Dear Mr. Salahuddin

Thanks for this email. It is a very interesting topic. I would like to contribute my ideas too. I feel that
the debate needs to be started  at an even more basic level, actually the very root. I feel we should first
see what is the need for religion itself and then to look at the development of religious thought. How
Islam evolved, because as you already know that it is claimed by Islamite that every prophet or preacher
gave the same message --Islam.

I will begin with the introduction of my work on Islam titled 'Celestial Marriage' As the theme progresses
and develops I will send you chapters from it and give my ideas on things like 'Muslims', 'The message
itself' Etc.

Please let me have your opinion on this and if it is worthwhile devoting time and effort on the whole
exercise. I am attaching the 'introduction' with this email. I shall look foreword to your reply and idea of
taking the task further.

Kind regards.

Zia
 

INTRODUCTION

The present climate has prompted much curiosity and awareness of religion and has perhaps directed us to religious thought. The time is conducive and appropriate for reflection and debate on the place and need for religion in our lives. What religion really is, and what if any is its fundamental need? The answer will largely depend on the angle from which it is viewed. If religion is considered as a moral code it will guide humanity in morality. If it is thought of as a social guide it will cover interaction amongst people. If it is viewed as a means to ameliorate oneself, it will lead to spiritual pursuits. But if it is considered to be “ a way of life ” then it should cover all of the above in relation to humanity and the rest of the creation and also the Creator Himself.  Religion should also give purpose to the life we live and reveal an understanding as to how that purpose can be achieved.

Man has pursued the answers to the above and related questions from time immemorial.  All human endeavor apart from day to day existence is directed to the understanding of the meaning and reality of ‘who we are’ and ‘why we are what we are’?   The philosophers pursue the same questions. The reformers too are also engaged in it.  The scientist looks for the answers to the same in the mysteries of nature.  And all the worlds’ religions have revolved around the same theme.  Religious thought    has slowly dawned, matured and progressively developed from polytheism to monotheism.  And then the chronological development of the various monotheistic religions shows the nurturing and development of the human intellect itself with the passage of time. This is reflected in the progress of the method and terminology of the religious messages and revelations as they come to us through successive prophetic utterances and deliveries. The early religious thought dealt with basics and simplicities of life and the narrations were simple episodes of every day happenings, which could be grasped by the common man and his nascent mind.   That these narratives had deeper significance was fathomed only   by later, more developed intellects.  That the growth in human thinking and the development of human thought is progressive is seen in how the divine message is gradually and successively raised in standard and content from messenger to following messenger.    Noah  -- one of the earliest of prophets who preached monotheism is shown to be gathering a select few of the species, which have perhaps been sieved off, from the multitude. The great majority of   whom either refused to understand or were incapable of it, and are thus left behind to perish.   Noah, in fact, is like an educator and preacher of humanity in its initial stage or, for example, the teacher when humans were in grade I of humanism. The lesson he gave was to inculcate faith and belief, without which nothing can be achieved.  Noah’s selected few of each species bred succeeding generations who are then the raw material for the next level of education.  And successive prophets and teachers kept up the vigil and continued the process of education by bringing and conveying the messages through revelations from time to time.  Somewhere down the line comes another icon, Abraham, teacher of higher grades; perhaps II, III and IV. and above. Abraham steps in as the propagator of the next higher concept. While reinforcing the message of monotheism he expands it to the next elevation of progress in  belief; the lesson of self sacrifice.  Refer to the incident of his willingness to sacrifice his dearest of possessions-- his son.   Continuing further, comes Moses, much like a teacher to the finishing school.  His message included the ones that had come before, and as an addition and further uplift of humankind he reveals the basic commandments for all of humanity. See how the message and human education is unfolding keeping in pace with the time and age and the level of human comprehension.   The content and complexity of the process can be appreciated by going into the teaching of each one of these reformers.  If this is difficult and cumbersome to do, then don’t worry; the magic of the story is yet to unfold in this narration.  Humanity once again, as on so many previous occasions, lapses into slumber and ease. It also goes to develop many complexes in its psyche, -- pride, gluttony and superiority being some of them.  These are exemplified and their remedies suggested all along.     Jesus, perhaps the teacher of the graduation class, reaffirms all previous teachings and adds love and compassion to the curriculum.   All teachings are harmonious and the education of humanity has progressed towards the culmination of its course. The barbarous uncouth man has come a long way from the cave. There is however some fine-tuning to be done and he has to be guided to lead an independent life, armed with the implements to do so.   The final message is a sum total of all previous teachings and it seems a final degree is to be awarded in man’s educational upbringing. Muhammad is sent to refresh the lessons of the past classes and to confer the post-graduation degree. He should be seen as a teacher of the last semester in which man is taught to educate himself with the lessons imparted by the previous teachers at his disposal and the book of reference brought by him.    The final message’s central theme is balance and justice. 

As in our example of education so in real life, no teacher and degree is essential after the Masters has been awarded.  That any further acquisitions of Phds. and the like are primarily the outcome of self-education and research.  Having got the education through the various scholars and the book of reference one now has the tools and implements for self-improvement and his uplift.  If the lesson or the message is not comprehended or well understood one cannot blame the teacher or the book. One has to make a concerted and redirected effort to grasp and understand it.  So is it the case with religion.  If the message is not clear go back to the basics and research. It is not the lesson, which is incomplete, or out of context, it is the lack of the understanding of it.     

With this prologue I would like to introduce you and our succeeding generations with a view of Islam from a different angle. I have been working on it for sometime now, and would like to share it with you. There no strings attached and you may discuss and share it with anyone you wish specially the younger generation.  I have only one condition and that is when I e-mail to you a chapter I expect you to read it and let me know that you have by giving your comments, questions and any input to show you are interested in this idea of sharing, for otherwise I will not waste your time and mine by further follow-ups. I hope this endeavor will not dissuade you from the message.

Zia U Ahmed

tidylink@yahoo.com                                                               Canada.    October   2001