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Notis: Det följande är en reproduktion av artiklen "Understanding Islam (Submission)" i Mars-upplagan 2001 av
Submitters Perspective,
den månatliga bulletinen av United Submitters International.
Most people readily accept information given to them without
investigating it for themselves. Unfortunately, this is how most so-called
Muslims gain their information. They accept information from their “imams”
(religious leaders) who usually use other sources besides the Quran,
without questioning or investigating them. This is a sad fact especially
when the Quran expresses the importance of reading, studying, reflecting
and investigating so much.
You shall not accept any information, unless you verify it
for yourself. I have given you the hearing, the eyesight, and the brain,
and you are responsible for using them. [17:36]
What is Islam?
Islam is often defined as a religion, but this does not give a clear
meaning of the word. Literally and in practice, it is self-surrender,
submission, absolute surrender to the will, service and the commands of
the One True God. It is a type of submission that will enable one to have
a sense of peace within and to be free from all fears, to feel completely
safe and protected. A submission and surrender that is given
wholeheartedly without any doubt, and will make one readily obedient to
the commands of the One True God. Therefore, Islam is not just some
religion based on a simple belief or faith in something, but a total
submission that is given to God alone.
GOD has proclaimed: "Do not worship two gods; there is only
one god. You shall reverence Me alone." [16:51]
To Him belongs everything in the heavens and the earth and
therefore, the religion shall be devoted absolutely to Him alone. Would
you worship other than GOD? [16:52]
Often submission is called “deen” or way of life. The Arabic
word deen is generally translated to mean religion, creed, faith
and belief. From careful study, limiting the meaning to this alone takes
away from the true essence of the word. We will look at different views of
this word deen, and then examine the word from a perspective
using the Quran.
The word deen refers to all aspects of life and cannot
really be translated by the word “religion.” Deen means
life transaction, literally a debt or exchange situation between two
parties, in this context between God and His servants.
Islam is called “al-deen,” the way of life; as it is not
a religion of rituals but a complete way of life including
spiritual, social, economic and political systems providing guidance
for private, public, national and international issues.
O you who believe, you shall observe GOD as He should
be observed, and do not die except as Submitters. [3:102]
We sent down to you this scripture, truthfully; you
shall worship GOD, devoting your religion to Him alone. Absolutely,
the religion shall be devoted to GOD alone. Those who set up idols
beside Him say, "We idolize them only to bring us closer to GOD; for
they are in a better position!" GOD will judge them regarding their
disputes. GOD does not guide such liars, disbelievers. [39:2-3]
Therefore the way of life decreed by God is submission to His
will, and to Him alone, in service and worship.
The only religion approved by GOD is "Submission."
Ironically, those who have received the scripture are the ones who
dispute this fact, despite the knowledge they have received, due to
jealousy. For such rejectors of GOD's revelations, GOD is most
strict in reckoning. [3:19]
Who is a Muslim?
The Arabic word “Muslim” is defined as the one who surrenders or
submits to the will of God. The word “Muslim” stems from the same
root (SLM) as “Islam.”
One does not become a Muslim automatically if his or her birth
certificate indicates so. A person’s name, his parents’ religious
background, his race or language is no guarantee for him to be a
Muslim acceptable to God. Being a Muslim is a matter between the
person and God the Almighty who knows our innermost thoughts and
intentions. It is a matter of whether a person accepts God as the
only deity, submits to His will, and lives a righteous life
accordingly.
However, the term Muslim is more often given to those who say
they are followers of the Quran. But with careful study of the word,
it can also be used to describe those who follow the Old Testament
and the New Testament as well.
The Quran, which is the Final Testament, considers all religions
devoted to God alone as being valid and acceptable, as long as
certain minimal criteria are met. Devotion to God alone guarantees
salvation. It’s the duty of all humans —whether they consider
themselves Jews, Christians, Muslims, Hindus, or any other
religion—to recognize the absoluteness of God as Lord of the
Universe and not place any idols besides Him.
Surely, those who believe, those who are Jewish, the
Christians, and the converts; anyone who (1) believes in GOD, and
(2) believes in the Last Day, and (3) leads a righteous life, will
receive their recompense from their Lord. They have nothing to fear,
nor will they grieve. [2:62]
Using the Quranic fact that certain criteria must be met in all
religions in order to be accepted by God, it will become clear that
there is only one religion regardless of the name used for God or
for the religion itself.
Anyone who accepts other than Submission as his
religion, it will not be accepted from him, and in the Hereafter, he
will be with the losers. [3:85]
God’s words are Truth, and the truth will never change no matter
what we say or do. So it is made very clear that our natural
instinct is to worship God alone regardless of the names we use to
describe its practice as stated in the Quran:
Therefore, you shall devote yourself to the religion
of strict monotheism. Such is the natural instinct placed into the
people by GOD. Such creation of GOD will never change. This is the
perfect religion, but most people do not know. [30:30]
Who would forsake the religion of Abraham, except one
who fools his own soul? We have chosen him in this world, and in the
Hereafter he will be with the righteous. [2:130]
Absolutely, this is the narration of the truth.
Absolutely, there is no god except GOD. Absolutely, GOD is the
Almighty, Most Wise. [3:62]
Abraham was neither Jewish, nor Christian; he was a
monotheist submitter. He never was an idol worshiper. [3:67]
Who is better guided in his religion than one who
submits totally to GOD, leads a righteous life, according to the
creed of Abraham: monotheism? GOD has chosen Abraham as a beloved
friend. [4:125]
Such is your congregation—one congregation—and I am
your Lord; you shall reverence Me. But they tore themselves into
disputing factions; each party happy with what they have.
[23:52-53]
God willing this study will lead the reader in the direction of
questioning, investigating and studying all information being taught
on Islam, and encourage people to learn what the true Submission is
all about.
Ismaa’iyl Shariyf
[Ed’s note: Br. Shariyf is currently incarcerated. He
holds “Understanding Islam” classes in the prison to teach and
propagate the True Islam to other incarcerated brothers.]
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