The Reality of Religions

Question: Is There Any Truth in Religions and Ideologies Other Than Islam?

Answer: Upon reflecting on the intricacies of human existence, it becomes apparent that belief is an inseparable part of the human condition. To live without some guiding principle or faith is a rarity, for no wise person can truly step outside the realm of belief. It is another matter entirely if the belief one adheres to may be seen as misguided or incomplete. Throughout the pages of history, all religions have been built upon the foundational idea of binding individuals to a stable and meaningful belief, a tether to a higher reality. In regard to the Quran, Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H.) has clearly revealed this very truth: "I am not saying anything new." Allah, in His infinite wisdom, has affirmed that His divine tradition is unchanging and eternal.

To uphold this unaltered tradition, prophets (P.B.U.H.) were continuously sent, one after another, until Allah’s bounties were fully bestowed, and religion reached its pinnacle of perfection. Nevertheless, it is also evident that, as time passed, humanity, driven by selfish desires and interests, sought to obscure the clear teachings of the prophets, often distorting their original messages. Spiritual scholars and the sincere friends of Allah have referred to these self-serving alterations as "distortion" or tahrif. The extent of the alterations made to the Bible and other divine scriptures is apparent to all who seek the truth. Whereas earlier scriptures underwent such modifications, Allah, in His boundless mercy, has taken it upon Himself to preserve the Quran in its original form. The divine responsibility for safeguarding every single word of the Quran ensures that no one can alter its text, although certain distortions may have emerged in its translations. This preservation remains intact until the end of time, and so the Quran remains untainted. This divine protection stands as the distinguishing feature of the Quran, unlike other scriptures which, due to human interference, can no longer claim such purity. The varying interpretations of the Quran, often leading readers into confusion, only high divine light the depth of the divine message, urging the faithful to hold steadfastly to the true essence of the text, as Allah has commanded, “Hold firmly to the rope of Allah and do not be divided among yourselves.” (3:103).

A great tragedy, however, lies in the overwhelming influence of destructive minds—those who distort the truth for their own benefit. These individuals often appear to be successful in their efforts, as history reveals the shifting attitudes towards what was once deemed sinful or impermissible. Some forty years ago, the taking of photographs was considered a major sin, and the use of loudspeakers to call the faithful to prayer was forbidden.

Music was often viewed as frivolous and distracting. Yet in contemporary society, the faces of leaders, both great and small, grace the pages of magazines and newspapers without a hint of objection. Musical gatherings are held in every home, and no one feels an ounce of concern over this once contentious issue. This change, in part, is the result of those who have taken upon themselves the great responsibility of guiding others toward the right path, yet their influence has, at times, been one of misguidance.

The pressing question, therefore, arises: How can one be certain of the truth? How can one know that they are walking the righteous path, that their religion is indeed the true one, and that Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H.) is the Last messenger of Allah, through whom the bounties of divine revelation were completed?

The answer lies in the very journey of the individual. The path a person treads reveals much about their inner state. The closer an individual comes to a higher being, the more their thoughts and actions are aligned with that being. The perspective of the prophets, and of those who follow their path, is such that they attribute every action, word, and deed to Allah. Their every thought is directed towards the Divine, their hearts and minds utterly bound to Him. The connection they share with Allah is so unshakeable and constant that they remain connected to Him with every breath, every moment. Allah is a Being who has no needs, who is neither distressed nor saddened. Those who are near to Allah, His friends, reflect this same tranquility. As Allah declares, His friends are free from fear and grief; they live in a state of peace. They do not look back in sorrow for the past, nor do they fear what the future may bring. This inner peace, this absence of anxiety, serves as the ultimate indicator that one is walking in the light of truth. Thus, the question of whether a person is on the right path can be answered through this inner peace. If one's life is imbued with tranquility and if their heart is free from fear and sorrow, then they are undoubtedly following the true path.

But if, in contrast, one’s life is marked by inner turmoil, if there is no peace or stability within them, they cannot be counted among the true friends of Allah.

Regarding the veracity of Islam and all other religions, it is stated that every religion revealed by Allah through divine revelation is true. In every revealed scripture, it was prophesied that a savior would come. When this savior (P.B.U.H.) appeared, the prophecies of all the previous religions were fulfilled.

For centuries, various religions and ideologies have flourished, each upholding the belief in a timeless, enduring being. The depth of insight cannot reduce this belief to mere speculation; within these traditions lies a profound and undeniable truth.

Throughout the annals of human history, mankind has persistently conceived of a transcendent being, one whose boundless capacities and dominion over all things define its essence. Perhaps it is this very conception that leads the soul toward righteousness, guiding it along paths of virtue, or offering solace in moments of despair. The existence of diverse religions and ideologies, spanning the breadth of time, stands as undeniable proof of this intrinsic belief. Yet, this vision must not be confined merely to the realm of abstract thought; rather, within the very core of these notions lies a deep and abiding truth. Zoroastrianism, Buddhism, materialism, Judaism, Christianity, Hinduism, Communism, and countless other faiths all uphold the enduring nature of the Divine. Each sect, each creed, and each philosophy perceives its own existence as uniquely aligned with this eternal essence (i.e., closer to the Divine). This conviction is palpable within the hearts of their adherents. Nevertheless, may I pose a question: which belief, once embraced, truly leads one to the recognition of God? If such a query is asked with an open mind, one might find the answer elusive, for each sect is steadfast in its belief that it alone holds the ultimate truth. Among these are those who hold sacred scriptures, venerating them as the key to divine wisdom. Yet, the question lingers: How is it that the Zoroastrian finds God? Or that those who revere the stars, the moon, and the sun, feel they have encountered the Divine? For all of them, God is envisioned as possessing incomprehensible power. Ultimately, it is a matter of profound submission, unwavering faith, and the sincerity of belief.