by Aamir Nasir Quraishy

As an American Muslim living in America, I have the benefit of friends from all walks of life. It is amazing to have people to discuss anything with. But the greatest blessing is to be able to be open about my religion. One of the people whom I am most open with is my beloved friend Ivan Rodriguez.

One day when I was talking to him, I expressed my gratitude how he lets me be open about my belief. And he responded in kind!

Then I said, “I truly hope you do not feel pushed or feel like I am trying to convert you.”

“No worries,” he replied.

“I thank you for never being pushy, or trying to convert me,” I said.

Then he responded, “Well, personally, I’m only interested in a religious person’s response to a few basic questions. I have no reason to challenge someone’s faith depending on that person’s response to these questions.”

After a little cringe, I accepted his questions, “Lay it on me!”

These are the answers to his 4 questions:

1. Have you thought about your faith critically?

Answer: I do not think it is possible to have faith without questioning it. Even the Prophet Mohammad, peace be upon him (PBUH), questioned faith for the first 40 years of his life. Much like Buddha, he would retreat into mountains to a cave called Hira to be alone in his prayers and question faith. This was when the angel Gabriel revealed to him his first revelation. [Quran 96 1-6]

Two of the articles of faith are, “Believe in the holy books and Prophets of Allah.” As Ahmadi Muslims, we accept the divine nature of all God’s Prophets including Moses, Abraham, Buddha, Krishna, and many more. It also encourages interfaith conversation, as was evident in the life of Mohammad (PBUH).

I always abhor when people are discouraged from examining faith critically and asking questions. A belief accepted without reason is simply ignorance.

2. Does it, for the most part, make sense to you?

Answer: Above all else, Islam is a religion which values reason, and holds reason at the core of morality. The teaching of Islam says no action is moral or immoral by its own accord. It says to practice forgiveness with due diligence, you should forgive if someone transgresses, but if you feel your forgiveness will allow that person to continue in transgression, then the moral action is justice. Just because a parrot can imitate human speech, does not mean it is capable of higher thought. Similarly, it is by intention and reason that an action is considered moral.

 Islam makes sense because above all else it values sense! “The ink of the scholar is holier than the blood of the Martyr,” Islam asks me to seek out answers, understanding, and to sharpen my reasoning to make moral decisions.  Understanding of ones religion is pivotal for faith.

3. Has it made you a better person and are you now in a better position to benefit others, your community, etc.?

Answer: There was once a woman who would collect the garbage from around her house, and when she saw the prophet Muhammad (PBUH), pass by, she would throw all the garbage on his head. She continued for many days, one day the Prophet (PBUH) passed by her house and didn’t notice any garbage on his head. Curious he asked his follower to see where the woman was. The follower learned she had become gravely ill. Hearing of this he went to her room and cared for her for many days, offering water, praying for her and cleaning her trash until she was healed. Over time she was amazed at his kindness and came to accept Islam and follow the Prophet (PBUH).

Ivan’s question is too complicated to completely answer, but I felt this was a good start. It shows compassion and kindness is the greatest weapon and argument you have in this world. It also sets a higher standard to work towards and refrain from the idea “only show kindness to those who show it to you.”Changing the world always begins with changing yourself; this is the essence of Jihad and Islam.

To better understand the teachings of Islam visit TrueIslam.com. If you would like a copy of the Qu’ran to read for yourself you can get a free copy here.

4. Does your religion demand, recommend, and/or insinuate harm, oppression, and/or animosity towards others?

Answer: In the lifetime of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) no one was required to accept Islam against their will. Furthermore the Quran repeatedly says “There shall be no compulsion of religion” [Qu’ran 2:257]. Chapter 109 says: “Say, ‘O Disbelievers, I do not worship what you worship, nor do you worship what I worship, nor will I be a worshiper of what you worship. Nor will you be worshipers of what I worship. For you your religion, and for me is my religion.'[109 1-7]”

No Muslim has the right to force their religion on anyone else, only to love them. The slogan of the Ahmadiyya Muslim community is “Love for All, Hatred for None” That is the golden standard of Islam. But Islam is NOT a religion of pacifism. There is evil in the world. When the Quran says: “And slay them wherever ye find them, and drive them out of the places whence they drove you out, for persecution is worse than slaughter. [2:191]” It gives permission to fight in the name of freedom of consciousness, because if a group shows hatred or suppresses one person, they will hate and suppress many others. But the following verse says, “But if they desist, then surely Allah is Most Forgiving, Merciful. [2:192]” War should not continue if war is not made, compassion must always be the cornerstone in the treatment of other people.

Love for humanity must always be the cornerstone of ones intent. The prophet Muhammad (PBUH) always prayed for his enemies, no matter how vile they acted towards him, he asked god to show them mercy where he could not. In the end love won over his staunchest opponents and many converted to Islam of their own choice. That is why Islam is a religion of over 1.6 billion people to date.

Conclusion

I hope Ivan is satisfied with my answers, as well as any readers who see this. Debate and discourse is the highest standard that exists in America for any topic. No subject is above discussion, that is how the best ideas prevail. As a Muslim I am immensely blessed to have Ivan as a friend who has helped me share, examine and practice my beliefs. I pray to Allah that I may continue in my religion and my friendship, and that he and people of all ideas may live in Peace.

“O mankind! Indeed, We created you from a male and a female and We made you nations and tribes that you may know one another. Indeed, (the) most noble of you near Allah (is the) most righteous of you. Indeed, Allah (is) All-Knower, All-Aware.” [49:14]

Ivan’s response

“I have always been quick to deplore blind faith, and seeing the four thoughtful responses that my friend has provided herein is both refreshing and laudable. My atheism is borne of rationality and critical thinking; it is instantly apparent that Aamir’s refined passion for his faith also has its genesis on these same elements of rigor, thought, and reasoning. This brings nothing but joy to my heart. We are both fully cognizant of our differences in terms of our stance on religion, yet we have a mutual respect for one another that transcends these idiosyncrasies. Throughout our discussions, I constantly mention that this would be an ideal world to live in: one where humankind is free to subscribe to whatever beliefs seem cogent while simultaneously allowing for open, respectful discourse vis-à-vis those who maintain differing perspectives. Perhaps through writing this article, my friend might just contribute to that vision and help pave the road towards a golden age wherein faith and reason can readily coexist ad infinitum.”