I feel in order to show the affinity between Islam and Christianity, Dr. McLelland went a little too far. Indeed, Islam recognises Jesus as one of the five most prominent prophets. It also subscribes to virgin birth, ascension and many miracles. But the faith and theological implications of this are vastly different in the two traditions. In fact, most of them are irreconcilable. Better understanding of Islam seems to be rationale for Dr. McLelland’s article. It is a must in a multi-faith society. But critical appreciation and balanced judgement are also essential for correct mutual understanding.
Religion is an expression of innate human quest for meaning, transcendence and for a glimpse of the reality beyond reality. As such, one should not judge or evaluate a religion on the basis of its essence, but only in terms of its interpretation and implementation by its propagators and proponents.
McLelland evaluates Islam only in terms of its essence. Not in terms is what is being done in the name of Islam. A couple of days before I read this article, a family of eight Christians was massacred in Pakistan. It is interesting that the People of the Book — including the non-Sunni Muslims — are the biggest victims of this misinterpretation and distortion of Islam. McLelland mentions the wrong done in the name of Christian faith. It is true but only to a limited extent. The Klan or Jim Jones did not commit these atrocities in the name of Christianity. Furthermore, the Christian condemnation of such deeds, including that of slavery, led to their abolition.
Islam’s contribution to science, medicine, architecture and philosophy is well known. Some scholars go as far as to attribute the European Renaissance to Islam. In the writings of the Sufis one finds not only the best expression of Islam but of religion itself. The famous Sufi poet Rumi writes:
My heart holds within it every form.
It contains a pasture for gazelles,
a monastery for Christian monks.
There is a temple for idol worshipers,
a holy shrine for pilgrims.
There is a table for the Torah and
the book of Koran.
I follow the religion of Love and go
whichever way His camel leads me.
This is the true faith.
This is true religion.
A critical appreciation of Islam — by Muslims as well as non-Muslims — alone can give a balanced view of Islam. Honest self-criticism and openness has helped the Christian tradition rid itself of some of its injustice and errors. Both Islam and Muslims would also be helped from this. I also believe that Christians can learn a great deal from Islam, especially in terms of commitment, submission and community spirit.
