fight against you, but
do not transgress limits. Lo! Allah loves not aggressors. ...And fight
them until persecution is no more, and religion is for Allah. But if
they desist [stop], then let there be no hostility except against
transgressors." (2:190, 193)
•
To “not transgress limits”- is understood by scholars to not
harm innocent people, such as women and children
There is no compulsion in religion. The right direction is henceforth
distinct from error. And he who rejecteth false deities and believeth
in Allah hath grasped a firm handhold which will never break. Allah
is Hearer, Knower. (2:256)
Understanding Jihad
– But later Surahs advocate more militant
activities, including specific and cruel
instructions on how to kill “infidels” who
refuse to submit to Allah
Understanding Jihad
O ye who believe! Take not the Jews and the Christians for friends.
They are friends one to another. He among you who taketh them for
friends is (one) of them. Lo! Allah guideth not wrongdoing folk.
(5:51)
The only reward of those who make war upon Allah and His
messenger and strive after corruption in the land will be that they
will be killed or crucified, or have their hands and feet on alternate
sides cut off, or will be expelled out of the land. Such will be their
degradation in the world, and in the Hereafter theirs will be an awful
doom; (5:33)
In truth the disbelievers are an open enemy to you. (4:101)
Relent not in pursuit of the enemy (4:104)
O Prophet! Strive against the disbelievers and the hypocrites! Be
harsh with them. Their ultimate abode is hell, a hapless journey's
end. (9:73)
Understanding Jihad
Tell those who disbelieve that if they cease (from persecution of
believers) that which is past will be forgiven them; but if they return
(thereto) then the example of the men of old hath already gone
(before them, for a warning). And fight them until persecution is no
more, and religion is all for Allah. But if they cease, then lo! Allah is
Seer of what they do.
(8:38-39)
Fight against such of those who have been given the Scripture as
believe not in Allah nor the Last Day, and forbid not that which Allah
hath forbidden by His messenger, and follow not the Religion of
Truth, until they pay the tribute readily, being brought low (9:29)
O ye who believe! Fight those of the disbelievers who are near to
you, and let them find harshness in you, and know that Allah is with
those who keep their duty (unto Him). (9:123)
Understanding Jihad
Remember thy Lord inspired the angels (with the message): "I am
with you: give firmness to the Believers: I will instil terror into the
hearts of the Unbelievers: smite ye above their necks and smite all
their finger-tips off them." This because they contended against
Allah and His Messenger. If any contend against Allah and His
Messenger, Allah is strict in punishment. Thus (will it be said):
"Taste ye then of the (punishment): for those who resist Allah, is the
penalty of the Fire." O ye who believe! when ye meet the
Unbelievers in hostile array, never turn your backs to them. If any do
turn his back to them on such a day - unless it be in a stratagem of
war, or to retreat to a troop (of his own)- he draws on himself the
wrath of Allah, and his abode is Hell,- an evil refuge (indeed)! It is
not ye who slew them; it was Allah. when thou threwest (a handful
of dust), it was not thy act, but Allah.s: in order that He might test the
Believers by a gracious trial from Himself: for Allah is He Who
heareth and knoweth (all things). That, and also because Allah is He
Who makes feeble the plans and struggles of the Unbelievers. (8:1218)
Understanding Jihad
Therefore, when ye meet the Unbelievers (in fight), smite at their
necks; At length, when ye have thoroughly subdued them, bind a
bond firmly (on them): thereafter (is the time for) either generosity or
ransom: Until the war lays down its burdens. Thus (are ye
commanded): but if it had been Allah.s Will, He could certainly have
exacted retribution from them (Himself); but (He lets you fight) in
order to test you, some with others. But those who are slain in the
Way of Allah,- He will never let their deeds be lost. (47:4)
Understanding Jihad
 Why the disagreement? – There are two
reasons why Muslims disagree on the
meaning and extent of jihad
– Second, Muslims disagree on the interpretation
of the Qur’an
– Some Muslims, which we’ll call
“fundamentalist Muslims,” take a literal
interpretation to these texts
Understanding Jihad
– Others, whom we’ll call “liberal Muslims,” take
a symbolic or allegorical interpretation of
passages of the Qur’an that command killing in
the name of Allah
– These “liberal Muslims” would also see later
writings and the consensus of scholars (both of
which downplay or re-define jihad) as more
authoritative than a literal reading of the text
Understanding Jihad
 These two points: contradictions in the
Qur’an itself and the disagreement on how
to understand or interpret texts, lead to the
two very DIFFERENT opinions not only
about jihad, but also regarding whether
Islam is a “peaceful” religion or a “militant”
religion
Understanding Jihad
 The “third” jihad
– The US government recently discovered a
secret document which calls on Muslims in
America to engage in a “grand jihad.”
