Author: Sheikh Touqeer Ansari
Introduction: Following the passing of the final prophet, Muhammad (peace be upon him), various religious movements emerged claiming affiliation with Islam. Examining these claims and understanding the Quranic injunction regarding the exclusive nature of the faith provides insight into the diversity of beliefs and the core teachings of Islam.
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Emergence of New Religious Movements: Several religious movements, while claiming to align with Islam, have emerged over time. Notable examples include the Ahmadiyya movement, the Nation of Islam, and others that reinterpret Islamic teachings in distinct ways.
Quranic Perspective on Islam’s Universality: The Quran presents Islam as a universal message for humanity, emphasizing that it is not limited to a particular time or place. The core message is centered on monotheism, submission to God, and adherence to the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
Quranic Verse – Surah Al-Imran, Verse 102: Surah Al-Imran, verse 102, advises believers to have a profound awe and fear of Allah. The verse underscores that believers should not die except as Muslims, implying complete submission to God’s will and His guidance.
Understanding the Verse’s Essence: The verse encapsulates the essence of Islamic faith: absolute submission to Allah’s commands. It stresses that individuals should live and die with unwavering devotion to God, acknowledging His sovereignty and the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) as the final messenger.
The Uniqueness of Islam’s Message: The verse underscores the uniqueness of Islam as the true path to salvation. It reinforces the concept of the oneness of God, the centrality of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), and the importance of living a life of conscious submission.
Addressing Religious Diversity: While new movements claim to be part of the Islamic tradition, it is essential to evaluate their beliefs and practices in the light of Quranic teachings. The Quran’s universality ensures that its message remains relevant for diverse contexts.
The Significance of Authentic Interpretation: Understanding the Quranic verse in context is crucial. It directs believers to adhere to the true teachings of Islam as embodied by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and interpreted by scholars who are grounded in the tradition.
A Call to Sincere Submission: Surah Al-Imran, verse 102, serves as a reminder that true faith requires continuous submission to Allah’s will. It urges believers to embrace Islam not just in name but in heart, mind, and action, ultimately shaping their life’s purpose.
Conclusion: The emergence of post-Prophet Muhammad religious movements underscores the diverse interpretations of Islamic teachings. In the face of this diversity, the Quranic verse from Surah Al-Imran guides believers to embrace Islam with profound submission, acknowledging the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) as the final messenger and living and departing this world in sincere devotion to Allah’s guidance. This verse encapsulates the timeless essence of Islam as a way of life that transcends borders, cultures, and times.