Islam and Other Religions

Introduction
“Surely the true religion with Allah is Islam.”

(Al-Imran: 19)

The words Deen and Madhab are entirely different from each other with regard to their underlying
concepts. Although in our part of the world we generally refer to Islam as Madhab (religion), yet what is
interesting indeed is the fact that the word Madhab has never once been used in the entire treasury of
the Quranic text and Ahadith literature! Instead, the word that has almost always been used for Islam in
the original sources is Deen.

Definition of Mazhab
“Religion means the belief in spiritual beings”

E. B. Taylor

Definition of Din
Difference between Mazhab (Religion) and Din
Islam: A Deen Not Mere Religion
When Islam is characterized as a religion it seems as if it is just one of the other religions of the world.
Modern educated Muslims also think that Islam is only a religion just like other religions. This limited
approach about Islam led to a wrong conclusion that Islam is merely a religion in its restricted sense.
Moreover, many Muslims are of the view that all religions are good and there is nothing wrong if people
of other religions do not embrace Islam. This concept has been rejected by the Holy Quran in
unequivocal terms in the following verse:

“And whosoever adopts any other way except Islam that shall not be accepted from him and in the
Hereafter he shall be among the losers.”

(Al-Imran: 85)

Besides, it is incorrect to call Islam a religion only. It is a Deen which means a complete code of life.
Religion deals with private affairs of life whereas Deen covers all aspects of life, individual as well as
collective. In other words Deen is all embracing term which includes religio-socio-politico-economic
system. It touches upon the material as well as spiritual dimensions of human existence and insists that
all our thoughts and deeds should be performed with God consciousness.
Principles of coexistence between Islam and other religions
The world perspective
a) Semantic religions: Islam, Judaism, Christianity
b) Non-semantic religions: two categories
 Aryan religions: Hinduism, Jainism, Sikhism, Zoroastrianism, Buddhism.
 Mongol religions: Shintoism, Taoism, Confucianism.

Principles of coexistence between Islam and sematic religions

1. Tauhid (Oneness of Allah)
(O Beloved Prophet) Say, “O People of the Scriptures, come to a word that is equitable between us and
you – that we will not worship none but Allah and not associate anything with Him and not take one
another as lords instead of Allah.” But if they turn away, then say, “Bear witness that we are Muslims
[submitting to Him].”

(Al-Imran: 64)

2. Hazrat Ibrahim (A. S.)

3. Moral Principles
4. Animals slaughtered by the people of the books are lawful for Muslims
“And the food of those who were given the scripture is lawful for you and your food is lawful for
them.”

(Al-Ma’idah: 5)

A Clarification: Proclamation of Takbir (announce the greatness of Allah) while slaughtering them.

5. Marriage with the women of the people of the book

“And [lawful in marriage are] chaste women from among the believers and chaste women from
among those who were given the scripture before you.”

(Al-Ma’idah: 5)

6. Belief in hereafter

Principles of coexistence with non-semantic religions

1. Tauhid (Oneness of Allah)
2. Moral values
3. Belief in hereafter
4. Common sense

Conclusion
Deen is essentially that which dominates and pervades. If it is subjugated, it will no longer remain Deen,
but will be reduced to Madhab. Its true character will be distorted. If studied from this angle, it becomes
clear that no matter how great a system, if it is presented merely as a vision and idea, or presented in
the form of a written treatise, it can at best be an idealistic utopia, but can never truly be a criterion, a
standard, or a benchmark. It can become a decisive criterion for the whole of mankind to judge and live
by only when it is brought into practice, established and fully implemented.