Allah(s)!

“We believe in the Revelation which has come down to us and in that which came down to you; our God (Allah) and your God (Allah) is One; and it is to Him we bow (In Islam).’ ” (Qur’an 29:46)

After attending the Muslim Student Association Open House at Boise State last week, I’ve realized more than I actually knew about God, myself, spirituality and different religious
interpretations. Just to give some background about what I’ve learned;  members of the Islam religion believe in one God, Allah. They do believe that Jesus was a prophet but definitely not the son of God. In the Islam religion to say that Jesus was the son of God is demeaning to God’s image, inferring that God had to take a human form in order to communicate to us. But isn’t that typical, especially in American society, to dumb down things so that even the most ignorant of beings can understand? Or at least make things seem so simple that we must believe them.

Well, I’m not sure I buy into it.

I went to a local Christian church on Sunday during an adult Bible study to gain some perspective on the Christian faith. I found it hard to relate to the Bible due to its masculine tone, threatening voice and overall underlying idea that if you aren’t Christian you will go to hell.

One thing I did like about the Muslim religion was that no one died for a person’s sins. Instead each Muslim is responsible for their own sins. And they definitely didn’t try to convert me, perhaps it was because they didn’t think I was worthy enough with my mass-produced iPod, designer shoes and stunner shades. More than likely it was because the religion isn’t a forceful one. You’re not going to go to hell if you aren’t a Muslim, rather you are going to be judged by God based on the number of good and bad deeds you have done with your life. Needless to say, if I choose to be Muslim I must believe in Allah (God), and follow the Five Pillars of Faith. 

I’m just not quite sure it’s that easy for me. I mean the Koran and Bible are very wise with their words and I don’t disagree with their beliefs on how to live your life, but I still can’t forget that they are both part of man’s interpretation of what God is.

Don’t get me wrong, I believe in a higher power, whether you call it God or Allah or whatever. I was raised Christian but definitely wasn’t led by example of how a Christian should act.
I’m just not sure I believe it all; Adam and Eve, woman forming from the rib of man, Moses parting the sea, Jesus dying on the cross, etc. It all sounds like an elaborate fairy tale with lessons to be learned, emphasizing the constant and never-ending battle between good and evil, in which good always prevails. I might as well create my own religion based on Disney movies.
One of the Muslims I spoke to made a valid point that it is natural for humans to seek a superior being or some form of spirituality for clarity and purpose in life. Some people believe in trees, fire, God, etc. But what do I believe?

I think Anne Frank said it best, “In spite of everything, I truly believe that all people are good at heart.”

I know when I’m doing something wrong or right, that’s called morality and common sense. Whether or not there is a heaven or hell, no one living in the present truly knows the answer to that. And maybe this is just my God-given curiosity at work, regardless if I’m Muslim, Christian, Jewish, Buddhist or Catholic all I have and know is this life I’m living, in order for me to look back after death and say I lived my life the way I should have. I want to remember being happy and know that I made a positive ripple in this ocean of chaos around me.

BRIANNA RUSSELL
Opinion Writer

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