Published by There is much confusion. It pervades many aspects of life. Why is there conflict? Why do we separate into different groups? Why do people fight over ideas? Such confusion extends right into Islam too. Scholars debate the meaning of The Quran, what constitutes right conduct and the validity of actions made in the name of God. We do not agree. Indeed, in the main we spend much time contending each other’s understandings of Islam and, as such, there can be no actions made on behalf of Islam.
Islam is an Arabic word. It translates as “to submit” and Muslim to “of those who submit”. I consider it to mean in its basic sense, one who puts environment before self.
It is not a complicated sentiment. It does not confer obligation or the acceptance of laws and regulations; simply, putting environment first.
The sentiment may be simple, but the achievement of it is usually not. We are separate to the rest of life in that we can rise above pure survival considerations. We seek art, music, relationship and adventure. We have broken through the ceiling of all actions pertaining to one’s survival. But it is hard to let go of such desires. We are a co-operative species; successful due to our ability to work together and prosper together. But still it is difficult to let go of self-preservation as a primary motivator and regulator. Choice, conscious presence, awareness stems from the realisation we are part of a whole. The acceptance that we are not the centre of the universe, merely part of it – perhaps a unique part of it – allows us entry into the higher social experiences of our universe: humility, compassion, affection, wisdom and arguably the highest human achievement, love. The list is not complete. The range of experiences found when one appreciates one is part of the whole is much greater than the limited diversity of one’s own internal state.
I believe all prophets, messages and the overall drive of the universe aids the development of human-kind towards this higher social existence. As such the exclusion of sects or groups or indeed anyone is merely a failure to reach a state of submission. The presence of laws and dogma merely represents the under-development of man. The need to achieve certainty just a residual fear of survival. What does the sense convey to you? Do you have enough faith to trust your sense of something?
The confusion between what makes one feel good and what makes sense is one of the main issues raised in The Quran. There is development required for us to get passed the agree, disgree mentality and push through into experiencing each other. The Quran attempts to give guidance to those on this journey. It also attempts to bring some stability to civilisation so that those who have some faith in their sense can nurture it. The hope is, those with faith will become caretakers for the resources we have and therefore make the most of the opportunities life brings.
