Thank you Scott for sharing this. 🏵️🏵️
Here are some thoughts from Islam perspective:

Islam teaches that there is one Creator, Allah, who gave humans the freedom to choose and the ability to reason. The Quran states, "Say, 'He is Allah, [who is] One, Allah, the Eternal Refuge. He neither begets nor is born, nor is there to Him any equivalent.'" (Surah Al-Ikhlas 112:1-4)

Islamic teachings encourage gaining knowledge and understanding, including the pursuit of scientific knowledge. The Quran says, "Are those who know equal to those who do not know? Only they will remember [who are] people of understanding." (Surah Al-Zumar 39:9)

Islam also emphasizes the importance of faith and spiritual pursuits, such as prayer and fasting. Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, "The first thing for which a person will be brought to account on the Day of Resurrection will be his Salah (prayer). If it is found to be complete, he will be safe and successful, but if it is deficient, he will be unfortunate and a loser." (Sunan Ibn Majah)

In Islam, individualism is balanced with community and collective responsibility. The Quran states, "And cooperate in righteousness and piety, but do not cooperate in sin and aggression. And fear Allah; indeed, Allah is severe in penalty." (Surah Al-Maidah 5:2)

Regarding the decline of religion in modern society, the Quran says, "Indeed, We have sent down to you the Book, [O Muhammad], in truth. So worship Allah, [being] sincere to Him in religion. Unquestionably, for Allah is the pure religion. And those who take protectors besides Him [say], 'We only worship them that they may bring us nearer to Allah in position.' Indeed, Allah will judge between them concerning that over which they differ. Indeed, Allah does not guide he who is a liar and [confirmed] disbeliever." (Surah Az-Zumar 39:2-3)

Islam recognizes that individuals may have their reasons for turning away from religion, but emphasizes that religion provides guidance and helps form a moral character. The Quran says, "This is the Book about which there is no doubt, a guidance for those conscious of Allah." (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:2)

Islam recognizes that the message of tawheed (oneness of God) was conveyed by all the prophets, from Adam to Muhammad. The Quran says, "Indeed, We have sent revelation to you [O Muhammad], as We sent revelation to Noah and the prophets after him. And we sent revelation to Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob, the Descendants (of Jacob), Jesus, Job, Jonah, Aaron, and Solomon, and to David, We gave the book [of Psalms]." (Surah An-Nisa 4:163)

In the end, from an Islamic perspective, religion plays an essential role in shaping a Muslim's life and offers guidance, morals, and values. Islam recognizes the importance of individualism and the need for community and collective responsibility. Gaining knowledge and understanding is encouraged, including the pursuit of scientific knowledge. The Islamic teachings also place great emphasis on faith and devotion to Allah.
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