Universal FaithCont’d from page 1 However, we learn from the Quran that previous scriptures, David’s Psalms, the Torah and Jesus’ Gospel are also beacons and guidance (5:46, 21:48). There will be people who will make it to heaven through these scriptures of God by worshiping Him alone, in spite of the innovations and misrepresentations that may have happened through time. In the same way, there are people who come to worship God alone through a “bad” translation of the Quran or the distortions in the religion of Islam (2:62, 5:69). If a person’s heart is open to submission, God guides that person even if he or she is in the midst of an idol worshiping community, no matter what the circumstances are, as exemplified by Prophet Abraham and Pharaoh’s wife. Only God can guideWe cannot guide anyone regardless of how hard we try, if the person is destined to be misguided. The bottom line is that God is the only one who guides people in accordance with the knowledge He has about them (28:56). Of course, that does not mean we should not do anything. On the contrary, we should do the best we can to spread the message, but should not despair or get upset if our efforts seem to be disregarded or ignored | by the people. God still gives us credit for taking the initiative by His infinite mercy (8:17). Invitation to SubmissionGod gives us clear instructions to treat each other in the best possible manner, for Satan will try to drive a wedge between the submitters (17:53). When dealing with other people, God wants us to debate with them amicably and invite them to His path with wisdom and kind enlightenment (16:125). There should not be any compulsion in religious conviction (2:256). People should have total freedom to embrace the only religion approved by God (3:19). That is the religion of peace and submission. It is the ultimate state of faith unifying all those who worship only the One God, the God of Abraham, Moses, Jesus and Muhammad. Abdullah [29:46] Do not argue with the people of the scripture (Jews, Christians, and Muslims) except in the nicest possible manner - unless they transgress - and say, "We believe in what was revealed to us and in what was revealed to you, and our god and your god is one and the same; to Him we are submitters." | “WE SUBDUED THEM FOR THEM”And we subdued them for them; some they ride, and some they eat. [36:72]
It’s so easy for us today to find food. We go to the market and pick up a gallon of milk, a steak, and a pound of broccoli. Early man lived in caves. When he wanted food, he had to go and find it—pick it, dig it up or kill it. If he wanted meat, there was certainly plenty of it around. The problem was finding it, chasing after it and finally bringing it down. Men had to use spears and clubs to kill game, but this was dangerous, and success was by no means guaranteed. What was needed was a way to keep a supply of these animals close by, preferably penned in a confined space where it would be easy to get to them; and it would be nice if your life wasn’t on the line every time you went to the “store.” What a remarkable thing to consider that first step toward domestication. Throughout history there have been close to 5000 species of mammals on the earth, yet fewer than a dozen have achieved widespread success as a domesticated animal. Scientists recognize that certain species are “pre-adapted” to domestication. What that means is that God has designed them this way. Have they not seen that we created for them with our own hands, livestock that they own? And we subdued them for them; some they ride, and some they eat. (36:71-2) Cont’d on page 3 |
