Islamic Studies 15-5: Islamic Beliefs PDF

Islamic Studies 15-5 Islamic Beliefs  The Right Mindset In the name of God, the Extremely Merciful, the Always Merciful The Prophet Muhammad, may God bless and give him peace, said, “Indeed, actions are evaluated by their intentions and every person shall get what...

Islamic Studies 15-5 Islamic Beliefs  The Right Mindset In the name of God, the Extremely Merciful, the Always Merciful The Prophet Muhammad, may God bless and give him peace, said, “Indeed, actions are evaluated by their intentions and every person shall get what he intends...”  Lesson Goal Learn about difference between facts and preferences Learn about the meaning of Islam Learn what it means for Islam to be true  What do you think? What do you think about the following quotes?  Faith or Evidence? Consider the following common dialogue. Adrian: “How can you believe that your religion is true? My family is Christian. But ever since I started learning about the theory of evolution, I see so much evidence that science is right and that God doesn’t exist.” John: “Well, if you think about it in terms of evidence, I guess it doesn’t make sense. But that’s not how you’re supposed to think about it.” Adrian: “Then how am I supposed to think about it?”  Faith or Evidence? John: “Religion is based on faith. Faith isn’t supposed to be based on evidence. We’re supposed to believe in God and Jesus as our savior even though there isn’t proof.” Adrian: “So you believe in God just because you want to?” John: “I believe in God just because I have faith.” Think about it. Who is correct? Adrian or John? Is it enough to have faith for something to be true or do we need evidence? What do you think and why?  Faith or Evidence? John is basing his beliefs on his personal preferences. Adrian says he’s basing his beliefs on facts. Adrian is correct but his conclusion is incorrect because he didn’t use the evidence properly. In this course, we will show why Islam is true through different kinds of evidence and facts.  Facts or Preferences What is the difference between a fact and a preference? Preferences are our personal likes or dislikes. They differ from person to person. We all can have different preferences. They cannot be proven with evidence. Facts are independently true. They don’t differ from person to person. We use evidence to show that facts are true.  Facts or Preferences Fact: It rained and snowed yesterday. Preference: I don’t like to shovel my driveway. Fact: A can of Coke has 35 grams of sugar. Preference: I love to drink Coke with pizza! Think about it. Can you think of some facts? Can you think of some preferences? Facts: God exists. Muhammad, may God bless him and give him peace, is the messenger of God. Preferences: I don’t like cold weather. I also don’t like to eat mangoes.  Islam is True The central message of the Quran is evidence-based belief. The truth was something recognized based on evidence. The Prophet Muhammad explained the evidence for Islam’s truth to the people around him. God says, “It is the truth from your Lord, so be not of those who waver.” (2:147) God says, “When they listen to that which has been revealed to the messenger, you see their eyes overflow with tears because they recognize the truth.” (5:83)  Islam is True The key point is the following: We want to choose to be Muslim because we really believe Islam is true rather than being Muslim just because we are born into Muslim families. Think about it. What is the difference between the two people described above? One will be easily swayed by others doubts and opinions.  What do you mean? “You want to come with me to pick up your uncle?” said Baba “Pick him up? I can’t. He’s too heavy,” replied Ahmed. Where’s the misunderstanding? In the meaning of the word “pick up”. Think about it. Can you come up with another scenario that shows a similar misunderstanding? When we use words, we need to be clear about what we mean. Someone might have a different understanding of the meaning of a word which can lead to confusion e.g God, Islam.  Defining Islam Islam is peace and submission tot the will of God. Islam is the five pillars i.e. shahadah, prayer, zakah, fasting and hajj. Islam is the last of the revealed religions and the perfection of all of them. Think about it. Which of the above definitions of Islam are correct? Why? For what we are going to learn in this course, none of them are!  What is Islam? Here is what we mean by Islam. 1) God created us and everything around us. 2) God sent a man, Muhammad, to tell us that the purpose of our creation is to worship and obey God alone. 3) God will resurrect us after we die and bring us to judgment. All of this can be proven.  Discussion Questions 1) Can something be a fact and a preference? 2) What would it mean if Islam were only a preference and not a fact? 3) Can you think of events in the life of the Prophet Muhammad that support the idea that Islam is a fact?  ??????????? Do you have any questions?