|
In most places, it has become customary to fault “Islam” for any act of violence and terrorism in which some of its “followers” are involved. It is the most misunderstood religion in the world, treated with discrimination and apprehension. We, as Submitters, should try to explain the virtues and true spirit of our great religion. We cannot just parrot the hackneyed cliché that Submission is a not just a religion but a complete way of life. It must be proven to be so and be in harmony with the demands of the day. All matters in the Quran are totally in sync with the growth and progress in every part of our life.
True Islam (Submission) places so much emphasis on the ethics of integrity and self-control, and yet we see all around us extremism, brutality, bombings and bloodshed. The question arises how such an intrinsically nonviolent message has been so viciously perverted. We must try to eradicate this notion.
The Quran gives us guidance in numerous ways to help us to develop the requisites to fulfill our duties. We are explicitly told that to exist in calm and composure, we have to uphold the principles of balance and equivalence which is the running foundation for the whole universe.
[55:8-9] You shall not transgress the law. You shall establish justice; do not violate the law.
We should encourage common terms and not generate an atmosphere of disagreement, suspicion and hatred. This can, with God’s help, nurture kindness and concern among all people towards one other.
Invitation to All Believers
[3:64] Say, “O followers of the scripture, let us come to a logical agreement between us and you: that we shall not worship except GOD; that we never set up any idols besides Him, nor set up any human beings as lords beside GOD.” If they turn away, say, “Bear witness that we are submitters.”
We could emphasize shared understandings of teachings of other religions so that we promote a mutually beneficial society. Non-Submitters can, of course, practice their religions unhindered and in peace.
Submission (Islam) is not a secluded or unapproachable creed but cordially intertwined in all religions. Islam does not advocate monasticism. The entire world can be your mosque; you can pray almost anywhere you like. Submission (Islam) is very tolerant.
[2:256] There shall be no compulsion in religion: the right way is now distinct from the wrong way. Anyone who denounces the devil and believes in GOD has grasped the strongest bond; one that never breaks. GOD is Hearer, Omniscient. No one needs to compulsorily accept and profess Islam.
Yet, people kill in the name of “Islam”. They use Quranic verses to justify suicide bombings and other acts of violence. This is due to lack of knowledge of the whole Quran. “Clerics” argue on petty topics instead of absorbing the essence of Quranic precepts. Their fatwas are thoughtlessly carried out by those who have made up their minds to assert Islam as a religion that sanctions radical belligerence. They present a totally disfigured picture of the religion that lays a greater prominence on “jihad” which they translate as a “militaristic struggle” than on peaceful non-violent ways to seek redress on any wrong done to “Muslims”.
The word “jihad” is entirely misinterpreted. It does not mean war, which in any case can only be performed in self-defense. [2:193] You may also fight them to eliminate oppression, and to worship GOD freely. If they refrain, you shall not aggress; aggression is permitted only against the aggressors.
We are also duty-bound to cease conflict should the provoker consequently lean towards peace. [9:6] If one of the idol worshipers sought safe passage with you, you shall grant him safe passage, so that he can hear the word of GOD, then send him back to his place of security. That is because they are people who do not know.
In fact, Islam seen in Quran isso tolerant that God tells us:
[6:108] Do not curse the idols they set up beside GOD, lest they blaspheme and curse GOD, out of ignorance. We have adorned the works of every group in their eyes. Ultimately, they return to their Lord, then He informs them of everything they had done.
“Jihad” is a struggle which we induce against ourselves and on behalf of ourselves (souls). We are urged to preserve all places of worship where the name of God is mentioned including churches, synagogues and mosques.
[22:40] They were evicted from their homes unjustly, for no reason other than saying, “Our Lord is GOD.” If it were not for GOD’s supporting of some people against others, monasteries, churches, synagogues, and masjids―where the name of GOD is commemorated frequently―would have been destroyed. Absolutely, GOD supports those who support Him. GOD is Powerful, Almighty.
We do not want to interfere with followers of other religions in practicing their worship.
Not surprisingly, the word “sword” does not appear in the Quran even once, but there is a Sura called The Pen. God’s religion stands for peace. When a Submitter (Muslim) meets another believer, his greetings are, “Peace be unto you.” The Quran makes prominent the significance of knowledge and encourages us to keep acquiring it.
[20:114] Most Exalted is GOD, the only true King. Do not rush into uttering the Quran before it is revealed to you, and say, “My Lord, increase my knowledge.”
The spirit of Submission (Islam) is that its entire flock should live together serenely,
Cont'd on page 4