A Constant Controversy Between Muslim Nations - Essay Example

Islam Eradication of Issues Related to Islam: In today’s world, Islam can be termed as the most controversial and widely discussed religion. With a constant collision with Western standards and concepts of practicality and individualism as perceived by some, Islam is also the most scrutinized and possibly criticized religion of the 21st century. The beginning of Islam is marked approximately 1400 years ago when the Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H.) received his first revelation from the Angel Gabriel. While Islam is said to adhere to strict standards and rigid rules regarding modesty, separation of the sexes, and other matters of life, it is actually quite similar in nature to preceding religions such as Christianity or Judaism. However, Muslims all over the world regard Islam as a complete code of life and profess that Islam is the completion of all other religions. Islam is also exalted as one of the only religions, which has remained unchanged over the period of its existence. All other religions and Holy Scriptures have been allegedly tampered with or changed according to the preferences of its followers (Salame, pg. 32-35). In today’s world, while Islam is being practiced by millions of people around the world, it is also alleged that Islam is also responding to the global transformation that is prevalent all over the globe and to which other religions have already conformed. There are several reasons for Muslims around the world embracing Islam, which range from embracing it as a traditional mode of life which links people to the way of their ancestors. Some perceive it as a liberal code of life and embrace it as a form of peace or solace to them and others perceive it as a modern way of thinking. Even so, many other people perceive it as a conservative mode of life which is a form of protection from the evils of the world (Taraki, pg. 650-653). However, many people have begun to interpret Islam and its meaning according to their own wishes and perceptions instead of focusing upon the actual meaning or basis of Islam. Many people have allegedly conformed the rules and traditions of Islam to suit their needs and follow the parts of Islam that they seem to understand or agree to instead of focusing upon what Islam actually prescribes them to do (Salame, pg. 24-27). There are many controversies concerning issues such as the hijab (veil for Muslim women), the concept of women staying at home, the allowance for men to have up to four wives, the strict segregation between sexes, attitudes towards non-Muslims, and the most popular topic of the 21st century, which is the concept of Jihad. The list of issues regarding various verses of the Holy Book and the way they are interpreted is never ending and there is a constant debate regarding the proper interpretation of the verses and the context that they are presented in. However, recent trends show that Muslim societies are also undergoing a change in global transformation and conformance to the present day standards of the world. While claiming to stick to the principles of Islam, many people have twisted the interpretation of the rules prescribed by the religion to suit their own needs such as in the case of the controversy regarding the veiling of women (Taraki, pg. 650). Many women feel that this does not necessarily mean that they should be perfectly covered from head to foot but rely upon the saying of “actions are judged by intentions” and claim that as long as their intentions are pure, they are not doing anything wrong ( Taraki, pg. 650). In the same manner, many people adopt Islam or claim to be following it for reasons such as having the liberty to have four wives, being protected from society, being able to be dependent upon men without being scorned, or for other scientific and health related issues that they have found to be beneficial to them. However, in these cases, many people forget to focus upon the fact that Islam is about the Unity of God and the concept of all men being equal under His guidance. It is not about overpowering other individuals, fighting amongst yourselves, being powerful or better than others, or seeking worldly benefits and pleasure by applying the rules and guidance provided by the Holy Book to yourself at will (Salame, pg. 28-31). While Islam is currently the center of attention all over the world, it is a crucial time for Muslim countries to set a proper example of the pure religion upon the world. While there are several issues regarding controversies amongst various sects following the religion and issues regarding those that are known as “extremists” and those that adopt a more liberal approach towards the religion; the Muslim countries should focus upon these issues to make programmatic changes in order to bridge the differences between different communities (HRH Prince of Wales, pg. 56-57). Some essential issues that should be explored and brought to note by Muslim societies include first and foremost, the concept of Jihad or “martyrdom” in Islam. The concept of Jihad has been misinterpreted and used in various contexts to enhance perceptions of cruelty, barbarianism, or suicidal practices. It should be noted by Muslim societies that because of this misperceived image; Islam has been termed as a religion invoking violence and cruelty towards others instead of spreading the message of peace and equality before God. Hence, it is very essential for the Muslim society to promote the correct interpretation, context, and meaning of the scriptures and verses regarding Jihad by combining the Hadith (sayings of the Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H.)), and the verses in the Holy Quran (Salame’, pg. 31.). Moreover, the issue of the treatment of women should be looked into properly and proper knowledge about how Islam promotes the well-being and security of women should be dispersed towards Muslims and Non-Muslims alike. The promotion of treating women with proper respect and regard should be promoted within and outside of Muslim societies (Taraki, pg. 645). The concept of extravagance, power, and specifically treatment of people belonging to other religions should be clarified and paid proper attention to in order to stop and forbid hatred or the misinterpretation of such guidelines to suit one’s own personal biases. One of the most important aspects that should be promoted by Muslim societies is the concept of education, which is extremely emphasized in Islam but maybe not given much importance now in Muslim societies. With the spread of education regarding the world, science, and the religion of Islam, all issues will easily be understood, interpreted, and clarified. Moreover, to prevent anger, social tension, and denial it is essential for Muslim societies to ensure that the Muslim population and the world around them understand the religion of Islam, its concepts, and principles. In order to prevent a global transformation in a negative manner in which people embrace the religion for other reasons besides the belief in one God and the equality of man, it is essential to promote education and information regarding the religion. The issue of unauthentic Hadith and diverging viewpoints upon the interpretation of the Hadith should be resolved through the understanding and knowledge of a consensus of religious scholars who have earned the respect and gained a lot of insight into the religion of Islam. Hence, such hurdles between different sects and the believers themselves will be resolved and there will be a clearer understanding of the religion. However, it all depends upon education and the information properly gathered and dispersed. Islam and the West: While there has been a constant controversy between Muslim nations and the more liberal West, my personal perception does not support the view that Islam is on the verge of war with the West. While Western societies are not able to understand the religion properly nor appreciate the “extremism” that they perceive it promotes, many people in the West are converting to the religion or at least making attempts to understand it. Western societies are based towards a more individualistic outlook in the modern era and are unable to understand Islam’s collectivist outlook as they may deem it to be impractical. However, despite the differences the gap is closing as many Westerners interact with Muslims and gain insight into the actual practices of the religion. The essence of hatred, intolerance, anger, and denial can only be eradicated with the promotion of peace, education, and proper information dissemination. Religion should be taken and discussed in the hands of those who have ample knowledge about it instead of those who would like to twist it to their own use. Lastly, commonalities such as the unity of God and the concept of equality of man should be the focus of religion instead of focusing upon differences in issues such as marriage, protection, or other worldly gains. Works Cited HRH, Prince of Wales. “Islam and the West.” Institute of Muslim Minority Affairs. Volume 14, Issue 1-2, 1993: pp. 53-59. Salame, G. “Islam and the West.” Foreign Policy. Volume 90, 1993: pp. 22-37. Taraki, L. “Islam is the Solution: Jordanian Islamists and Dilemma of the modern woman.” The British Journal of Sociology. Volume 46, Issue 4, 1995: pp. 643-661. Read More