Concept of God

The Concept of God in Islam.

1. Concept of God By Syed Zaid Aftab

2. Concept of God Beliefs: Monotheism Polytheism Atheism

3. Monotheism: Latin based term : MONO - One , THEISM – God Is defined as belief in the existence of One God or in the oneness of God The Oxford dictionary gives a more restricted definition: “ Belief in One personal and transcendent God” (Transcendence refers to the aspect of God’s nature & power which is wholly independent of the material universe beyond all physical laws)

4. Examples of Monotheism: Islam , Christianity & Judaism are major religions. Followers of each practice Monotheism , a belief in One God. Islam : Any one who submits to the will of God can be considered a Muslim. Beliefs : Allah Angels Quran Last Prophet Hazrat Muhammad Mustafa (SAW) Day of Judgement Pillars : Declaration of faith (Shahada) Prayer (Salat) Fasting in the month of Ramadan (Siyam) Charity (Zakat) Pilgrimage to Mecca (Hajj) continued

5. Examples of Monotheism: What else do the have Common ? All three believe in one god (monotheistic). They all started in Southwest Asia. They can trace their roots to Hazrat Abrahim (AS) as the father of their faith. Jerusalem is the holiest city in the world for Jews and Christians, and the third holiest city for Muslims after Makkah & Medina. All three have an important messenger and book of teachings.

6. Polytheism: Latin based term : POLY - More , THEISM – God Belief in, or worship of, multiple deities or Gods. Gods are conceived as complex personages of greater or lesser status, with individual skills, needs, desires & stories. The Gods are not always Omnipotent or Omniscient; rather, they are often portrayed as similar to humans in their personality traits but with additional individual powers, abilities, knowledge or perceptions.

7. Examples of Polytheism: Hinduism, Buddhism, Sumerian Gods, The Egyptian Gods, The ancient Greek religion, The Yoruba Orisha, The Aztec Gods & many others. Hinduism : Collection of beliefs that developed over thousands of years (combo of Arayan beliefs w/native beliefs ). Brahman is most divine spirit Holy Men, GURUS, are spiritual teachers. They interpret the religion. Sacred Books Vedas/Upanishads Liberation from desires and suffering Moksha. Reincarnation based on Karma and Darma Caste System (ex Brahmin)

8. A theism: Latin based term : A - No , THEISM – God Lack of belief in God and/or the belief that there is no God. There is no God or Devil There is no such thing as a Sin. Evolution is a scientific fact. God didn't create people, People created God. Ethics and morals are relative Atheist have a very limited scope of knowledge since they only accept things, which they can see with their eyes.

9. Examples of A theism: There are six types of Atheist: Intellectual Atheist / Agnostic Activist Seeker Agnostic Anti-Theist Non-Theist Ritual Atheist The theory known as the “Big-Bang” which represented that no God created The world but it was created through the methods of Science. This theory was followed by many Atheist Scientist and teen agers.