There is also a view of some Christians, Catholics included,
that Islam is a form of Christian herasy. I've never bothered to
track this idea down, but I have seen it refuted by some pretty
respectable theologians.
Cheers,
Peter
-----Original Message-----
From: Rickard A. Parker
To: [log in to unmask]
Sent: 2004-Nov-04 11:44 AM
Subject: OT - Mohammedism
William Gray wrote:
>
> I don't know a lot about Islam, but that sounds like a fair call
> -- Mohammed would seem to be the center. Right? Is this controversial?
Mohammed probably once was considered by Christians to be the
center of his religion and thus the term "Mohammedism" was coined.
Muslims frown on this.
A snippet from http://www.religioustolerance.org/isl_intr.htm
Origin of Islam:
The name of this religion, Islam, is derived from the word
"salam,"
which is often interpreted as meaning "peace." However
"submission"
would be a better translation. A Muslim is a follower of
Islam.
"Muslim" is an Arabic word that refers to a person who
submits
themselves to the will of God. Many Muslims feel that the
phrases
"Islamic terrorist" or "Muslim terrorist," which have been observed
so
often in the media, are oxymorons.
Most religious historians view Islam as having been founded in 622
CE
by Muhammad the Prophet (peace be upon him).* He lived from about
570
to 632 CE). The religion started in Mecca, when the angel Jibreel
(Gabriel) read the first revelation to Muhammad (pbuh). (Mohammed
and
Muhammed (pbuh) are alternate spellings for his name.) Islam is
the
youngest of the world's very large religions -- those with over
300
million members -- which include Christianity, Islam, Hinduism
and
Buddhism.
* Muslims traditionally acknowledge respect for Muhammad, Jesus
and
other prophets (peace be upon them) by adding this phrase or
an
abbreviation "(pbuh)" after their names.
However, many if not most of the followers of Islam believe that:
* Islam existed before Muhammad (pbuh) was born,
* The origins of Islam date back to the creation of the world,
and
* Muhammad (pbuh) was the last of a series of Prophets.
Followers of Islam are called Muslims. "Allah" is an Arabic word
which
means "the One True God." An alternate spelling for "Muslim" that is
occasionally used is "Moslim"; it is not recommended because it
is
often pronounced "mawzlem": which sounds like an Arabic word
for
"oppressor". Some Western writers in the past have referred to
Islam
as "Mohammedism"; this is deeply offensive to many Muslims, as
its
usage can lead some to the concept that Muhammad the Prophet
(pbuh)
was in some way divine.
