I linked the site where I found this information at the top.
People keep saying that they can't vote for Barack Obama because he, among other things, went to a Muslim school when he was a wee boy and that he *gasp* knew/knows muslims. Or even, that he IS one. Now I know this isn't the only protestation people have against the poor guy, but let's just examine it for a minute.
What is Islam?: The name of the religion is
Islam, which comes from an Arabic root word meaning "peace" and
"submission." Islam teaches that one can only find peace in one's life
by submitting to Almighty God (Allah) in heart, soul and deed.
-----I don't know, pretty suspicious to me. Submitting to an Almighty God? Now THAT doesn't sound like ANY other religion I've ever heard of. Pretty crazy so far.-----
Who is a Muslim?: A person who believes in and
consciously follows Islam is called a Muslim, also from the same root
word. So, the religion is called "Islam," and a person who believes in
and follows it is a "Muslim."
-----Kind of like someone who is LDS being called a Mormon, but that's another story. If I get into that then people will think I'm an extremist, America hating zealot. Wait...-----
How Many and Where?: Islam is a major world
religion, with over 1 billion followers worldwide (1/5 of the world
population). It is considered one of the Abrahamic, monotheistic
faiths, along with Judaism and Christianity. Although usually
associated with the Arabs of the Middle East, less than 10% of Muslims
are in fact Arab. Muslims are found all over the world, of every
nation, color and race.
-----1 billion!?!?!? That's the population of China! Hey wait, these guys just lumped Jews, Christians, and Muslims together! How dare they!-----
Who is Allah?: Allah is the proper name for
Almighty God, and is often translated merely as "God." Allah has other
names that are used to describe His characteristics: the Creator, the
Sustainer, the Merciful, the Compassionate, etc.
Muslims believe that since Allah alone is the Creator, it is He alone
that deserves our devout love and worship. Islam holds to a strict
monotheism. Any worship and prayers directed at saints, prophets, other
human beings or nature is considered idolatry.
-----The Creator?!?! Like all other Christian religions refer to their deity as "The CREATOR"?!?! And no saints to pray to. Less confusing than Catholicsm (sp) at least.----
These are the "Articles of Faith," simplified by that website.
- Faith in the unity of God----Okay. I certainly think He's one person.----
- Faith in angels----Just like everyone else----
- Faith in prophets-----Like Peter, John the Revelator for Catholics-----
- Faith in books of revelation---Like Christians believe in the Bible?----
- Faith in an afterlife---Heaven, Hell, hmm.----
- Faith in destiny/divine decree----I think/hope you get the idea----
The "Five Pillars of Islam" are my favorites.
-----The Pilgrimage is to Mecca, the Holy City, they are asked to go at least once in their lives.-----
Daily life as a Muslim: While
often seen as a radical or extreme religion, Muslims consider Islam to
be the middle road. Muslims do not live life with complete disregard
for God or religious matters, but nor do they neglect the world to
devote themselves solely to worship and prayer. Muslims strike a
balance by fulfilling the obligations of and enjoying this life, while
always mindful of their duties to Allah and to others.
- Morals and manners
- Business ethics
- Modesty in dress and behavior
- Dietary rules
- Marriage
- Care of children and elderly
- Racism and prejudice
- Relations with non-Muslims
----So they try to be nice and civil to others, honest and modest, and strive to have a balance between God and the world.----
----Yep, definitely kill-all-americans terrorists. Every last one.
Hame Hovit. (my phrase first, SanCho stole it.)