Islam: Teachings, Interpretation and Practice - Essay Example

Abstract Seeking to address the ways in which Islam is practiced around the world in comparative perspective, the following looks at Islamic teachings, interpretations and practices around the world. Through a comprehensive analysis of Islamic teachings and the global Islamic community, this essay addresses the variances of Islamic observance around the world. It also explores the relationship of Islam to the monotheistic religions of Judaism and Christianity. Islam is a complete way of life which addresses all the aspects of human existence. It encompasses all matters starting from the individual and the family to social, economic, political and spiritual issues. All of the Prophet’s teachings are revealed by God which cannot be compared to any scientific research or personal experience. Islamic teachings were revealed to the messengers of God which included Adam, Noah, Abrahim, Moses, Jesus and finally, Muhammad (P.B.U.M). Religious Islam has numerous followers all over the world. The extreme obedience to the will of God (Allah) is Islam. Islam’s basic teaching is to believe in the five pillars of Islam. These are, 1- Kalama Tayyaba, that ‘There is but only One Allah to worship and Muhammad (P.B.U.M) is Allah’s last messenger (Prophet); 2- Salat (Namaz), to offer prayers five times a day; 3- Zakat, to give charity according to the rules explained in the Quran and Hadith; 4-Saum (Fasting), in a specific Islamic month Ramadan and 5- Hajj (Pilgrimage), at least once in life, if capable. Islam invites all the Muslims to follow Islamic teachings in all spheres of their life for the deliverance of humanity. The Quran is the sacred text of all Muslims which is revealed to Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H). Islamic teachings are best understood through both the Quran and Hadith. Allah says in the Quran, "And He does not speak out of caprice. It is not but a revelation revealed, taught him by one terrible in power. (Chapter-53: verses-3 to 5). Islam advises to maintain peace and expects his believers to be non-violent when they enjoy freedom of expressions or belief etc. The Quran says: “And thus preach joy to My servants. Those, who listen to the word and follow the best of it, those are the ones whom Allah has guided and they are the wise people” (39:17-18). Islam proclaims to do every thing fi-sabilillah (for the sake of God). Islam also orders the Muslims to visit and take care of ick persons (Esposito, 2008). Islam instructs Muslims to create a single vast Muslim nation with no geographical borders. Allah states in the Quran that the Muslims are a single community and that He is their Lord. Allah, through the Quran teaches to explore the universe so that the doors of progress of science and technology will always be open for those who act upon the teachings of Islam and work hard. Islamic teachings condemn all types of idleness and fatalism which are practiced by the majority of people when they faced by natural and social difficulties. The teachings of Islam emphasize that one should help the oppressed by bounding the governments to establish justice and a true social and economic order. Islam teaches that it is a duty to help the needy, helpless, orphaned and the poor. These teachings direct Muslims to preach Islam, acquire truth, honesty, purity and live in a constant struggle to attain a spotless physical and spiritual condition. Contrast of Islam with Christianity and Judaism Islam admits that other religions, prophets, their original scriptures and teachings to be true. The God of Islam and God of the religions of Jews and Christians are one and the same. If any differences are present, Islam does not permit to make them substantial but instructs to resolve them through the knowledge, wisdom and sincerity like conflicts are resolved within the same family. Belief in God and in the religions of Islam, Christianity and Judaism is an ultimate truth with regards to the time order of these religions. The Quran is the last testament. The Bible was revealed to Jesus (P.B.U.H) by God but the later, according to Islam, the followers of the Christ corrupted it. This information is given in Quran. In contrast to the Quran, the belief of Christians about the Bible is different. According to them, the Bible is written by disciples or other saints. The Quran reveals the process of same corruption for the Torah as that for the Bible. The Quran is the last holy book of God and is pure without any corruption, even on any of the letters (Chaudhry, 2001) Islam, Christianity and Judaism are contrasted with each other in the following aspects. 