Welcome to Gaia! ::

one of the reasons i wanted to get you in here.

Now you do wink
I am a convert, but can discuss Islam as well as Christianity well.

If there is a question which i can't adequately answer, i will ask in my LD thread (or you can)

A question 4laugh

Allah = Arabic name for God, he is the SAME God of Christianity and Judaism.

Mohammed = The last prohpet and messenger of Allah (God) The angel Gabriel spoke to Mohammad in a cave, and said "Read... in the name of God Who made man from a drop of blood... God is Most Rewarding... He Who taught man to write with pen... and taught man what he knew not."

Mohammad is the one that brought the Qur'an to the Muslim people, as direct words from Allah (God).

And no they are not hte same person. Islam does not have a holy trinity like Christianity.

Allah is almighty and not of this world. He is the Creator.
Mohammad was a person chosen by Allah to lead Muslims.

Interesting.
Do Muslims believe in a Messiah? Or that who Allah is?
Also what are the core beliefs of Islam?

Actually, Jesus (Isa) is our Messiah biggrin



We believe that Jesus is alive in Heaven and will return to Earth to defeat the Dajjal (Antichrist).



Hrrmm...Core Beliefs, i think i will tell you the Pillars of Islam biggrin


* Shahadda

This is the declaration of Allah (swt) and one of the 5 pillars, this is said daily. Also, when a non-Muslim converts to Islam, they testify publicly:

'La ilaha illa al-Lah, Muhammadun rasulu l-Lah'
'There is no god but God, Muhammad is the Messenger of God'


* Salah / Salat

This simply means, prayer.

* Zakah

This is charity. There is no set limit, but most Muslims pay about 2.5% - 5% of their yearly income to the needy.

And not jsut to local Masjids to assist the deen to grow, it can be given to mainstream charities or individual people.


* Saum

This is hte fasting during Ramadan, fasting is when One does not eat or drink anything from dawn until dusk, when night comes Muslims make break fast and eat.

Although, there are exceptions to the rule. If a female is pregnant, a woman is menstruating, or a person is very ill, they may eat during Ramadan.

* Hajj

This is the pilgrimage to Mecca, also mentioned in terms. All Muslims who are financially able and in good health must visit Mecca, the Holy city in Saudi Arabia. Although, non-Muslims are not permitted to enter the city of Mecca, by Saudi law.

Yes, Christianity has A LOT of similarities. Pretty much same players, different book. That is what made it so easy for me to convert to Islam, for so long i thought Muslims did not even believe in Jesus, and since Jesus (pbuh) infact does play a large role in Islam...Its what confirmed my belief in it.

We dont believe in the Holy Ghost either.


And no, Non-Muslims are NOT permitted into Mecca for any reason.
Some people say "Oh I will lie when i come to the gates" But actually, when you first arrive in Saudi Arabia, they have 2 stamps: Muslim and Non-Muslim. The stamp is what gets you into Mecca.

concubines? No.
Wives, yes.

A Muslim man may have 4 wives in Islam. BUT he has to have a legitamite reason! For example, if his wife is sterile but he wants kids. He can marry a 2nd wife.

Or, a if a friend is killed - and his widow relied on her husband for money, he can marry her if she wants.

There are rules.

1) The first wife MUST be approving!
2) He MUST treat each wife equally. Spending equal time with them, money on them.
3) Each wife must have their own space for her, her things and her kids.

Rule 1 is so important, that under Shariah law if a man takes a secret 2nd wife - he is arrested. In MOST cases, to avoid being arrested, the first wife takes part in the signing of legal wedding documents.

A lot of Anti-Islamic people take real practices, and twist them in horrible ways :/ But it's okay, i'm glad you ask to get the REAL information :3

So many of people's prejudices can be solved by picking up a damn book...