A MESSAGE FOR THE NEW YEAR

Dear Readers,
Greetings of Peace!
This January 2020 issue of Spirit of Islam (SOI) marks the magazine’s entry into 8th year of its publication. We are thankful to Almighty God for according us the opportunity to contribute positively in the greater service of humanity to establish peace and spirituality in the world. The scientific age has thrown up unheard of challenges in the face of religion. Religion, as had been presented hitherto, lost its appeal to the educated masses as it promulgated rituals bereft of any meaning to modern man. With its focus on dos and don’ts, and belief in unverifiable creeds, religion lost its ground. The insistence of people occupying the pedestals of religion to follow the dictates of religion unquestioningly proved to be no help. Science and religion were considered to be at irreconcilable variance.

However, Islam being the religion of nature, there is no contradiction between Islam and science. Quran believed to be the preserved book of God is free from human interpolation. The personality of the Prophet of Islam, his life and teachings are historically established. SOI firmly believes that the age of science and technology has only strengthened the religion of Islam.

SOI presents Islam from the original sources, which are Quran and the model of the Prophet. SOI makes use of rational and contemporary idiom to bring home the message of peace and spirituality. Its arguments for the existence of God, the Hereafter, Hell and Paradise are based on well-established principles of science. Its rational, logical and scientific approach to religion is like a fresh and embalming air to the doubtful and questioning souls. It impresses upon conscious discovery and acceptance of verified truth.

SOI also tries to dispel the wrong notions that have unfortunately got associated with Islam. Islam, based on Quran and the prophetic model, is a religion of universal love and brotherhood as opposed to prevalent misconception of Islam being a religion of violence. SOI emphasizes that Muslims should be judged in the light of true Islamic principles. It is an academic fallacy to judge Islam in the light of the conduct of Muslims.

Spirit-based rather than form-based religion is the priority of SOI. It encourages one to live life with highest standards of morality. We take this occasion to express our gratitude to our readers for their love and support. Do share with us your views regarding this publication. We wish you a peaceful and spiritual New Year with the following supplication from the Quran:

‘Our Lord, do not let our hearts deviate after You have guided us. Bestow upon us Your mercy. Surely You are a Munificent Giver. Our Lord, You will surely gather all humankind on the Day of whose coming there is no doubt. God never fails to fulfill His promise.’ (3: 8-9)

Professor Zaheeruddin
Editorial Committee
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