Q&A with a Muslim about Our Differences and Similarities - Part 3
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- Published Nov 28, 2022
Depending on who you ask, Muslims and Christians exist in two different worlds, following two different religions, which have led to two different types of societies. And that isn’t just an opinion but an observable fact. However, depending on who you ask, you will also find similarities, and these, too, are not just opinions but facts.
Thanks to a conversation with David Zia, I’ve been able to learn more about how our religions intersect and diverge. Some of my preconceived notions have been put to rest, and in their place, I have an even deeper desire to know more, not just about Islam but about the history of my own Christian religion.
Here’s a continuation of my Q&A with a Muslim about religious differences and similarities. If you want to read the beginning of this conversation, click here, and for Part 2, click here.
Criticisms on Religion
Some members of modern society have cited slavery as a reason to deny the validity of Christianity. However, while faith was once used to justify slavery, faith was also a reason for the practice’s end. Hardly ever do I hear people talk about slavery in the Muslim world, which lasted even longer (Barbary pirates, the Oulad Bou Sbaa, etc). How do Muslims respond to the history of slavery today?
The modern context in which we live views slavery as the worst atrocity in human history. This notion is deeply related to the history of our country. Excluding our modern context, we can see that slavery has been a human institution since the beginning of existence, and it certainly existed in the Muslim world. Islam by no means encourages slavery. On the contrary, it gave the world and Muslim civilizations a more humane method of managing this aspect of life. Allah mentions slavery in surah 90 in verses 11-13: “what will make you know what the steep path is? It is the freeing of a slave.”
In Islam, slaves are viewed as proper human beings but under the responsibility of a master. There are regulations for managing a slave, and it is highly encouraged to free slaves as it was a common tradition of the prophet and his companion Uthman Ibn Affan. And finally, the current consequences of slavery are that it is not allowed and has been retired as an institution. God encouraged the freeing and good treatment of slaves with promises of rewards.
Critics of Christianity often discredit the religion by making claims about the mistreatment of women, the problem of evil, and likening believers to hypocrites. Do you agree with any of these criticisms or any others?
These criticisms are common amongst atheists and non-practicing folk ,but they hold little weight. If one was to make the claim that all religious people are saints and angels then sure those points could be valid but no one with common sense would do that.
This is actually related to the whole “religion is evil argument.” Are there evil Christians and Muslims in the world that do atrocious things and go against the core messages of both religions? Yes! Absolutely! Does that mean then that all of the practitioners of those faiths are evil and backwards? No! That isn’t a true thing to think and say. Sadly, this is a popular belief amongst secularist and materialistic groups in the world. Christianity and Islam have both revolutionized the world intellectually and spiritually. So much of our technological and scientific advancements have come through scholar-practitioners of those two faiths. Not to mention the incredible spiritual bliss that both religions give to billions of people around the world every single day.
Criticisms of Islam in Particular
What are some of the biggest criticisms you hear about Islam?
The cliche one is that we’re all terrorists and backward. Those with some sense recognize that to not be true and it's so foolish I didn’t really even mention it. The common criticisms amongst “intellectuals” come from the works of a group of academics known as Orientalists who try to paint a picture of the eastern world in the west. Some of the major criticisms are about the rights of women and their role historically dating back to the wives of the prophets.
Are there any criticisms that you agree with?
No, I firmly believe that to live a successful life, one has to live a moral life, and Islam unequivocally provides that. The criticisms regarding the principles are logically incoherent and stem from feminism and other overtly biased viewpoints. Now I don’t agree with the actions of all Muslims or their cultural practices. For example, in my country of origin, women are in many households treated poorly. This is a terrible tragedy and one that stems out of Afghan culture and not Islam. It's important to make that distinction when critiquing the behaviors of Muslims around the world.
People have talked about Christianity being oppressive to women based on certain passages in Scripture and certain cultural norms that were permissible, even encouraged, in the past. Regarding Islam, I witness these same critiques and often have them myself when women are not allowed to get an education and cover themselves from head to toe in garb. Could you explain whether this culture stems from religion, society, or both?
Regarding the covering of women, this is not really an issue for Muslim women. It is a mandate that God has prescribed to preserve the honor and dignity of women, and as mentioned in the question, it’s historically been part of Christianity as well. The oppression of women is a serious issue, nevertheless. This is not at all something the religion encourages. It is a cultural norm that we find in some Muslim cultures, particularly in east Asia and central Asia. I believe this has to do with historical events i.e., the Mongol invasions.
Photo Credit: Pixabay/Creative Commons
Assumptions about Islam
Does the Quran permit men to be abusive toward their wives? In a chat between Sam Harris and Yasmine Mohammed, a former Muslim, she made this claim.
Absolutely not, the Quran forbids the mistreatment and abuse of women. Allah mentions in surah 4 verse 19: “O believers! It is not permissible for you to inherit women against their will or mistreat them to make them return some of the dowry as a ransom for divorce—unless they are found guilty of adultery. Treat them fairly. If you happen to dislike them, you may hate something which Allah turns into a great blessing.”
