We can distinguish between two uses of the words "Islam"
and "Muslim". One use refers to the 1400 year old tradition(s)
that have arisen in response to the Qur'an. The other is the literal
sense of "submission to the will of God" and "someone
who is in submission to the will of God". If one accepts
this, are the following statements true or false, based on the
literal (i.e. prior to Qur'anic revelation) definitions of the
words?
Islam is not primarily found in books of law. It is found in Being
itself: in the fact of existence and in fascination with that
fact. "Islam" refers to an orientation towards life
and reality. It does not necessarily refer to religio-cultural
traditions or identifiable groups of people.
The Qur'an is a reminder-- not a text book. It is where we begin,
not where we end. It is the starting-gate, not the finish line.
The Qur'an acknowledges actual human behaviors. Acknowledgment
does not necessarily imply acceptability. The Qur'an presents
an ethos, not a laundry list. It paints a picture of broad brush-strokes;
not one of detailed photo-realism.
Islam is kind-- "compassion, not ideologies".
Islam does not compel or force anything; not physically, not
socially, not psychologically, not spiritually.
Islam fights only when attacked: words with words, fists with
fists. Muslims forced to fight are never cruel or destructive
for the sake of destruction. Islam fights only in self-defense.
Muslims look for opportunities to cease hostilities and always
search for areas of agreement with others. Muslims are ready
to set aside hate and resentments.
Islam does not oppose, it attracts.
Islam is not "political" in any contemporary sense
of the word. It is categorically different from any other type
of religious, political, economic, social or philosophical ideology.
It is not even an "ideology" in any contemporary sense
of the term, nor is it a "religion" in any contemporary
sense of the term.
Muslims are rigorously honest, and promptly admit when they are
wrong.
Islam is ecological.
Islam is wholistic. The various parts of our experience and existence fit together in a consonant whole: the tawheedian world-view.
Islam knows that the Reality it speaks of transcends language and theology.
Islam recognizes that the only issue of real importance to humanity
is the issue of Deity. Muslims gently invite all to consider
the Qur'anic response to this issue. Islam encourages and supports
all authentic engagement with this issue. Muslims know that authentic
engagement with the issue will eventually result in acceptance
of the Qur'an.
Islam is imaginatively creative and encourages all varieties
of expression of one's engagement with the "issue of Deity".
It does not accept all expressions, however, as equally valid.
Islam recognizes the inevitable tension between literal and
metaphorical ways of understanding statements about the Transcendent,
and thus maintains a flexible openness to variety of expression.
Islam interacts with and transforms human cultures: it does not
destroy or replace them.
Muslims grasp the Islamic ethos and the tawheedian world-view.
There is only one necessary and sufficient condition for this
to take place: authentic engagement with the "issue of Deity".
It is not strictly necessary to be taught Islam by a "priest"
or other type of "expert". Islam has no priestly or
rabbinic caste. It isn't needed. By virtue of one's humanity each
person is a potential "expert" on Islam-- regardless
of such things as intelligence or formal education. One learns
Islam from Muslims.
Islam does not result in an arrogant self-righteous certainty of belief--
"this is the way and I understand it". Islam is humble in light of
the Transcendent Unity: "I hope and pray this is the way because I don't
understand it at all. I will continue to engage the issues..."