Philosophy of Islam

By Shiv Sharma

The main purpose behind writing this book is to dispel certain misconceptions, mis-notions. Givings and set at rest the misguided that attributed to Islam. The legendary poet Allamma Iqbal had said (no) Religion teaches and preaches mutual hatred amongst adherents and believers, infact religion plays a cementing role to unite people of different faiths. If there is any element of dissidence it is due to absence of true knowledge. When any message is not explained and comprehended properly, people are bound to be misled; and the onus and duty lied solely upon the religious leaders who often fail to discharge their duties towards the religion and society, I have tried to explain what the prophet Mohammed Preached through the holy Quran, Because all the Muslims, to which ever caste, creed or colour they may belong, have an abiding faith in their prophet and the Quran. If someone ventures to misinterpret the prophet’s message the fault lies solely with the wrong interpreter, but not with the prophet and the holy book.
My purpose is simply to explain the exact connotations of the Holy Quran, within ambit of my competence and comprehension so that message of the prophet percolates to all and one and every human being feels to have gained.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Diamond Books
• Release date: Apr 15, 2021
• ISBN: 9788128813399

Book preview

Sayings

World Religions, Civilizations and Islam

Culture and Civilization, traditions, customs, ritual practice, Social norms, Religious precepts and ethics etc. Caste and indelible imprint on the adherents of a religion. Any religion which fails to adapt itself to the changing times cannot last long. Any religion which is permissive and pragmatic moves with the changing times and so real and political order, is retrogressive and ineffectual. As far as its popularity is concerned, Religion, Culture and Civilization are interlinked and interdependent, and none of these aspects can be segregated from the other. We refer to faith or any religion we should take into consideration its literature on religion (that is the holy Book), its precepts, rules and regulations, impact on society as a whole, its dissent or concurrence with other religions and whether it is permissive, retrograte, restrictive or liberal. Despite all the said factors, there are some traits and characteristics, which are common to all religions and as such, those are nomenclated as universal peculiarities and beliefs.

Factors Common to all the Religions

Universality

Respect for other religions.

Tolerance

Universal Brotherhood.

Compassion to all living beings.

Non-interference in the practice and customs of other religions, even in the event of dissent.

Avoidance of ill-will hatred, acrimony, intolerance etc.

Freedom of worship and expression.

Ancient Civilizations of the world

Hinduism

Egyptian Civilization

Chinese Civilization

Roman Civilization

Christianity

Islam

Buddhism

Jainism

Sikhism

Chinese Civilization

Any religious faith which has one prophet and only one falls under the category of ‘Religion’ and under this measuring scale come religions like Islam, Christianity, Buddhism, Sikhism and other like religions, Hinduism is not a religion in the strictiest sense of the term, as it is a way of life, due to the simple reason it has many scriptures, vast literature, deities in the form of gods and goddesses including, of course, the almighty God, who is omnipresent, omniscient and omnipotent. The Chinese do not believe in the existence of God but do believe in the concept and existence of five elements which do not correspond, to the Hindu and Buddhist views and beliefs. In this respect, Chinese civilization is impacted greatly by Taoism and Confucianism. Except Roman Civilization and Christianity and to a lesser extent the Chinese Civilization, all other religions believe in and practise Tantra in one form or the other, excepting of Course Sikhism.

Roman Civilization & Christianity

Roman Civilization is the mother of Christianity, though the former is more ancient than the latter, The Religious ‘Guru’ of the Christians is Pope, whose religious seat is existent in the Vatican city (Rome). Vast majority of Christians have an abiding faith in the pope and his messages, prayers and ritualistic performances are revered to by the Christians. Roman Christians form major chunk of Christian Community, though a smaller number of protestant Christians also exists; so Roman Catholic churches all over the world abide by the Bible and Prophet Jesus Christ, who is Considered as ‘The messenger of God’. The Christians do not resort to Idol worship, though an emblem of Jesus Christ adores all the churches.

Egyptian Civilization

The Egyptian are known for worshiping and preserving the Pyramids, Wherein Mummies of dead persons are preserved, after being anointed with certain chemicals and pastes, which allow them to remain intact for many years. Pyramid is a source of energy which is generated by the sun so, the Sun is the deity of the Egyptians and this concept and practice closely correspond to Hindu belief and Practice.

The Egyptians believe in idol-worship, even if in a vailed form. There are also other gods and goddesses of the Egyptians. They also believe in; life after death - a concept which is akin to Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism also. Now a days pyramids are also used as a means to cure various ailments. Now Pyramidology is considered as a subject and its studies have revealed many unknown facts. Arab Civilization is the mother of Islam religion, as the Holy Quran was initally written in Arabic language but, despite this, Egyptian Customs Culture and traditions are at variance from certain Islamic beliefs and traditions, though Quran is the holy religious book for both of them.

