The Western world perceives the religion of "Islam" as a very barbaric and primitive religion. But anyone who reads the Quran will realize that Submission (or true Islam) is quite different than this perception, and has almost nothing to do with what is being presented and practiced by the so-called Muslim countries. In fact, God's religion in Quran is a beautiful, compassionate, and very progressive religion with no nonsense. So, why is this gem of truth concealed, abandoned, or misrepresented? Who is responsible? Who is to blame, the Western world or ourselves?
Muslims should look in the mirror, and reflect on themselves. Are they really following the word of God in the Quran, or the innovations that have nothing to do with the religion? The problem is that the Muslim masses don’t even know what is in the Quran to make that judgment. Thanks to their bearded, turbaned, and closed-minded scholars who constantly refer to sources other than the Quran to conduct their affairs and to delegate their opinions. Because of their misguidance, the majority of Muslims today are divided and confused. In general, they are under achievers, under civilized, under developed, under nourished—under too many undesirable conditions to list.
The consequence of abandoning the Quran in favor of innovations, man-made rules and regulations is clear throughout history. Therefore, if there is misconception of our religion in the West as well as within the Islamic community, we can’t blame anybody but ourselves.
When people refer to the sources other than the Quran, they can justify almost anything in the name of religion. The killing of innocent people through terrorist acts is an example. There is no justification whatsoever in any scripture of God for such terrorism. As a matter of fact, such unjust acts are prohibited.
Say, “My Lord prohibits only evil deeds, be they obvious or hidden, and sins, and unjustifiable aggression, and to set up beside God powerless idols, and to say about God what you do not know.” [7:33]
O you who believe, do not prohibit good things that are made lawful by God, and do not aggress; God dislikes the aggressors. [5:87]
A Submitter to God or true Muslim will never initiate an aggressive act. God allows fighting strictly in self-defense, and under certain conditions:
You may fight in the cause of God against those who attack you, but do not aggress. God does not love the aggressors. [2:190]
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. [2:193]
Certainly, those who stand up for their rights, when injustice befalls them, are not committing any error.
The wrong ones are those who treat the people unjustly, and resort to aggression without provocation. These have incurred a painful retribution. [42:41-42]
If we act in self-defense as a response against people because of injustice, we are supposed to be equitable and just in inflicting punishment. But if we resort to patience and forgiveness, it is better for us even though it is not a very easy thing to do.
Although the just requital for an injustice is an equivalent retribution, those who pardon and maintain righteousness are rewarded by God. He does not love the unjust. [42:40]
Resorting to patience and forgiveness reflects a true strength of character. [42:43]
And if you punish, you shall inflict an equivalent punishment. But if you resort to patience (instead of revenge), it would be better for the patient ones.
You shall resort to patience—and your patience is attainable only with God’s help. Do not grieve over them, and do not be annoyed by their schemes. [16:126-127]
We are encouraged to have amicable relations with those who do not believe as we do unless they fight us because of our religion.
God does not enjoin you from befriending those who do not fight you because of religion, and do not evict you from your homes. You may befriend them and be equitable towards them. God loves the equitable.
God enjoins you only from befriending those who fight you because of religion, evict you from your homes, and band together with others to banish you. You shall not befriend them. Those who befriend them are the transgressors [60:8-9]
We have the right to practice our religion freely, but we must also give the same right to others as long as they don’t transgress. We should remember that there is no compulsion in religion (2:256). God does not love the aggressors, and He reminds us that oppression is worse than murder (2:191). Therefore, the religion of Islam (Submission), when practiced in accordance with the Quran, is the religion of peace, justice, and freedom for all.
Abdullah Arik
(Taken from the Submitters Perspective, August 1998 issue)