1. Navigating Islamic Teachings
As you engage with the faith, you will encounter diverse and sometimes contradictory "Islamic" teachings shaped by cultural, regional or individual interpretations.
To discern which truly align with the Quran, rely on the three guiding tools God has provided to all humanity:
- Human Conscience and Nature
- Sound Reasoning (the foundation for advancements like the scientific method)
- The Rules of Nature
These divine tools are:
- Closest to God: Even closer than human interpretations of holy texts.
- Immune to Human Distortion: They are free from bias or authoritarian influence.
- Universal and Accessible: Found within and around every individual.
The Quran repeatedly emphasizes these tools as essential for seeking truth and understanding God's will.
2. Independence in Faith
With these tools, you won’t need intermediaries to tell you what is right or wrong.
Your understanding of faith and your actions become deeply personal—between you and your Creator.
This aligns with one aspect of "Islam", as defined in Quran 9:31. (See the Meaning of the word Islam, below)
3. Freedom in Life
As you will learn from the Quran, freedom is a fundamental requirement for being a true Muslim (see the meaning of the word Islam, below).
This means being free from the influence of others—whether societal norms, communal expectations, or the dictates of leaders—most of which often conflict with the guidance of the divine tools.
Decisions about how you earn your livelihood, where and how you spend your money, whom you socialize with, the activities you pursue, what you wear and eat, and even how you think and reflect, etc... should all stem from your own conscious choices.
Trust your inner instincts, think independently, and make your own choices, guided by these divine tools.
If you make a mistake, these same tools will guide you to recognize and correct it.
4. The Meaning of the Word "Islam"
To many Muslims, Islam means following specific practices:
- Declaring faith in God and His messenger
- Performing five daily prayers
- Observing fasting
- Giving the annual charity
- Making the pilgrimage
However, I have discovered recently by studying the Quran that the word Islam means something completely different!
In particular, Quran 39:29 gives the core idea of what the word Islam means.
Quran 3:64, 9:30-31, 30:30-32, and 6:121 outline other aspects of the meaning of "Islam". (There could well be other verses I am not aware of yet.)
These verses lead me to conclude that the word "Islam" means "submission or surrendering, EXCLUSIVELY, to God".
The word "exclusively" is missing in all translations to English of the word Islam, and
it is not understood, felt, or practiced by Muslims today.
Please study these verses, and reflect on them:
- Reflect on each word and its significance in context.
- Consider how omitting or changing the said word would alter the meaning of the verse.
- And lastly, contemplate their practical implications in daily life.
The deeper you understand the concept of "exclusivity" to God, and recognize its various applications in daily life, the clearer it becomes that the "Islam" God desires for people has nothing to do with wearing hijab, praying, fasting, and other rites.
While these rites are important in the Quran, as they contribute to justice and or peace, they are not the essence of living out one’s exclusivity to God.
5. Stay Connected
Many new Muslims are often led to believe that they must question their social connections and sever ties with many of their acquaintances. This is wrong.
Do maintain your bonds with family, community, church, etc...
Do keep going on normally with your life and activities.
As you put more trust in the divine tools and grow in understanding the Quran, you might make some adjustments here and there in your life. But that should be it.
6. Quran is the Source of Information
On your journey, you will encounter a lot of utterances attributed to the prophet Muhammad.
The divine tools will tell you which are correct and which are wrong.
And the deeper you understand the Quran, the more flaws you will uncover in others.
Personally, I choose not to rely on them, as even those completely aligned with the Quran still overshadow it,
raising serious concerns about the intent behind rephrasing and potentially diluting the divine message.
7. Choosing a Translation
Quran translations vary and reflect the authors’ interpretations.
At this stage, most translations should suffice for you.
But as you grow in understanding the Quran, the divine tools will guide you toward the most accurate interpretations.
8. Learning Arabic
You are still young. So, if possible, learn Arabic.
It will allow you to engage with the Quran directly, without relying on translators.
9. Keep studying your Holy Book
It would be invaluable if someone well-versed in another Holy Book could make an objective comparison between it and the Quran.
If you feel up to this task, humanity would greatly benefit from such an effort.
10. Your Unique Perspective
What I’ve shared above is my interpretation of my current understanding of the Quran.
You, however, bring a fresh perspective, free from the preconceived notions that often cloud the views of those born and raised in the faith.
This gives you a unique opportunity to see insights that we may overlook.
Don’t hesitate to share your own understanding of the Quran—humanity stands to gain from it.
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