Being a Muslim

Islam, like most other religions, or all other religions is a set of beliefs that one has about one’s existence, the existence of the universe, of God or a Supreme Being, of the Hereafter, which in turn impacts on how one conducts one’s life. Belief is a deeply personal thing, and religious belief is a commitment one makes to oneself, out of one’s own volition. No matter what is said and done, ultimately, religion for each person has a profoundly different meaning as it relates to the psyche of each individual which is shaped by one’s own circumstances, past and present. For some, religion is vastly exhilarating and enabling, while for some others it becomes limiting and crippling.

I would like to share some of my thoughts on religion as it relates to me. This Post, by the nature of its very contents, is extremely personal, and it may run against the grain of others. I feel compelled to write this as I am increasingly disturbed about the trend that religious discourse is taking in our society. All I ask of readers is to be tolerant of views expressed here.

First and foremost, I claim no expertise in Islamic Jurisprudence or Shariah. I have never studied the subjects at University and have no formal training in the area. However, I am a deeply religious Muslim, and I have made attempts at reading and understanding the Quran, Hadhith and academic writings of scholars on various subjects relating to Islam. I have also engaged in countless discussions and debates with scholars over the past 15 years or so. All this in a quest to quench my thirst for knowledge in the subject and to become a “better Muslim”.

Amongst the many and varied opinions and views expressed about the teachings of Islam and Islamic Jurisprudence are the four main sects or mazhabs, and the views of those scholars who do not particularly subscribe to any mazhab, but claim to get inspiration directly from Quran and Sunnah. From the knowledge that I have gathered from the teachings of all of these, I have come to one conclusion : that there is a wide spectrum of beliefs among scholars ranging from ultra-conservative, literal interpretations to highly progressive and liberal interpretations of Islamic doctrine. I tend to lean towards the progressive end of the spectrum, which stems from my belief that Allah meant us to live our life to the full and that times change and divergent and progressive thinking should not be constricted in the name of religion. This is not say that I deny un-crossable boundaries in Islam. Nevertheless, I believe that Islam is an enabling religion, and there is plenty of space within the boundaries, and that the societies of Arabia some 15 centuries ago should not define and limit the possibilities of the 21st Century.

What disturbs me most is the increasing push among some scholars to impose a narrow interpretation of religion to usurp the liberties of people, particularly those of women. I keep pondering on the teachings of Quran and the Prophet (saw) as I know it, which I am certain promotes those liberties, and establishes the equality of sexes beyond doubt. That some schools of thought should seek to become the dominant worldview, and thus promote intolerance disturbs me. It appears to me, that there is a strong push for thought control, and hence behaviour control, in the name of religion, on the part of some scholars. That such scholars are rejecting scientific thought out of hand, and believe that knowledge of the Shariah alone gives one the right to dictate over all other knowledge is alarming.

One is reminded of how, in the Middle Ages, Priests in Christianity gradually gained control over the masses through claims of being intermediaries of God. The epistemological significance is enormous : the only source of knowledge is through the Sharia. Is an Islamic Inquisition in the making?

As a Muslim, I believe that ultimately, I am accountable to Allah, and Allah alone, for my actions. If other Muslim brothers and sisters believe I am straying, they may, and they should, remind me. But ultimately, it is for me to listen, evaluate and act. Religion, by its nature, is one dimension of human sociology, and by extension human psychology. Just as we, students of sociology, philosophy and psychology should attempt to understand Religious Scholars, it might do well for Religious scholars to make an attempt at familiarizing themselves with Sociology, Psychology and Philosophy. Thereby we may create a common ground for mutual exchange of ideas.

If I, as a Muslim ignorant of Arabic, have to let go of my faculties and submit myself to interpretations made by people with knowledge of Arabic, can I, or will I be held accountable for my actions on Judgement Day, or will I be absolved and they be held accountable should I err by following them?

To be a Muslim, for me, is to completely submit myself to Allah, and Allah alone. Therefore as a believing Muslim, it is my duty to think about what is right and what is wrong, and decide for myself.

If I have offended anyone by these thoughts, I apologise profusely. It was not meant to do so. Just expressing a point of view.

May Allah bless us all, and guide us in our quest for his Rah’mah.