IS THE MULTI-FAITH CONCEPT COMPATIBLE WITH ISLAMIC VALUES?
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IS THE MULTI-FAITH CONCEPT COMPATIBLE WITH ISLAMIC VALUES?
One needs to be careful before joining the chorus of ?all religions are the same.? That just isn?t true ?
This issue trumpeting ?all faiths teach the same values? or ?all religions are good? has been going on for long. After a careful analysis, I am of the opinion that this concept is only partly true, NOT entirely. It is no doubt correct that the ethical values of all faiths are similar. But that cannot be said in regard to their spiritual aspects. For instance, all religions profess that it is wrong to steal, to kill, to be dishonest, to commit adultery or fornication, to be unkind to parents, relatives, neighbours and humanity in general, etc. etc. All such issues make up the ethical side of every faith and may have a high degree of uniformity. However, all faiths do not portray the same ideology about God, and this constitutes its spiritual/religious side. Concerning spiritual and religious notions, Islam is different and is the final word for all those who adhere to the Qur'aan. The Glorious Qur?aan clearly mentions that we ought to follow only the path shown by Allah. If we follow other guidelines, we run the risk of being parted from His way.
?And (He commandeth you, saying) This is My straight path, so follow it Follow not other ways, lest ye be parted from His way This hath He ordained for you, that ye may ward off (evil)? (6153) Al-An?am
? ?.. And set your faces, upright (toward Him) at every place of worship and call upon Him, making religion pure for Him (only). As He brought you into being, so return ye (unto Him).? (729) Al-Araf
?He it is who hath sent His messenger with the guidance and the religion of truth, that He may make it conqueror of all religion however much idolaters may be averse.? (619)
?And cry not unto any other god along with Allah. ??..? (288
The above verses (and many more) clearly imply that the path of conduct that Allah has commanded to be followed is different from those of other faiths. As already mentioned, only certain rules of ethics are common between Islam and other religions. But the various spiritual factors are very different. Therefore, the ideology of life highlighted in the Qur?aan in its entirety (ethical + spiritual) is different from those of other faiths. Thus, accepting and implementing the rules of another faith in its entirety would obviously lead to a clash of values with the Qur?aan at some point or the other.
For example, to my utter astonishment, I recently met a couple who identified themselves as ?Muslims? for they were born in Muslim families, yet were seriously supportive of the theory of re-incarnation. I was baffled by the inconsistency of their sense of logic. Allah says in the Qur?aan, loud and clear, that every soul is responsible and answerable for its own deeds. This concept is one of the cornerstones of the Qur?aan.
?And no burdened soul can bear another's burden, ??. He who groweth (in goodness), groweth only for himself, (he cannot by his merit redeem others). Unto Allah is the journeying.? (351
?And guard yourselves against a day when no soul will in aught avail another, ?? (24
Also, Allah has inspired each human soul (separately) with a conscience and awareness of right & wrong. It?s the responsibility of every individual to select their path of conduct. Those who allow their conscience to expand are the successful ones in His sight, while those who keep it stunted are the losers.
?And a soul and Him who perfected it
And inspired it (with conscience of) what is wrong for it and (what is) right for it.
He is indeed successful who causeth it to grow,
And he is indeed a failure who stunteth it.? (917-10) Ash-ShamsAgain, the above verses and many more clearly reflect that there is absolutely no room in Islam for the acceptance of concepts such as the re-incarnation theory. Anyone who trusts the infallibility of Divine Justice would totally reject such a bizarre concept that talks about a single soul being shared by several living beings as claimed by the theory of re-incarnation.
It makes me wonder that if such ?Muslims? are acquainted with the spiritual dictates of the Glorious Qur?aan (which they claim they are), how do they reconcile their beliefs based on other sources with the established principles & norms of the Qur?aan ??
Allah says that the Qur?aan is a continuation and reminder of the former Divine Scriptures that were corrupted and altered by its followers with the passage of time. Thus, Allah mentions in the Qur?aan that all messengers and prophets came with the same basic spiritual message, that is, there is only One God, He has no partners, and He is the sole Creator of the entire universe and the heavens, Who is All Powerful and All Knowing.
