The world in which we live deems the Islamic faith as one associated with terrorism. Just the other day, my friend and I were doing homework in the library. He asked me what assignment I was working on due to my excitable and aggressive typing, I excitedly answered, “a theology assignment, I have to write about Islam”, to which he responded, “Oh, you mean the religion with the terrorists”. I asked him what he knew about the faith, he had little to offer. This example is a good indication of what our ignorant world knows about the Islamic faith. We only have outside sources to blame for misguided information, such as the news outlets, lack of knowledge and willingness to learn, and overall general prejudices. If one takes time to read and understand the basis of the Islamic faith, one would see this religion is “as spiritually rich” as they come.
Some important aspects of this religion are as follows: their founder Muhhamand is known as the messenger to God (Allah). (Knitter and Madges 328 ). ‘Allah (God) is known as the creator of all’. (Knitter and Madges 239) Their main belief is mainly in the ‘Shahadah’., In which Muslims are to pray five times a day. They should repeat the phrase “There is no God but God, and Muhhamad is the messenger”’.(Knitter and Madges 239) ‘This phenomenon of oneness pertains to the way Muslims totally experience and come together with God. In which ultimately how God affects their lives’. By putting faith in God, Allah aids one with the centered, rooted, and concentrated beliefs in which follow the Islamic faith. (Knitter and Madges 240) Also, providing a oneness of humanity, to achieve Ummah, also known as one human community. In addition, Islam is defined as obedient or to endure a loving submission. The term submission might be why some people believe this religion is anonymous with terrorism. This sense of total dedication and submission to something or someone. (Knitter and Madges 240). By acting in the way of submission, one should actively practice or do what one believes is extremely important in submitting yourself to Allah. (Knitter and Madges 241) Muslims believe there should be no separation between religion and society, church and state. Overall the belief Allah must be practiced in every aspect of life. (Knitter and Madges 243)
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Whilst acquiring knowledge on this specific religion, many things have inspired and resonated with me. To start, the idea of having oneness throughout your life speaks volumes to me. I prefer to think of things in a spiritual way rather than a religious way. To me, oneness is an experience that expands the mind. We feel connected with everything in this world on every level. In other words, we feel ‘at one’ with all things. This is a beautiful concept I wish to embody. Similarly, in the Islamic faith, to truly feel the reality of Allah being a ‘peace-giving unity and a powerful focus in one's life’. (Knitter and Madges 240) Believing in and feelings Allah means you are ‘centered, rooted, and concentrated’. (Knitter and Madges 240). In which all one encounters in life is held together and unified. I am amazed at the similarities, although slight, between Buddism and Islam. In my practice of Buddhism, I try my best to remain centered and rooted particularly in my practice of Yoga. This is the way I generally live my day to day life. I never let my highs get too high or let my lows get too low. I aspire to keep a centered path. I would never have thought there would ever be a slight similarity between these two religions. Lastly, Muslims tell us that we're in it for the long haul if we wish to solve our global crisis. The term ‘jihad is translated to struggle, or the holy war’. (Knitter and Madges 241) There is a possibility that right now in terms of our struggle, or our ‘jihad’, we have to first endure the backlash and the struggle in order to gain the knowledge to fix it. As an example, the ocean is very much polluted, the turtles are dying from the excess plastic in the ocean. Maybe what it took to make a change was the ocean is so polluted it was killing animals. The struggle is what we need to develop knowledge to solve problems.
As I was reading this section on Islam, one specific part struck a chord in me. Ever since I was younger, my mother has always told me that I was capable of anything, and that to achieve what I hoped and dreamed I needed a guiding light. From a young age, I decided my mother was going to be my guiding light. Anything I go through, whether simple or complex, I always stop to think ‘what would she do in this situation’ so, in theory, I lead by her example, just the same as the followers of Muhammad did. I believe that anything is possible if you strive to act in the way of someone or something that is admirable to you. The Muslims, in self-defense and “fighting in the way of God” were victorious, despite all odds. (Knitter and Madges 239). This is an incredibly inspirational point due to the relation it has to my life. When I am faced with tough and challenging situations I think about my mother. I always strive to be in her good graces even in her absence. With the same token, ‘Muhhamand channeled is love and admiration for god and used him as a guiding light in the heavily outnumbered battle.’ (Knitter and Madges 238).
I have enlightened my friend by enabling him to put aside his ignorance and prejudice and open his eyes to the truth. If one takes time to read and understand the basis of the Islamic faith, one would see this religion is true “as spiritually rich” as they come, as one should with anything in life. I have gained more knowledge of the Islamic faith and I am proud to say this. This study of religion has taught and inspired me to great lengths and left me with a lot to think about.
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