Some Distinctive Features of Islam — Page 7
7 All (of us) believe in Allah, and in His angels, and in His Books, and in His Messengers. 9 It may not be without merit to examine if universality in itself is a desirable feature, and why Islam has la id such great stress upon it. Ever since Islam has brought the message of the unity of mankind, the pace of the march towards such unity ha s continued to accelerate in every sphere. An example of this march in our times is the establishment of different international bodies and federations. Indeed, these are but milestones along the long and devious journey towards unity among all mankind. So, the need that is keenly felt by the advanced and civilised man of today had already been fulfilled by planting the seed of its solution in the message of Islam 1400 years ago. Today, of course, the rapid development of travel and communication has lent a new impetus to the march towards unity among peoples and nations. Differences and Contradictions among Faiths –Their Reality A question that arises is: if all religions were in fact founded by Messengers as from God, then why is there any difference in their teachings? Can the same God sends own different teachings? This question is answered by Islam alone, and this, too, is a distinctive feature of this religion. Islam holds that there are two basic causes of differences between various religions. First, that varying conditions had needed varying dictates and rules, and the All- Knowing and All-Wise God had provided guidance for different ages, regions and peoples in accordance with their respective needs. Second,