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What Defines Islam?
Addisen Sullins
Liberty University
RLGN104 (B34): Christian Life and Biblical Worldview
Professor Nathan Grooms
10 – 02 - 2023
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What Defines Islam?
Origin
The Islamic worldview believes that Allah simply spoke the word “be” and the
universe was created (Britannica). The Qur’an contains parts that also line up with scientific
beliefs, such as Allah creating the Heavens and Earth in a “big bang”. The Qur’an specifically
states in 21:30, "The heavens and the earth were joined together as one unit, before We clove
them asunder…” The God of Qur’an created the universe in six days as stated in the text.
However, many Muslims preserve the six days as six different eras/eons (Learn Religions).
The Qur’an also tells that Allah created all life from water including humanity. Which
scientifically humans are mostly water as well. Islam also believes in Adam and Eve’s
creation as the first humans hand crafted by Allah. Which is evident in the Christian Bible as
well.
Identity
As for identity, Islam believes that Allah created humanity with free will and a special
personality for each person. Britannica states, “Whereas everything in the universe has a
limited nature and every creature recognizes its limitation and insufficiency, human beings
are viewed as having been given freedom and therefore are prone to rebelliousness and pride,
with the tendency to arrogate to themselves the attributes of self-sufficiency. Pride, thus, is
viewed as the cardinal sin of human beings…” Being human means we can choose our path
whether that is sin of godliness. We are created for a glorious purpose whether we choose to
follow it or not.
Meaning
When it comes to the meaning or purpose behind humanity, Islam is much like
Christianity. Britannica states in their article on Islam, “The Qur ān thus reiterates that all ʾ
nature has been made subservient to humans, who are seen as God’s vice-regent on earth;
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nothing in all creation has been made without a purpose, and humanity itself has not been
created “in sport” but rather has been created with the purpose of serving and obeying God’s
will.” This quote summarizes most beliefs about humanity’s purpose in the Qur’an.
Morality
In Islam, Allah is the moral high ground and therefore dictates what is right and
wrong. Just as Christianity has the ten commandments, the Qur’an is full of commandments
for Muslims to follow. Britannica tells us, “But he is also just and merciful: his justice
ensures order in his creation, in which nothing is believed to be out of place, and his mercy is
unbounded and encompasses everything.” Being a just God that is in control of all, he
therefore has the right to determine what should be done right.
Destiny
Finally, Islam’s view on life after death does not differ far from Christianity as they
both share the same framework. Islam believes that you either go to paradise or hell based on
your good deeds and faith. However, the soul stays dormant after death till judgement day.
Then the end times will happen, ending with a collective judgement. They also believe that
family can pray and do charity to help your soul reach paradise. There are many differences
between Islam and Christianity, but they are similar in framework.
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References
Islam | Religion, Beliefs, Practices, & Facts. (2023, October 13). Encyclopedia Britannica.
https://www.britannica.com/topic/Islam/Doctrines-of-the-Qur-an
Huda. (2019). Creation of the universe and evolution in Islam. Learn Religions.
https://www.learnreligions.com/creation-of-the-universe-2004201
The Noble Quran - quran.com. (n.d.). Quran.com. https://quran.com/
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