Q: What are the origins of Islam? A: The origin of Islam can be traced back to the Prophet Abraham, as can Judaism and Christianity. In other words, Jews that lived before Jesus’ mission are “Muslims”, followers of Islam, and Christians that lived before Muhummad’s mission are also “Muslims.” The definition of muslim is “one that submits to the Creator of the Universe.” So, this can include Jews and Christians if they adhere to this creed. The early Jew and the early Christian most definitely adhered to this creed, so the origin of Islam is the origin of Judaism and Christianity. Q:Who or what is Allah? A: Allah is the Arabic word for the Supreme Being and Creator of the universe. This is used in preference to the English word god except where the latter occurs in a quotation. In the English language, the word "God" can be used in the singular or plural, and as male or female, and is frequently debased or rendered meaningless by its context. The word Allah is not at all subject to such changes and uses. Q: What is the Qur'an? A: It is God's Holy word. The Qur'an is to Islam what the Torah is to Judaism, or The New Testament to Christianity. The stories and words of the Qur'an were recited to the Prophet Muhammed (peace and blessings be upon him) by the Archangel Gabriel. The Qur'an is the principle source of every Muslim's faith and practice. Q: Are there any other Holy texts? A: Yes, the sunnah - the practice and example of the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) is the second source of inspiration and instruction for Muslims. Belief in the sunnah is part of the Islamic faith. The sunnah and related sayings were documented extensively by his contemporaries and are known as hadith. Q: What is the Hadith? A: Hadith in Arabic means speech, report, account. In Islam, it specifically means the deeds and sayings of the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) as recounted by his companions. All quotations from the Hadith are taken from scrupulously compiled, authenticated collections. Q: What does the Qur'an teach about Jesus? A: Muslims believe that Jesus was one of God's many prophets, and that his mission was to bring people back to the spirit and laws of Islam (also known as Judaism at that time.). Q: Are there other people mentioned in both the Qur'an and New Testament? A: Yes. Allah mentions 25 prophets by name in the Qur'an, 21 of whom are also mentioned in the Bible. In some cases though their Biblical names in English differ from their Arabic names in the Qur'an, but they are the same people. Adam, Idris (Enoch), Nuh (Noah), Ibrahim (Abraham), Lut (Lot), Isma'il (Ishmael), Musa (Moses), Harun (Aaron), Dawud (David), Dhu-Kifl (Ezekiel), Sulayman (Solomon), Ilyas (Elijah), Al-Yas'a (Elisha), Yanus (Jonah), Ishaq (Isaac), Ya'qub (Jacob), Yusuf (Joseph), Ayyub (Job), Zakariyya (Zachariah), Yahya (John), Isa (Jesus). Q: How many Muslims are in the world? A: The teachings of Islam are followed by approximately 1.5 billion people in practically every corner of the world, but is most concentrated in India and Pakistan, which is home to approximately 250 million Muslims. Approximately 7.5 million Americans are Muslim. 82% of all Arabs are Muslim. Q: How many Canadians follow Islam? A: The number varies, as many Muslims immigrate to Canada throughout any given year from several countries with a high Muslim population, and others are converted to a life of Islam every day. But approximately 3/4 of a million Muslims live in all corners of Canada. There are approximately 100 members of the Cold Lake Islamic Society. Q: What does the Qur'an teach about the other religions? A: There are five divine guidelines that the Qur'an clearly presents to Muslims for building tolerance and understanding among differing religions. Everyone's God-given human dignity must be respected, regardless of his or her faith, race, ethnic origin, gender, or social status (17:70). Because everyone is created by God Almighty, the Maker of All, humans must treat one another with full honour, respect, and loving-kindness. Islam teaches it is by Divine Will that God's human creation follows different religions, or no religion at all -- no religion is nevertheless a faith, or belief-system. (11:118), (10:99), (18:29). But God Almighty is not pleased when some humans choose not to believe. (39:7) The Qur'an states clearly that freedom of religion is a God-given right (18:29), (10:99). The final judgment of all humanity lies in the hands of God, the One Almighty, their Creator, to whom we all ultimately return (22:68-69), (42:15). God loves justice and those who strive to practice it, especially toward people who are different from them in any way, particularly in matters of religious belief (5:8), (60:8). Q: How does the Qur'an apply to modern people? A: The teachings of the Qur'an in most cases are timeless. Doing good by your fellow man, charity and humility are traits which do not pass with time. Although in most cases over the millennia, the practices have evolved over time and adopted a naturally more relaxed attitude. There are however still small sects in the Middle East who choose to follow the old ways, and not adapt to modern times. You tend to hear about these people in the news as 'extremists' or 'fundamentalists'. Q: What is a Ji'had - and do contemporary Muslims believe it is just? A:The term jihad literally means 'struggle', and Muslims believe that there are two kinds of jihad. The first, and most rewarding 'jihad' is the inner struggle which everyone wages against egotistic desires, for the sake of attaining inner peace. The second type of jihad is a struggle for self-defence. Islam teaches peace, and today's Muslim believes that all wars are against God's wishes except in cases of self defence. Q: What is the value of the family to Muslims? A: The family is the shear foundation of Islamic society. A stable family unit is the key to peace and stability in one's life, regardless of religious affiliation. It's not uncommon in the Muslim community to find large, extended families living together; providing comfort, security and support to one another. Parents are greatly respected in the Islamic tradition.