Buddhism

Its founder was Gautam Buddha, Who founded Buddhism about 2500 years ago. Its main features being non-violence (Ahinsa), Compassion and Kindness, universal brotherhood, suffering as the basic cause of birth, death and rebirth. It has firm belief in Karma (Constructive Activities), piety, adherence to Sangha and Buddha’s Preachings, reclusion from family life. It did not realise the existence and reality of Brahma, creator of the universe, nor even in the existence of Vishnu and Rudra (Shiva), nor even in other Gods and goddesses of the Hindus. So, Buddha did not believe in Idolatory (idol Worship), though all the Buddhist Temples have idols, Images and replicas of Buddha.

Buddha was not in favour of Penance and torturing the body and subjecting it to various rigorous & Painful ordeals. He adopted Pali Language to preach and percolate his message, but his teachings were not popular during his life time. He advocated the eightfold path that Consisted of Right Understanding, right thinking, right speech, right conduct, right livelihood, right endeavour, right action and right meditation—this advocated path is, in fact, a guidance for his followers, and his preachings are still relevant even today. We always advise speaking the truth, control over wavered mind, avoidance of gossip, abjuration of attachment and other mental afflictions. If anyone follows his precepts his sufferings will come to an end. Due to abandonment of volatile desires, and finally salvation (or Nirvana) would be attained, leading to freedom from death, birth and rebirth.

He also declared that earnestness is the path to immortality (Nirvana) and thoughtlessness leads to the path of death. Anger should be overcome by love, evil by good, lies both truth, greed by liberality. One who has no desires, is free from grief, fear and sorrow. His doctrines can be summed up as ‘Avoid indulgence in and doing wicked actions, practise the most perfect virtue and subdue your mind thoroughly.’

Srilanka, China, Japan, Cambodia, Tibet, Korea and many other Countries, where the Buddhist were moulded, modified and attuned to local Customs, Traditions, Culture religious practices. Hence no eye-brows should be raised if there is any variation in Buddhist doctrines in such countries who emeraced Buddhism.

Buddha was deadly against the monopoly of Brahmans who ruled over Hinduism, its rituals the Practices, (Karmakand) and no social and religious function could be observed without presence of a Brahman priest. But, he was not, at all, opposed to the Brahmans, but only to Brahmanism, as many of his leading followers were Brahmans whose contribution to compilation of Buddhist Scripture cannot be denied. But, Buddha was dead against caste system or a society where Caste division rules the roost, and where the ‘Shudras’ were regarded as inferiors and less privileged and lowly people.

When Compared with Islam, there are some variations and common factors in both religions. Both of them do not believe in the caste-system but Islam has firm belief in ‘Allah’ (Almighty God) Whereas the Buddhists do not believe in the existence of God. As for prayers in Mosques and Buddhist temples, anyone can participate in congregational prayers on the premise that he believes in his respective prophets and the doctrine of religion advocated and preached, even though the methods of worship and offering prayers are at variance. Both the religions do not believe in idol worship, but in the mosque there are no idols, whereas in Buddhist temples idols, images and images of Buddha are kept and revered, Equality, universal brotherhood, compassion are common to both the religions, apart from designated timings for offering prayers. There are certain norms, which are ordained to be followed before, during and at the conclusive part of offering prayers. As Mohammed is the prophet of Allah for the Muslims, So is Buddha for the Buddhists, even though the latter do not believe in the existence of God. The Muslims bury the dead bodies, whereas the Buddhists consign them to fire, like the Hindus.

Jainism

Jainism and Buddhism are both contemporaries. Jainism was founded by Lord Mahavira who laid utmost stress on Ahinsa’ (non-violence), but Jain view of non-violence is far more subtle, of non-far-stretched than that of the Buddha. The Jains believe that life is precious (of all living beings), hence never injure any life, Non Killing is the avowed preaching of almost all the religions in the world, though it is not scrupulously followed entirely, even by those who advocate and preach it. General Principle is that nobody has the right to take life of any living being if he cannot give life. It has been said, Ahinsa reflects the noble sentiments of Jainism."

Human body is like a temple; hence it should be kept neat and clean, and it should be used for the benefit and good of other beings in the universe. Human body is a complex whole of many atoms. As longs as these atoms remain integrated life continues but, when they disintegrate, death ensues. So this body, being sacred, should be kept free from all defilements and also that all the sense organs should be kept under strict vigil and control so that they do not go astray, thereby landing an individual into a mess of volatile desires. One should feel equally comfortable in the event of distress and happiness, So detachment from once non-indulgence in worldly pleasures and allurements is the only Mantra.

The Jains compare a temple with a human frame. As Jain temples are opened at the sunrise and closed at the sunset, so should people take their meals between sunrise and sunset periods. A human being should make himself conversant with worldly events and situations, but should not indulge, overtly or covertly, in the pleasures.

When lord Mahavir appeared in this world there was reign of war, injustice, discrimination, hatred and superstitions and birds and animals were being sacrificed with impunity. So, Mahavira’s first task was to let the people learn the path of prosperity and ecstasy, give up violence, live in amity and peace, lead a religious and pious life, free from defilements of various etiologies by resorting to purification of soul through penane, meditation and spirit of tolerance and follow the doctrine ‘live and let others also live’. Those who do not hesitate to kill an insect, can one day kill a human being also. Nobody has the right to deprive any other being of the right to life. Mahavira preached pardon and compassion, fight against intolerance and injustice, give up hatred and enmity.

