Iman and Shariah as Two Important Factors for Islam - Essay Example

Iman and Shariah Introduction To find a stable point in the modern world is rather difficult task. Religion as the strongest background for development of humanity has often proven its reliability. The Islamic religion has millions of followers all over the world. Their religion is strong because it has the strongest pillars and centennial values and morals. Iman and Shariah are two important factors for Islam. Modern Muslims should implement their beliefs and six basic affirmations in the modern context. In such a way they will be able to solve their current problems and deal with the most controversial issues of the modernity. Iman Iman states that Muslims believe in Allah, angels, revealed books, commissioned Missioners, resurrection and events of Qiyamah, predestination of all things in the world. These are the core beliefs to be followed. A self-development of a Muslim depends on the following basic principles or Iman. Allah as the sole creator is an unquestionable truth for Muslims. Their religion depends on their devotion and an unspeakable faith in Him. Allah is the Creator for Muslims, which leads them to paradise and eternal happy life. Muslims are focused on his great forgiveness and God has an immense power to let Muslims enter paradise in case of their faith and obedience. The second belief is that Angels are among us. God created Angels and human beings and the former are not invented or metaphysical creatures. They are real and exist both on the Earth and in the Heaven. There are different roles performed by the Angels. The Qur’an outlines the main functions of the Angels in the following way: Jibreel delivers revelation, Malik-ul-Maut takes away human souls after death and there are also many other angels, performing their own functions (Hallem, 2008). Two angels are antagonists, which are Ridhwan and Malik. They take control over the Heaven and the Hell, respectively. From the Holy Book of Qur’an it is evident that Angels are important creatures, developed by Allah: “Belief in the angels is an integral part of Iman” (2/285 Al-Baqara). Thus, to believe in Allah devotedly is to believe in his creatures with all heart. There is no doubt that Allah is the Allmighty and Powerful Creator, because he expands his power on the subjects, helping him. The most important role the Angels play, when they promote the dominance of Allah. To believe in their functions was not really hard for me, because I think that it is relevant to promote a strong faith in Allah and his creatures and there is no need to differentiate between powers of one’s beliefs. Muslims are integrated by means of their strong principles of faith. It is also important for all followers of Islam to believe in the Books of Islam. The Qur’an is referred to as a flawless book, the book of the final authority, which is a perfect guideline for developments of the followers of Islam. The Islamist religion has a strong background and it is relevant to take into account the main intentions of the Holy Book and use it as a guideline for one’s actions. Moreover, the role of prophets in Islam cannot be denied as well. These messengers inspire Muslims and promote a strong belief in Allah. They are mediators of Allah’s messages and his immense power. Muhammad is the most well-known messenger of Allah. He is a guide for the lives of Muslims and he promotes faith in Allah and inspires the followers of Islamic religion of accepting teaching of the prophets. Resurrection is the fifth pillar of Iman. This principle underlines the way resurrection occurs and the followers of Allah will have an opportunity to live other lives. It is interesting to follow this belief. To my mind, this pillar of Iman inspires followers of Islam in their faith. People are assured of the opportunity of resurrection and in such a way, they are able to survive and live another life without sins in the future. Belief in Predestination is very interesting sixth pillar of Iman. It means that all actions of Allah’s followers are predetermined by him and there is always an opportunity to rely on Allah as the Almighty Creator and developer of the lives of his followers. Both right and wrong action is predetermined by Allah. Nothing happens by chance, because everything in this world is predetermined by Allah and his actions. Moreover, I am greatly intrigued by the issue of the Eye of the Omniscience. In such a way, Allah is a life-long guide for every Muslim and it is relevant to follow his directions and live in accordance with his laws. I think that it is very important to accept knowledge and power of Allah (Sachiko and Chittick 1994, p. 22). With Allah in one’s heart it is easier to survive. Of course, it is important to accept a belief in the Angels and think about the issue of resurrection. It does not take much time for a devoted Muslim to live with respect for six basic pillars of Iman. Muslims should be aware of the fact that the essence of their religion is to keep it in heart and share it with other followers. Shariah Shariah is one of the most prominent doctrines in Islam. It is rooted from the Qur’an and the Sunnah. Both of these sources of Shariah are interconnected. The Qur’an is the source of the divine inspiration and the Sunnah is the interpretation of it. Allah provides His followers with his teachings, but it is necessary to clarify his main ideas and concerns for the Muslims. Interpretations by the Prophet Muhammad reflected in the Sunnah are easily perceived by the followers. Though, there are also other sources of Shariah, which can be found in customary practices of Muslims. Shariah is considered to be a source of religious and legal practices in the Islamic religion. Currently, the principles of Shariah are interpreted in a different way. In accordance with Sachiko and Chittick (1994): “good Muslims must strive to observe the Shariah carefully, deepen their iman, and develop the divine and human virtues that make up a balanced human personality, such as wisdom, generosity, patience, gratitude, justice, and love” (Sachiko and Chittick 1994, p. 331). The author tells that it is difficult to reach this type of self-development in the modern world. The authorities of Muslims realize that it is difficult for everyone to develop oneself in accordance with these religious principles. A type of an ideal society existed during times of Prophet. On the one hand, there are quite different interpretations of the Qur’an, which are reflected in the political ideologies of the contemporary Muslim world. In the paradigm of rationalism it is very hard for the modern Muslims to perform. A love for science and technology is not appropriate for Muslims. Muslim interprets a high-speed progress of the West as a raping of nature. A rational society is aimed at by Muslims. Of course, Muslim rationalism differs from the Western rationalism. Opponents of Shariah claim that it presents a lot of restrictions for the development and relationships between men and women or restricts a role of a woman in the society. Devoted Muslims are on their way to promotion of centennial moral norms and values promoted by the Islamic religion. Shariah can be interpreted in a more liberal manner though there is no a clear intention to restore the centennial principles of Shariah without any changes. The global society shifts the accents of the development among different nations. Religions are also influenced by these changes. For example, there is a different situation in the Muslim world with technological and political progress. It is inappropriate for Muslims to be driven by the Islamic religion. Modern science and technology fosters a progress of humanity, but Muslims are looking forward to incorporation and reformation of their religion in the modern world. Moreover, the Islamic vision is interpreted in the following way: “The only time in history when an optimum balance was established among these three dimensions of human existence was when the Prophet was ruling the community at Medina; from then on, it was downhill (with occasional upswings of course) (Sachiko and Chittick 1994, p. 337). In the context of the modern world, the principles of Shariah are implemented by the Muslims as a perfect option for fair and equal society development. The strongest religious and legal principles borrowed from Shariah are interpreted in the global context and conditions of the modern and progressive development. Conclusion The modern Muslims follow centennial six affirmations. They believe in Allah, the angels, holy books, the Prophets and other things, as it is outlined in the Qur’an and the Sunnah. On the basis of integrated two books, the principles of are developed. The principles of Shariah and interpretations of the Islamic religion in the modern context are appropriate with regards to the modern social, economic and political changes. Nevertheless, devoted followers of Islam should not discard six affirmations and Shariah as the way to equality and faith. Works cited Hallem, Abdel, M.A.S. The Qur’an. 2008. Sachiko, Murata, and Chittick, William, C. The vision of Islam. Paragon House, 1994. Qur’an. Web. http://en.quran.nu/. 22 May 2012. Read More