Islam's Response to Contemporary Issues — Page 30
30 islam’s response to contemporary issues needed for his guidance. According to the Quranic claim, a secondary teaching inseparably based on everlasting fundamental principles was also revealed as a part of the final, perfect and consummate religion i. e. Islam. That which was of a purely local or temporary character was abrogated or omitted; that which was still needed henceforth, was provided and retained. 27 This in essence is the Islamic concept of religious universality, which Islam claims to possess. It is for man to investigate and judge the comparative merit of different claimants. Now, once again, we turn to the question of such religions, which have set themselves the goal of global ascendancy. Clearly, Islam does entertain such ambitions. By way of prophecy, the Holy Quran declares that Islam is destined to emerge one day as the sole religion of mankind. He it is Who has sent His Messenger with the guidance and the religion of the truth, that He may cause it to prevail over all religions, even if those who associate partners with God do not like it. 28 Despite its commitment to the promotion of peace and harmony between various religions, Islam does not discourage the competitive dissemination of messages and ideologies with a view to gaining ascendancy over others. In fact, it sets the ultimate ascendancy of Islam over all other faiths as a noble goal, which must be pursued by the adherents of Islam. Speaking of the Holy Founder sa of Islam, the Holy Quran states: