In today\u2019s class, I went over the five pillars of Islam, but also emphasized that doing so no more gives a real sense of what Islam means to its followers, than learning some creeds or even reading the Bible would give an impression of what Christianity is<\/em>.<\/p>\n One of the class participants had read a book by John Ankerberg<\/a> which claimed that the Qur\u2019an never uses the word \u201clove<\/a>\u201c. I had my Pocket PC with an English translation of the Qur\u2019an that can be searched, as well as my printed copy of the Yusuf Ali<\/a> rendering, and so I was able both to point out that this was incorrect<\/a>. The main point I made in relation to this was that one shouldn\u2019t turn to a Christian apologist for one\u2019s information about Islam (how many Christians would be happy with the impression of their religion given by an apologist for Islam?).<\/p>\n There was also a question about whether Muslims view Christians (and others) as saved. in response to which I read Surah 2:62\u2019s statement<\/a> (repeated twice more in the Qur\u2019an) on the matter:<\/p>\n Verily, those who have attained to faith [in this divine writ], as well as those who follow the Jewish faith, and the Christians, and the Sabeans \u2013 all who believe in God and the Last Day and do righteous deeds \u2013 shall have their reward with their Sustainer; and no fear need they have, and neither shall they grieve.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
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, which mentioned the Sabeans, said that they might have been followers of St. John, and then went on to claim that they no longer exist<\/em>!<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/tracker\/7622297540113836091-8866343181037702505?l=exploringourmatrix.blogspot.com\")
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