THE WORD OF GOD

You are right. A verse in the Quran says: “God has not placed two hearts in any man’s body.” (33: 4) This verse refers to an aspect of human psychology. If a person makes his community his concern, he won’t be able to make humankind his concern. When this happens, he will think on the lines of “Muslim empowerment” but will not be concerned about being well-wishers to the entire humankind. Many of those who follow the ‘cultural religiosity’ understanding of Islam think non-Muslims are ‘enemies’ of Islam/Muslims. It views others as enemies who have to be defeated through polemics and even war, and not as potential friends who have to be reached out to with the message of love and respect. What do you have to say about this attitude? This kind of mentality is quite un-Islamic. It is not acceptable to God or His Messenger. This kind of mentality develops false pride and there is no room for false pride in Islam. It is this that is mentioned in the Quran as amani, or wishful thinking. (2 : 111). What dua (supplication) should a Muslim do for people of other faiths? We should pray for all on an equal basis. The Quran refers to God as the “Lord of the Worlds” (1: 2) and not as “God of Muslims”. This fact has been declared in the very first chapter of the Quran. Also, the Prophet is called in the Quran rahmatul lil-alamin (21: 107), that is, a mercy for all humankind. The Quran doesn’t say that the Prophet is only “rahmat for Muslims”. o Listen to soul-nourishing articles while on the go. A great companion for study groups and collective reading exercises. Spirit of Islam web version now available with AUDIO feature www.spiritofislam.co.in/spiritnew/