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:
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]
This is an
important point to reflect upon, because many people do not
realise that "islam" first and foremost is a state of being, not
a title. For example, there is a difference between saying "the
pillow is soft" and "the pillow is Soft". The latter could mean
anything, due to the capitalised "S" in "Soft", and we would
have to find out what "Soft" refers to before we understood the
statement, whereas the word "soft" is self-explanatory, it is
describing an attribute the pillow has. Similarly, there is a
difference between saying "the person is in islam" and "the
person is in Islam". The latter refers to the title of a group,
whilst the former describes an attribute the person has. This
attribute is present in everything around us, in the very fabric
of the universe itself... it may even be present within you.
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.
So, how do we acheive this?
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]
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.
We hope that you have found
this website helpful, and we wish you the best of success in
your studies.
