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“orthodox”, “conservative”, or “Hasidic.” And in Teheran, while the answer would be Islam, that also is subject to one of two main sects—Sunni or Shia, plus other divisions such as Sufism or Ahmadiyya.
So, how can we discover the perfect religion, with so many different answers around the world? Well, of course, we only need to consult one source for the correct answer—the Quran. God tells us He perfected the Quran. [11:1] A.L.R. This is a scripture whose verses have been perfected, then elucidated.* It comes from a Most Wise, Most Cognizant.
*11:1 Our generation is fortunate to witness two awesome phenomena in the Quran: (1) an extraordinary mathematical code (Appendix 1), and (2) a literary miracle of incredible dimensions. If humans attempt to write a mathematically structured work, the numerical manipulations will adversely affect the literary quality. The Quran sets the standard for literary excellence.
He perfected it. He made it flawless. [18:1] Praise GOD, who revealed to His servant this scripture, and made it flawless.
And He sent it down as a Messenger: The Quran: Messenger of God
[11:2] Proclaiming: “You shall not worship except GOD. I come to you from Him as a warner, as well as a bearer of good news.
We know we can trust God. And we know He has given us a perfect scripture, so we can trust the Quran. Therefore, we can find the answer within the Quran. What is the perfect religion?
The Quran tells us in two places that the only religion acceptable to God is Islam, but that word must be translated. It’s not Islam as it’s practiced in the world today, but the true meaning of the word, which is submission to God. That’s the only religion acceptable to God.
Submission: The Only Religion
[3:19] The only religion approved by GOD is “Submission.” Ironically, those who have received the scripture are the ones who dispute this fact, despite the knowledge they have received, due to jealousy. For such rejectors of GOD’s revelations, GOD is most strict in reckoning.
Only One Religion Approved by God
[3:85] Anyone who accepts other than Submission as his religion, it will not be accepted from him, and in the Hereafter, he will be with the losers.
The perfect religion is the religion of Abraham.
[4:125] Who is better guided in his religion than one who submits totally to GOD, leads a righteous life, according to the creed of Abraham: monotheism? GOD has chosen Abraham as a beloved friend.
[6:161] Say, “My Lord has guided me in a straight path—the perfect religion of Abraham, monotheism. He never was an idol worshiper.”
[16:123] Then we inspired you (Muhammad) to follow the religion of Abraham, the monotheist; he never was an idol worshiper.
The perfect religion is the worship of God alone.
[12:40] “You do not worship beside Him except innovations that you have made up, you and your parents. GOD has never authorized such idols. All ruling belongs to GOD, and He has ruled that you shall not worship except Him. This is the perfect religion, but most people do not know.
[10:104] Say, “O people, if you have any doubt regarding my religion, I do not worship what you worship beside GOD. I worship GOD alone; the One who will terminate your lives. I am commanded to be a believer.” [10:105] I was commanded:
“Keep yourself devoted to the religion of monotheism; you shall not practice idol worship.
[16:52] To Him belongs everything in the heavens and the earth and therefore, the religion shall be devoted absolutely to Him alone. Would you worship other than GOD?
[39:14] Say, “GOD is the only One I worship, devoting my religion absolutely to Him alone.
[98:5] All that was asked of them was to worship GOD, devoting the religion absolutely to Him alone, observe the contact prayers (Salat), and give the obligatory charity (Zakat). Such is the perfect religion.
The Quran tells us clearly in 30:30 that the perfect religion is “strict monotheism.” Christianity, with its trinity (4:171), is not strict monotheism. Islam, with its sects based on human factors (30:32, 6:159), is not strict monotheism. So, we have to search to find true monotheism.
And how do we find this perfect religion? We follow God’s guidance. [2:120] Neither the Jews, nor the Christians, will accept you, unless you follow their religion. Say, “GOD’s guidance is the true guidance.” If you acquiesce to their wishes, despite the knowledge you have received, you will find no ally or supporter to help you against GOD.
We follow the example of Abraham. [16:120] Abraham was indeed an exemplary vanguard in his submission to GOD, a monotheist who never worshiped idols.
We persevere and remain steadfast even in the face of opposition. [40:14] Therefore, you shall devote your worship absolutely to GOD ALONE, even if the disbelievers dislike it.
And most important, we reject any kind of idol worship and worship God alone.
[16:36] We have sent a messenger to every community, saying, “You shall worship GOD, and avoid idolatry.” Subsequently, some were guided by GOD, while others were committed to straying.
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