Women have a special role to play, just as men do. They are God's creation just as men are. Women are regarded with honor in Islam and have been given a special partnership task and men are meant to be protectors and providers for them. Allah also mentions in surah 7 verse 189: “He is the One Who created you from a single soul, then from it made its spouse so he may find comfort in her. After he had been united with her, she carried a light burden that developed gradually. When it grew heavy, they prayed to Allah, their Lord, ‘If you grant us good offspring, we will certainly be grateful.’”
What does the Quran say about polygamy?
The Quran mentions in surah 4 verse 3: “If you fear you might fail to give orphan women their due rights if you were to marry them, then marry other women of your choice—two, three, or four. But if you are afraid you will fail to maintain justice, then content yourselves with one or those bondwomen in your possession. This way, you are less likely to commit injustice.”
Polygamy is allowed in Islam but with restrictions and rules and is not a free personal harem pass.
One of the criticisms that I have heard of Muslims that I have not heard of Christians is that when someone from one of these religious groups commits an act of terrorism, those in the latter openly condemn. However, those in the former do not. The acts on 9/11 come to mind. Thoughts?
This is false, most of the Muslim world and religious leaders condemned the 9/11 perpetrators and their heinous crimes. Furthermore, this is not a fair criticism as Islam is a religion practiced by over a billion people from around the globe. It is not a homogenous singular entity. The Muslim world is not responsible for the actions of every person or group that claims to practice the faith or commits actions in the name of it.
Are there any sins punishable by death or beating in Islam?
Yes, but only under certain conditions. Islamic jurisprudence is philosophically intended to bring balance and morality to society. Punishments such as murder and beating are only ruled for special cases and are to be only administered in a Muslim society by a trained jurist.
Do all countries abide by these same standards? Why?
No, every Muslim nation follows its own version of Islamic jurisprudence related to their society and people.
Why Islam?
What good have you seen Islam create in the world?
I will answer this question from my own experiences as a Muslim. Since I started practicing my religion, I have become a much better person than I was before. I have learned that God has created me with a purpose to worship and serve him. That means that I have to be the best human I can possibly be. In that light, I try to help others as much as I can and try to be kind, charitable, and forgiving, all because these are actions that I know if I perform sincerely, God will become pleased with me and reward me for. My experience is not singular, this is the experience of millions of Muslims every day around the world. Because of Islam the world is a much better place.
Why does Islam not spread to other parts of the world apart from where it’s currently concentrated?
The best answer for this is that current geopolitical standings don’t allow for hard spreading. Islam is and has been an evangelizing force since its inception. Muslims around the world are thrilled when others become Muslims as we believe it is spreading the message of God and potentially saving them from hellfire. In terms of population growth, Islam is the fastest-growing religion.
Why should a nonbeliever join the Muslim faith?
Simply because Islam contains the best pathway to reach God and offers a balanced and moral system for life. If one practices Islam faithfully and dies upon it, then that person will be granted paradise and eternal bliss.
Why do you believe in Islam and not Christianity, Hinduism, Buddhism, etc.?
I believe in Islam over other faiths because I personally believe it to be the ultimate truth from the creator of the universe and the best religion for me. In saying that, I don’t discredit other religions totally. Every religion has some good to offer and is culturally tied to the way its practitioners live their lives. I wish for others to join Islam but do not wish to intrude on their traditions either. Ultimately it is up to God to guide, and each person will have their own case on the day of judgment.
Are these other religions wrong, either partially or totally?
Yes and no. God has sent messengers and scriptures for the reason of guidance. People with intellect who receive the message should critically analyze it and seriously consider it. As I mentioned, all major religions of the world offer some good and are of benefit to humanity. We can certainly learn from each other.
Is there any hope that we will all one day come under one true religion?
No, the human being is too complex and spread out geographically to follow one religious system. Allah mentions in surah 5 verse 48: “We have revealed to you O Prophet this Book with the truth, as a confirmation of previous Scriptures and a supreme authority on them. So, judge between them by what Allah has revealed, and do not follow their desires over the truth that has come to you. To each of you, we have ordained a code of law and a way of life. If Allah had willed, He would have made you one community, but His Will is to test you with what He has given each of you. So, compete with one another in doing good. To Allah, you will all return, then He will inform you of the truth regarding your differences.”
In honesty, I don’t believe nor desire for all of us to be one way. There is so much beauty in our diversity.
I ask God, and you, dear reader, for forgiveness for any mistakes in my answers.
Conclusion
From what I do know of other religions, the one major difference between Christianity and other faiths, like Islam, is that we believe God became man. He dwelt among us, lived, died, and was born again. And Jesus didn’t just die, He died so that humanity would be forgiven for its sins.
Christians, including myself, may debate about who reaps salvation, what is required, and the validity of other faiths, but we are bound by a shared belief in Jesus. May He be the reason we continue to debate constructively, converse lovingly, and strive toward truth.
May He also be the reason that we make an effort to talk to those with different religious backgrounds. Even if, ultimately, we disagree, there’s plenty to learn about other people and about the world. So many questions to ask, even if we don’t have all the answers.
Like, would we be a Christian if we were born elsewhere in the world under a different religion or none at all?
Something to ponder.
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