Muslim Worldview

Nature and Deity

There is but one God, Allah (Arabic term). Allah is indivisible, has no equals, is the creator of all and has spoken to humanity through many prophets, of whom Muhammad is the last. Allah is the supreme lawgiver, and his laws are for the whole of creation, not just for human beings.

Understanding of Beginnings

Allah is the creator. He simply says “Be” and all things exist. Allah guides his creation and has a purpose for all forms of life within creation.

Conception of Time

Time is linear. At the end of time, Allah will announce the Judgment Day and the world will end. All will be judged on that day.

Mortality (and Afterlife)

There is one life only. After death, the individual awaits the Day of Judgment when all will be brought back to life and judged. Paradise awaits those who have lived according to the will of Allah and those who have failed to do so cannot enter Paradise.

Venerated Literature

Seen as the infallible word of Allah is the Qur'an (Koran), which the Angel Jibra'il dictated to Muhammad in the first part of the seventh century CE. Muslims believe that the Qur'an was written by Allah before time began. Also sacred, the sayings (including actions and silent approval) of the Prophet Muhammad, the Hadith.

Prophets and Founders

Islam means to be in submission to Allah, who is seen as its founder. There have been numerous prophets who came to remind people of Allah’s will, such as Abraham, Moses and Jesus. The final prophet is believed to be Muhammad who lived in the 6th-7th century CE.

Rites of Birth and Death

At birth, the call to prayer is whispered into the baby's ear. After seven days the baby is given a name, shaved, and baby boys are circumcised. At a person’s death, the body is washed as if ready for prayer and then buried as soon as possible. Cremation is not allowed.

Festivals and Calendar Events

The Muslim calendar is lunar and moves eleven days earlier each year, compared with the Western solar calendar. Ramadan is the month of fasting; Eid ul Fitr (Idul-Fitr) marks the end of Ramadan and the giving of the Qur'an to Muhammad; Eid ul Adha (Idul-Adha) is the time of the Haj, the pilgrimage to Mecca and celebrates the obedience of the Prophet Ibrahim.

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Last updated 8/18/2006

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