Monday, February 2, 2015

Chapter 3: Looking at Life the Islamic Way

Chapter 3: Looking at life the Islamic Way

1. According to Islam, we are all born "good" - how does it then explain the "bad" that exists?

We are born good but have a natural weakness to succumb to our desires and avoid pain, and these lead to sin. There is also the concept of a devil or evil that influences actions; however, we are given the tools to overpower these urges. 

2. What are the purposes of the 3 levels of self development in Islam?

The animal self, accusing self, and restful self are the levels we go through as we struggle to accept God. The purpose is to overcome our inner nature and raise our minds to allow us to seek God. 

3. How does Islam both accept other religious ideas but is the "last installment of God's will"

These other religions are the result of people attempting to reach spirituality through what is familiar. However, they believe that after exploring these compromised religions one will practice Islam or the ultimate representation of God's will. 

4. What do you think is the role of the Tawba? How does this play a role in the daily responsibility of individuals? How is this different (or similar) compared to other religions?

I think the role of the Tawba is overcoming the sin and learning from it. It is showing the practitioners devotion and remorse for the act. This places more responsibility on the individual to keep their promises from previous Tawba's and resolve to become better people/ sin less. This is different in the simplicity of the steps but similar in the idea of remorse and vowing to never commit the sin again. 

5. Why is Islam not a faith of "good deeds" even if it superficially may seem to be - or as claimed in the reading, it is a form of "religious capitalism"

It is religious capitalism because the entire purpose that is placed on good deeds is to be rewarded for it. Hard work is recognized on judgment day and it is therefore not a communal caring society, but a selfish way to strive for a goal.

6. What is meant in the sentence: "Salvation in Islam comes from making the choice while alive to accept Allah and mold like according to the way of life He has established."

This counters the Christian idea of people being born evil, and says that we must consciously maintain our good that we are born with and strive to live within the guide of Allah to go to heaven. To live a life based on morality and giving is to mold according to his way of life. 

7. Revisit / expand on the concept of the Fitrah

Fitrah is our inner good. This is the angel on our shoulder that tells us to do good and fights with the devil on the other side that thinks only of personal desire and immediate satisfaction. This comes from the good in our souls that we are born with, without sin. This is the tool that God gives everyone to overcome the temptation of the devil. 

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