A Closer Look at Islam
I.
ISLAM 101
A. Muslim demographics
B. Muslim branches
1. Sunni
2. Shia
3. Sufi
C. Five Pillars of Islam (obligations)
1. Reciting the creed
2. Daily prayer
3. Fast of Ramadan
4. Giving alms
5. Pilgrimage to Mecca
“A Closer Look at Islam”  2007 Alan Shlemon
Stand to Reason, 1-800-2-REASON or www.str.org
D. Five articles of faith (beliefs)
1. Belief in the unity of God
2. Belief in God’s angels
3. Belief in God’s books
4. Belief in God’s prophets
5. Belief in the final judgment
II.
WHO SPEAKS FOR ISLAM?
A. The Qur’an
B. The Hadith
C. The Sunnah
“A Closer Look at Islam”  2007 Alan Shlemon
Stand to Reason, 1-800-2-REASON or www.str.org
How to Reach Your Muslim Neighbor
III.
ACCORDING TO THE QUR’AN…
A. Jesus
1. Jesus regarded as more than a mere man
B. Mohammed
1. Mohammed regarded as merely a man
IV.
ONLY ONE ISSUE
A. Benefit of using Qur’an
1. Minimalist approach
2. Leverages Qur’an’s authority
3. Builds common ground
4. It’s disarming
5. It’s safer for Muslims
B. Qur’an’s view of the Bible
1. The Qur’an says the words of God cannot be changed or corrupted.
2. The Qur’an says the Bible is the word of God.
3. Therefore, on the Qur’an’s authority, the Bible could not have been changed or
corrupted, as many Muslims claim.
“A Closer Look at Islam”  2007 Alan Shlemon
Stand to Reason, 1-800-2-REASON or www.str.org
C. Allah in the hot seat
1. Allah couldn’t protect the Bible.
2. Allah wouldn’t protect the Bible.
D. Does the Qur’an teach the Bible has been corrupted?
1. Surah 5:13
2. Surah 3:78
3. Surah 2:75-79
E. Some Muslims even believe the Bible is reliable.
“A Closer Look at Islam”  2007 Alan Shlemon
Stand to Reason, 1-800-2-REASON or www.str.org