Islam

The Six Articles of Faith (Core Beliefs)

1. Allah (God): Belief in one all-powerful God (Allah), the same God of Judaism and Christianity.

2. Angels: Belief in angels like Gabriel (Jibril), who God sent with revelations (essential messages).

3. Holy Books: Belief in divinely revealed scriptures, including the Torah (Tawrat), Psalms (Zabur), Gospel (Injil), and the Quran as the final, complete word of God.

4. Prophets: Belief in prophets like Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, and Jesus, with Muhammad as the final prophet.

5. Day of Judgment (Akhirah): Belief in resurrection and Judgment Day, leading to Paradise (Jannah) or Hell (Jahannam).

6. Divine Decree (Qadar): Everything happens by God's will and knowledge, but humans still possess free will.

The Five Pillars of Practice (Acts of Worship)

1. Shahada: The declaration of faith: "There is no god but God, and Muhammad is the Messenger of God".

2. Salah (Prayer): Performing five daily prayers facing Mecca.

3. Zakat (Charity): Giving a portion of wealth to the needy.

4. Sawm (Fasting): Fasting during the month of Ramadan.

5. Hajj (Pilgrimage): Making a pilgrimage to Mecca if able.

Key Muslim Beliefs that are Different from Christianity

• The Concept of Tawhid (One God - Allah) - Jesus and Muhammad are prophets, and that's all. They're not God. God never came to earth in human form. So, there's no holy trinity or holy spirit. Gabriel is the "holy spirit".

• Jesus wasn't crucified; he just ascended to God.

• Salvation is achieved by submission to God's Will, rather than by God's grace earned by Jesus' sacrifice.

• Muslims believe humans are born pure (not already contaminated by the "original sin"). Individuals are only responsible for their own behavior, and the devil is responsible for Adam and Eve's sin.

• Christians believe God loves like a father; Muslims believe Allah is not like a father and only loves those who submit to his will (obey).

• Christians believe Jesus will return to reign as himself, while Muslims believe Jesus (who they call "Isa") will return as a Muslim.