Self-righteousness

From last month’s article: Self-righteousness is the belief that we are morally superior to others, to the point that we fail to see our own faults but are great at seeing the faults of others. What makes it so dangerous is that it looks and feels like righteousness, but it is far from righteousness.

This is the continuation of the list of  items that we (myself included) can use to check if we are self-righteous.

8. Do you think the world would be a better place if everyone was like you?

God tells us that by His design He has made us into distinct people and tribes and the best among us is the most righteous (49:13). He also tells us that He has decreed different rites for the people of the scripture and He will put us to the test through the revelations He has given each of us (5:48). This is part of God’s system. We do not know if we are the most righteous (3:110), nor can we change God’s system. So it is up to us how to apply tolerance and respect for one another despite our differences.

The alternative would be to attempt to force people to believe per our personal guidelines.

If we were to do this we would be going against Quran (2:256, 10:99, 18:29, 28:56, 88:21-22) and we run the risk of being no different than the tyrannical governments who persecute or banish people who have religious beliefs contrary to their own.

[5:48] Then we revealed to you this scripture, truthfully, confirming previous scriptures, and superseding them. You shall rule among them in accordance with GOD’s revelations, and do not follow their wishes if they differ from the truth that came to you. For each of you, we have decreed laws and different rites. Had GOD willed, He could have made you one congregation. But He thus puts you to the test through the revelations He has given each of you. You shall compete in righteousness. To GOD is your final destiny―all of you―then He will inform you of everything you had disputed.

9. Do you think your understanding on all things is the ultimate truth for all Submitters, and deep down do you believe it is a litmus test for true Submission?

In the introduction to the Authorized English Version of the Quran, written by Rashad Khalifa, we see the following excerpt.

All Believers Constitute the One Acceptable Religion

As expected from the Creator’s final message, one of the prominent themes in the Quran is the call for unity among all believers, and the repeated prohibition of making any distinction among God’s messengers. If the object of worship is one and the same, there will be absolute unity among all believers. It is the human factor, i.e., devotion and prejudice to such powerless humans as Jesus, Muhammad, and the saints that causes division, hatred, and bitter wars among the misguided believers. A guided believer is devoted to God ALONE, and rejoices in seeing any other believer who is devoted to God ALONE, regardless of the name such a believer calls his or her religion.

Additionally, when you open the first page of the Authorized English Version of the Quran you read the following verse.

Unity of All Submitters

[2:62] Surely, those who believe, those who are Jewish, the Christians, and the converts; anyone who (1) believes in GOD, and (2) believes in the Last Day,

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