AN INTRODUCTION

To Peace

Mainly because of the political changes which have taken place throughout the world, the last few decades have seen an increased awareness of Islam.
However the portrayal of this faith has been somewhat parochial due to lack of information. The images brought to our attention have usually been focused on the extremist aspects. This depiction is true to some extent because like Christianity, the present day characterization of Islam is based on culture and tradition rather than the foundations of guidance.
Islam is still considered by many to be the religion founded by Muhammad when in fact he said 'I bring nothing new...' This quote is directly from the Quran, the book which Muslims consider as the revealed word of God. This book also testifies that 'This is the same as the previous scriptures...' and in another verse says: 'He has decreed for you the same way of life decreed for Noah, and what is revealed herein, and what was decreed for Abraham, Moses and Jesus.'
People who accept the teachings of all the prophets including Jesus and Muhammad have many things in common. For example the Quran speaks highly of Jesus: 'We sent Jesus, the son of Mary. We gave him the Gospel and We placed in the hearts of his followers kindness and mercy.' Mary
, his mother, is similarly given an honoured status: '0 Mary, God has chosen you, and sanctified you and has chosen you above all the women.'
The Quran gives an insight into the many facets of Islam usually hidden by religious practices based on custom rather than the original teachings.
See Quran verses: 46.9; 42.13; 57.27; 3.42.