On The Tolerant Monotheism In The Islamic Tradition
A significant characteristic of the Islamic Tradition is
the tolerance and indulgence as expressed by the Prophet ﷺ
(may Allah bless him and grant him peace) when he said:
“I have been sent with the indulgent and tolerant monotheism.”
”bu `ithtu bil-hanīfiyah al-samha'”
This is a saying which is confirmed by the divine quranic Word:
{ And We have not sent you except as a mercy to the worlds.
}
Sura the Prophets (21) verse 107
Therefore it is simple to conclude that anything which conflicts with mercy, like the ethic of cruelty does not run parallel with the mission of the Prophet ﷺ , who was all his life the best example of mercy.
His was a mercy on far and near, friend and enemy.
Tolerant monotheism: This religion is natural and easy,
it does neither permit extremism* or laxity** nor promote it!
*This is so despite political and - or religious extremists and fanatics,
who use (of religion) what fits their uninformed ways for this world (dunya).
**Laxity: because (post-)modernity has no higher principle,
and cannot provide any spiritual aim and perspective,
except for 'faith' in technological progress
based on a one-dimensional rationality, while relying on what is lowest and meanest in man.
But this - as will be shown on this site, inshah Allah - is a tolerant religion,
despite some people ignoring the original, authentic teachings of this eminent religion Islam.
Allahu, Absolute Truth and Ultimate Reality -
All praises, thanks and glory are due to Him,
may His Majesty be exalted!
Monotheism (
at-tawhīd)
is the no. 1 - gift to mankind
There is no divinity except Allah, no reality except
The Real (
Al-Haqq),
Muhammad - the Messenger of Allah - is our guide to The Truth, the
One Reality.
True knowledge
We have mass-transmitted traditions of 100% reliable chains of transmission, going back all the way to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. They tell us indisputable facts about his person, his life and the heavenly message with which he came.
He was chosen by Allah to guide 'modern' man, showing him with the Quran, with his words of wisdom and ideal actions the blessed Path. Because to tread it may enable man to gain God's acceptance and pleasure (
ridwān) - in this life and in the next. But whoever denies His guidance and is ignorant about what Allah is expecting of us would be one of the losers, and Allah knows best.
As Allah said in the Holy Quran:
{ And whatsoever the Messenger gives you, take it,
}
{ and whatsoever he forbids, abstain from it.
}
Sura The Banishment (59) verse 7
This life and the Beyond (
al-Akhirah)
People think that this life will continue up to eternity. But no!
Without doubt, doomsday is at hand, when hearts will be screened,
man has to prepare himself (woman - herself) for this great event.
Few are those who will pass, except for Allah's mercy.
Divine Compassion and Guidance
Allah - may His Majesty be exalted - offers mankind His guidance,
with the do's and dont's, which are His commands and prohibitions,
even if people don't like it.
And they don't like it because they are ignorant of it,
in their ignorance wronging themselves (against their souls)(
Zālimūn).
Difficulties and Ease
Out of His mercy and compassion He has ordered what is easy for us,
not difficult, for our way to the heavenly stations.
This does not mean the total absence of difficulties whatsoever,
and striving towards what pleases Him involves a continuos effort,
but it is usally man himself who complicates things.
Allah says in the Holy Qur'an:
{ Allah intends for you ease,
}
{ and He does not want to make things difficult for you.
}
Sura the Cow (2) verse 185
Our Master - Prophet Mohammad ﷺ said in the chapter
intitled by al-Bukhari as "Religion is very easy" (
ad-dīnu yusrun):
“The most beloved religion to Allah (swt) is the tolerant Hanifiya.”
(i.e. to witness Allah Alone and no illusionary realities beside Him.)
“ahabbu- ddīni ila-LLāhi al-.hanīfiyyatu-s sam.hah” (narrated by al-Bukhari, vol. 1, book 2, chapter 30)
He ﷺ also said:
“Religion [of Islam] is very easy and whoever overburdens himself in his religion will not be able to continue in that way. So you should not be extremists, but try to be near to perfection and receive the good tidings that you will be rewarded. And gain strength by worshipping in the mornings, the nights.”
(narrated by al-Bukhari, vol. 1, book 2, hadith 38).
Finally we should note the famous words of `Ali (kAw),
the Commander of the faithful, when he said:
“Do not abandon what is easy because of what is difficult.”
About this site
On this site we will present some introductory texts of Islamic esoterism (
tasawwuf) from the Islamic tradition, related to tolerant monotheism.
Islamic esoterism - which is inseparable from tolerant monotheism - is the inner science per se and the
heart of Islam and its lifeline. Noone will ever benefit from actions without proper intentions or from empty rituals. Intentions have to be pure to be accepted. Rituals have a function and a deeper meaning.
And Allah knows best and most.
The texts will be short quotations from famous, respected scholars of Islam, i.e. from the foremost people of prophetic tradition and the generality of the believers (
ahl as-sunnah wa-l jamā`ah).
May this site help the interested reader and seeker of divine wisdom, to catch some glimpses of what our forefathers had been given of clear insights and high stations in the Divine Presence, and may he be preserved from falling into the traps of misguided groups,
inshā-Allah, by the will of God.
Blessings and greetings of Allah on the Holy Prophet,
his Noble Family, and all his Companions.
vs.4.1
from: Fri, Sep 17, 2004
upd.: 2012-07-06
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