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Islam is a religion which is staunchly monotheistic, recognizing only one supreme higher being they call Allah' (=God). It is a faith followed by more than one billion people from varying ethnic, social and cultural backgrounds. Muhammad (c.570-632) was the founder of this great religion, and lived a devout and pious life in a region of present day Saudi Arabia. (An Arab born in Mecca, claiming descent from Abraham)

The religion itself in not very dissimilar to the Judaic and Christian concepts of life. In terms of rituals it is very similar to Judaism. In terms of spirituality, it is very similar to Christianity. One could argue it is a hybrid of these two great traditions, following a middle course that does not encourage extreme behaviours with regards to worship and other religious acts.

The Koran (Qur'an) is the holy text of the Muslims believed to be revealed to Muhammad by the angel Gabriel. When a non-Muslim reads the text, he/she is often surprised by the nature of its contents. It resonates with biblical imagery, stories and theological concepts that one reads in the Old and New Testaments. And the central message of the Koran is that you should only worship one God, and whoever does so shall inherit the kingdom of heaven. And those who do not shall perish in the fires of hell (cf. Christian beliefs about the Day of Judgement)

For those not familiar with this faith will be surprised to read that it accepts all the biblical prophets as the holy messengers of God, including, Abraham, Moses, Jesus and many others. Some scholars - on the fringes of Islam - have also included Buddha, and other notable figures within the Hindu traditions. What is unanimous amongst Muslims is that Muhammad is the final messenger of God, after whom no other messenger shall come. However, Muslims do subscribe to the belief that before the end of time, Jesus will return to bring peace and harmony to all places. And justice will reign once more.

To understand the Islamic faith you must read the holy texts (preferably in its classical Arabic dialect) and get to know more about the historical Muhammad. Not what people tell you! You must use primary texts as your major source of information. Don't focus on what you see happening in the present day Islamic world. With deep regret you see the followers of this great tradition imploding in on themselves, with so much hate and violence endemic in its social fabric. And many have legitimised acts of barbarism by quoting the teachings of Muhammad!

The more you begin to understand Muhammad and his teachings, the more you begin to realise and appreciate that Muhammad would be disheartened by the level of ignorance and violence within the Muslim world. But you will come to the same conclusions once you have studied him and the scripture he brought to guide his people. There is a gulf between what he stood for and what the present day Muslims believe to be true.

Learn more about this author, Shaid Karimov.
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