1-(a) Muslims believe in one God and Muhammad (P.B.U.H) to be the last prophet, (b) Christians believe in the Trinity (Father, Son and Holy spirit), they believe Jesus (P.B.U.H) as the prophet and servant of God, (c) Jews believe in one God (known in English as 'Yahweh' or 'Jehovah') "Hear Israel, the Lord is our God, the Lord is one." (Deuteronomy 6:4). 2-(a) Quran says Christ was neither crucified nor killed by Jews but he was raised up by God. (b) Christians believe that Jesus Christ was crucified for his claim to be divine, (c) Jews do not admit Jesus Christ to be a prophet and they believe him to be crucified on a cross. 3-(a) Muslim law is deducted from Quran and Hadith, (b) while the sources of Christian law is the scripture, (c) the Hebrew Tanakh, similar to the Christian Old Testament, comprised of the Torah (Hebrew: 'Law'), Nevi'im ('Prophets') and Ketuvim (Writings). 4- (a) In the religion of Islam the founder is Muhammad (P.B.U.H) (570-632 A.D), (b) while in Christianity Jesus Christ (c. 4 B.C. - 30 A.D.), (c) And in Judaism Abraham (First Patriarch, born c. 1800 B.C.). 5-(a) In Islam, two main groups: Sunni and Shia, the division occurred due to a dispute as to the legitimate successor of the prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H), (b) In Christianity, three main groups: Orthodox, Protestant, and Roman Catholics, (c) In Judaism there are several divisions including Hasidic (Orthodox), Conservative and Reform Judaism. Ethnic groupings include Ashkenazi (The majority) and Sephardi Jews. 6-(a) The Quran revealed to the prophet Mohammed (P.B.U.H) over a period of about 20 years. The Quran is the final revelation given by Allah to mankind. Muslims accept Christian’s Bible as holy documents, (b) Christians believe in The Bible (from the Greek:Biblos, 'books'), given by God to man. The Bible writers were inspired by God in their writings. Thus Christians refer to the Bible as the Word of God (2 Timothy 3:16), (c) Judaism stubbornly refuses to accept the later revelations which confirm and update the original truths of their holy books/scriptures. The Hebrew Tanakh, similar to the Christian Old Testament, comprised of the Torah (Hebrew: 'Law'), Nevi'im ('Prophets') and Ketuvim ('Writings'). 7-(a) According to Muslim faith, Adam was faultless. There is no concept of original sin or vivid punishment. All Humans are born sinless, but human weakness leads to sin, (b) Christians believe that Adam had disobeyed God. We inherit a sinful nature through our common ancestor Adam, who rebelled against God. Jesus Christ atoned for our sins through his death on the Cross (Romans 5:12-17), (c) In Judaism humans are born with a sinful nature (Genesis 8:21). Atonement is made through seeking forgiveness from God in prayer. In addition, the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur) is set aside specially for this purpose. 8-(a) The Hadith is a collection of traditions/sayings of the Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H). The Hadith functions as a supplement to the Quran, giving guidance to Muslims for daily living, (b) In Christianity the writings of the early church fathers and ecumenical councils, including the Creeds. (c) In Judaism the Talmud, an oral tradition explaining and interpreting the Tanakh. It includes the Mishnah - a code of Jewish law. Islam in United States Muslims of United States have organized various groups, social troops and magazines to spread the teachings of Islam. They also use the vocal forms of media. Muslims of United States practice the teachings of Islam under the guidance of certain global movements, the Salfi or Wahabi, the Muslims brotherhood, the Gulen movements, the Tablighi Jamat etc. Muslims of United States are free in their religious practices. Airports have been installed with foot baths enabling Muslim passengers, crew and taxi drivers etc. to Abulute in a sanitary manner. The ISCA (Islamic Supreme Council of America) struggles to maintain Islamic belief in a modern secular society. Conventions, general meetings, institutions and academies etc are busy teaching to proper Islamic methodology. Mosques are usually Sunni and Shia. The largest mosque in America is the Islamic Centre of America, located in Dearborn Michigan. The mosques in America are