Muslims will unanimously proclaim that Islam is a universal religion because the Qur’an asserts itself to be a message for the worlds[1]; it proclaims Prophet Muhammad[2] as the bearer of glad tidings[3]and messenger for all mankind[4]. Verifying the authenticity of earlier revealed scriptures and all prophets,[5] the Qur’an refers to itself as the perfect Book [6] and Islam as the perfect religion.[7] Islam claims to be a living faith and considers revelation and communion with God to be a continual process. It asserts that the avenues of spiritual bliss experienced by prophets Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jesus and the Prophet of Islam, are still open and beckoning to those desirous of close communion with God.
However, there is a major gap in perception and reality. The judgment about Islam, based on Muslims’ behavior in their native or adopted societies, is contrary to the above Qur’anic assertions. Herein lays the dilemma that this paper will address. It will explore if Islam can indeed justify its claim to be the universal religion. If so, then what has enabled Muslims groups to radicalize in the name of Islam and become the disruptive force in the world?
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[1] Qur’an Ch 81, v 28: “It is nothing but a Reminder unto all the worlds,”
[2] Peace be upon him – a customary salutation used with all prophets.
[3] Qur’an Ch 34, v 29: “And We have not sent thee but as a bearer of glad tidings and a Warner, for all mankind, but most men know not.”
[4] Qur’an Ch 7, v 159: “Say, ‘O mankind! truly I am a Messenger to you all from Allah to Whom belongs the kingdom of the heavens and the earth. There is no God but He. He gives life, and He causes death. So believe in Allah and His Messenger, the Prophet, the Immaculate one, who believes in Allah and His words; and follow him that you may be rightly guided.’”
[5] Ch 2, v 286 “All (of us) believe in Allah, and His angels, and in His Books, and in His messengers saying. “we make no distinction between any of his Messengers”.
[6] Ch 2, v 3: This is a perfect Book; there is no doubt in it; it is a guidance for the righteous,
[7] Ch 5, v 4: “…This day have I perfected your religion for you and completed My favor upon you and have chosen for you Islam as religion.”