What is it about?
Islam is the oldest divine religion with a complete code of life, offering natural, rational, and authentic guidance to its followers. With 1.8 billion Muslims worldwide, some of Islam's teachings, particularly around personal freedoms, veiling, and social interactions, are often misunderstood in the modern context. The concept of freedom in today's world is often associated with personal power and oppression, while veiling, seen by some as a personal choice, is actually mandatory in Islam. The relationship between children and parents plays a key role in clarifying these misunderstandings. This paper aims to provide a more balanced understanding of these elements through a review of theological sources and modern interpretations.
Featured Image
Why is it important?
The importance of understanding Islam as the oldest divine religion with a complete code of life lies in its ability to offer a comprehensive, rational, and authentic framework for living. With over 1.8 billion followers globally, Islam continues to shape the lives of its adherents, providing them with guidelines and principles for every aspect of life. As the Muslim population grows, however, some of Islam's teachings are misinterpreted or misunderstood, particularly in the context of modern society. One key aspect of this is the concept of personal freedoms, such as veiling and social interactions, which are often seen as influenced by contemporary culture rather than intrinsic to Islamic teachings. The widespread debate around freedom, often equated with the power to act without constraint, is crucial to understanding the Islamic perspective, which emphasizes responsibility, respect, and balance. Veiling, for instance, is frequently misunderstood as a personal choice in the modern world, but in Islam, it is a mandate that serves to protect individuals and promote inner peace. It is not merely an external symbol but a representation of one's commitment to Islamic principles. In addition, the growing trend of "open-mindedness" in today's world often leads to dismissing practices that are not fully understood. Islam encourages an open mind, but it also calls for respect for its fundamental teachings, such as those related to modesty and personal conduct. By examining the relationship between children and parents, which is pivotal in Islamic culture, we can gain deeper insight into these misunderstood elements and promote a more balanced and respectful understanding of Islam today.
Perspectives
From my perspective, Islam stands as the oldest divine religion, offering a complete and holistic way of life. Its principles are natural, rational, and authentic, providing Muslims with a clear set of rules and guidelines for every aspect of life. The rapid spread of Islam has led to a large global following of 1.8 billion people, but this growth has also contributed to some misunderstandings and misinterpretations of its teachings. For instance, personal freedoms, such as the practice of veiling and social interactions, are often mischaracterized as being influenced by modern trends, when, in fact, they are core elements of Islam. The concept of freedom, widely debated today, is often misunderstood as the ability to impose one's will on others, rather than the true Islamic view, which emphasizes balance, respect, and responsibility toward others. The practice of veiling, too, is commonly viewed as a personal choice in modern societies, but in Islam, it is a directive meant to protect and provide peace of mind to the individual. It's a symbol of faith and adherence to Islamic principles. The increasing push for "open-mindedness" today can sometimes lead people to reject the beliefs and practices of others without fully understanding their significance, particularly within the Islamic context. The relationship between children and parents can serve as a key to understanding these often-misunderstood aspects of Islam. By revisiting both theological sources and modern interpretations, we can foster a more balanced and respectful understanding of these elements and their rightful place in contemporary Islamic thought.
Dr. Abrar Hussain
University of Karachi
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: The Islamic Perspectives of Freedom, Veiling, and Open Mindedness: A Current Misunderstand Elements, LECTURES Journal of Islamic and Education Studies, December 2024, Perkumpulan Dosen Fakultas Agama Islam Indramayu,
DOI: 10.58355/lectures.v3i3.125.
You can read the full text:
Contributors
The following have contributed to this page
