The religion of Islam is complex to say the least. One does not have to go far without running into something that has to do with this religion that seems so open, but yet so mysterious. In today’s world when one hears or reads about terrorism he may associate it with the religion of Islam. The term “jihad,” means to struggle. But, in the minds of some Islamist, it refers to holy war upon the enemies of Islam. While it is true that many terrorist acts are carried out in the name of Islam, is this truly what the religion is all about? What do the people of the Islam religion believe?
First, they believe the Qur’an is the literal word of God. The Muslim world claims the Qur’an is the final revelation from God to man as delivered to Muhammad by the angel Gabriel. Over a 23 yearperiod, Muhammad received these revelations in visions he originally thought were acts of demons. It was not until he was convinced by his wife the visions were of a divine nature that he began to believe he was called to be (the) prophet of God.
Second, Muslims believe in another set of sacred writings. The Hadith records the teachings, rulings, and actions of Muhammad as recounted by his early associates. While some Muslims believe these writings to be inspired others do not. Nevertheless, it cannot be overemphasized that Islam places prodigious, even monumental, emphasis upon them. The accuracy that is ascribed to the Hadith elevates them virtually to the status of inspiration in the mind of Muslims.
Third, the practice of the religion of Islam is based upon a standard of living (ethics) Muslims find to be morally right by what is revealed to them in the pages of the Qur’an. If their moral standard of living comes from the Qur’an, and they desire to follow the Qur’an, then they believe that Allah commands them to destroy those who do not believe in Allah and his ways. The Qur’an states,“Let those In the cause of Allah Who sell the life of this world for the Hereafter. To him who fighteth In the cause of Allah—Whether he is slain Or gets victory—Soon shall we give him a reward of great (value)” Surah 4:74. The Qur’an also reveals, “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)” Surah 8:16. This sounds much like a religion that is determined to declare war on anyone that does not believe in Allah, the Qur’an, or the ways of the religion.