AN INTRODUCTION
To Peace
Mainly because of the political
changes which have taken place throughout the world, the last few
decades have seen an increased awareness of Islam.
However the portrayal of this faith has been somewhat parochial
due to lack of information. The images brought to our attention
have usually been focused on the extremist aspects. This
depiction is true to some extent because like Christianity, the
present day characterization of Islam is based on culture and
tradition rather than the foundations of guidance.
Islam is still considered by many to be the religion founded by
Muhammad when in fact he said 'I bring nothing new...' This quote
is directly from the Quran, the book which Muslims consider as
the revealed word of God. This book also testifies that 'This is
the same as the previous scriptures...' and in another verse
says: 'He has decreed for you the same way of life decreed for
Noah, and what is revealed herein, and what was decreed for
Abraham, Moses and Jesus.'
People who accept the teachings of all the prophets including
Jesus and Muhammad have many things in common. For example the
Quran speaks highly of Jesus: 'We sent Jesus, the son of Mary. We
gave him the Gospel and We placed in the hearts of his followers
kindness and mercy.' Mary
, his mother, is similarly given an honoured status: '0 Mary, God
has chosen you, and sanctified you and has chosen you above all
the women.'
The Quran gives an insight into the many facets of Islam usually
hidden by religious practices based on custom rather than the
original teachings.
See Quran verses: 46.9; 42.13; 57.27; 3.42.