?And unto thee have We revealed the Scripture with the truth, confirming whatever Scripture was before it, and a watcher over it. So judge between them by that which Allah hath revealed, and follow not their desires away from the truth which hath come unto thee. ???. Unto Allah ye will all return, and He will then inform you of that wherein ye differ.? (54 Al-Maidah
Both Moses and Jesus, son of Mary, preached pure Islamic doctrine (i.e. surrender to One God). Later, the Jews and Christians deviated from strict monotheism because of their own innovations and beliefs. The Jews earned the wrath of Allah by worshipping the golden calf. Similarly, the Christians went astray by taking Jesus as God along with their belief of trinity.
?O People of the Scripture! Do not exaggerate in your religion nor utter aught concerning Allah save the truth. The Messiah, Jesus son of Mary, was only a messenger of Allah, and His word which He conveyed unto Mary, and a spirit from Him. So believe in Allah and His messengers, and say not "Three". Cease! (it is) better for you! Allah is only One God. Far is it removed from His transcendent majesty that He should have a son. His is all that is in the heavens and all that is in the earth. And Allah is sufficient as Defender.? (4171) An-Nissa
Therefore, Islam is the only Religion that strictly adheres to monotheism portraying the image of the Almighty, the One and Only, as the lone Supreme Creator Who has NO associates.
As a Muslim I cannot say that I believe in all religions. That would be contradictory to my Islamic beliefs. I can say that I respect all religions, but I believe only in Islam because if I say I believe in all then I cannot call myself a Muslim. I repeat, here I am primarily referring to the spiritual & religious aspect of religion. Needless to mention, emphasis on the unity of Allah is the most important cornerstone of Faith, without which there can be no Faith. Thus, this is the first and foremost concept that must be taken into consideration .. and in this regard there's a marked difference between Islam and other religions.
Hence, much against the modern-day rhetorics, the underlying message of all religions is NOT the same. This is simply a shrewd protocol of secular diplomacy, or possibly a product of twisted human philosophies. Besides, the glorious existence of the Almighty Allah is not a ?philosophy,? rather it is the most significant Truth. According to Dr. B. Soharwardy, President of the Islamic Supreme Council of Canada ? ?Allah says in the Qur?aan that the only religion and way of life acceptable to Him is Islam (the surrender to Him). The spiritual ideology of other faiths have been changed and are no more the same as Islam. For example, the Christians say that Prophet Jesus is the ?son of God? which as Muslims, we can never accept. These words do not conform with the dictates of the Qur?aan.? Dr. Soharwardy adds ?When we say that islam is the only way of life acceptable to Allah, this does not mean we must hate the people of others religions. We need to be respectful and tolerant as per the rules of the Qur?aan, and at the same time we have to bear in mind that the religious rules of other faiths are not compatible with Islam.?
Saadia Dehlavi, an accomplished Muslim journalist states in one of her articles ? ?It is difficult for non-Muslims the world over to understand the Muslim conviction of faith. However obscure we may seem, we cannot adhere to the social requirement of stating ?I believe in all religions? simply because Islam does not allow such statements. My friends and acquaintances in India often tell me that I am communal because they come with me to the ?dargahs? for ?ziarat? but I do not go to the temples to pray. I respect all religions, but I cannot believe in them, for then I would cease to be a Muslim.?
Salaam
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Peace Khidr,
FAITH in GOD brought me to religion and toward scriptures! It was not religion or religiouse knowledge that brought me the FAITH.
In this journey if one attains faith in its DESTINATION, The path will be shown and that showing comes from HIM alone! There is no other source of GUIDANCE! Even holy QURAN can not guide. Guidance comes from HIM alone, and that happens, after one starts geting straight from inside!
Even if you have the finest logic and read thousands of books and all the scriptures; no guidance will be revealed to you!
And have no scripture and nothing to read! Open your heart up to HIS MAJESTY and you will be showered with GUIDANCE!
Contemplate on this, maybe you will vision the tool of religion from a different perspective!
