Thank you for your interest in seeking my opinion on
the rather complex and controversial subject of religious exclusivist in
Islam and, as our friend
Tahir Qazi rightly points out, in other faiths
as well.
I may be considered an authority on Islam on the
FOTH
forum but I assure you I am not, and whatever it is that I am offering
is merely my humble opinion on the issue.
I must also inform you at the outset, that I have struggled with this
and other questions pertaining to religious belief practically all of my
life, with the intention of wanting to reconcile humanistic morality,
which I value, with religious morality, which tends to be elitist and
exclusivist. I arrived at a somewhat unique solution to this dilemma
which does not represent the mainstream viewpoint, and which is hence
exclusive and personal to me. It may therefore be an answer which
will probably not satisfy our readers.
For me, Islam therefore is a concept that is generic in nature and
present in practically all theistic religions. "Submission to the Will
of God" can mean, submission to Allah, Yahweh, Brahman, Waheguru, the
Great Spirit, God the Father, and therefore theoretically it could
encompasses all faiths including that of Rashid Mughal's Eskimos. No
need to call any one "kafir" I would say, and I am very comfortable with
this thought. I find this interpretation more consistent with the idea
of a God who is "Ghafur-ur- Rahim", because our religious affiliation is
mostly due to an accident of birth, or indoctrination.
I realize that my view would be deemed heretical by the majority of
Muslims, but I feel it is supported by verse 2:62 of the Quran, whihc
states :
"Surely the believers and the Jews, Christians and the Sabians, whoever
believes in God and the Last Day, and whoever does right, shall have his
reward with his Lord, and will neither have fear nor regret".
Some among Muslims suggest that this verse is now abrogated. I am not a
believer in the principle of abrogation but that's a separate issue.
Regarding Rashid's citing of verse 2: 98, I can only suggest that the
historical context of the verse be investigated. It is common knowledge
that there was open opposition to the message of Islam and Muslims from
pagans, Jews and even Christians. This particular verse is a response
primarily to a specific situation and is by no means laying down rules
of conduct for all times. The Quran often lays down certain general
principles and at other times addresses specificities, which is why a
confusion is generated in the minds of those not familiar with the
historical context of the Quran. It appears to be saying one thing at
one time, and its antithesis on another occasion. The confusion is
dispelled when one understand the particular contexts of certain verses.
Let me quote another verse consistent with my own understanding, which
again acknowledges the diversity in religious belief. Verse 49: 13
states:
"O men, we created you from a male and a female, and formed you into
nations and tribes that you may know each other (not that you may
despise each other). He who has more integrity has indeed greater honor
with God. Surely God is all knowing and well-informed"
Thus it is by Divine Will, that mankind is divided into different
nations and communities. Furthermore, In this verse, premium is placed
more on righteous action or integrity, rather than this or that belief
or which name you call God by.
I can go on and on, but am genuinely hard pressed for time these days.
Regards