– “…their work in America is a kind of grand Jihad in
eliminating and destroying the Western civilization
from within and “sabotaging” its miserable house by
their hands and the hands of believers so that it is
eliminated and God’s religion is made victorious over
all other religions.”
Fundamentalist Islam vs.
“Liberal” Islam
 While most Muslims would not classify the
Islamic world under these headings, they are in
fact indicative of the Muslim world (and helpful in
understanding Muslims)
 Mainstream or “liberal” Muslims (who probably
make up the majority) will refer to more radical
Muslims as “militant, fundamentalist, extremists,”
etc.
 Some would even say that these more radical
Muslims are not Muslim at all, and that they give
Islam a bad name
Fundamentalist Islam vs.
“Liberal” Islam
 However, Fundamentalist Muslims see Liberal
Muslims as worldly and disobedient to Allah
 Conclusion: These two main “types” of Muslims
explain so much of the disagreement today over
what Muslims believe, teach, and support – AND
contribute to the overall disagreement on whether
Islam is a tolerant, peaceful religion or a militant,
violent religion
 Hence, after 9/11 we saw both images of Muslims
dancing in the streets in triumph around the world,
and images of American Muslims denouncing the
attacks and even helping with the clean-up in New
York
Fundamentalist Islam vs.
“Liberal” Islam
 BUT – Whoever is correct in terms of what
“true” Islam is, the fact remains that a
significant portion of Muslims hold to the
more militant, fundamentalist form Islam
 AND – these Muslims continue to state that
the motivation and reason for their jihad
actions and acts of terrorism are religious –
In fact, they are religious duty.
Fundamentalist Islam vs.
“Liberal” Islam
 HOWEVER – We must be careful not to
assume that all Muslims believe or support
the same things (in the same way that we
would disagree with much of what goes on
in the name of “Christianity”)
 Based upon the Qur’an and the Hadith
alone, it appears that “original Islam” was
more in line with the fundamentalist view
than with the liberal view
Fundamentalist Islam
 Support of lesser jihad based upon the life of
Muhammad
– During the battle of Badr in 624, a prisoner was taken
who formerly insulted Muhammad
– “Muhammad ordered a follower to strike off Nadr’s
head in his presence. Before killing Al Hadr Ibn al
Harith cried, ‘O Prophet, who will look after my
children if I should die?’ Mohammad spat out ‘Hellfire’
as the sword cut through his neck.” (“Muhammad,” in
Wikipedia, 2004)
Fundamentalist Islam
 Support of lesser jihad based upon the life of
Muhammad
– While many Muslims claim that Muhammad’s military
activates were acts of “self defense” because of
persecution, it is simply untrue that much of the killing
and violence he performed or ordered to perform were
not acts of self-defense
– In addition, “self-defense” both then and today has been
redefined to include: the creation of a Palestinian
Muslim state, the annihilation of Israel, kicking out all
Americans and other westerners from Islamic countries,
etc.
Jihad in Fundamentalist Islam
 Several organizations exist today that
promote jihad activates in the name of
Islam
– Hamas, al-Qaeda, the Chechnyan rebels,
Islamic Jihad, Al-Aqsa Martyers Brigade, and
many others
– Fighting of this nature has gone on in Israel,
Turkey, Jordan, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iraq,
Saudi Arabia, Russia – and now in the United
States
Suicide bombers & holy martyrs
 The most common jihad activity today is
the suicide bomb
 While the Qur’an appears to reject suicide
as sin, it wholeheartedly encourages and
supports being a martyr
 There are thousands of followers of these
terrorist groups, who participate in training
camps around the world
Suicide bombers & holy martyrs
 USA Today Article – Jack Kelley,
“Devotion, desire drive youths to
‘martyrdom’”
Suicide bombers & holy martyrs
 Children are recruited as young as Kindergarten
 The Children’s Club (the Palestinian version of
Sesame Street) features the song, “When I wander
into Jerusalem, I will become a suicide bomber.”
 In Hamas run Kindergarten classes, signs on the
wall read “The children of the kindergarten are the
shaheeds (holy martyrs) of tomorrow.”