Howal Azziz ol Hakeem
Peace,
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Peace Alhpa
I have read how u said Allah guided you. Guided can be a general term, so I would like to ask you a question to get a clearer understanding how you were guided. When you said that Allah guided you, did Allah speak to you with His voice out the sky or did Allah speak to you in one of your dreams, to tell you Islaam was the way, is that how Allah guided you?
Peace
Peace Khidr,
FAITH in GOD brought me to religion and toward scriptures! It was not religion or religiouse knowledge that brought me the FAITH.
In this journey if one attains faith in its DESTINATION, The path will be shown and that showing comes from HIM alone! There is no other source of GUIDANCE! Even holy QURAN can not guide. Guidance comes from HIM alone, and that happens, after one starts geting straight from inside!
Even if you have the finest logic and read thousands of books and all the scriptures; no guidance will be revealed to you!
And have no scripture and nothing to read! Open your heart up to HIS MAJESTY and you will be showered with GUIDANCE!
Contemplate on this, maybe you will vision the tool of religion from a different perspective!
Howal Azziz ol Hakeem
Peace,
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Peace Alhpa
I have read how u said Allah guided you. Guided can be a general term, so I would like to ask you a question to get a clearer understanding how you were guided. When you said that Allah guided you, did Allah speak to you with His voice out the sky or did Allah speak to you in one of your dreams, to tell you Islaam was the way, is that how Allah guided you?
Peace
Peace No_Shirk,
First of ALL, The moments of self-gratitude are where one can go stray!!!!!!!!!!!
YET one feels the guidance in the heart in reality you sense that you become aware of your own selfishness and desires and manage to detect and control them. One senses a clear lowering of SELF! Anger is managed easily! others can not bring you off-balance! loving to feed the hungry , being able to forgive easily! a severe sense of positiveness toward life! .... ALL which are granted BY THE ALMIGHTY!
Take chapter 103 into your heart for 40 days and experience it for yourself!
GOD is waiting for us to take one step toward HIM and HE will take 100 steps toward us.
I am not going to give a scientific explanation into this, It is real. do it and experience it! first hand.
raise your hands and sincerely ask for HIS guidance and raise him in your thoughts and actions and then IT HAPPENS!otherwise it is very difficult to tell someone else how strawberry tastes like! unless the other one knows it already!
PEACE,
peace,
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Peace
But alpha you didn't answer this question
When you said that Allah guided you, did Allah speak to you with His voice out the sky or did Allah speak to you in one of your dreams, to tell you Islaam was the way, is that how Allah guided you?
Salaam
Peace Alhpa
I have read how u said Allah guided you. Guided can be a general term, so I would like to ask you a question to get a clearer understanding how you were guided. When you said that Allah guided you, did Allah speak to you with His voice out the sky or did Allah speak to you in one of your dreams, to tell you Islaam was the way, is that how Allah guided you?
Peace
Peace No_Shirk,
First of ALL, The moments of self-gratitude are where one can go stray!!!!!!!!!!!
YET one feels the guidance in the heart in reality you sense that you become aware of your own selfishness and desires and manage to detect and control them. One senses a clear lowering of SELF! Anger is managed easily! others can not bring you off-balance! loving to feed the hungry , being able to forgive easily! a severe sense of positiveness toward life! .... ALL which are granted BY THE ALMIGHTY!
Take chapter 103 into your heart for 40 days and experience it for yourself!
GOD is waiting for us to take one step toward HIM and HE will take 100 steps toward us.
I am not going to give a scientific explanation into this, It is real. do it and experience it! first hand.
raise your hands and sincerely ask for HIS guidance and raise him in your thoughts and actions and then IT HAPPENS!otherwise it is very difficult to tell someone else how strawberry tastes like! unless the other one knows it already!
PEACE,
peace,
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Salaam Myr
When I used the words "mulitple faiths" i was referring to different religions. According to the Qur'aan the only religion accepted by Allah is Islaam. Allah distinctlively said "Islaam" and not Hindu, Judaism, Christianity, just to name a few as examples.
