True Islam-Religion of Peace,justice &
Freedom
by Abdullah Arik

The Western world perceives the religion of Islam as a very barbaric and primitive religion. But
anyone who reads the Quran will realize that Islam (Submission) is quite different than this
perception, and has almost nothing to do with what is being presented and practiced by the so-called Muslim countries. In fact, Islam is a beautiful, compassionate, and very progressive religion with no non-sense. So, why is this gem of truth concealed, abandoned, or misrepresented? Who is responsible? Who is to blame, the Western world or ourselves?

Muslims should look in the mirror, and reflect on themselves. Are they really following the word of
God in the Quran, or the innovations that have nothing to do with the religion? The problem is that
the Muslim masses don’t even know what is in the Quran to make that judgment. Thanks to their
bearded, turbaned, and close-minded scholars who constantly refer to sources other than the Quran
to conduct their affairs and to delegate their opinions. Because of their misguidance, the majority of
Muslims today are divided and confused. In general, they are under achievers, under civilized, under
developed, under nourished*under too many undesirable conditions to list.

The consequence of abandoning the Quran in favor of innovations, man-made rules and regulations
is clear throughout history. Therefore, if there is misconception of our religion in the West as well as
within the Islamic community, we can’t blame anybody but ourselves.

In the Name of Religion

When people refer to the sources other than the Quran, they can justify almost anything in the
name of religion. The killing of innocent people through terrorist acts is an example. There is no
justification whatsoever in any scripture of God for such terrorism. As a matter of fact, such unjust
acts are prohibited.

Say, "My Lord prohibits only evil deeds, be they obvious or hidden, and sins, and unjustifiable
aggression, and to set up beside God powerless idols, and to say about God what you do not
know." [7:33]

O you who believe, do not prohibit good things that are made lawful by God, and do not
aggress; God dislikes the aggressors. [5:87]

Conditions for Fighting

A true Muslim will never initiate an aggressive act. God allows fighting strictly in self-defense, and
under certain conditions:

* To defend ourselves when we are faced with oppression and aggression.

You may fight in the cause of God against those who attack you, but do not aggress. God
does not love the aggressors. [2:190]

* For religious freedom and to eliminate oppression.

You may also fight them to eliminate oppression, and to worship God freely. If they refrain,
you shall not aggress; aggression is permitted only against the aggressors. [2:193]

* To protect our rights.

Certainly, those who stand up for their rights, when injustice befalls them, are not committing any
error.

The wrong ones are those who treat the people unjustly, and resort to aggression without
provocation. These have incurred a painful retribution. [42:41-42]

If we retaliate against people because of injustice, we are supposed to be equitable and just in
inflicting punishment. But if we resort to patience and forgiveness, it is better for us even though it is
not a very easy thing to do.

Although the just requital for an injustice is an equivalent retribution, those who pardon and
maintain righteousness are rewarded by God. He does not love the unjust. [42:40]

Resorting to patience and forgiveness reflects a true strength of character. [42:43]

And if you punish, you shall inflict an equivalent punishment. But if you resort to patience
(instead of revenge), it would be better for the patient ones.

You shall resort to patience*and your patience is attainable only with God’s help. Do not
grieve over them, and do not be annoyed by their schemes. [16:126-127]

Relations with Disbelievers

We are encouraged to have amicable relations with those who do not believe as we do unless they
fight us because of our religion.

God does not enjoin you from befriending those who do not fight you because of religion, and
do not evict you from your homes. You may befriend them and be equitable towards them.
God loves the equitable.

God enjoins you only from befriending those who fight you because of religion, evict you from
your homes, and band together with others to banish you. You shall not befriend them. Those
who befriend them are the transgressors [60:8-9]

We have the right to practice our religion freely, but we must also give the same right to others as
long as they don’t transgress. We should remember that there is no compulsion in religion (2:256).
God does not love the aggressors, and He reminds us that oppression is worse than murder (2:191).

Therefore, the religion of Islam (Submission), when practiced in accordance with the Quran, is the
religion of peace, justice, and freedom for all.

Abdullah Arik