dominated by the largest group of immigrant Muslims. Friday Khutabas (lectures) are delivered in Urdu, Arabic and English. The Muslims in United States are greatly under the influence of Saudi Arabia and Wahabiism. A high proportion of American Muslims emphasizes their religion very much and try their best to act upon the teachings of Islam mentioned in the first part of the essay (Cesari, 2007) Islam in Great Britain Islam is the 2nd largest religion in Great Britain. The Muslims of this country are actually immigrants from Pakistan, Bangladesh, India Nigeria, Sierra Leon. The majority of the Muslims living here practice the teachings of Islam devotedly. Younger Bangladeshis of Great Britain join Islamic activities and movements. Older people interpret Islamic rituals mixed with Bangladeshi culture. Women wear the burqa (hijab) and headscarves. The largest Muslim groups in the UK are Pakistani immigrants. In East London mosque, in addition to the daily practice of prayers and Friday Jummas, Halqa (Islamic talks) and madrasahs (Islamic schools) are also practiced (Fetzer, 2004). Islam in Middle East In Middle East, Islam is an established religion which receives government support. Various branches of Islamic schools are running. Islamic laws and social principles are institutionalized. The ulema (religious teachers) of Middle East play their role efficiently to teach the message of the Quran to its followers. Complete separation of the sexes is practiced. The sale, purchase or drinking alcohol is prohibited by law. Women are taught to observe parda (hijab) and they are prohibited to drive in places such as Saudi Arabia. In the Middle East Wahabi and Dewbandi Islam is practiced by a great number of Muslims. Islam in India, Pakistan and other Asian Countries Islam is the principal religion in most of the countries of Asia such as Indonesia, Malaysia, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Iran, Iraq, Syria, Jordan and Turkey etc. Accordingly, Indonesia has the largest Muslim population in the world. In these countries as with the Quran, Sunna is also given prime importance. In practicing Islam serious differences in the Hadith and interpretation of Quran and Sunna are found here. In Asia, Islam is practiced by incorporating social, tribal, and ethnic traditions. There are two groups of Muslims based originally in India. This grouping is similar to the cast system of Hinduism (Vernashrama). These two groups are Ashraf and Ajlas. The group Ashraf is again divided into Syyeds, Sheikhs, Mughal and Pathans. Syyeds are believed to be the descendents of Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) and are of high esteem. The Ajlas are the converter Muslims. Indian Muslims, especially those associated with Tablighi Jamaat follow the teachings of Quran (Islam) in a strict way. Meetings of thousands of Muslims are arranged repeatedly during which even the minute lessons of Islam selected from the Quran, Hadith and Sunna are taught to the Muslims and advised affectionately to practice them. (Esposito, 2008) The official religion of Pakistan is Islam and Pakistan represents the 2nd largest Muslim population in the world. The majority of the Muslims are Sunnis, but there are also Shias. The people here practice the teachings of Islam in a peaceful manner. In India and Pakistan, the Muslims who claim them to come from Alligarh movement are moderate, practicing their religion and show many basic changes in their socio-religious style (Esposito, 2008) Interaction of Islam with Other Faiths In the above mentioned cultures the impact of Islamic understanding is positive. Muslims respect the faithful and God-conscious Christians and Jews being the people of book. Muslims, Jews and Christians have worked together in society to solve many problems. Jews, Muslims and Christians have had amiable relations with each other for centuries and live today in peace. Throughout the Muslim world, churches, synagogues and missionary schools are built and protected. As a basic principle of all the three religions, they don’t hate each other on account of their culture, religion or ethnic background. They interact positively with each other and wish good for the whole mankind (Muzaffar-Ud-Din, 2002). Misperceptions of Islam in the post 9/11 World The world forever changed the morning of September 11th 2001. The attacks on the World Center represented the most serious terrorist violence ever carried out on U.S. soil. A watershed moment