Understanding Islam and Quran

The foundation of beliefs and practices of Islam lies in the Quran, the revealed words of Allah, and in the sunnah, the sayings and teachings of Allah's messenger Muhammad (pbuh). Therefore, the Quran and Islam are synonymous. The names of twenty-five prophets have been mentioned in the Quran. Of them, Abraham, David, Moses, Jesus Christ and Muhammad are significant as they received revealed books, i.e. Torah, Zabur, Bible (Ingil) and Quran from the Creator of this universe, Allah, to convey His messages to mankind from time to time.

If one recites the Quran with correct intonation, one can feel the miraculous style, the artistic and literary beauty which are unparalleled. In the Quran Muslims have been commanded to believe in previously revealed books, and show honour to other prophets. The Quran says: "say [O Muslims], we believe in Allah and that which is revealed to us and that which was revealed to Abraham and Ishmael, and Isaac and Jacob, and their children, and that which Moses and Jesus received. We make no distinction between any of them and unto Him we have surrendered(Quran 2.136)." Let me quote from the book Islam by Karen Armstrong ( a British nun), one of the world's foremost scholars on religious affairs, who points out that the Quran insists strongly that there shall be no coercion in matters of faith, and commands Muslims to respect the beliefs of Jews and Christians, whom the Quran calls abl al-kitab, a phrase usually translated as "people of the book," but which is more accurately rendered as "people of an earlier revelation."

Allah has emphasized the need for peace. As a matter of fact, the word 'peace' has been mentioned 58 times in the Quran. In the Quran understandable guidelines have been given which relate to all facets of one's personal, family and civic life. Islam also does not encourage war, rather it eliminates almost all reasons that normally incite war, and abolishes all wars for unjust gain and oppression. Islam and Muslims do not condone the killing of innocent people even during the period of war. Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) had set many examples of saving innocent people and children, including prisoners of war.

Islam does not absolve the killings of innocent persons, nor does it encourage suicide, or for that matter suicide bombing to kill people. Let us look at what the Quran has to say about suicide: "Do not kill yourselves. God is merciful to you but he who does that through wickedness and injustice shall be burned in fire. That is enough for Allah (Sura 4: 29)." In another Sura it is stated clearly that: "give generously for the cause of Allah, and do not with your own hands cast yourselves into destruction (Sura2: 195)."

Islam stands for peace, which is reflected in the code of conduct of a family belonging to the Muslim faith. Islam is a liberal religion which caters to the needs of every individual. Muslims are ordered to convey the message of Allah, but cannot force others to embrace Islam. In the Quran it has been stated clearly that: "let there be no compulsion in religion: Truth stands out clear from error (Sura: 11.259)."

There is a misconception about the word jihad. The struggle to establish the sovereignty of God on earth is called jihad according to the Islamic scholar, Sayyid Qutb, who was sentenced to death on August 29, 1966, by the order of Egyptian President in spite of strong protests from all corners of the Muslim world. He further added that jihad is achieved by giving men the chance to emancipate themselves from their oppressors, and to restore the human rights granted by God to all mankind. Allah says: "the true believers fight for the cause of Allah, but those who reject faith fight for the devil (Quran :4.76)."

Allah does not love aggressors which is clearly written in Sura Baqarah. It says: "fight for the sake of Allah those that fight against you, but do not attack them first ( Sura 2: 189)." Generally Muslim scholars refer to jihad as the inner struggle of the believer, not to physical confrontation. Quoting the Hadith [sayings of Prophet Muhammad] the scholar says that after returning from the battle-field Muhammad [peace be upon him] said 'we are returning from the lesser jihad to the greater jihad'. This greater jihad implies the jihad against oneself or jihad al-nafs.

The article of faith in Islam is tolerance. Allah himself commanded mankind not to quarrel amongst themselves about who is better or superior. As stated in Sura Baqarah, Allah alone will judge on the day of judgement. In the same Sura it has been stated:

"nay, whoever submits his whole self to Allah, and does good works shall be rewarded by his Lord, he shall have nothing to fear or to regret (Quran 2 .111)." Therefore, it is very clear that Islam does not promote suicide bombing or killing, rather it speaks for peace. It is important to read the Quran to understand its meaning and relevance in one's life. None should misinterpreting the Quran. Those who misinterpret the Quran for selfish motives should repent and seek blessing from Allah by reciting the holy Quran in this blessed month of Ramadan.

Muhammad Amjad Hossain, a former Bangladesh diplomat, writes from Virginia.