Suicide bombers & holy martyrs
 Dying in jihad is one of only two ways that
a Muslim can be guaranteed of going to
heaven
 The family of one who has died in a suicide
attack is typically compensated generously
by Muslim “charity” organizations
 Plus, martyrs are told they will be met in
heaven by 72 virgins will become their
wives
A Biblical response to Islam &
terrorism
Reaffirm our belief in the
Sovereignty of God
 He is sovereignly in control
– "For the LORD of hosts has planned, and who can frustrate
{it?} And as for His stretched-out hand, who can turn it
back?” (Is. 14:27)
 He is good
– For the LORD is good; His lovingkindness is everlasting and
His faithfulness to all generations. - (Ps. 100:5)
 He is all-knowing
– Great is our Lord and abundant in strength; His
understanding is infinite. - (Ps.147:5)
 He is all-powerful
– "For the LORD of hosts has planned, and who can frustrate
{it?} And as for His stretched-out hand, who can turn it
back?“ - (Is. 14:27)
Reaffirm our belief in the
Sovereignty of God
 He works good in the midst of man’s wickedness and sin
– And we know that God causes all things to work together for
good to those who love God, to those who are called
according to {His} purpose. - (Rom 8:28)
– As for you, you meant evil against me, {but} God meant it
for good in order to bring about this present result, to
preserve many people alive. - (Gen. 50:20
 We are completely dependent upon Him for life & our
security
Remind ourselves of the
depravity of man
 “the heart is deceitful above all things and desperately




wicked, who can know it?” – (Jer. 17:9)
“there is none righteous, no not one” (Rom. 3:10)
“The wicked are estranged from the womb; these who
speak lies go astray from birth.” - (Ps 58:3)
"For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murders,
adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, slanders. (Matt 15:19)
“in whose case the god of this world has blinded the minds
of the unbelieving so that they might not see the light of
the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of
God.” - (2 Cor 4:4)
Re-focus on the reality of
spiritual battle
 Satan is alive and well, introducing false ideas
about God and Truth and working evil in the name
of God
– {We are} destroying speculations and every lofty thing
raised up against the knowledge of God, and {we are}
taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ,
- (2 Cor 10:5)
– For even though they knew God, they did not honor
Him as God or give thanks, but they became futile in
their speculations, and their foolish heart was darkened.
- (Rom. 1:21)
Re-establish a biblical
understanding of government
 Government is established by God
– Every person is to be in subjection to the governing
authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and
those which exist are established by God. - (Rom. 13:1)
 Government exists to punish evildoers and restrain wickedness
in the world
– For rulers are not a cause of fear for good behavior, but for
evil. Do you want to have no fear of authority? Do what is
good and you will have praise from the same; for it is a
minister of God to you for good. But if you do what is evil,
be afraid; for it does not bear the sword for nothing; for it is
a minister of God, an avenger who brings wrath on the one
who practices evil. - (Rom. 13:3-4)
Recognize God’s special blessing
upon Israel
 The Jews are currently in a state of unbelief,
having been veiled to the truth
– For I do not want you, brethren, to be uninformed of
this mystery-- so that you will not be wise in your own
estimation-- that a partial hardening has happened to
Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in; (Rom. 11:25)
 However, there is no biblical reason to assume
that the promise of the Abrahamic covenant in
regard to the blessing and cursing of Israel has
been made void
– And I will bless those who bless you, and the one who
curses you I will curse. And in you all the families of
the earth will be blessed. - (Gen 12:3)
Remember what Jesus said about
following Him
 “Remember the word that I said to you, "A
slave is not greater than his master.' If they
persecuted Me, they will also persecute you;
if they kept My word, they will keep yours
also. - (John 15:20)
 Indeed, all who desire to live godly in
Christ Jesus will be persecuted. - (2 Tim.
3:12)
Reform our attitudes: to be
gracious, wise, and careful in our
interactions with Muslims
 He who gives an answer before he hears, it
is folly and shame to him. - (Prov. 18:13)
 Let no unwholesome word proceed from
your mouth, but only such {a word} as is
good for edification according to the need
{of the moment} so that it will give grace
to those who hear. - (Eph. 4:29)
Resolve to take the Gospel to
Muslims
 Government is not the answer, the Gospel is
 Only the gospel of Jesus Christ – the Truth - has
the power to expose error, convert the heart, and
save the sinner (Rom. 1:16, Heb. 4:12)
– For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power
of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the
Jew first and also to the Greek. - (Rom. 1:16)
– For the word of God is living and active and sharper
than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the
division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow,
and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the
heart. - (Heb. 4:12)
Resolve to take the Gospel to
Muslims
 AND – they will not hear the message
unless we take it to them
– How then will they call on Him in whom they
have not believed? How will they believe in
Him whom they have not heard? And how will
they hear without a preacher? - (Rom. 10:14)
– Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, as
though God were making an appeal through us;
we beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled
to God. - (2 Cor. 5:20)
Reminders for taking the Gospel
to Muslims
 Forgiveness – what they deeply desire
 Assurance – what they lack completely
 Compassion – what they need as evidence
of Christian Faith
 Time – it takes time to expose the errors of
Islam and communicate the truth of the
Gospel
 Scripture – without the Bible, nothing will
happen
Dr. Bill Barrick, “Understanding Muslims,” 5.