Ricketts 2
Candice Ricketts
Professor Thomas Keiser
RLGN 104-B18
25 February 2018
Islam
In Islam it is believed that Allah was the creator of the universe that holds the sun, moon, planets, and orbits. It is believed that this creation was due to an explosion which later formed into the universe. “Then He directed Himself to the heaven while it was smoke and said to it and to the earth, ‘Come into being, willingly or by compulsion.’” (The Qur’an, 41:11). It is also believed that Allah finished His creation in six days but did not rest on the seventh as Christians believe. Islamic believers believe that Allah’s work within His creation is ongoing and never complete. “And We did certainly create the heavens and earth and what is between them in six days, and there touched Us no weariness” (50:38). In Islam it is believed that human life originated in Heaven when Allah made the decision to consult with His angels about His intended creation. Some angels, including Iblis (Satan), tried to warn Him about how man’s future was bleak due to wrongdoings and brutality, but Allah ignored this saying that they do not understand all the possibilities of man. From this, Allah created Adam and Hawwa (Eve) from the clay of the earth and this was Allah’s first creation. Islam and Christianity mostly follow the same beliefs in regard to the origin of the universe and mankind. Both religions believe that man did not evolve from evolution but of creation from God in Heaven. Also both religions believe that man serves a higher purpose and are God’s most beloved creation.
In Islam, it is believed that man was created to serve Allah and do the good He set before mankind. This is turn would be rewarded by eternal life with Allah. “And I did not create the jinn and mankind except to worship Me” (51:56). While it is believed that Allah made man more superior to other living creatures He frowns upon cruelty to animals. Islam believers believe that any form of cruelty towards an animal is a sin unless for food, and that they also hold a special place on earth just as humans. “And there is no creature on or within the earth or bird that flies with its wings except that they are communities like you” (6:38). Even though animals lack free will like that of humans, they still follow natural instincts given to them by Allah. Christian beliefs are similar to these that man was created to serve their God given purpose on earth to prepare for eternal life afterwards. Christians also believe that unnecessary harm towards animals is wrong unless it is used as a sacrifice or food. Both religions believe that all living creatures created by God are special, unique, and hold a special purpose.
Islam believes that Allah is the creator of the universe and everything that is within it which is “always within His providence” (Shanavas, 2005). The purpose of all of His creation is to love and serve Allah. To serve Allah, Islam believers look to His word of prophecy. Anointed prophets w...