Nahwe Imbwisk

The Meaning of Islam

The word Islam means "Peace" and refers to the World Religion of the followers of the Prophet Mohamed. Islam is a monotheistic religion and an Abrahmic religion. Its teachings honor Christianity and the Hebrew traditions and believe in the bible and the Torah as being Holy Scripture, only the revelations to Mohamed complement, supplement and improve upon the former two's teachings. The word Muslim means "One who surrenders to the will of God".

Although Mohamed was illiterate, he was a charismatic, spiritual and wise man. He received his first revalation around the age 40 and had troubles in Mecca, had to flee but conquered it later. His life is detailed in the Hadith and the teachings revealed to him were written down by his followers as the Qu'ran. Mohamed married Fatima, who was older then Mohamed and also wealthy. Traditional Muslim women wear the veil to emulate Fatima. When Mohamed died, there occured the Suni Shiite split, because it was not determined who would be Mohamed's successor.

Mohamed forbade the depiction of either himself nor God. Although no picture exists that shows Mohameds face, which is usually left blank in depictions, such as the Night Journey. Yet who dreams of Mohamed or has a vision of him, has "truly met me for the devil cannot take on my form.

Jihad

The word Jihad is mistranslated as "Holy War", but it means "Striving". Muslims distinguish between the Greater and the Lesser Jihad. The Greater Jihad is the war with the self and considered more important than the lesser Jihad, which is the war with the outside world, justified as defense of one's theritory.

The Night Journey

Muhammad had what could be called an astral projection around the year 621ad, where he journeyd from Mecca to Jerusalem and then through the heavens where he met all the prophets of the past, God and holy beings. Some argue that the experience was a dream while others say that Muhammad actually did travel on a white horse to Jerusalem and through the heavens. Be it as it may, the account is truly powerful and very interesting.