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As Salaamu Alaykum Alpha97
In Islaam iman (faith) is not blind faith, iman is an intelligent faith; In Islaam iman (faith) is something that is proven beyond doubt, something that is based on truth, facts. One of the strongest messages in the Qur?aan, Allah wants us to steer away from this notion of ?blind faith? by just accepting beliefs, religious dogmas, concepts, philosophies or anything without using our brains, logic, reasoning. This is why Allah has revealed the following
Qur?aan 1736
You shall not accept any information, unless you verify it for yourself. I have given you the hearing, the eyesight, and the brain, and you are responsible for using them.Qur?aan 3918
They are the ones who examine all words, then follow the best. These are the ones whom Allah has guided; these are the ones who possess intelligence.In Qur?aan 2111 addresses the Jews and Christians when they make this foolish claim that they are the only ones who will enter Paradise and Allah tells us in the Holy Qur?aan to ask them to show/bring/produce their proof
Qur?aan 2111
They said, ?No one will enter Paradise unless they be a Jew or a Christian!? Such is their wishful thinking. Say, ?Show us your proof, if you are truthfull.?Allah also gives us Muslims the GREEN light to DEBATE in (16125). Debate is a format which civilized people use to address their differences. In Debate falsehood and truth clash, thus, this is a process that we take in order for truth to shine by presenting evidence to refute falsehood. Blind faith has no life in this process
Qur?aan 1781
And say ?Truth has (now) arrived, and falsehood perished for falsehood is (by its nature) bound to perish,?These verses are very strong indicators that we should not operate on blind faith. Obtaining KNOWLEDGE/FACTS/EVIDENCE/PROOF/LOGIC/REASONING by using the mind is very important and should not be over looked. A lot of people make the claim that its in their heart, I was guided by God and we do not need knowledge or as you have said, ?It was not religion or religious knowledge that brought me the FAITH? We have many religious people like Christians, Buddhist, Hindus, just to name a few. who also make this same claim and they say just like you Alpha that is why they are Christians, Buddhist, Hindus, etc. The whole human family has been divided and misguided based on that concept alone. One of the fallacies of the human nature is that when it comes to investigating materials things to see if it is quality or not such as buying a car, clothes, just to name a few, we (human beings) investigate that to make sure those material things are quality and not cheap but when it comes to religion our common sense goes out the window. We do not take the time to question/research/gain knowledge to see whether our religious beliefs/faith is man-made or Divine from the Most High and this is a travesty among the human family of the earth. Allah has blessed us with a LAW called ?free-will? and it will be or up to us to make the decision to ascertain whether or not our religion is truth or false. It would be nice if Allah fed-spooned us that way, but no we have to put in the work ourselves and of course Allah will guide us. I am not disputing the fact that our Creator, Allah guides to the straight path or truth and Allah even says that He bestows wisdom on whomever He chooses (2269) but this is not done in a manner where people hear Allah?s voice out of the sky speaking to them or receive visions etc. etc. like many corrupt religious leaders claim, particularly the Christians.
You have given your testimony on how you obtained your faith, and Alhamdulillah. I would also like to share my testimony which is something that a lot of people can relate to because they were awakend through the same journey as I was. I accepted Islaam as the UNIVERSIAL TRUTH from the Creator Himself. I did not accept Islaam based on blind faith, no, instead I have spent a lot of my years studying comparative religion and when I was able to see how science/mathematics proved that the Qur?aan was not a product of a mere mortal or a combination of mortals and that the Qur?aan was indeed Infallible which proves that it had to have come from the Creator of all, thus I then accept Islaam as the true religion from Allah. Because of my approach I am content at heart that I have not accepted some faith blindly that could possibly be false. There are many of us who have taken that journey such as Dr. Maurice Bucaille and Dr. Keeth Moore, just to name a few. These men accepted Islaam because science has proven that the Qur?aan is an infallible Book from the Creator and could not have been a man-made product like the unholy bible
Qur?aan 22
This scripture (The Qur?aan) is infallible; it?s a guidance to the select, who tremble at the mention of Allah.Qur?aan 1788
Say, ?If the whole of mankind and Jinns were to band together to produce a Qur?aan like this, they would never be able to produce anything like it, even if they backed up each other with help and support.?Alpha what ever journey that you had to take to end up in Islaam, Praise be to Allah, I on the other hand had a different journey but at least we have ended up in the true faith (Al Islaam).
