THE WORD OF GOD

The remedy for ignorance is asking questions. (Prophet Muhammad) The spirit of enquiry is the hallmark of an open society and the above saying of the Prophet aptly illustrates this principle. A culture of curiosity and open-mindedness will foster development in any society by motivating its members to learn enthusiastically and enrich their knowledge. This is because awareness of one’s ignorance is half of knowledge, as it becomes a stepping-stone to seeking and finding answers. A questioning mind is like a flowing river that is replenished with fresh thoughts and ideas and continues on its journey. YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED What does Islam say about inherited religiosity? Religion is a matter of free choice. One must adopt self-discovered religion rather than inherited religion. In general, the present Muslims are following an inherited religion. But following this kind of religion is not enough. They must rediscover their religion by re-studying the Quran and Sunnah (practical model of the Prophet). This principle is given in the Quran in these words: “The Arabs of the desert say, ‘We have believed.’ Say to them, ‘You have not believed yet; say rather, “We have submitted,” for faith has not yet entered into your hearts.” (49: 14) What, according to you, are the reasons why people might believe in a religion simply because they are born into it? This is due to conditioning. Everyone is born in a particular family, society or culture. One keeps getting conditioned in the environment in which one is born. It is a social phenomenon and perhaps no one is exempted from this social conditioning. This social phenomenon is referred to in the Quran in these words: When it is said to them, ‘Come to what God has sent down and to the Messenger.’ They reply, ‘The faith we have inherited from our fathers is sufficient for us'. (5: 104) What does this mean for the search for Truth and the purpose of life? Are these compatible with inherited religiosity? It is common experience that every person applies his reason in matters related to him. For example, a person uses his reason to select the job or business best suitable for him. The same is required in the case