 |
Symbols & Beliefs
Tuesday, September 25, 2001
 | |
The crescent moon has ancient connections with royalty and also connects with the lunar calendar, which guides Muslim religious life. Many Muslim countries include the symbol in their flags.
Although it is frequently translated as "submission," the Arabic letters that appear in "Islam" are related to the Hebrew word for peace, "shalom." A better translation for "Islam" is "entering into a condition of peace and security with God through allegiance and surrender to him."
The Arabic word for God is "Allah," meaning "the one who is God." Muslims do not attach any physical image to God; they try not to make God into a thing or a projection of the human self.
The system of laws developed from the Quran and from Mohammed's words and deeds. These laws tell a Muslim how to live a righteous life. They cover all individual and communal activities, including treatment of women and business.
Muslims believe in heaven and hell. They do not believe in original sin, but that people are sinless until they rebel against God. Muslims also believe Jesus was born of a virgin and expect his second coming.
INSIDE SEATTLEPI.COM
 Day in Pictures The German chancellor and more |
 David Horsey Giving Chinese dissidents a choice |
 'Mad Men' returns Cable hit rides wave of publicity |
NATION/WORLD HEADLINES
· McCain denies misstating timing of Iraq surge
· Obama meets Israeli, Palestinian leaders
· Gates, Bloomberg team up to fight 'tobacco epidemic'
· After 100-mph winds, Dolly now a tropical storm
· Pentagon to suggest more help to quell violence
· Lawmakers told to rework provincial elections law
· Iran praises U.S. for role in latest round of nuclear talks
· U.N. says it will work to de-escalate tensions
more
· McCain denies misstating timing of Iraq surge
· Obama meets Israeli, Palestinian leaders
· Gates, Bloomberg team up to fight 'tobacco epidemic'
· After 100-mph winds, Dolly now a tropical storm
· Pentagon to suggest more help to quell violence
· Lawmakers told to rework provincial elections law
· Iran praises U.S. for role in latest round of nuclear talks
· U.N. says it will work to de-escalate tensions
moreVIDEO
OUR AFFILIATES
101 Elliott Ave. W.
Seattle, WA 98119
(206) 448-8000
Home Delivery: (206) 464-2121 or (800) 542-0820
seattlepi.com serves about 1.7 million unique visitors
and 30 million page views each month.
Send comments to newmedia@seattlepi.com
Send investigative tips to iteam@seattlepi.com
©1996-2008 Seattle Post-Intelligencer
Terms of Use/Privacy Policy
