seekandlisten
Member
Maryam said:Hi seekandlisten,
I thought that people of other religions also claim that their religions are the ‘only true way’, like Judaism for example.
Hi Maryam
Yes, you are correct in that almost all believers in their respective religions feel that their religion is correct. What I was getting at was more along the lines of do you yourself feel that someone like me would have to believe in Islam in order to avoid hell? For instance, if I believe in one God above all and treat others with kindness would I have to specifically 'convert' to Islam to be considered 'saved'?
I have always looked a passages such as -
5.69. Those who believe (in the Qur'an), those who follow the Jewish (scriptures), and the Sabians and the Christians,- any who believe in Allah and the Last Day, and work righteousness,- on them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve.
5.72. They do blaspheme who say: "(Allah) is Christ the son of Mary." But said Christ: "O Children of Israel! worship Allah, my Lord and your Lord." Whoever joins other gods with Allah,- Allah will forbid him the garden, and the Fire will be his abode. There will for the wrong-doers be no one to help.
From these I see an acceptance of others belief systems as long as the belief is directed to One God. What is your personal opinion on this matter? Do you believe that it comes down to how one lives their life more so than what beliefs they hold?
Maryam said:As a Muslim, I believe that Islam is the ‘only true way’ because this is what God says, and I don’t have doubts about that!
I can respect your position in this sense and have no opposition to beliefs of others, I just try and understand them in order to broaden my knowledge.
Maryam said:Christians claim to worship one God, but they consider Jesus as god, and this is not acceptable in Islam because we believe that Jesus is a Prophet of God, and that he was a human being.
I agree with you on this point.
Maryam said:So how come Islam and Christianity are both true religions?
I guess this is really the same question I'm asking. I tend to disagree with the 'my religion is better and one should convert' attitude and would rather just discuss opposing beliefs over trying to convince someone else to believe the same things I do. I believe one can broaden their knowledge of 'God' by studying various beliefs and practices without the need to convert to a certain religion. To often people go on the defense when it comes to discussions about beliefs and I don't understand it, as long as both parties respect the others beliefs why can't a civil discussion ensue? Why the need to deteriorate to violence and fighting over something as simple as words and opinions?
This is just my perspective on religion, so feel free to share how you feel about this.
cheers