ABSTRACT
The overall objective of the chapter is to provide Islamic perspectives on the topic of human interaction with the divine, the sacred, and the deceased. The chapter will highlight not only how these beliefs and practices are both distinct and specific to Islam but also have a common thread with other faith traditions. It begins with a brief overview of how the “Divine” (Allah/God) is conceptualized in Islam and how humans communicate with God through various types of prayer such as salat, dhikr, and duaa. How God communicates with humans via dreams, inspiration, and the like are discussed as well. Next, how the term “saint” is conceptualized in Islamic traditions is discussed as well as the Islamic Doctrine of Intercession. Finally, an overview of how the afterlife is conceptualized in Islamic teachings, including the barzakh (intermediate realm) as well as how Muslims conceive of communicating with the departed is presented including the concept of sadaqa jaariya (posthumous perpetuating charity).