in world history, that fateful morning will forever be engrained in the American national psyche. From a political, social and economic perspective, the hijackings of 9/11 were unparalleled in scope and sheer devastation. In a fascinating article entitled “Measuring the Effects of the September 11 Attack on New York City”, it was estimated that the direct cost of the attack stood at between $33 billion and $36 billion to the City of New York alone. The global ramifications were widespread. In addition to the direct economic costs associated with terrorism and the threat of further terrorism to the City of New York, 9/11 also had important political ramifications. The events that fateful morning have renewed interest in the global terrorist phenomenon and the manifestations of terrorism as a political tool by Muslims seeking political change through violent means. Furthermore, misperceptions about Islam spread around the world like wildfire (Bram et al., 2005). The supposed linkages between Islam and terrorism have been at the fore of the international media since that fateful morning of September 11th 2001. Increasingly, modern terrorist groups and networks have global aims with international reach. Al-Qaeda, as an extreme fundamentalist Islamist organization, exemplifies this trend. What role does violence play in the Islamic faith? What does the history of Islam tell us about the propensity for violence within the religion? Does Islam serve as a justification for violence in a modern context? Do violent terrorists such as Osama bin Laden do more to pervert Islamic teachings than promote them? As a global faith with adherents around the world, the relationship between Islam and political violence is an issue which is deserving of important scrutiny and deserves further analysis. Islam is said to provide justification for terror and terrorist activities and many terrorists cite the Koran when committing acts of violence. In spite of the fact that Islam is inherently a peaceful religion which promotes the peaceful co-existence of people of different faiths (dhimmi status for example), people have manipulated Muslim doctrine and have reinterpreted the faith for their own political ambition. Al-Qaeda, Hezbollah, Hamas and a variety of global organizations which espoused violence as a political tool justify their actions using Islam. The term jihad is now known universally as a call to arms to the Muslim faithful but this term has been misappropriated and corrupted by Islamic terrorists seeking to impose their will through force. According to many scholars, including the late Samuel Huntington, terrorism has been appropriated as a political tool and used by a variety of Islamist organizations globally and is a potent threat to geopolitical security and world peace. Importantly, the peaceful nature of Islam is often negated and ignored in the aftermath of 9/11 (see Huntington 2005). Concluding Remarks Islam is a global faith with practitioners around the world. Seeking to address the ways in which Islam is practiced around the world through comparative analysis, this essay explored Islamic teachings, interpretations and practices around the world. Comprehensively looking at Islamic teachings and the global Islamic community in a variety of different settings, this essay also compared Islam to the other major monotheistic religions of Judaism and Christianity. Following this we discussed mainstream misinterpretations of the Islamic faith in the aftermath of September 11th 2001 and concluded with an understanding that Islam remains an inherently peaceful religion. References Bram, Jason, James Orr and Carol Rapaport. (2005). Measuring the Effects of the September 11 Attack on New York City. Economic Policy Review 8.2: 44-69. Cesari, Jocelyne (2007). Encyclopedia of Islam in the United States. California: Greenwood. Chaudhry, Muhammad S. (2001). A Code of the Teachings of Al-Quran. New Delhi: Adam Publishers. Esposito, John L. (2008). The Oxford History of Islam. New York: Oxford University Press. Fetzer, Joel S. (2004). Muslims and the State in Britain, France, and Germany. New York: Cambridge University Press. Huntington, Samuel. (1996). The Clash of Civilizations and the Remaking of World Order. New York: Simon & Schuster. Muzaffar-Ud-Din, Syed (2002). A Comparative Study of Islam and Other Religions. Bensenville: Lushena Books. Omar, Irfan (2006). Islam & Other Religions: Pathways to Dialogue. New York: Routledge. Read More