Playing God

"All rights of this book are reserved for the publisher and the author. This copy is for reading purpose only. This copy cannot be uploaded on any website except those of the publisher and the author." Playing God: Misreading a Divine Practice 64 Muhammad (sws). - 4< +2 V qW/3 O i c B - + ? ?n F!G wG +2 !K +2 F A B3 - +2 H6 F? F!G ‘ qW BX `7"1 +2 5J7 )z$: ((( God has promised those among you who professed belief and did righteous deeds that He will surely grant them political authority in this land as He granted it to th ose b efore them; that He will establish their religion – the on e which He has chosen for them. (24:55) Consequently, striving to achieve the political supremacy of Islam is no religious obligation of a Muslim. The verses from which this obligation has been construed are specifically linked to a divine practice related to Muhammad (sws) and his Companions (rta). 52 6. Conclusion: Relations with Non-Muslims It is evident from the forgoing discussion that in order to make the reward and punishment that is going to take place in the Hereafter an observable reality in this world, the Almighty selects certain personalities called messengers. Their person becomes a means to communicate the truth to their addressees in a conclusive manner. Besides this powerful and 52. This of course does not mean that Muslims should not strive for this cause. It only means that this is not their religious responsibility. www.javedahmadghamidi.com www.al-mawrid.org