Like Christianity and Judaism, Islam is a monotheistic religion, that is, it believes in one all-powerful God, known as Allah in Islam. Equivalent to the Bible for Christians, the Qur’an is the holy book of Muslims. Muslims Christians and Jews also share a belief in the importance of many of the historic prophets like Moses and Abraham. Muslims also believe that Jesus was an important prophet, though, unlike Christians, they do not believe he was the Son of God. The most important prophet for Muslims is Muhammad, who founded the religion and is regarded as a direct messenger from God.

——————————————————

Justice and Equality

How can the views of a secular society on topics like women’s rights and homosexuality be reconciled with the beliefs of observant Muslims? What are the variations within Islam towards lifestyle choices?

Women

The Qur’an states that women have lesser rights than men when it comes to inheritance, but they have the same duties as men in religious observance. Many Muslim societies place women in an inferior position to men, but it is arguable that this is because of cultural values rather than Islamic rules. Many modern Muslim women actively campaign for equality, which is often resisted by conservative Muslims.

Prejudice and discrimination

Islam teaches that everyone is equal in the eyes of God and that prejudice and discrimination should be avoided.

Wealth and poverty

Sadaqah is the obligation that Muslims have to give alms to the poor. Muslims are enjoined to give a set amount of their income – usually 2.5 per cent – to help poor people.

Abortion

Most Muslims believe abortion is only acceptable if the pregnancy threatens the mother’s health.

Euthanasia

In the light of the Qur’an’s teachings on the sanctity of life, euthanasia is unacceptable to most Muslims.

——————————————————