The Jain religion enjoins upon its followers to discharge four-fold duties (Compared to Buddha’s eightfold path) such as ‘to give charity, to be austere, maintain (good) conduct and character and observe penances. They were also asked to abstain from food on important occasions, meditate and recite contents of the holy texts, and finally endeavour to live upto high deals of life. Further, a person should be philanthropic, have detachment towards worldly attractions, do good to others, do not enjoy when others are in distress or faced with same predicament.

Jainism also believes in the theories of Karma and Rebirth, and birth in a noble or unchaste family depended one’s good or bad Karmas in the previous life. Jainism has laid down five ethical principles, viz., Ahinsa (no-violence), Satya (Truth), Asteja (Non Steeling), Brahmacharya (Celibacy) and finally Aparigraha (non-possession), but non-violence is the most important of all these principles. Infact all these principles are preached by all the religions all over the globe but, when self- interests supervene, all such noble virtues are relegated to the back side which, in modern parlance, is called as the marriage of convenience.

As Buddha and Mahavira were contemporaries, there was not much variation in their teachings and when we compare Jainism with Islam, Whatever has been stated in the context of Buddhism, holds equally good and applicable in the case of Jainism also.

Sikhism

History of the Sikhs is replete with sacrifices and fight against injustice. Energy of Sikhism dates back to approximately 300 years ago. It was Guru Nanak Who laid the foundation of ‘Sikhism’. He was a saint and whatever he said and preached emanated from the Core of his heart. His preaching are enshrined in the holy (religious) book, called as ‘Shri Guru Granth Sahib which also contains versified preaching of other saints and Gurus. Guru Nanak was the first guru who was followed by nine other Gurus (Religious Preachers), the Last Guru being Guru Gobind Singh, who laid the foundation of the ‘Khalsa’ Panth which was intended to protect the Hindus and Dharma from the tyranny of Muslims and their rulers, The Sikh Gurus made many sacrifices, raised an army of devoted fighters, for whom five Ks’ were essential so as to distinguish them from the enemy’s soldiers. When Guru Gobind Singh was only nine years old, his father, Guru Teg Bahadur, was executed as Delhi at the spot where Gurudwara Sisganj is situated in Chandni Chowk, Delhi. Then in 1699 on the day of Baisakhi, Guru Gobind Singh made a hidden appearance with a sword in his hand and asked who amongst the gathering could volunteer to protect the Dharam. His sudden call stunned the audience but, even then five persons came forth one by one whom the Guru called as ‘Panj Pyare’ [Five beloved ones]. All of them were baptised and the word ‘Singh’ was added to each volunteer’s name. Now, more people came and were baptised-this is how a large army of khalsa soldiers was raised. Even innocent sons of the Guru were also executed. The Khalsa soldiers accosted and confronted the raiders like Nadir Shah and Ahmad Shah Abdali and recovered the looted articles and got released many women from the captivity of the suppressor.

Guru Granth Sahib is the holy scripture of the sikhs and is regarded as a ‘Guru’ since the teachings of the Gurus are enshrined therein. Sikhism believes in modesty, humility, sacrifice, advocates faith in the teachings of the Gurus - its message carries the message for the entire humanity. It also lays stress on piety, prayers, faith in the doctrinal tenets, religiosity, righteousness, liberation, got for all types of injustice and oppression. Guru Gobind Singh also enjoined upon the followers that the spiritual Granth would serve as the spiritual Guru for the Sikhs. He made Khalsa a full-fledged Qaum. He also declared that there would be no more guru of the sikhs, as he was the last (tenth) Guru. He was a pure secularist and made it obligatory for the followers to take to baptism (Amrit). For him society was a homogeneous entity, and that all were equal.

Both Muslims and sikhs do not believe in idolatory, and they also pay great reverence to their respective holy books. Baptism is also a creed of both religions and believe in the existence of God who sends the messengers on earth to emancipate humanity from pain, suffering, disease, defilements, allurements. All said and done, Sikhism is far nearer to Hinduism than Islam, As Guru Granth Sahib is a compilation of Guru Nanak and other Saints it is a brilliant blend of wisdom of holy Gurus and saints, the poets being majority of Hindu and Muslim Saints. Further, both the Hindus and Sikhs, consign the dead bodies to the fiery flames to the holy chant of spritual mantras (Read chants from ‘Bani’ in the case of Sikhs), while the Muslims bury the dead bodies in a Kabaristan (Graveyard) like the Christians.

Hinduism

Here the term ‘Hinduism’ is used in a broader perspective, viz even though it may be termed with a myopic view’ as a religion, it is a way of life in the broader sense of the term. Hinduism has its roots, deeply entrenched in the Vedas, Puranas, Upanishads, Epics like Ramayana and Mahabharta, and the essence of all the religious treatises, the ‘Gita’. Hindus believe in the existence of God ‘The Supreme and Ultimate reality and force) and trinity of deities like Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh, apart from a large number of Gods and goddesses. Hindus believe that human body is a composite