Sura 110
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When triumph comes from Allah, and victory.
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You will see crowds of people embracing (converting to) Allah?s prescribed way of life.
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Then glorify and exalt your Sustainer with praise and worship, and ask His forgiveness for surely, He is eternally receptive to those who turn to Him seeking repentance.
You have said this
?There is no other source of GUIDANCE! Even holy QURAN can not guide. Guidance comes from HIM alone, and that happens?
You have said below if we do not have any scriptures but today and as well in the past Allah has provided scriptures. Sometimes when people talk this way it can be misleading because really their out come or intentions (not all people but some) is to remove us from following Allah's scripture. But if there were no scriptures that exist and we do not have access to any scriptures then Alpha that is different story or a different situation
?And have no scripture and nothing to read! Open your heart up to HIS MAJESTY and you will be showered with GUIDANCE!?
It is true that our MASTER (ALLAH), who is The Originator of the galactic heavens and the planet earth and all the Boundless Universes, is the One who guides. However, Alpha the Holy Qur?aan also guides us to for the simple fact that the Qur?aan is literally the word of Allah that He revealed in this world for us to follow and seek guidance to lead us out of darkness into the light
Qur?aan 141-2
- Alif Laam Raa (This is) a scripture that We have revealed to you, in order to lead the people out of darkness into the light-in accordance with the will of their Lord-to the path of The Almighty, The Praisworthy.
- (The path of) Allah; the One who possesses everything in the galactic heavens and everything on the planet earth. Woe to the disbelievers; they have incurred a terrible retribution.
The human being is finite not infallible so if we just accept that it?s in our hearts is wrong, its more to it then that Alpha. Every body that has made that claim ended up in different religions. Another example, there are people within the Progressive Muslim group who profess to believe in 2 Salaat and then you will find others who believe in 3 Salaat and then you will find others who believe that Allah authorized 5 Salaat in the Holy Qur?aan and this division and confusion has been done under the same Muslim group who call themselves ?Progressive Muslims?, so Alpha it?s a little more then just saying what?s in the heart. Our hearts has to be pure and open and that is true but we have to also study and accept the truth and we definitely have to seek Allah?s guidance and His revelation (Al Qur?aan) to keep us on the straight path, to help secure that our religious practices are rightly guided etc. etc. That concept alone ?its just in your heart? has mislead many people into all kinds of different faiths (religions) and also have caused sub-divisions or sect within the same religion and within the same sect of that religion.
Qur?aan 1336
Those who receive the scripture rejoice in what was revealed to you. Others reject parts of it. Say, ?I am simply enjoined to worship Allah, and never associate any idols with Him. I invite to Him, and to Him is my ultimate destiny.In Qur?aan 6944-47 makes it very clear that Muhammad would not have went out side this revelation (Qur?aan). The scriptures are important for us to follow and seek guidance in for the simple fact that they are from Allah. Another good verse is found here Qur?aan 619. Allah has revealed throughout the Qur?aan where He said that we will get guidance from the Qur?aan. Allah also has said that He has always taught man by the pen
Qur?aan 963-5
3. Read, and your Sustainer, Most Exalted.
4. Teaches by means of the pen.
5. He taught man what they would have never known.Allah has always taught man by His Spiritual Pen (His scriptures that He reveals for us to follow). In the verse below Allah says that we are supposed to believe in the Messengers that He sent and their revelations (scriptures)
Qur?aan 2136
Say, ?We believe in Allah, and in what was revealed to us, and in what was revealed to Abraham, Ismail, Isaac, Jacob, and the Tribes; and in what was given to Moses and Jesus, and all the Prophets from their Lord. We make no distinction among any of them. To Him alone we are Muslims.?We have to be careful of some people who propagate that its only in your heart. I have seen many people like this disguised or parading themselves as Muslims and then much later down the line you will hear these same people talking about we do not need the Qur?aan because its in your heart; we do not need to observe Salaat it?s a bunch of rituals and its what in the heart etc. etc. Men are finite, they create error and confusion due to the perversity in their hearts as well as the abuse of free-will and that is why we will always need Allah?s guidance and His revelations that provide guidance for us. Allah does not speak to us out of the blue sky, thus we have to work to gain knowledge. All this is part of disciplining our souls and making the free-will choice to submit to Allah?s will and accept His uncompromised TRUTH, but again this is not to be done in taking the blind faith approach or method. Allah wants us to gain knowledge from the cradle to the grave.
