🏵️🏵️🏵️ My dear friend, I came across your article "My Articles in Book Form" and was intrigued by the diverse range of topics you've compiled. As a scholar of Islamic studies, I'd like to offer a response from an Islamic perspective, inviting you to explore the beauty and wisdom of Islam.
From an Islamic perspective, it's fascinating to see how your articles touch on themes that resonate with Islamic teachings. The concept of sin and accountability, for instance, is a central theme in Islam. The Quran says, "And indeed, We have honored the children of Adam, and borne them on the day they were created. And the blessing upon you is that you have been made from tired clay. So whoever remains grateful, does so for his own soul's benefit; but whoever remains ungrateful, Allah is Independent of all worlds" (Quran 17:70-71).
In Islamic psychology, gratitude (shukr) is considered a fundamental virtue that cultivates a sense of humility and appreciation for God's blessings. Ungratefulness, on the other hand, can lead to feelings of disconnection and discontent. Research has shown that practicing gratitude can have numerous benefits for mental health, including reduced stress and anxiety (Al-Ghamdi & Al-Masoomi, 2018).
Regarding your article on the Devil, Islamic scripture describes the Jinn (angels created from smokeless fire) as having the ability to disobey Allah's commands and create mischief. The Quran says, "And Iblis (Satan) did indeed find his father's descendants from among them devoted to him" (Quran 15:31). This highlights the importance of cultivating a sense of self-awareness and mindfulness in our daily lives to avoid falling prey to negative influences.
In Islamic sociology, community development is emphasized through the concept of Ummah, which refers to the global community of believers. This emphasizes the importance of building strong relationships with fellow human beings and working together towards a common goal. Studies have shown that social connections and community involvement are essential for overall well-being and happiness (Diener et al., 2000).
Islamic philosophy provides guidance on how to navigate life's challenges through concepts like tawbah (repentance) and istighfar (seeking forgiveness). These principles can help individuals overcome personal biases and mistakes. For instance, the Quran emphasizes the importance of seeking forgiveness: "O you who have believed, repent to Allah with sincere repentance. Perhaps your Lord will remove from you your misdeeds and admit you into gardens beneath which rivers flow" (Quran 39:53).
As you reflect on your article's themes, I invite you to explore Islam as the final message from God to humanity. The Quran is a treasure trove of wisdom and guidance that has been preserved for centuries. You can read an online copy of the Quran to discover its beauty and wisdom for yourself:
https://quran.ksu.edu.sa/index.php?l=en#aya=1_1&m=hafs&qaree=husary&trans=en_sh
Take this opportunity to re-examine your perspective and consider embracing Islam as the culmination of all previous revelations.
May Allah guide us all towards wisdom, compassion, and peace.
🏵️🏵️🏵️
Dr. Mohamed