How Should a Muslim Approach the Study of Other Religions?

Let us consider what is the definition of religion from Islamic perspective. Religion is the translation of the word "deen" in Islam. It is a Quranic word to describe the message of Prophet (SWAS) as well as the belief and practices of other religions. Allah describes the religion of Islam in the Quran:

“Indeed, the religion in the sight of Allah is Islam...” (3:19)

“And whoever desires other than Islam as religion - never will it be accepted from him, and he, in the Hereafter, will be among the losers." (3:85)

Allah also describes the pure messages brought by other messenger by also using the word "deen".

“ And Abraham instructed his sons [to do the same] and [so did] Jacob, [saying], "O my sons, indeed Allah has chosen for you this religion, so do not die except while you are Muslims." (2:132)

Islam is referred to as "deen Allah" – the religion of Allah as well as "deenul haq" - the religion of Truth as it is the final religion to mankind which is still preserved in its authentic form. It is also referred to as "deenul qayyim" - the religion of differentiation - the religion based on which all other religions are to be judged.

It is also useful to study the linguistic meaning of "deen". The root of this word is from "dana/udeenu". The word "dayn" is also derived from the same root. "Dayn" means financial debt or recompense. The Day of Judgement is called "youm addeen" in the Quran when everyone will be recompensed regarding what they did. This word gives the meaning of religion as something which makes us indebted and accountable to Allah through its application and practice.

The beliefs and practices of pre-Islamic Arabia are also called "deen" in the Quran.

“For you is your religion, and for me is my religion" (109:6)

Al Islam is described as the only religion of Allah. The religion based upon which all people will be held accountable. The religion we owe to Allah.

Now let us look at the Western concept of religion. According to the New World Dictionary, 2^nd edition, there are many definitions of religion, including:

• Reverence for the gods, holiness in a system of religious beliefs. 
• Belief in a divine or superhuman power(s) to be obeyed and worshiped as the creator(s) and ruler(s) of the universe. 
• Expression of such a belief in conduct or ritual. 
• Any specific system of belief, conduct, worship, etc. often involving a code of ethics and philosophy, i.e. the Christian religion, the Buddhist religion. 
• Any system of beliefs, practices, ethical values resembling or suggestive of or likened to such a system, e.g. humanism as a religion. 
• The state or way of life in a monastic order or community. 
• Any object of conscientious regard or pursuit. To become very conscientious or earnest about something.

Sometimes one’s hobbies/interests are regarded as a religion, e.g. “football is his religion”.

The definition of religion has evolved much over time in the West. Before the Enlightenment period in West, the population was lost between the autocracy of church and the dictatorship of monarchies. These were the Dark Ages and people like Galileo were persecuted for their "heretic" beliefs. Enlightenment came to free the people of the control of religion. It was a philosophical movement characterized by rationalism, spirit of skepticism and empiricism in social and political thought where everything was questioned. It led to modern era in which reason was given precedence over anything else. It was like the Mutazilite era of Islamic history. People questioned religious beliefs and practices based on reason. Modernism is characterized by several movements aiming to redefine Biblical and Christian dogma and traditional teaching in the light of modern sciences and research. Some Christian sects like Catholic and Eastern Orthodox still condemn this form of approach to religion. The Roman Catholic condemned modernism as a negation of faith in 1907.  Nevertheless, they have fallen to the same trap gradually over time.

In 20^th century, the West entered the post-modern age. With this era, the concept of relativism was adopted. According to it, each and every one has the right to interpret religion in the way of their own understanding. Even an author of book does not have the right to specify the understanding of his book and religious books were not given any exception. Various new religious movements started based on their different understanding of the same text. This introduced relativity of moral values where no religion has the right to dictate moral values. Moral values are subjective and different for every group. The result of such thoughts introduced women rabbis and priests, homosexual marriages blessed by the church, etc.

Having looked at the definition of religion in Islam and that of the modern world, what is the proper approach for a Muslim to study other religions?

It is our belief that Islam is the only true religion and Allah accepts that Islam which is sincerely for Him only. All religions and practices are false and must be rejected. A Muslim does not approach the study of other religions, in a comparative mode as Islam is not comparable to other false religions. He approaches this subject to learn, to increase in conviction and enhance his beauty of Islam. One cannot appreciate the beauty of something except when one contrasts with something inferior. Studying other religions is also important in directing dawah effort to people of those religions in more effective ways. Lastly, the Muslim population is being targeted by evangelism. The efforts to target Muslims have been more concentrated and hideous. All type of media, social work, education, health are being done through missionaries belonging to worldwide organizations. Muslim needs to use this knowledge to show the Muslims who are subjected to these attacks, the weakness and contradictions in their arguments.

Who should learn and study other religions?

Muslims are supposed to learn the required knowledge first. The required knowledge is that which allows us to fulfill our duties to Allah. This is incumbent on everyone - male and female. Someone who has not studied this knowledge, should not spend the time to learn the religions of others. The person should also have strong faith in Islam, so that he stays faithful to Islam and does not become confused. Finally, a Muslim should not look into other religions for the purpose of benefiting from them in his own practices. The Prophet (SWAS) forbade us to do this. Some companions made attempt to read the Torah to benefit from it. The Prophet (SWAS) said:

“Do not ask the People of the Book about anything. Verily they cannot guide you as they have themselves gone astray. Either you will affirm something that is false or you will deny something that is true. Verily if Musa was alive, he would have no recourse except to follow me”

To conclude, a Muslim must approach the study of other religions with great care and awareness. He should have good grounding in Islam. His intentions should be right. He should be well aware of what is meant by religion from an Islamic perspective as well as what religion is perceived by the modern world. He should never seek to learn other religions to enhance his own religious practice.