Why Islam Resonates: Wisdom, Justice, and Knowledge

Why Islam Resonates: Wisdom, Justice, and Knowledge

Many studies and surveys, including those conducted by the Pew Research Center, confirm that Islam is the fastest-growing religion in the world, embraced by people from diverse cultures, backgrounds, and regions. This growth persists despite relentless Islamophobic campaigns in global media that focus on outliers among Muslims, portraying their actions as representative of the faith in order to instill fear and misunderstanding. What drives Islam’s influence and rapid spread, however, is its own inherent strength and distinctive qualities. Some of the most significant include:

1- Rationality, Logic, and Knowledge: Islam grants the intellect a central role, legislating nothing contrary to reason. Humans discern truth from falsehood through intellect, conscience, and innate disposition. The Quran emphasizes intellect repeatedly: “Indeed, in that are signs for a people who apply reason” (al-Baqarah 2:164), and “And none takes admonition except those who possess intellect” (al-Baqarah 2:269). The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “There is no faith for one who has no intellect, and there is no religion for one who has no intellect.” Islam underscores the importance of knowledge and combating ignorance: “Are those who know equal to those who do not know?” (al-Zumar 39:9) and “God will raise those of you who have faith, and those who have been given knowledge, in rank” (al-Mujadilah 58:11).

2- Monotheism (Tawḥīd): Belief in One God—He neither begets nor is begotten, has no partner or equal, and is All-Knowing, Wise, Just, and self-sufficient. This conviction brings the believer profound inner peace and tranquillity.

3- Universality: Islam’s message is for all humanity, regardless of race, color, or social class. God says: “We did not send you except to all mankind, as a bearer of good news and a warner” (Sabaʾ 34:28), and “Say, ‘O mankind! I am the Messenger of God to you all’” (al-Aʿraf 7:158). Islam rejects social hierarchies and emphasizes piety over lineage: “Indeed the noblest of you in the sight of God is the most God-wary of you” (al-Hujurat 49:13). The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “An Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab, nor a non-Arab over an Arab, nor a white over a black, nor a black over a white, except by piety.”

4- Perfection: Islam provides comprehensive guidance for all aspects of life. God says: “Today I have perfected your religion for you, and I have completed My blessing upon you, and I have approved Islam as your religion” (al-Maʾidah 5:3).

5- Realism: Islam requires only what humans can bear. God says: “God does not task any soul beyond its capacity” (al-Baqarah 2:286) and “God desires ease for you, and He does not desire hardship for you” (al-Baqarah 2:185). Islam is thus a religion of ease, not burden.

6- Moderation: Islam advocates balance, avoiding extremes. God says: “Thus We have made you a middle nation” (al-Baqarah 2:143) and “Do not exceed the bounds in your religion, and do not attribute anything to God except the truth” (al-Nisaʾ 4:171). This includes harmony between spiritual and worldly life, as well as individual and social responsibilities.

7- Morality (Akhlaq): Islam emphasizes ethical conduct toward all. God says: “Indeed you possess a great character” (al-Qalam 68:4). The Prophet (peace be upon him) stated: “I was sent only to perfect noble character,” and “The first thing placed in the balance of a servant on the Day of Resurrection will be his good character.”

8- Family: Islam regards the family as sacred, fostering mercy, affection, and societal stability. God highlights exemplary families: “…and the family of Abraham and the family of ʿImran” (al-ʿImran 3:33). On marriage: “And of His signs is that He created for you mates from your own selves so that you may find rest in them, and He put between you affection and mercy” (al-Rum 30:21).

9- Society: Islam promotes community welfare and cohesion. Prayer is individual worship; zakat is social worship. Acts of kindness—teaching, supporting the needy, caring for children and elders—are also considered charity, cultivating mercy and social responsibility.

10- Justice (‘Adl): Justice is central in Islam. God commands: “Indeed God enjoins justice and kindness…and forbids indecency, wrong, and aggression” (al-Nahl 16:90). Believers must uphold justice even against themselves or close relatives (al-Nisaʾ 4:135). Perfect justice is promised to manifest globally with the emergence of the Twelfth Imam (Imam al-Mahdi).

Islam’s spread was further fueled by the scientific renaissance nurtured by the sixth and seventh Imams from the Ahl al-Bayt, Imam Muhammad al-Baqir (p) and Imam Jafar al-Sadiq (p). Their students—such as Jabir ibn Hayyan in chemistry, al-Mufaddal ibn ʿUmar in medicine, and others—advanced knowledge in natural sciences and humanities, paving the way for future generations of scholars like al-Razi, al-Khwarizmi, al-Biruni, Ibn Sina, and Ibn al-Nafis. Their contributions not only enriched Islamic civilization but also influenced the European scientific awakening during the Renaissance.