The Proliferation of Religions
The Proliferation of Religions
If the prophets all followed the same religion, why are there so many today, and who has invented all these religions? Muslims believe that the prophets all conveyed the message of Allah to their peoples in the best possible way. But after them people started to disagree among themselves. They distorted the teachings of the prophets and the religion of Allah was splintered into different faiths. They adopted names to distinguish themselves, taken from the names of their prophets, and then claimed that they were the custodians of the true faith of the prophets. Allah said, “Mankind were of one nation [i.e one religion] then Allah sent the prophets as bringers of good tidings and as warners, and sent down with them the Book with truth to judge between people concerning that in which they differed. And none differed over it except those who were given it – after the clear proofs came to them out of jealous animosity among themselves- then Allah guided those who believed to the truth concerning that over which they differed for, by His permission. For
Allah guides whom He pleases to a straight path.” (2:213) Allah also cautioned us not to follow their ways,
“And be not of the polytheists. Those who have divided their religion and become sects, every faction is content with the sect it has.” (30:31-32)
The prophets have no responsibility for the chaos of beliefs that followed after them. Jesus did not tell anyone to call himself a Christian, rather his own followers told him, “We believed in Allah and bear witness that we are Muslims [submissive].” (3:52)
Judah did not tell anyone to call himself a Jew. Moses said to his people, “O people, if you have believed in Allah, then rely on Him if you are Muslims [submissive].” (10:84) The Christians began to argue with the Jews about Abraham. One claimed he was a Christian and another claimed he was a Jew. Allah replied saying, “Abraham was neither a Jew, nor a Christian; but was inclining toward truth, a submissive to Allah (Muslim) and he was never of the polytheists.” (3:67)