In closing the article that I placed in this thread is addressing the false notion that many people say or claim that its ok to be in any religion that you want and that they all came from Allah. That notion right there is not supported in the Qur?aan and Muslims should not compromise Islaam for that illogical notion carried out by many?
Salaam
Peace Khidr,
FAITH in GOD brought me to religion and toward scriptures! It was not religion or religiouse knowledge that brought me the FAITH.
In this journey if one attains faith in its DESTINATION, The path will be shown and that showing comes from HIM alone! There is no other source of GUIDANCE! Even holy QURAN can not guide. Guidance comes from HIM alone, and that happens, after one starts geting straight from inside!
Even if you have the finest logic and read thousands of books and all the scriptures; no guidance will be revealed to you!
And have no scripture and nothing to read! Open your heart up to HIS MAJESTY and you will be showered with GUIDANCE!
Contemplate on this, maybe you will vision the tool of religion from a different perspective!
Howal Azziz ol Hakeem
Peace,
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Walaikum Salaam .. another wonderful article brother Al-Khidr. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. It's so correct, every bit of it ..
Thank you!
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Peace Khidr,
FAITH in GOD brought me to religion and toward scriptures! It was not religion ...
When one refers to Faith in the One Almighty God, that means religion .. of course.
Allah (The Most High) chooses for His guidance only those who make themselves worthy of it through their efforts of devotion towards Him, humility and ethical deeds with His thought in their hearts. Once a person becomes privileged enough to be chosen for this guidance, that's when his/her perception and grasp of knowledge keep improving. And the dictates and narrations of the Glorious Qur'aan are elucidated automatically. Many a times when Allah choses a person for guidance, He starts enlightening that person's mind & heart through the verses of the Qur'aan. He has His own ways of showing this privilege. We cannot predict nor make our own lectures as to how the Divine guidance comes to different individuals. It can come to you in a certain way, and it can come to someone else in quite another way.
Contemplate on this, maybe you will vision the tool of religion from a different perspective!
By being focused on the Divine guidance of Allah, once gets even more convinced that the true religion (or Faith) only comes from Him and Him alone.
"Such then is Allah, your rightful Lord. After the Truth what is there saving error? How then are ye turned away!" (1032) Yunus
"Truth" as mentioned in the above verse refers to the existence of Allah as described in the Glorious Qur'aan. Therefore, when one is talking about Faith or Religion, this is the Ultimate and the only correct path. All others have been altered, and thus carry a human element, making them different from Al-Islam.
The topic here is Islam being different from other faiths. And I for one, agree with it 200%.
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Salam Al-Khidr,
My understanding from the Quran is that any strict or pure monotheism can be considered of the the same faith so the multi-faith concept would not exist for me unless by multi-faith you meant multi-religion concept or one global religion, that is, when you consider rituals.
Peace. Myr.Br. al-Khidr has already mentioned in his article that Judasim and Christianity started as strictly monotheist Faiths but were gradually altered by its followers.
It is very true that according to the Qur'aan all strictly monotheist religions have the same root, obviously, i.e. they are all a Message from the same Divine Power. But when the originality of any of these monotheist faiths are changed by human tampering, then these faiths cannot be considered having the original Divine link. Judaism and Christianity as followed today are a spectacular example of this deviation from its pure Divine origins.
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Salaam Elena
You quoted a mere mortal but I'm about to quote a Higher Source (ALLAH)
Qur?aan 319
The only religion approved by Allah is Islaam. Those who received the scripture dispute this fact, knowingly. This is due to jealousy on their part. For those who reject Allah?s revelations, Allah is most strict in reckoning.Qur?aan 385
Anyone who accepts other than Islaam as his religion, it will not be accepted from him, and in the Hereafter, he will be with the losers.Allah has clearly and distictively said "Islaam" and nothing else. Islaam is the only religion revealed and accepted by Allah.
