DOSTRINES OF ISLAM

The following are the basic doctrines that every Muslim must believe no matter where he lives, or what Islamic sect he belongs to:

1. God: There is only one true G-d and his name is ALLAH. Allah is all-seeing, all-knowing, and all-powerful.

2. Angels: The chief angel is Gabriel, who is said to have appeared to Mohammad. There is also a jinn (demon) named Shaitan (from the Hebrew, Satan), as well as the followers of Shaitan, the other djinni (demons).

3. Scripture: Muslims believe in four G-d-inspired books: the Torah of Moses (what Christians call the Pentateuch), the Zabur (Psalms of David), the Injil (Gospel) of Jesus, and the Qur’an. But the Qur’an is Allah’s final word to mankind, so it supersedes and overrules all previous writings.

4. Mohammad: The Qur’an lists 28 prophets of Allah. These include Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, David, Jonah, and Jesus. Of course, to the Muslim, the last and greatest prophet is Mohammad.

5. The end times: On the “last day,” the dead will be resurrected. Allah will be the judge and each person will be sent to heaven or hell. Heaven is a place of sensual pleasure. Hell is for those who oppose Allah and his prophet, Mohammad.

6. Predestination: Allah has determined what he pleases and no no one can change what he has decreed.