Islam

History & Belief

Answering Islam: The Crescent in Light of the Cross (Meaning of the Term “Allah”)

“Al Lah means ‘the Divinity’ in Arabic: it is a single God, implying that a correct transcription can only render the exact meaning of the word with the help of the expression ‘God.’ For the Muslims, al lah is none other than the God of Moses and Jesus.”

Answering Islam: The Crescent in Light of the Cross Meaning of the Term “Allah”

Arab Christians use the term “Allah” for God. Of course, their understanding of what this term means differs from that of Muslims, but both have the same referent in mind.

Answering Islam: The Crescent in Light of the Cross (Meaning of the Term “Allah”)

A well-respected Muslim commentator, Beidhawi, suggests that Allah is derived “from an [invented] root illaha = to be in perplexity, because the mind is perplexed when it tries to form the idea of the Infinite!”

Sura 112 is dedicated to the fundamental question “Who is God?” According to Islamic tradition, this chapter is Muhammad’s definition of Allah.

Norman L. Geisler and Abdul Saleeb, Answering Islam: The Crescent in Light of the Cross, 2nd ed. (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 2002), 19.

The Quran Sura 112

SURA 112

[1] Say: He is Allah, the One! [2] Allah, the eternally Besought of all! [3] He begetteth not nor was begotten. [4] And there is none comparable unto Him.

Muslims in the World (2015)

World population - 7.4 billion

Claim Islam - 1.6 billion 22%

Claim Christianity - 2.2 billion 29%

Islam Worldwide:

Indonesia 204 million 87% Muslim

Pakistan 178 million 96% Muslim

India 172 million 14% Muslim

Bangladesh 145 million 86% Muslim

Nigeria 94 million 50% Muslim

Egypt 80 million 94% Muslim

Iran 75 million 74% Muslim

Turkey 75 million 99%Muslim

Islam in America:

Islam is the 3rd largest religion in the USA

Authority:

Koran/Quran (Recitation)

Recitation of God’s Word

Hadith (Tradition)

Sunna (Form or Way)

Explanation of the Right Way of Life

Sharia (Law)

Binding rules based on Koran & Hadith

Koran:

144 Chapters (Sura)

Over 6,200 verses (Ayah)

Chapters Arranged by size (not chronology)

Chapter 96 claimed to be received first

The Quran Sura 96

SURA 96

[1] Read: In the name of thy Lord Who createth, [2] Createth man from a clot. [3] Read: And thy Lord is the Most Bounteous, [4] Who teacheth by the pen, [5] Teacheth man that which he knew not. [6] Nay, but verily man is rebellious [7] That he thinketh himself independent! [8] Lo! unto thy Lord is the return. [9] Hast thou seen him who dissuadeth [10] A slave when he prayeth? [11] Hast thou seen if he relieth on the guidance (of Allah) [12] Or enjoineth piety? [13] Hast thou seen if he denieth (Allah's guidance) and is froward? [14] Is he then unaware that Allah seeth? [15] Nay, but if he cease not We will seize him by the forelock - [16] The lying, sinful forelock - [17] Then let him call upon his henchmen! [18] We will call the guards of hell. [19] Nay, Obey not thou him. But prostrate thyself, and draw near (unto Allah).

Chapter 110 claimed to receive on his deathbed

The Quran Sura 110

SURA 110

[1] When Allah's succour and the triumph cometh [2] And thou seest mankind entering the religion of Allah in troops, [3] Then hymn the praises of thy Lord, and seek forgiveness of Him. Lo! He is ever ready to show mercy.

Chapters randomly named by word in the chapter

The Cow (1)

The Bees (16)

The Cave (18)

Not Historical Narrative but a collection of sermons

Koran’s Claims