There are certain universal ideals like truth, justice and compassion that most closed systems of beliefs subscribe to. Initially, most such systems emerge with the intention of remaining open and relevant and during this stage of purity can transcend barriers of time, space and human diversity and unify people in a genuine search for Truth. Unfortunately, over time, these systems ossify into fixed structures that demand absolute loyalty and reject free thinking although they do retain seeds of truth that inspire the genuine seeker. Consequently, in the form it exists today, there is no single creed that fits all, be it Islam or any other.
People fashion their beliefs in the crucible of their life experiences and hence each person may be considered to be guided by a unique set of principles. It is human nature to believe that one's own ideology should be adopted by everyone else because it is superior. This fallacy affects all irrespective of whether they label themselves atheists, Muslims or environmentalists. So it is not surprising that a monstrosity such as Islamic State has come up that wants to impose their 'Islam' on the world. What is dangerous however is the fact that they have been allowed to single handedly appropriate the sacred symbols and terminology of Islam first through their violence and second through the eagerness to paint all Muslims with the same brush. The idea that 'Islam breeds terrorism' needs to be effaced by a powerful counter-idea that 'Islam promotes peace." It is in the interest of all peace-loving individuals that profess their faith to be Islam to envision, propagate and live this idea.
People fashion their beliefs in the crucible of their life experiences and hence each person may be considered to be guided by a unique set of principles. It is human nature to believe that one's own ideology should be adopted by everyone else because it is superior. This fallacy affects all irrespective of whether they label themselves atheists, Muslims or environmentalists. So it is not surprising that a monstrosity such as Islamic State has come up that wants to impose their 'Islam' on the world. What is dangerous however is the fact that they have been allowed to single handedly appropriate the sacred symbols and terminology of Islam first through their violence and second through the eagerness to paint all Muslims with the same brush. The idea that 'Islam breeds terrorism' needs to be effaced by a powerful counter-idea that 'Islam promotes peace." It is in the interest of all peace-loving individuals that profess their faith to be Islam to envision, propagate and live this idea.
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