An Islamic Advocacy for God in the Age of Modernity

In a world so divided by ideas and ideologies, and steeped in racism and class superiority, I would like to invite readers to pause and think for a moment about the crucial place that God holds in our lives, especially from an Islamic point of view.

To be honest, God doesn't need anyone to defend Him, as He is the Almighty and the Sustainer of the whole universe. As such, the purpose of this humble article is simply to remind us, and to bring us back, to the God-centred philosophy of life.

The Islamic Concept of God

Unlike in some other religions, in Islam, Allah is not a racist God who only takes an interest in a certain group of people. For this reason, we do not have the concept of "God's Chosen People." In Islam, God created human beings in different shades of colours, ethnicities, and variations of tongues is not for us to despise one another but to recognize the might and majesty of Allah.

"And among His signs is the creation of the heavens and the earth, and the diversity of your languages and your colours. Indeed, in that are signs for those who know " Surah Ar-Rum (30:22).

Besides the above, the following Qur'anic verse clearly explains that the greatness of a Muslim, compared to others, lies in the depth of his or her faith and love for God:

"O mankind! Indeed, We created you from a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes so that you may know one another. Surely the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you. Indeed, Allah is All-Knowing, All-Aware" Surah Al-Hujurāt (49:13).

As human beings, we are not perfect, and at times things can go wrong in our lives. In such situations, a Muslim can always return to Allah to mend his or her ways. While some religious texts may describe the Creator in terms of vengeance or jealousy, the Qur'an repeatedly reminds us that Allah is All-Forgiving and Oft-Returning.

"Say, 'O My servants who have wronged themselves, do not despair of the mercy of Allah. Truly, Allah forgives all sins. Indeed, He is the Most Forgiving, Most Merciful" Surah Az-Zumar (39:53).

The Unity of God

"And [beware] when Allah will say, 'O Jesus, Son of Mary, did you say to the people, "Take me and my mother as gods besides Allah?"' He will say, 'Glory be to You! It was not for me to say what I had no right to say. If I had said it, You would have known it. You know what is in my soul, and I do not know what is in Yours. Indeed, You are the Knower of the unseen" Surah Al-Mā'idah (5:116).

From the above, we can understand that as a righteous prophet of Allah, Nabi Isa (AS) clearly states that he never instructed the Christians to worship Maryam (AS) or himself. The idea of making him God or the Son of God was a misinterpretation introduced by church authorities.

In Islam, it is considered blasphemous to idolize or attempt to create an image of what God looks like. At the philosophical level, both God and the human soul remain a mystery to mankind. Nevertheless, God's existence can be sensed and understood by reflecting on the Qur'an, observing the universe, and contemplating the existence of the human soul, along with the intricate workings of the mind and body. What I say can be seen clearly in the following verse of the Qur'an:

"We will show them Our signs in the horizons and within themselves until it becomes clear to them that it is the truth. But is it not sufficient concerning your Lord that He is, over all things, a Witness?" Surah Fussilat (41:53).

Modern Science & Technology

In contrast, Ludwig Wittgenstein (1889-1951), who spent much of his life philosophizing, reportedly tried to take his own life several times because he could not find meaning in his own existence. Modern man, without God-consciousness and moral values, is likely to use science and technology for the wrong purposes. In his pursuit of wealth, power, and fame, he might use them to create chemical weapons, perform human cloning, carry out artificial insemination using donors' sperm, and commit other harmful acts that could eventually destroy human life on this planet.

Looking at the negative aspects of modern science and technology, it can be said that they have stripped humanity of its essence and turned us into mechanical beings. Recognizing this shortcoming, Islam emphasizes that science and technology should go hand in hand with the moral and spiritual teachings of the Qur'an. Unlike some Western ideas of science and technology, which are often treated as value-free, in Islam, both are inherently value-laden.

A Meaningful Concept of Life in Islam

Moreover, to communicate one's needs and challenges in life, a person does not need to go through an intermediary like a guru or priest. Despite one's shortcomings, one can pray and supplicate directly to God. In Islam, religion and religious practices are not the monopoly of any priestly group.

The five daily prayers in Islam also hold deep meaning compared to some other religions. A Muslim is not required to appease God with food, gifts, fruits, or flowers. To perform the prayer, one only needs to be present with a pure intention to worship God, wear clean attire, and ensure that the place of prayer is clean.

In addition, the philosophy of living a God-centred life - a day that begins and ends with prayer and the remembrance of Allah - is much more meaningful than many other forms of spirituality emphasized in other religions. The philosophy of fasting for a month in Ramadan, which calls for discipline, charity, and feeling for others, is seen as a noble act of worship and has a strong spiritual and psychological impact on those who observe it.

Besides these, the moral teachings of Islam - calling one to abstain from intoxicants, gambling, usury, and sex before marriage - are further reasons why many Westerners are turning towards Islam as a way of life.

The last thing that attracts people in the West to Islam is the concept of moderation. In Islam, one is required to strike a balance between the material and spiritual worlds. The Qur'an emphasizes that, while preparing for the hereafter, an individual and the Muslim society must also take part in worldly activities that bring benefit to both the person and the Ummah as a whole. We can read the balance called by Islam in the following Qur'anic verse below:

"And seek, through what Allah has given you, the Home of the Hereafter, but do not forget your share of this world. And do good as Allah has done good to you. And do not seek corruption in the land. Indeed, Allah does not like the corrupters" Surah Al-Qasas (28:77).

The views expressed are those of Dr. Mohd Abbas Abdul Razak, Department of Fundamental and Interdisciplinary Studies, AHAS KIRKHS, IIUM, and do not necessarily reflect the views of IslamiCity.