Author: Abu Ayesha
Shinto Religion (Part 22)
Introduction
Sacred scriptures in religions serve as the backbone of the beliefs and practices of their followers, and as guiding landmarks that illuminate the correct paths and the routes to prosperity for nations. For those who believe in them, these texts are not only the primary source of divine beliefs, understanding of existence, and religious laws, but they also play a profound role in shaping the moral and behavioral guidance of human beings. Books such as the Holy Qur’an in Islam, the Torah in Judaism, the Gospel in Christianity, and the Kojiki and Nihon Shoki in Shintoism are considered more than mere writings; they are viewed as manifestations of the human connection with God and reflections of divine wisdom. These scriptures form the religious identity, cultural value, and social standing of their communities, and can serve as the finest representations of their knowledge, art, law, literature, and more.
Given the importance and status of scriptures in various religions and belief systems, this section of our research seeks to compare the Holy Qur’an, the sacred book of Islam, with the scriptures of Shintoism. Although we have briefly mentioned their significance earlier, here we will discuss their features in greater detail. Before making a comparison, it is essential to introduce the scriptures of each tradition separately and explain their social role.
The Holy Qur’an: A Book of Guidance and a Source of Salvation
At a time when darkness and ignorance had engulfed the world—when stones and wood were worshipped as deities, when people shed each other’s blood endlessly, and tribes fought for years over the most trivial matters; at a time when idols were worshipped beside the Ka‘bah and hundreds of statues occupied that sacred space—suddenly, a radiant light emerged. This light pierced through the darkness of polytheism and disbelief; homes were illuminated with the light of faith; the heavenly melody of revelation echoed everywhere, and the verses of the Qur’an were recited in every corner.
The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) brought forth a book from Allah Almighty for humanity—a book that would serve as guidance for all until the Day of Judgment. A book filled with the divine love and mercy of Allah; a book that draws hearts to the light; a refuge for the helpless, a shelter for the distressed, a source of peace for troubled souls; a book whose every word is healing, and every verse is a remedy for wounds—its worth surpassing everything. The Qur’an transformed the world and breathed new life into humanity.
Allama Muhammad Iqbal beautifully described the Qur’an in these verses:
When the message of the Qur’an settled upon the world,
The schemes of priests and clergy were shattered.
I speak openly of what lies hidden in my heart:
This is not an ordinary book — it is something entirely different.
When it enters the soul, the soul becomes transformed;
And when the soul is transformed, the entire world is transformed.
The Qur’an is the miracle of the Lord of the Worlds—no one before or after has been able to produce anything like it. It was sent word for word from Allah through Jibril (AS) to the Messenger of Allah (PBUH), and from that time until now, every letter has remained preserved and will remain so forever. This radiant torch will continue to shine until the Day of Resurrection, guiding all who seek the path of salvation. Whoever desires happiness and success in this world and the next must cling to this noble book and apply its teachings in their life.
Some of the Most Important Characteristics of the Holy Qur’an
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The Qur’an as the Greatest Source of Guidance
The Qur’an is the purest spring of guidance, accessible to all without exception. Allah Almighty says: “إِنَّ هَٰذَا الْقُرْآنَ يَهْدِي لِلَّتِي هِيَ أَقْوَمُ وَيُبَشِّرُ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ الَّذِينَ يَعْمَلُونَ الصَّالِحَاتِ أَنَّ لَهُمْ أَجْرًا كَبِيرًا.” Translation: This Qur’an guides to the path that is most upright, and it gives glad tidings to the believers who do righteous deeds that they will have a great reward.
Allah Almighty also says: “ذَٰلِكَ الْكِتَابُ لَا رَيْبَ ۛ فِيهِ ۛ هُدًى لِّلْمُتَّقِينَ.” Translation: This is the Book about which there is no doubt—a guidance for the righteous.
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The Qur’an Purifies the Heart and Soul
Recitation of the Qur’an purifies and enlightens the heart and soul, serving as mercy and healing for believers. Allah Almighty says: “وَنُنَزِّلُ مِنَ الْقُرْآنِ مَا هُوَ شِفَاءٌ وَرَحْمَةٌ لِّلْمُؤْمِنِينَ وَلَا يَزِيدُ الظَّالِمِينَ إِلَّا خَسَارًا.” Translation: We send down from the Qur’an that which is healing and mercy for the believers, but it increases nothing for the wrongdoers except loss.
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The Qur’an Distinguishes Between Truth and Falsehood
Those who connect with the Qur’an—reciting it, contemplating its meanings, and acting upon it—gain clarity between truth and falsehood. Allah Almighty says: “تَبَارَكَ الَّذِي نَزَّلَ الْفُرْقَانَ عَلَىٰ عَبْدِهِ لِيَكُونَ لِلْعَالَمِينَ نَذِيرًا.” Translation: Blessed is the One who sent down the Criterion upon His servant so that he may serve as a warner to all people.
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The Qur’an Is a Book of Divine Wisdom
The Qur’an is a treasure of divine wisdom that enlightens and transforms life. Allah Almighty says: “كِتَابٌ أُحْكِمَتْ آيَاتُهُ ثُمَّ فُصِّلَتْ مِن لَّدُنْ حَكِيمٍ خَبِيرٍ.” Translation: A Book whose verses have been perfected and then explained in detail—from One who is Wise and All-Aware.
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Falsehood Cannot Approach the Qur’an
One of the most remarkable qualities of the Qur’an is that falsehood can never approach it—from any direction. Allah Almighty says: “وَإِنَّهُ لَكِتَابٌ عَزِيزٌ لَا يَأْتِيهِ الْبَاطِلُ مِن بَيْنِ يَدَيْهِ وَلَا مِنْ خَلْفِهِ ۚ تَنزِيلٌ مِّنْ حَكِيمٍ حَمِيدٍ.” Translation: And indeed, it is a mighty Book. Falsehood cannot approach it—from before it or behind it. [It is] a revelation from the Wise, the Praiseworthy.
After recognizing the majesty and greatness of the Qur’an—Allah’s Book—it is now appropriate to examine the scriptures of Shintoism: how they came into existence, who authored them, and how they have changed and evolved over time.
Continues…
Previous Part
References:
- Surah Al-Isra, Verse 9.
- Surah Al-Baqarah, Verse 2.
- Surah Al-Isra, Verse 82.
- Surah Al-Furqan, Verse 1.
- Surah Hud, Verse 1.
- Surah Fussilat, Verses 41–42.
