Islam reading: chapter 3

Humans have animal like desires, and instincts. Islam believes that humans are born good, and free of sin. However, we fall prey to our natural weaknesses. There are levels of spiritual development: the animal self, the accusing self, and the contended self. The aim of our fitrah (inner nature) is to elevate our minds to seek God. The struggle of our animal self is made hard by an evil jinn named Shaytan (sounds like Satan). He tries to corrupt us so we will forget about God. Once the soul reaches the accusing self big questions begin to arise. For instance, what is the meaning of life. Once this happens the person is ready to look for God. According to Islam oneness with God creates an at ease heart. The third stage, the restful self, the person still has a normal life but realizes the higher purpose of life, and is awaiting their meeting with God. To a Muslim, surrendering to God means to believe in him and to follow a harmonious life. To Muslims the Qur'an is considered the last installment of divine guidance, and cannot be changed by humans. Islam makes a clear line between right and wrong. There are no set listing of "the seven deadly sins", however there are 11 main sins and 10 mains good deeds. Islam holds that when you sin it will be held against you and put into your "record book" for judgement day. The only way to remove a sin is to follow a four step process (tawba). Only a few sins resolve in physical punishment. On judgement day if you do not repent your sins and ask for forgiveness, rejecting God and staying with the animal self will result in a corrupt and warped soul. Some souls can be changed but other are too warped and will forever life in hell.