Chapter 3 Questions

1.     According to Islam, we are all born "good" - how does it then explain the "bad” that exists?

·      Islam says that we are all basically born good but we have a natural weakness due to our physical nature. Through these instincts we have the ability to obtain sin. This sin is the enemy in Islam that can prey on our hearts and minds.

2.     What are the purposes of the 3 levels of self-development in Islam?

·      The purpose of the 3 levels of self development in Islam is so that we can work to attain them as we struggle to find the realization that god is real, and how we were originally sin free but we have obtained it in life because we are creatures of flesh so these 3 levels help us come to the final goal as seeing God as real.

3.     How does Islam both accept other religious ideas but is the "last installment of God's will"

·      Islam is accepting of other peoples beliefs because they believe, that a prophet had to come along in that persons time to discover that faith. Along with these other beliefs a Muslims goal is to figure out what remains of authentic guidance from God, which is determined by the Quran which makes Islam the “last installment of God’s will”.

4.     What do you think is the role of the Tawba? How does this play a role in the daily responsibility of individuals? How is this different (or similar) compared to other religions?

·      The role of Tawba is to free your soul of the sins you have committed in order to stay close with God and seeing God as real. This is similar to the practice of reconciliation in the Christian faith, asking for forgiveness for sins is a major practice within that religion.

5.     Why is Islam not a faith of "good deeds" even if it superficially may seem to be - or as claimed in the reading, it is a form of "religious capitalism"

·      Islam is not a faith of good deeds because even though it might promote good deeds within the religion, these good deeds that are being promoted and hopefully carry out, would lead to better life for everyone making Islam more “religious capitalism”.

6.     What is meant in the sentence: "Salvation in Islam comes from making the choice while alive to accept Allah and mold like according to the way of life He has established." Revisit / expand on the concept of the Fitrah

·      This quote means that while still alive on earth and being able to make a positive impact on others peoples lives, you should let your Fitrah guide you to accept Allah, so that you can then live your life in the way that Mohammad did to make the world a better place, which goes along with the notion that Islam is religious capitalism.