World Religions

Introduction to World Religions Study Guide 8.2 Resurrection and Judgment God has preordained the Day of Resurrection. However, no man knowns when this day will happen. There will be trials and tribulations preceding and during the Qiyamah. The end times is described in the Qur’an and the hadith. There are also commentaries from scholars. The Qur’an states there will be a bodily resurrection, which is different from the pre-Islamic Arabian understanding of what happens after death and during the resurrection. Good and bad deeds are how Muslims believe they will be judged in the afterlife. The Qur’an discusses several sins that can condemn a person to Hell. Ultimately, the non-belief in God is the number one sin. Dishonesty is another sin that can condemn one to Hell. The Qur’an states that God will forgive the sins of those who seek him and repent and commit to doing His will. Good deeds that will receive a reward and put one on the pathway to heaven are: charity, prayer, and compassion towards animals. Heaven is considered a place of joy and bliss. Predestination Islam teaches predestination or divine preordainment. God has ultimate knowledge of what will happen and can control all that occurs. This is illustrated in the Qur’anic verse, “Nothing will happen to us except what Allah has decreed for us. He is our protector.” All good and evil has been preordained by God. However, they do believe that man has free will and the ability to choose between right and wrong. Muslims are responsible for their own actions. 8.3 Five Pillars The Pillars of Islam are extremely important. They are five basic acts and are considered obligatory for all believers. The Qur’an presents the framework for worship and a sign of commitment to the faith. The pillars are: 1. The shahadah (creed) 2. Daily prayers (salat) 3. Almsgiving (zakah) 4. Fasting during Ramadan 5. The pilgrimage to Mecca (hajj) at least once in a lifetime The Five Pillars are important to both denominations of Islam the Shi’a and Sunni. Testimony The Shahadah is the basic creed of Islam and is to be recited under oath. The statement is: “I testify there are no deities other than God alone and I testify that Muhammad is the Messenger of God.” This is foundational and Muslims must repeat the shahadah in prayers. Those wishing to convert must also recite the creed. Prayer Prayers are recited five times daily. The ritual prayers are called Salah or Salat. The purpose is to focus one’s mind on God. This is a personal communication with God and the expression is one of gratitude and worship. Salah is compulsory. However, depending on that day’s circumstances, the ©2017 Achieve Test Prep Page 78 of 96