Definition of Islam and Muslim

[Reader Questions]

Salam Dear Brother joseph

I post below a short excerpt defining Islam/Muslim from a lengthy article by Ahmed Mansour of Ahle Qur'an which can be read in its entirety at:
 
http://www.ahl-alquran.com/English/show_article.php?main_id=6674

Wonder if you would care to comment? Thanks.
 
Regards,
 
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We start with the understanding of the word [Iman] or "Belief":

According to the Quranic terminology and its particular language, the word "believing" [Aaman], has two meanings in Quranic along with the Arabic language; you can {believe in} or (Aamana be...) or you believe or trust others (Aamana le --);

The first one is related to faith as in this verse "the messenger believed in what was descended to him from His Lord and the believers. All believe in God, His angles, His books. His Messengers." (2: 285) thus to 'believe in' means to have deeply rooted faith in your heart concerning the relationship between man and God.

People have had diversified faiths, even within the same religion or even within the same cult or school of thinking. And the Quranic confirms that people will be judged for the diversity of their faiths by God alone and only on judgment day (as found in verses ( 2: 113 , 3: 55 , 10 : 93 , 16 : 124 , 5 : 48 , 39 : 3 , 7: 46 ).

The second meaning the relationship between people, namely believing or trusting others, implies that when someone is safe and secure people trust him. He is also called a 'believer' because he is trusted by the people, [Aamana laho al naas; Ma'amoun al janeb]. This meaning is repeated in the Quranic especially in the Quranic stories concerning the Prophets. For example in the story of Noah, the arrogant ones told him "Shall we trust you [An'omeno Laka] while it is the meanest that follow you?" (26:111). that means how can we trust you and feel secure with you seeing that you are followed by the lowest of the people. This meaning of 'believing' that is trusting somebody is repeated in the story of Abraham (26 : 29 ), the story of Joseph (12 :17 ) the story of Moses (44 :21) and (23 : 47 ) , and also in the Quranic Narratives of the life of the prophet Mohammed in Medina ( 3 : 37 ) And (2 : 57 ).

This meaning of believing is found in other subject as well.

When somebody behaves in a trust worthy manner he became safe and secure as seen from his outward behavior. According to the Quranic terminology this person is called 'a believer' regardless of his religion or Faith. For that matter he/she can be a Buddhist, Muslim, Christian, Jew or atheist, it is a private matter between the human and God, no creature has the authority to judge him. That is reserved to God alone on the Last Day.

The two meanings of the term 'belief' were simultaneously expressed in God's Verse concerning the prophet Mohammed that says "He believes in God, has faith in the believers [Y'omono bellah wa y'omeno Lel m''omeneen]" (9:61). In the Arabic language and in this Quranic verse the word [Y'omeno] means the two meanings: believe in and trust. Thus this verse shows that to believe in God is to worship him alone, and to believe in others is to trust them. To believe in God is to Acknowledge he is the one and only. The evaluation of this faith, which many people dispute, is to take place in the Judgment Day. Therefore what concerns and should only concern Humans among themselves is to live in trust, safety, security and peace.

Therefore faith in Islam is equivalent to peace among people, and in the same time being a believer means a man of God and a man of peace and trust. This is the understanding of faith in the religion of Islam.

[Joseph Islam]

Salamun Alaikum,

With respect, I do not concur.

If one reads 26:111, 'belief' in this context is not linked to 'general trust', but 'belief in fearing God and obeying the messenger that was sent by God to establish truth. This is clearly evident if one reads the previous verse 26:110.

026:110
"So fear God, and obey me."

This is clearly not about general trust, i.e. "believe in what you want - it is all OK, but trust me". The two sentiments almost exist incongruently. Furthermore, it is a gross violation of interpretative licence in my humble opinion to posit such a sentiment based on the Quranic narratives.

This was about believing in what Noah (pbuh) believed in relation to One True God and his concept of One True God once the truth was manifested.  This context is cemented in verse 26:106 where the nature of belief is linked to 'Will you not have fear (in God)?"

If one studies previous passages, one will encounter the story of Prophet Abraham (pbuh) who was fighting against his people and their 'concept of God', their intercessors et al.  If the theme of the surah is advanced to the narrative of Aad's people and their messenger Hud, once again, it is about fearing the True God who had aided them with good things (26:132).

The whole crux of 'belief' is the acceptance of truth and the One True God and rejecting all false deities. Please see 26:92-93.

The purpose of the Quran is to deliver a message of truth in its entirety to mankind, to reject false deities and systems and to establish the true deen as appointed by God. This is not to be actioned by force of course, but by acceptance based on pure choice. However, this choice does not negate the purpose. Let us be clear about the Quran's verses.

009.033
"It is He Who has sent His Messenger with guidance and the Religion of Truth, to proclaim it over all religion, even though the Pagans may detest (it)"

The above verse provides purpose for the mission which should not be confused with the context in which it is narrated. The context is one of war specifically with those that broke treaties and transgressed by wanton aggression at the time of the Prophet. However the purpose remained separate from the context which was to make the message apparent or manifest to all (zahir), and not to impose it by force. Force was only used against those that aggressed.

This is a reference to 'false' religions. It is important to remember that not all Jews and Christians follow a false religion according to the Quran.

042.013
"The same religion has He established for you as that which He enjoined on Noah - the which We have sent by inspiration to thee - and that which We enjoined on Abraham, Moses, and Jesus: Namely, that ye should remain steadfast in religion, and make no divisions therein: to those who worship other things than God, hard is the (way) to which thou callest them. God chooses to Himself those whom He pleases, and guides to Himself those who turn (to Him)"

There is also a difference between 'Muslim' and a 'Believer'. Please see [1] below. It is also not helpful that the writer has 'lumped' Christians, Jews, Atheists and Buddhists together in one proverbial basket.

This in my humble opinion, implies a misunderstanding by the writer of the interrelationship of the terms 'Muslim', 'People of the Book', 'Believers' and otherwise. 'Christians' and 'Jews' are not 'other religions' per se. This is a common mistake made by many Muslims from a Quranic perspective and seems to be repeatedly insinuated in the excerpt you have shared.

Therefore, I do not agree with the following statement from a Quranic perspective.

"According to the Quranic terminology this person is called 'a believer' regardless of his religion or Faith. For that matter he/she can be a Buddhist, Muslim, Christian, Jew or atheist".

However I do agree with the following statement from a Quranic perspective.

"...it is a private matter between the human and God, no creature has the authority to judge him. That is reserved to God alone on the Last Day".

It is a pity that the two sentiments are presented as one in dovetail form, as they actually are mutually exclusive.

Finally, with regards the references used by the writer. Please check these for yourself.

The context of 44:21, 26:110 and 23:47 are similar insofar as the word 'belief' is concerned. (Imperfect verb in relation to true belief). But with 12:17 regards Joseph (pbuh), the usage and context is totally different.  Just because a word has one trilateral root, they can have totally different uses based on context.

Furthermore, there is no usage of 'aman' in 3:37 or 2:57 that the writer has quoted.

I hope that helps, God willing.
Joseph.

Related articles:

MUSLIM AND MU'MIN (BELIEVER) - THE DIFFERENCE
http://quransmessage.com/articles/muslim%20mumin%20FM3.htm

WHY IS THE TERM 'MUSLIM' HIJACKED?
http://quransmessage.com/articles/term%20muslim%20hijacked%20FM3.htm