This is with reference to the report “Be modern, but don’t shun Islamic values: King” (Sept. 29). Everybody should read Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah’s speech twice, as he has highlighted a major issue facing the Muslim world.
Many in the Muslim world are under the wrong impression that Islam and modernity don’t get along together. Sometimes, the arguments presented to defend such claims make me laugh.
The teachings of Islam are universal and not time-bound. What does Islam require of its followers? A good Muslim should not lie, cheat and steal. A true follower of Islam is supposed to behave decently in the society and he/she should treat people (belonging to any faith) nicely. A Muslim should respect the elders and love the younger ones.
Islam does not teach its followers to shun worldly or material comforts. That is a very wrong perception about our religion. Islam only forbids use of illegal and haram means to earn wealth. It is against circulation of wealth among a few people, for which the institution of Zakat has been established. I don’t find anything in Islam that could hamper an individual’s material progress.
It is the duty of religious scholars to clear misconceptions about Islam. — Nazeer Ali, Jeddah
Misconceptions about Islam
