About ISLAM
The teachings of Islam have as much importance and relevance today as they did when the revelations first came to the Prophet Muhammad. Islam is not seen as set of rigid rules that were set in the 7th century by Muslims but rather a path of guidance that cultures and communities will make their own throughout time.
In its opening chapter the Quran describes religion as being the straight path and presents a picture of a guiding path that runs alongside time (Quran, 1:5). The message of Islam is for all time and all places.
The Quran gives examples of how different prophets were chosen by God throughout history to teach the same eternal message, to worship and serve the same true God. Within the very finite area of the core beliefs of Muslims and the ritual worship they perform, matters are seen to consist of eternal truths and practices of a permanent nature. However most things in the vast arena of human and social interaction are subject to change and rational interpretation for the purpose of human welfare. We can see this in areas of politics, economics, gender relations and family life where debates have changed in accordance with shifts in social norms.
What Muslims believe is encapsulated in the simple creed that forms the foundation of their faith, namely:
There is no god but God and Muhammad is the messenger of God.
Consistent with this, Muslims believe in one omnipotent and omniscient Creator that has elevated humankind above all other creation by imbuing him with intelligence, free will and above all a soul. Pivotal to the Muslim's belief is his relationship with the Creator and the knowledge that God is always near:
"If [My servant] draws near to Me an arm's length, I draw near to him a fathom's length. And if He comes to Me walking, I go to him at speed." (Muhammad).
It is through this relationship that every individual soul has the capacity to attain inner and eternal peace.
Muslims believe that Muhammad is the last in a line of Prophets sent by God with the same timeless message. It is the same message, given to Adam, Abraham, Moses and Jesus that underpins the Muslim's belief and implores her / him to contemplate and consider their role and responsibilities in relation to themselves, the Creator, the rest of humanity and other life forms that they share the universe with. The message is above all a comprehensive and far-reaching code for harmonious coexistence with the rest of humankind and indeed the whole of creation.
Muslims also believe that when the body dies, the soul lives on and continues another existence - this 'afterlife' is one in which we will be
resurrected and judged based upon our earthly lives in the light of God's grace and mercy.
BY
Muhammed Afsal.N
No comments:
Post a Comment