A Challenge to My Faith
Farrukh wrote, “This is a warning to all Muslims in this forum that Mike Ghouse’s religion is not Islam; he is Ismaili, and he is a misguided person. If anyone needs more info about his religion, please let me know.”
Am I Not a Muslim If I Am Ismaili?
What if I am an Ismaili, am I not a Muslim? Some individuals share information as if it were authoritative without verifying its accuracy. Ideally, Farrukh might have stated, “Mike Ghouse is a Muslim, but I am unsure about his specific denomination, as I have not verified this. He seems to resonate with various groups including Shia, Sunni, Bohra, Ahmadiyya, Ismaili, Alawite, among others.”
Prophet Muhammad’s Singular Vision of Faith
Prophet Muhammad recognized only one group of people: Muslims. Terms like Sunni, Shia, Ahmadiyya, Bohra, Ismaili, WD Muhammad, Alawite, Deobandi, Barelvi, Ahl-e-Hadith, and Ahl-e-Bait were not in his vocabulary, nor were these labels used by him to divide followers.
The Emergence of Islamic Denominations
The Mazhabs, or denominations within Islam, arose naturally over time as society evolved. Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) anticipated that his teachings would eventually diversify, symbolizing this division with the number “72,” which implies many branches rather than a specific count.
A Lesson in Humility and Grace
Prophet Muhammad encouraged us to live harmoniously and seek goodness without claiming superiority. Only God knows who would rank highest and who would be forgiven for acts of kindness, such as giving water to a thirsty dog. God’s wisdom allows only Him to know the full impact of our actions.
The Essence of Goodness in God’s Creation
The ultimate goal for a Muslim is to care for God’s creation, including fellow humans and the environment. Just as we would appreciate a visitor or employee who cares for our home or business regardless of their faith, God cares about our actions more than our religious labels.
A Universal Call to Kindness and Justice
God does not ask how we worship but rather if we act justly and kindly toward others. Islam, therefore, emphasizes service to humanity. According to Quran [2:136], we are submitters who make “no distinction among any” of God’s messengers or prophets, whether Abraham, Moses, or Muhammad.
All Religions Recognize Humanity’s Need for Peace
God loves all of His creation. He has sent countless messengers and prophets to bring peace to various communities. The Quran references 124,000 prophets, of whom only 25 are named, emphasizing that these teachers of righteousness exist worldwide, from Krishna in Hinduism to prophets in Islam and Christianity.
Restoring Righteousness Across Cultures
The idea that God sends messengers to restore harmony resonates across faiths. Sri Krishna, for instance, describes in the Bhagavad Gita how righteous individuals arise to restore peace whenever there is chaos. Whether prophets like Abraham or spiritual figures in remote regions, these individuals fulfill a divine mission of peace.
Building a World of Peace and Accountability
Islam emphasizes that believers should care for creation. As we work to build a world filled with peace, God promises to take care of our future (Akhira) as long as we do our part. This shared duty to build a good world is central to Islamic teachings.
Embracing Different Paths of Faith
The Quran acknowledges multiple faiths. According to [2:62], those who believe—whether Jews, Christians, or Muslims—are assured of God’s compassion as long as they believe in accountability and lead righteous lives.
Learning Through Diversity
God created us in many forms, races, and communities so we could learn from each other. This diversity, as outlined in Quran [43:17], is a way for us to overcome conflicts through understanding, not division.
The Many Interpretations of the Quran
The Quran, as the word of God, is open to interpretation. Esteemed scholars have studied the Quran for centuries, but even they cannot claim exclusive understanding. Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) left the Quran with us for individual understanding, encouraging interpretations that resonate with common sense and goodness.
Interfaith and Intra-faith Harmony
Throughout history, religions have evolved through interpretations. The divisions within Islam parallel those in other faiths, like the Protestant-Catholic split in Christianity. These branches remind us that each faith has followed natural divisions and growth over time.
The Unity of Islam Beyond Labels
Prophet Muhammad preached one Islam without awareness of divisions such as Sunni and Shia, though he predicted eventual diversity. We have come to accept six schools of thought in Islam, approaching this diversity with respect and humility.
The True Meaning of “Allahu Akbar”
The phrase “Allahu Akbar” embodies humility, reminding us that all people are equal in God’s sight. When we view this phrase with humility rather than arrogance, we respect others and avoid judging their traditions. Judging others is a form of shirk (diluting God’s dominion), which Islam considers one of the greatest sins.
Why I Choose to Remain Denomination-less
I have chosen to remain without a denomination. My prayers follow the Sunni tradition due to my upbringing, yet I respect each tradition equally. Faith is personal, just as family ties are unique. Just as we love our own families deeply, others feel the same for theirs.
Unity in Diversity: A Call to All Muslims
I am comfortable in mosques of any denomination and have visited revered places in Mecca, Madinah, and Jerusalem. This would have been unheard of during Prophet Muhammad’s time, as the terms Shia and Sunni didn’t yet exist. My choice is to call myself simply a Muslim, respecting others who choose specific denominations.
Building a Pluralistic World Together
My goal is to foster connection, not division. Our world is shared, and so is our Creator. By focusing on what unites us rather than minor differences, we can strengthen bonds and work together toward a peaceful world.
About Dr. Mike Ghouse
Dr. Mike Ghouse is a community consultant, social scientist, thinker, author, and interfaith wedding officiant. He offers insights on pluralism, interfaith understanding, and current social issues. Committed to fostering unity, he invites readers to explore his work on www.TheGhousediary.com.