Author: Mehrullah Muhajer Azizi
The History and Beliefs of Buddhism (part 5)
Religions from the Perspective of the Qur’an
The Noble Qur’an is a book revealed by Allah Almighty for the guidance and direction of humanity. It addresses all matters related to belief, morality, and human conduct. Therefore, Allah Almighty has mentioned in it the religions of peoples who lived before the revelation of the Qur’an, as well as false religions and systems that may arise afterward.
By mentioning false beliefs and religions, Allah in fact invites their followers toward the truth. He presents their incorrect beliefs, provides clear and convincing responses, and alongside that, presents the truth while emphasizing its qualities and superiority.
If we reflect upon the verses of the Qur’an, it becomes clear that the Lord of the worlds has addressed the subject of religions in a comprehensive, clear, and explicit manner. All religions that have existed from the time of Prophet Adam (peace be upon him) until the Day of Resurrection are summarized in the following verse: «إِنَّ الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا وَالَّذِينَ هَادُوا وَالصَّابِئِينَ وَالنَّصَارَى وَالْمَجُوسَ وَالَّذِينَ أَشْرَكُوا إِنَّ الله يَفْصِلُ بَيْنَهُمْ يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ إِنَّ الله عَلَى كُلِّ شَيْءٍ شَهِيدٌ» Translation: Indeed, Allah will judge between those who believe, the Jews, the Sabians, the Christians, the Magians, and those who associate partners with Him on the Day of Resurrection. Surely, Allah is Witness over all things. [1]
Thus, human religions do not fall outside this framework, and they include: Islam, Judaism, Sabianism, Christianity, Magianism, and polytheistic and idolatrous beliefs. [2]
Allah Almighty has also mentioned the prophets (peace be upon them all) and clarified that their call was one and the same: the call to monotheism. As He says: «وَمَا أَرْسَلْنَا مِنْ قَبْلِكَ مِنْ رَسُولٍ إِلَّا نُوحِي إِلَيْهِ أَنَّهُ لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا أَنَا فَاعْبُدُونِ» Translation: And We did not send any messenger before you except that We revealed to him: There is no deity except Me, so worship Me. [3]
And He also says: «وَلَقَدْ بَعَثْنَا فِي كُلِّ أُمَّةٍ رَسُولًا أَنِ اعْبُدُوا الله وَاجْتَنِبُوا الطَّاغُوتَ» Translation: And We certainly sent into every nation a messenger, saying: Worship Allah and avoid false deities. [4]
The religion of all of them was one—Islam. Allah Almighty says regarding His Prophet Abraham and his son Ishmael (peace be upon them): «رَبَّنَا وَاجْعَلْنَا مُسْلِمَيْنِ لَكَ وَمِنْ ذُرِّيَّتِنَا أُمَّةً مُسْلِمَةً لَكَ» Translation: Our Lord, make us submissive to You, and from our descendants a nation submissive to You. [5]
And He also says regarding Ibrahim and Jacob (peace be upon them): «اِذْ قَالَ لَهُ رَبُّهُ أَسْلِمْ قَالَ أَسْلَمْتُ لِرَبِّ الْعَالَمِينَ» Translation: When his Lord said to him, “Submit,” he said, “I have submitted to the Lord of the worlds.” [6]
A Brief Look at the Geography of India
The area of India is approximately 1,221,072 square miles, which is nearly equal to the combined territories of Europe (excluding Russia). India has held an important position on the world map. It appears as peninsula island somewhat similar in overall shape to the continent of Africa.
Its structure resembles an irregular triangle, with its base at the top and its apex at the bottom. The base of this triangle is formed by the towering Himalaya mountains, and its apex extends to Cape Comorin. India is considered by researchers as a “bounded” land, since its eastern and western sides are surrounded by seas, while its northern boundary is enclosed by the Himalayas and the Suleiman mountain ranges.
In addition, two major rivers flow through this land:
First, the Indus River (Sind), which originates from the Himalayas and, after joining the rivers of Punjab (the five famous rivers), flows into the Arabian Sea.
Second, the Ganges River, which also rises from the Himalayas and, after joining the Brahmaputra River (which is considered sacred), empties into the Bay of Bengal. [7]
In the central part of India, a chain of mountains and forests stretches from the west to near the eastern coast. This range divides India into two regions, each differing significantly in terms of nature, population, and civilization.
The name “India” is derived from the Indus (Sind) River. The terms “Ind” and “Hind” emerged, meaning “the land beyond the Indus River.” Therefore, the inhabitants of this land are called “Indian” or “Hindu.” [8]
Regarding the naming of India, Gustave Le Bon states: “Westerners believe that the Indus River gave its name to the mysterious land beyond it; however, this view is not entirely acceptable, and it is possible that the name India is derived from the name of the god ‘Indra.’” [9]
India shares borders with Baluchistan and Afghanistan in the northwest, with Turkestan in the north, with China in the north and northeast, and with Burma (Myanmar) in the northeast. [10]
Continues…
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References:
[1]. Al-Hajj: 17.
[2]. Abdulkarim Zidan, Introduction to Religions in the Qur’an, p. 42.
[3]. Al-Anbiya: 25.
[4]. An-Nahl: 36.
[5]. Al-Baqarah: 128.
[6]. Al-Baqarah: 131.
[7]. Ahmad al-Shalabi, Major Religions of India, p. 18.
[8]. Ibid., p. 18.
[9]. Gustave Le Bon, Civilization of India, p. 25.
[10]. Al-Adyan al-Wad‘iyyah, p. 16.
