Why is Islam the only path?

**AdsUk** · 12-08-2012

Right, My first post so I will try and keep it as concise as possible.

I have been raised in the UK, and live in an area which has a reasonable amount of Muslims. We have a Masjid nearby where I would go to learn about Islam when I was younger. Unfortunately due to some circumstances I drifted away from the Masjid, but i remember some of the things that were taught there. For example, the teachers there made it very clear to us children that the only way to Heaven, and to god was if you accepted Islam as your faith. Those that did not accept Islam would ultimately not be accepted by God, and sent to hell.

As I grew up, I met people from different areas of the world, with different faiths and different ideas. I met good people with good hearts and good intentions. I've thought about what teachers have taught me and others, and I'm afraid this whole concept has become completely irrational to me. A few of the reasons why I consider it irrational are as follows

1) This way of thinking completely defeats the good deeds that other people have achieved. There are many people in history who were not Muslims, but have done more for Islam than many Muslims themselves. If we consider people in history who have tried to live for others and when they have left the world, many people have considered them to be a positive influence on the earth, why would their reward be eternal ****ation? This process of thought is irrational, and if I consider Allah to be much more rational than I am then I can't see how he would allow this.

2) Out of the people that decide to read this post, I believe many will have been born to Muslim parents, and possibly in Muslim communities. This would have played a big part into why they are Muslim. I can say that I was born to Muslim parents. I would even suggest that If I was born to a Christian family in Central USA I would have grown up believing that Jesus is the son of God. If I was born to a family in Mumbai, India, I could well have grown up a Hindu. The point that I am making is, we don't have a choice as to where we are born. Where we are born can play a big part in what religion we follow as we grow up. Excluding reverts, if Islam is amongst around 1/6 of the world population, it would be fair to assume that 1 out of 6 children will grow up following Islam at the current time. If Islam is the only way to god, then 5/6 children may be massively disadvantaged in reaching god. Once again, this is very irrational to me and is more like a game of chance, where the consequences for those 5/6 children are potentially eternal suffering, and therefore I have problems accepting this point of view.

Any thoughts and comments regarding my views would be appreciated. For those that oppose my sentiments, I would be more than happy to hear your rationale as to why you do oppose what I have said.

**AdsUk** · 12-10-2012

Originally Posted by Aprender

As a revert, I absolutely, 100% disagree with this.
No sect. We are Muslim. That is all. All one has to do is read the Quran and you will see Islam for what it is. Clear, simple, pure monotheism. Truth stands out from falsehood.

How can you disagree with this? Look at the state of the Ummah today. How can you deny that there are many Muslims that follow different sects etc. Parents don't let their children marry outside of their caste, even if the other person is a Muslim. You're telling me that it is not confusing from an outside perspective? Yes I completely agree with you that the only things a Muslim needs to know about is the Quran to see Islam for what it is. However you cannot disagree that people do more than this, some people quibble about which Hadiths are authentic and which they should follow and not follow. Its easy for you to say "No sect, we are Muslim" but that is your perspective (and one that I completely agree with) however many Muslims in this world today do not and you cannot deny that I'm afraid.

Originally Posted by Aprender

I find it interesting that other members here, including myself, offered our perspectives to your questions as converts to Islam from another major world religion yet you completely ignored what we wrote to you. Converts to Islam aren't such a rare thing, really. It happens all the time. Maybe you would do yourself some good by taking a look at the convert stories posted on this forum.

What indication have I given you that I am ignoring what people are saying on this forum? I've read the comments about the person who studied various religions and kept coming back to Islam. This shows me that this religion made the most sense to him and he considers it the truth. I also never said that converts to Islam are a rare thing. I also appreciate that Islam is the fastest growing religion int he world today.

Originally Posted by Aprender

I don't think that. As humans we have no right to condemn anyone to everything. We don't know. Allah knows. It's not up to you to decide that or think that you're better than anyone else just because you're a Muslim and that you're going to paradise. None of us knows what will become of us in the hereafter. As I said before a lot of what you're saying is Christian rhetoric that I was taught in church and it's strange to me that you're so attached to this line of thinking.