Salaam
Peace
idolfree has said several times in the forum
- There are only two "religions" in the world, righteousness and unrighteousness, anything else is a sect.
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Alhamdulillah Sister Zainab
This was so POWERFUL, it will make the weak tremble
It is very true that according to the Qur'aan all strictly monotheist religions have the same root, obviously, i.e. they are all a Message from the same Divine Power. But when the originality of any of these monotheist faiths are changed by human tampering, then these faiths cannot be considered having the original Divine link. Judaism and Christianity as followed today are a spectacular example of this deviation from its pure Divine origins.
AND
"When one refers to Faith in the One Almighty God, that means religion .. of course.
Allah (The Most High) chooses for His guidance only those who make themselves worthy of it through their efforts of devotion towards Him, humility and ethical deeds with His thought in their hearts. Once a person becomes privileged enough to be chosen for this guidance, that's when his/her perception and grasp of knowledge keep improving. And the dictates and narrations of the Glorious Qur'aan are elucidated automatically. Many a times when Allah choses a person for guidance, He starts enlightening that person's mind & heart through the verses of the Qur'aan. He has His own ways of showing this privilege. We cannot predict nor make our own lectures as to how the Divine guidance comes to different individuals. It can come to you in a certain way, and it can come to someone else in quite another way."
Salam Al-Khidr,
My understanding from the Quran is that any strict or pure monotheism can be considered of the the same faith so the multi-faith concept would not exist for me unless by multi-faith you meant multi-religion concept or one global religion, that is, when you consider rituals.
Peace. Myr.Br. al-Khidr has already mentioned in his article that Judasim and Christianity started as strictly monotheist Faiths but were gradually altered by its followers.
It is very true that according to the Qur'aan all strictly monotheist religions have the same root, obviously, i.e. they are all a Message from the same Divine Power. But when the originality of any of these monotheist faiths are changed by human tampering, then these faiths cannot be considered having the original Divine link. Judaism and Christianity as followed today are a spectacular example of this deviation from its pure Divine origins.
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Salaam.
I agree, only Allah Most Merciful guides whomever He wills.
If Allah Most Powerful leaves someone astray, He does that with a reason.
Of course, Allah Most High, knows best.Salaam.
Absolutely brother Alen, you are so correct.
Walaikum Salaam ..
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Peace
I really liked this article here. Its not one of those topics where u sway on all sides, you choose whether or not Allah revealed one religion called Islam or there are several and from the Qur'aan evidence there is but only one religion and that is Islam.
All of Allah's Prophets were Muslims and they preached Islam since the beginning.
Qur'aan 1777-"This has been consistently the case with all the Messengers that We sent before you, you will find that Our system never changes."
Allah's system or way which is Islam has always been the same.
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Peace Alkhidr , sis Zainab, No-Shirk,
Thank you for your writings. I like this way of discussion. civilizationlevel -for the lack of a better word- of discussion is high!
let?s set an example! as we are supposed to.When the conditions to be guided are not met, there will be no guidance!
Quran en scriptures and nothing else can not be a source of guidance UNLESS FIRST couples of conditions come to exist!
These are conditions of SOUL.
FIRST COMES A MOVEMENT WITHIN OUR SOUL BY OUR DOING, THEN COMES A MOVEMENT WITHIN OUR SOUL AND HEART BY THE DOING OF HIS MAJESTY! One comes to experience everthing from a different vantage point.I have christian friends who through our exchnge of ideas have come to get acquainted with HIS ALMIGHTY! They fully understand that this big change in their life is GRANTED TO THEM and read their books with a different eye!
A chinese who has never heard of Quran and lives a rightouse life will be guided. We are all created equal. THE DIVINE LIGHT IS WAITING TO GUIDE US! NO NEED TO MAGNIFY THE DIFFERENCES! MAGNIFY THE ALMIGHTY in words and actions! 100% and fully.
Look into 2-2/2-3 for conditions of guidance!peace,
- It is upon Us to guide.
- And to Us is the end and the beginning.
