Characteristics of Islam
...ers of God, but Muslims say that the final prophet is Mohammed. Regarding creation, Muslims believe that God created all but not in his image because he has no association with humanity in their minds. Also, he did not rest on the seventh day, he just stopped creating. Regarding sin, Muslims believe that one has a record of sin and this record can be erased through redemption where one starts all over again in the eyes of God. But they must have direct forgiveness from the Lord and be completely devoted to him thereafter. Muslims don’t believe in original sin as Christians do in the story of Adam and Eve. They say that all people are in charge of what they do, and say that sins can’t be taken away. Therefore Muslims did not believe that salvation was attained or sins erased by Jesus the Messiah sacrificing himself. They believe that Jesus’ mission was purely prophetic and that he was the second greatest messenger of God; they still await his second coming. The salvation in the Muslim faith exists in the future when one dies and gains forgiveness from God for all sins and is allowed to be with Him in heaven. All of the Muslim law is written in the Quran (the book containing all of Mohammed’s revelation from God defining the constituents of Islam. Muslims believe that everyone should live their life in earth to prepare for the afterlife that awaits them, whether this be the paradise of heaven or the horrible depths of hell. Those that follow the correct path of Islam are lead to heaven while those that deviate and go off the track edge more towards hell. With regards to the afterlife, Muslims hold the idea of predestination where God knows all that will happen and can change it according to his will. Within the Muslim faith there is strict worship and prayer that exists in a system of five pillars of the faith. One major custom practiced at the birth of all Muslims (the first pillar) is the saying of a confession of faith that states the sovereignty of Allah and that Mohammed is his messenger. This statement stands at the head of all Muslims’ lives. The second pillar is Prayer or salat which are prayers said by Muslims five times a day facing the city of Mecca wherever they may be. A custom practiced before these prayers is a complete washing of oneself as to establish purity that will lead to forgiveness after devoted prayer. These prayers are said i...