The way Islam possess tolerance and preaches it, with a just system combined with the excellent Sharia system of ruling, it cannot be refuted that there is a need for such a religion and way of life.
Source/Credit: Adeel Shah | Blog
By Adeel Shah | October 27, 2013
“Surely, the true religion with Allah is Islam” (Holy Quran 3:20)
Contrary to popular belief, Islam is a way of life rather than a set of rules and regulations that are to be abided by. As it is stated within the Holy Qur’an that “there is no compulsion in religion”, and taking this into account, one gains a better understanding of the religion brought by the Holy Prophet of Islam, Muhammad, may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him.
With the name Islam coming from the words ‘peace’ as well as the concept of submission to Allah, the One true God, one can see that the tension within the folds of the western society with regards to Islam are baseless. Islam does not preach violence and anything that says otherwise has been contextually misunderstood. Islamophobia within the West has caused the Muslims of today to face many challenges, and these problems have caused many Muslims to question the fundamentals of the religion itself.
However, one must then look at the opposing side. In light of the recent media coverage Islam has had over the last decade or so, an intrigue and curiosity in the religion has been evoked within the minds of those who are not Muslims themselves. According to recent statistics, the increase in media coverage caused many to look into the religion of Islam, and having found the truth themselves, without the biased opinions of others, they accepted the religion as the truth and converted. Now with this in mind, a question that can be posed is ‘why would people convert to such a religion unless they felt an innate need for it?’.
This question has plagued the human mind since the age of self awareness and self consciousness. The need to know where we came from, why we are here and what our purpose on Earth is, is ingrained in the human mind. It should be duly noted that this void in the hearts of people can be temporarily filled; whether it be filled with interests in the arts, the sciences or a specific pass-time or relationship.
Taking this into account, it should be further noted that these temporary activities and interests that are used to fill such voids never last long, and the innate desire to know the answers to these questions posed rears its head after a short while. The want to know our creator and the desire to search for the answers to these life questions may be stronger in others, however, in every human being lies this need to know the truth; and this need, is the need for Islam.
Islam as a religion of truth, brotherhood, love and respect with an overall sense of unity spreads peace in such a way that when looking at the fundamentals of the religion, as stated in the Holy Qur’an and reinforced in the traditions of the Holy Prophet Muhammad, may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, the answers to political and socio-economic discontent can be found.
The way Islam possess tolerance and preaches it, with a just system combined with the excellent Sharia system of ruling, it cannot be refuted that there is a need for such a religion and way of life. As a religion for love of humanity and love of the One God, Islam has brought with it solace and peace of mind within the hearts of millions upon millions of men, women and children.
It has inspired a great civilization in which others besides Muslims live creative and useful lives and which, by its achievement, has enriched the global community. Although, Islam, like other religions, has also known periods when its followers have inspired a mood of hatred and violence within each other as a result of misunderstanding the beautiful teachings of the one true religion. It is our misfortune that part, though by no means all or even most, of the Muslim world is now going through such a period, and that much, though again not all, of that hatred is directed against us.
The need for Islam in society today can also be seen in mankind’s attitude towards materialism. The losing battle of faith over luxury is becoming increasingly apparent as time progresses, and with man’s obsession with material goods as opposed to decent morals and the initial values any society should be built upon, the need for Islam as a universal religion has become more obvious.
“Assuredly, We have sent down the Book to you in right form for the good of man. Whoso guided himself by it does so to his own advantage, and whoso turns away from it does so at his own loss.” (Holy Quran 39:41)
Furthermore, as society continues to develop and as the western lifestyle continues to influence other countries the sense of modesty once possessed by people is becoming less and less apparent. Without realising it, women are being sexually exploited, growing up in a society in which exposing the female body to essentially ‘make it’. As this continues to happen the regression of dignity and self-respect among women decreases drastically, with the attitude of women in the present being that of not thinking twice before wearing something both provocative and revealing.
Islam’s take on this subject, as with many other subjects, is the theory of ‘prevention is better than cure’. The ‘veil’ issue within the media portrays that woman of the Muslim faith as oppressed. This opinion is completely wrong, and while they express the right to hold that opinion, it is not the case within the sacred religion of Islam, as taught by the Holy Prophet Muhammad, may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him.
“He it is Who has sent forth His Messenger with the (task of spreading) Guidance and the Religion of Truth, to the end that tie make it prevail over every (false) religion, and none can bear witness to the Truth as God does.” (Holy Quran 48:28)
In asking women to cover their bodies, Islam is protecting them from the unwanted male attention that they would otherwise get, which could possibly lead to less than desirable situations. Also, it must be remembered that while women are instructed to cover their bodies, it has also been prescribed for men to lower their gaze- proving Islam is not an oppressive religion but a faith of justice that upholds the rights of men, women, children and even animals; justice that the world today is greatly lacking.
“Obey God then and obey the Messenger, but if you turn away (no blame shall attach to our Messenger), for the duty of Our Messenger is just to deliver the message.” (Holy Quran 64:12)
Overall, when looking at the state of the world in this day and age it is clear that the need for Islam is rising, and taking into account that the words of the Holy Bible preach the very same teachings in Christianity, it has become increasingly apparent that Islam, as the sister religion of Christianity and as the most refined of the Abrahamic religions, should be the religion to dominate and finally bring about peace, love and happiness to the world. Yet, Islam still does not force anyone to accept the religion by force, it only politely hinders to the fact that with Islam is peace and the answers to moral, physical and worldly questions. Islam shows methods and tactics and presents a guide to lead man to its Creator, so that the world at large could live in peace, this system of leadership is also mentioned in the Holy Bible, and Islam, being the universal religion, is at the forefront of this teaching too.
“Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you.” [Hebrews 13:17 Holy Bible]
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Adeel Shah, an Ahmadi Muslim, resides in London and hopes one day the world can reap full benefit by joining Islam Ahmadiyyat.
Read original post here: Perspective: The Need For Islam in Today’s World
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