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Peace Alkhidr , sis Zainab, No-Shirk,
Thank you for your writings. I like this way of discussion. civilizationlevel -for the lack of a better word- of discussion is high!
let?s set an example! as we are supposed to.When the conditions to be guided are not met, there will be no guidance!
Quran en scriptures and nothing else can not be a source of guidance UNLESS FIRST couples of conditions come to exist!
These are conditions of SOUL.
FIRST COMES A MOVEMENT WITHIN OUR SOUL BY OUR DOING, THEN COMES A MOVEMENT WITHIN OUR SOUL AND HEART BY THE DOING OF HIS MAJESTY! One comes to experience everthing from a different vantage point.I have christian friends who through our exchnge of ideas have come to get acquainted with HIS ALMIGHTY! They fully understand that this big change in their life is GRANTED TO THEM and read their books with a different eye!
A chinese who has never heard of Quran and lives a rightouse life will be guided. We are all created equal. THE DIVINE LIGHT IS WAITING TO GUIDE US! NO NEED TO MAGNIFY THE DIFFERENCES! MAGNIFY THE ALMIGHTY in words and actions! 100% and fully.
Look into 2-2/2-3 for conditions of guidance!peace
Salaam Alaikum / Peace alpha
I never said that all Christians or Chinese are bad nor will I say they're all glorious. And neither would I make such sweeping generalizations about Muslims or anyone for that matter. This is only for Allah to decide. I'd neither be so intrusive nor so paranoid. Besides, this is clearly not the essence of br. Khidr's article according to my perception, so I'd won't go any further into it.
However, as per the topic and according to my humble understanding, this very dynamic article by br. al-Khidr is basically about the link of Islamic Faith as defined in the Qur'aan with other faiths. In other words, guidance as you are talking about is one thing. As I stated earlier, guidance is bestowed only by the Divine Power in various ways to whomsoever He pleases and for whatever reasons He deems proper. Again, this is the domain of Allah and not for us to hamper with. But once guidance is already acquired by an individual as per the principles of the Qur'aan, how do we define its link with other faiths? This issue is important because all faiths do not define the existence of the Divine Power in a manner similar to the Qur'aan. Thus, the in-topic discussion is not the process of acquiring Divine guidance, rather it is to analyse its compatibility with other ideologies in view of Quraanic values after it is acquired. For this reason, I appreciate the distinction that br. Khidr very aptly made between ethics & spirituality. That gives a very realistic connotation to his article which is ever so vital. Last but not least, personally, as a Muslim, the cornerstone of my perspective would definitely be the Qur'aan just as the perspective of most persons of other faiths would ensue from their respective scriptures, social teachings or personal values based on those teachings. Comments from the author of the original post would be helpful.
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Salaam to all
In addition to guidance that is addressed by Alpha and commented by Zainab I just want to add this verse
Qur'aan 2269-"He bestows wisdom upon whomever He chooses, and whoever attains wisdom, has attained a great bounty. Only those who posses intelligence will take heed."
Zainab applause for keeping the topic in focus, "Thus, the in-topic discussion is not the process of acquiring Divine guidance, rather it is to analyse its compatibility with other ideologies in view of Quraanic values after it is acquired."
I believe if we are Muslims and follow the Qur'aan we should be careful of not confusing other religions as being from the same source of Divine authority from Allah. There are good people in all religions but the article is focusing on the Qur'aanic theme that only one religion revealed from Allah is Islaam. Allah did not leave that for guess work for us Muslims. I just want to add this verse that compliments Brother Al Khidr's article
Qur?aan 4213-14
13. He has prescribed for you the SAME religion, which He decreed on Noah, and what We have sent by inspiration to you, and what We decreed for Abraham, Moses, and Jesus ?You shall uphold this one religion, and do not divide it.? The idol worshippers will resent what you invite them to do. Allah redeems to Himself whomever He wills; He guides to Himself everyone who submits in peace.
14. Ironically, they broke up into sects-only after the knowledge had come to them-due to jealousy and resentment among themselves. If it were not for a predetermined decision from your Sustainer to respite them for a definite interim, they would have been judged immediately. Indeed, these later generations who inherited the scripture are full of doubts.