You're telling me that none of us knows what will become of us in the hereafter, I agree, and yes we have no right to condemn anyone regardless of what they have done in their life. This is the point that I have tried to make. However some people are not of this opinion, and some of them have made that clear during this thread. You refer to it as "Christian Rhetoric" and I know what you mean. I've heard many Christians say that the only way to God is to accept Jesus as your Lord. I've heard them say that you can only find Paradise through Christianity. However, I have also heard many Muslims say this as well, growing up, in the Media and otherwise. Would you also be willing to refer to this as "Rhetoric"?

Originally Posted by Aprender

What I find interesting is why you're so concerned about the eternal home of present day Jews and Christians or non-religious people. Perhaps you should be spending more time working on being a better Muslim and maybe, just maybe you should get involved in dawah efforts to teach others about Islam then?

You find it interesting that I am concerned with this? Of course I am concerned. I am discussing the points that I want to gain a better of understanding of. I'm not discussing the points of view that certain people have which I wholeheartedly agree with. I'm referring to points and principles people have who are Muslim but do not make sense with my perception of Islam and I'm here trying to gain their perspective as to why, and yes I am arguing their points with my point of view because that is the reason I have started this discussion. I find your final sentiments somewhat condescending about me trying to be a better Muslim. What do you think I'm doing on an Islamic Forum asking questions if it is not to gain a better understand of Islam and to become a better Muslim?

**CosmicPathos** · 12-11-2012

Originally Posted by AdsUk

How can you disagree with this? Look at the state of the Ummah today. How can you deny that there are many Muslims that follow different sects etc. Parents don't let their children marry outside of their caste, even if the other person is a Muslim. You're telling me that it is not confusing from an outside perspective? Yes I completely agree with you that the only things a Muslim needs to know about is the Quran to see Islam for what it is. However you cannot disagree that people do more than this, some people quibble about which Hadiths are authentic and which they should follow and not follow. Its easy for you to say "No sect, we are Muslim" but that is your perspective (and one that I completely agree with) however many Muslims in this world today do not and you cannot deny that I'm afraid.

What's wrong with that? Since when has marriage dos and donts in Islam and in one's culture become directly linked with the authenticity of Islam as a religion revealed by God to make Himself known?

**M.I.A.** · 12-11-2012

imo,

islam is the only path because it is the last and complete message.

but..

even if all the world were muslim, you would still have to live your life and make your own decisions.

and that would require a whole new understanding.

sure you would all pray in the same manner.. and all the good that does.. and all its benefits.

but we would all still differ.

so why is islam the only path?

you might as well ask us what we believe in and how we justify it.

i guess that until the day the veil is lifted, none are really sure.

i believe that if islam were known by any other name then it would still be islam.

just as the same monotheistic god has inspired Jews, Christians and Muslims.

sure they may hate each other, but sooner or later you realise its like growling at a pond.

sure you cant accept each other,

but for every extremist there is one on the other side.

for every plan there is a counter.

the losses are settled even if its at each side of the string.

and even those that persist in wronging themselves are part of it.

if you really want to understand about the world and god, then you have to let go.

submit.

and the easiest and hardest wins are within yourself.

you cant change the world now can you?

you cant change the people around you.. they all believe differently.

but you can try damage limitation of the self.. a carbon footprint of the soul.

...in intention anyway.

**AdsUk** · 12-11-2012

Originally Posted by CosmicPathos

What's wrong with that? Since when has marriage dos and donts in Islam and in one's culture become directly linked with the authenticity of Islam as a religion revealed by God to make Himself known?

You're asking a direct question the response I have made from what the other person said. Look back and see why I answered in this manner and you'll see what I'm trying to say. That was just an example I gave.

But just to respond to what you've just said, Where in Islam does it forbid the marriage of one person to another if they are both Muslim? What's wrong with the cultural aspect linked to Islam. Are you serious? I thought Islam was supposed to be one message, now we have 70+ different versions of this message and you're asking whats wrong with that?

**CosmicPathos** · 12-12-2012

Originally Posted by AdsUk

You're asking a direct question the response I have made from what the other person said. Look back and see why I answered in this manner and you'll see what I'm trying to say. That was just an example I gave.

But just to respond to what you've just said, Where in Islam does it forbid the marriage of one person to another if they are both Muslim? What's wrong with the cultural aspect linked to Islam. Are you serious? I thought Islam was supposed to be one message, now we have 70+ different versions of this message and you're asking whats wrong with that?

how is "marriage" restrictions, which vary from one culture to another, related to islam's msg? Islam's msg is to turn to Allah.