Islam: abbreviate notes

- a moslem is one who believes that there is no god but God, and Mohammed is the messenger of the God.
- the God is omnipotent and eternal deity, constant and immediate presence without physical attributes. It is the same God as the Christian and Hebrew god, but Christians and Hebrews "betrayed" the path.
- Koran, the Holy Book of Islam, the literal word of God, His will and commandments revealed to and transmitted by prophet Mohammed of Mecca in seventh century, the fundamental, immutable word of Islamic doctrine and practice. It is definite; no other prophets are expected.
- the sunna, "the path," the way of the prophet and his example and teachings, expressed in his deeds and words. These are word of Mohammed, not God. They are recorded in hadith, compilation of his utterances on religious practice, social affairs and Koranic interpretations. In principle is haddith accepted by all Moslems, ways of its interpretations vary.
- Islam means submission (to the will of God), Moslem or Muslim is the one who submits.
- Day of Judgment, the Last Day, when everyone will be judged by his acts and will be admitted into Paradise or condemned into Hell.
"No man stands between the believer and the God"
- all moslems are equal before God, even Mohammed claimed no special relationship with God.
"I do not tell you that I possess the treasure of Allah or know what is hidden." Koran, (6:50)
-in contrast to Christianity, in principle of Islam there is no Church, no clergy, saints, hierarchy, central authorities. Moslems worship only the God; no people, places or objects are sacred.
- obviously, the practice and theory sometimes differ
- even that there is no official priesthood, the mullahs of Iran have a big impact on the Islam practiced there and are often considered as clergy.
- some Moslems have created devotions and shrines to "saints" and believe that they interceded with God, even if Koran says that they cannot. Also many Moslems make pilgrimages to the tombs of "holy men" and pray to them.
-the Caliph is the successor of prophet, but he does not have a divine authority.

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Understanding Islam

Because I'm not in the mood to read some deep and thick book now, I think I will start with Understanding Islam by Thomas W. Lippman.

(by the way, Eki has a free period when I have an independent study, so I can make some interview :) )