ISLAM: THE PERFECTLY COMPLETE RELIGION

 

All religions are respectable and one cannot differentiate as which is better than the other one. The question of which religion is "best" is highly subjective and personal. It depends on an individual's beliefs, values, cultural background, and personal experiences. What might be meaningful and fulfilling for one person may not be the same for another.

Islam (Submission [to the will of Allah is an Abrahamic monotheistic religion centered on the Quran and the teachings of Muhammad. Adherents of Islam, called Muslims, number approximately 1.9 billion globally and are the world's second-largest religious population after Christians. Islam is the complete and universal version of a primordial faith that was revealed many times through earlier prophets, the most important being Adam (believed to be the first man), Noah (Nuh), Abraham (Ibrahim), Moses (Musa), and Jesus (Isa). One must respect and tolerate diverse religious beliefs and practices, as long as they promote peace, compassion, and respect for others. Ultimately, the choice of religion or spirituality is a deeply personal one, and people should choose what resonates with them personally and helps them lead a meaningful and ethical life.

Let’s take up Islam as a religion in today’s discussion, Islam is one of the world's major and most followed religions, with over a billion followers worldwide. Looking at it from a non-Muslim perspective, Islam can be viewed as a faith with a rich history, diverse traditions, and a wide range of beliefs and practices. Non-Muslim observed and respect Islam because of following points and try to understand & study Islam consider through following basic points:

1. Monotheism: Like Christianity and Judaism, Islam is a monotheistic religion, believing in one God, Allah.

2. Prophet Muhammad: Muslims believe that Muhammad is the last prophet and messenger of God. His teachings and life are central to Islam.

3. Five Pillars: These are the core principles of Islam, including the declaration of faith (Shahada), daily prayers (Salah), almsgiving (Zakat), fasting during Ramadan (Sawm), and the pilgrimage to Mecca (Hajj).

4. Quran: The Quran is the holy scripture of Islam, believed to be the word of God as revealed to Prophet Muhammad.

5. Sharia: Islamic law, or Sharia, guides many aspects of life for devout Muslims, including moral and legal principles.

6. Diversity: Islam is not a monolithic religion. There are various sects and interpretations within Islam, with Sunni and Shia being the two largest branches.

7. Cultural Influence: Islam has had a profound impact on art, architecture, science, and culture throughout history, contributing to the development of many civilizations.

8. Challenges: Like any major religion, Islam faces various challenges and debates, both internal and external, which can vary widely depending on the region and cultural context.

Islam is attractive to Non-Muslims and followers of other religions because of following appealing elements based on their beliefs and values.

a). Monotheism: Islam's belief in the absolute oneness of God (Allah) can be deeply appealing to those who value the simplicity and purity of monotheistic faith.

b). Spiritual Connection: Islam places a strong emphasis on the individual's spiritual relationship with God through prayer, fasting, and acts of worship, providing a sense of closeness to the Divine.

c). Community and Brotherhood: The concept of the Ummah, the global community of Muslims, fosters a sense of unity and solidarity among believers.

d). Social Justice: Islam promotes social justice and compassion through practices like Zakat (charitable giving) and a commitment to helping those in need.

e). Ethical Guidelines: Islam provides a comprehensive ethical framework for personal conduct, emphasizing honesty, kindness, and respect for others.

f). Intellectual Tradition: Islamic scholars have made significant contributions to philosophy, science, mathematics, and other fields, which can be intellectually stimulating for some.

g). Cultural Richness: Islamic art, architecture, and literature have left a lasting cultural legacy that many find beautiful and inspiring.

h). Sense of Purpose: The emphasis on fulfilling one's purpose in life, as outlined in Islamic teachings, can provide a strong sense of direction and meaning.

i). Family Values: Islam places importance on family and community, which can be comforting and supportive for individuals.

j). Personal Growth: The practice of self-discipline, self-reflection, and self-improvement, particularly during Ramadan, appeals to those seeking personal growth.

Here it is pertinent to mention that individuals may find certain elements of Islam appealing while not necessarily adhering to the entire religious doctrine. As, the appeal of any religion is deeply personal and can be influenced by cultural, spiritual, and individual factors.

