Explore Qur'an
Explore Qur'an
Bismilla_hir rahma_nir rahim

Articles

 
Home
 
Messages
 
Greetings
 
Articles
Feed back
Learn to read Al Qur'an
Site Search
 
Contact us
 

‘RELIGIOUS EDUCATION IN THE US’

Study Tour of Mrs. Shaheena Khatib
May/June 2005

INTERSECTON OF POLITICS, CULTURE AND RELIGION

History narrates that culture and religion has quite dominated the politics every time, ultimately resulting in tyrannical kings and rulers forcing the public to accept the system and religion of the ruling elite. Excesses of the Pharaohs on Bani-Israel in ancient Egypt is the example provided in all the three revelations like The Torah, The Gospel and The Qur’an. The Qur’an provides us the scene of such atmospheres in chapter 26 verse 29:

“The Pharaoh said to Moses: ‘If you choose to worship any deity other than me, I shall most certainly throw you into prison.”

(From Holy Qur'an 26/29)

It was preached by every Prophet to shun religious persecution and allow the individual, the choice of religion and its practice. Alas, it could be established only in the times of Prophet Mohammed, but once again alas! Very soon Muslim politicians changed the scene. There is a fundamental injunction in chapter 42 verse 15 of the Holy Qur’an in such conditions.

“….Proclaim O Mohammed, ‘…. and I am commanded to be just and unbiased with you. ALLAH is our Sustainer as well as your Sustainer. To us shall be accounted our deeds, and to you, your deeds. Let there be no dispute between us and you: ALLAH will bring us all together- and to HIM is our journey’s end.”

(From Holy Qur'an 42/15)

So the politics should not be related to religion. The nations where 90 percent of the population follow the same religion, there are many faiths often seen fighting with each other. Example of Prophet Joseph is quite sufficient that though he ruled over Egypt, however he didn’t imposed his religion of Abraham on the Egyptians.

After INQUISITION and two world wars, majority of the nations are having democratic structure. It is another question that they break it often for their own benefit. Secondly, liberty also has its own limits. To draw those limits, our Creator revealed the outlines every time.

Now there is the word ‘culture’. Languages, dressings, customs and cultures also should not have the interference of religion. We may observe today that there are many Christian or Muslim countries that are different with each other in all these aspects. It is not the call of the Qur’an to be in one culture, language or even one nation. It states in chapter 11 verse 118:

“And had your Sustainer so willed, HE could surely have made all mankind one single community: but (HE willed it otherwise, and so) they will not cease to differ.”

(From Holy Qur'an 11/118)

Want to see or listen the original text please click hereOriginal Text from QUR'AN

The Heavenly Revelation emphasizes human values and dignity. It emphasizes to use human intellect and reasoning with logics. Anything counter to human values and reasoning with intellect is forbidden. It draws the lines to be cared for. Its law-enacting verses show the maxim of the capital punishments on various crimes. It emphasizes the rights of weaker section of the human society.

Heavenly Revelation does not teach politics. Yes, it is honesty, the only criteria which really counts for the kings and commons as well. And this quality of his enhances his political, social, economical and family life.

 

Back
Up
Next