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Background:
This is perhaps the most common misconception amongst all people,
including Muslims.
Do they seek other than the system of
God, when all things in the heavens and the earth, willingly or
unwillingly have surrendered / given over to Him, and to Him they will
be returned. [Quran, 3:83]
There are many
misunderstandings about religion in general, their beliefs and
practices, but especially with regard to "islam". The first key thing
to appreciate is the word "islam" and what it represents. It is an
Arabic word and it existed before The Quran was written and was used to
describe an attribute, an action, a state of being: self-surrender or
to make peace. It comes from the verb "aslama" meaning 'to give over'.
A "muslim" is simply one who is in "islam" (i.e. one who surrenders or
makes peace).
It should be noted that this word
had no religious connotation and was not a title of something, even
though it has come to be used as a title these days. According to The
Quran itself, everything in the universe, willingly or unwillingly has
ultimately surrendered to God, thus the basic concept of islam is as
old as the universe itself:
Now that we understand islam as an attribute, it becomes
clear that an attribute is not exclusive to any group. For example, no
product has the monopoly on being soft, many items can be soft. This is where the system described
in The Quran differs significantly from religions. Many people
do not realise that it is an inclusive system which promotes beliefs
and actions that are not exclusive to any group, and repeatedly points
this out. It is simply a continuation and completion of the same
message that has been given since the dawn of mankind.
Surely
those who believe, and those who are Jews, and the Nazarenes*, and the Sabians, whoever
believes in God and the Last day and does good, they shall have their
reward from their Lord, and there is no fear upon them, nor shall they
grieve. [Quran, 2:62]
*commonly translated as
"Christians" but more likely refers to the followers of Jesus of
Nazareth, hence Nazarenes.
Say: "We
believe in God and what has been revealed to us, and what was revealed
to Abraham and Ishmael and Isaac and Jacob and the tribes, and what was
given to Moses and Jesus
and
to the prophets from their Lord; we do not make any distinction between
any of them, and to Him do we submit. [Quran, 3:84]
The core theme throughout The Quran
is monotheism: belief in the oneness
and uniqueness of God, the source from which all of creation originates
and the source we will all return to. This concept is closely related
to a recognition of unity and oneness amongst all things with regard to
purpose and direction, and when we become in harmony with our true
state of being, like how every component in the universe serves the
whole, i.e. God, we can be said to be in the state of islam: we
self-surrender or make peace.
The system in The Quran promotes
unity, and a system of governance that is just and beneficial for all
of society, even if one is of no particular faith. It details an
environment that allows humans to live and grow to their full
potential. Shortly after The Quran came into existence, it is well
documented that the Arabs excelled in all areas of science for example
and spread their knowledge and governance to many countries, producing
the most advanced and productive societies of the time, e.g. Cordoba of
Al-Andalus.
So, how can we acheive
this? HOME -
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The Quran contains the same truth
that was revealed in previous scriptures (e.g. the same message that
was given to Abraham, Moses, Jesus and others) and considers itself as
the final divine revelation to mankind. It urges people of other
monotheistic faiths to return to their original teachings, and discard
all the additions added by man-made laws, tradition, culture, various
sects and scholars etc. Its objective and its method of explanation is
that of educating the minds and changing human attitude towards life.
Its aim is to strip away the inessentials, reveal our true form and
bring about a revolution inside the man himself, for after all, the
external material civilization is the expression of the internal
spiritual condition of man himself. Interestingly, it refers to itself
many times as a reminder, implying it is teaching us universal truths
already present within us and around us.
We
will show them Our signs in the horizons, and within themselves, until
it becomes clear to them that this is the truth. Is it not enough that
your Lord is witness over all things? [Quran, 41:53]
Quite simply, it is a book all
about us, discussing: our creation, purpose, history, spirituality,
psyche, life's big questions, justice, governance etc. It is a guide on
how to realise our potential, individually and collectively, if one
chooses to seek this path. It should be read like any other book: do
not read to contradict and refute, nor to believe and take it for
granted but simply to weigh and consider.
We
have sent down to you a book in which is your remembrance/mentioning.
Will you not, then, use reason? [Quran, 21:10]
Thus, unlike religions which
commonly have an exclusive nature or promote beliefs without the use of
reason, The Quran repeatedly emphasises unity and promotes the use of
our hearts as well as our minds. If you have read the many
misconceptions about islam discussed on this site, then you will know
there is a big difference between what you think islam is or what you think The
Quran says and what islam actually
is and what The Quran actually says.
Luckily, The Quran has been
translated into many languages, and is often available to read in your
local library. Even though a translation can never fully represent the
original, it may be a good starting point. The following website
contains links to many translations, and other resources (e.g. search
Quran by word, browse by topic, listen to mp3 audio) and you can even
order a free copy if you wish: www.StudyQuran.org
Or alternatively, buy it from most
book stores, e.g. here. There are also many online articles
and videos about islam, muslims and The Quran, but rather than relying
on second-hand information, it is best to study it from the source, to
the best of your ability. This would be the sincere and sensible
approach.
References
islam: a challenge to religion