Islam surely is one religion which is easiest to preach. Preaching Islam, like any religion, should be done with respect, understanding, and a genuine desire to share one's faith in a positive and non-coercive manner. Basic guidelines for conveying the message of Islam effectively and convincingly are:

Ø  Lead by Example:

Ø  Share Knowledge

Ø  Respect Differences

As we all know that Islam is a monotheistic Abrahamic religion that originated in the Arabian Peninsula in the 7th century CE. The word "Islam" itself is derived from the Arabic root "S-L-M," which means submission or surrender. It carries the following meanings and concepts:

1. Submission to God: At its core, Islam is a religion of submission to the one God, Allah. Muslims believe in the absolute oneness and sovereignty of God and strive to submit their will to His divine guidance.

2. Peace and Surrender: The word "Islam" is often translated as "peace through submission" or "surrender to God." It signifies inner peace and tranquility that comes from aligning one's life with the will of God.

3. Religious Practices: Islam encompasses a set of religious practices, often referred to as the Five Pillars of Islam:

    Shahada: The declaration of faith, bearing witness that there is no god but Allah and that Muhammad is His messenger.

   Salah: Daily ritual prayers performed facing the Kaaba in Mecca.

   Zakat: Giving to charity and helping those in need, often calculated as a percentage of one's wealth.

   Sawm: Fasting during the month of Ramadan, abstaining from food, drink, other physical needs from sunrise to sunset.

   Hajj: The pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca, which is obligatory for Muslims who are physically and financially able to undertake it.

4. Prophet Muhammad: Muslims believe that Prophet Muhammad is the last and final messenger of God, who received revelations from Allah through the Quran, the holy book of Islam.

5. Guidance and Moral Code: Islam provides a comprehensive ethical and moral framework for life, encompassing issues of personal conduct, family life, social justice, and governance. This guidance is found in the Quran and the Hadith (sayings and actions of Prophet Muhammad).

6. Community: Islam encourages a sense of community among its followers, with the idea of the Ummah, the global Muslim community. Muslims are encouraged to support and help one another.

7. Diversity: Within Islam, there are various sects and schools of thought, with Sunni and Shia being the two largest branches. These divisions can influence interpretations and practices.

8. Cultural and Historical Impact: Islam has had a profound influence on the development of diverse cultures, languages, art, architecture, and sciences, particularly during the Islamic Golden Age.

By June 2023 Islam was one of the world's most widely practiced religions, with almost 2 billion followers globally. Besides its many qualities and differentiating points other reasons for its widespread practice include:

1. Growth: Islam has been one of the fastest-growing religions in the world, with significant increases in Muslim populations due to factors such as higher birth rates in Muslim-majority countries and conversions to Islam.

2. Geographic Distribution: Islam is practiced in diverse regions, including the Middle East, North and East Africa, South Asia, Southeast Asia, and parts of Europe and the Americas. Its presence spans a wide range of countries and cultures.

3. Religious Obligations: Islam emphasizes the importance of adhering to its Five Pillars, which include daily prayers, fasting during Ramadan, giving to charity, and the pilgrimage to Mecca. These religious obligations contribute to a strong and active Muslim community.

4. Community and Identity: Islam fosters a sense of community and identity among its followers through shared beliefs, practices, and values. The concept of the Ummah, the global Muslim community, contributes to a sense of belonging.

5. Cultural Significance: In many Muslim-majority countries, Islam is deeply intertwined with cultural practices, customs, and daily life, reinforcing its influence and practice.

6. Historical Influence: Islamic civilizations have made significant contributions to art, science, literature, and philosophy throughout history, which has left a lasting cultural and intellectual legacy.

7. Conversion: Islam's message has resonated with individuals from diverse backgrounds, leading to conversions to the faith. Some people are drawn to its monotheistic beliefs, moral code, and sense of purpose.

8. Migration: Migration and diaspora communities have also played a role in the spread and practice of Islam in various parts of the world.

Based on above discussion we can easily infer that the practice of Islam can vary widely among individuals and communities, influenced by cultural, regional, and personal factors. However, one thing is established that it’s a complete religion and best Code of life & conduct for not only Muslims but for followers of other religions too.

BY: OVAIS ASAD KHAN