Overcoming Orientalism by Tamara Sonn

Author:Tamara Sonn [Tamara Sonn]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Oxford University Press
Published: 2021-05-28T00:00:00+00:00

Conclusion

This chapter traces parallels between the Islamic notion of ruh , the presence of the Godly element in being human, and the Buddhist practice of anapanasati , mindful breathing meditation. Awareness of the divine source of life within the individual and mindful breathing meditation are both described as means to allow for release from the sufferings that characterize human life. Both allow the individual to practice the virtues of compassion, essential for individual and social wellbeing. And while Buddhism has no direct parallel with the notion of salvation and reward in the afterlife that is central to Islam, its notion of release from suffering through the extinction of the self or ego is its own reward.

Another manifestation of taqwa is interfaith communication and appreciation; it links Muslims with the members of other religious communities described in the Qur’an as Ahl al-Kitab , People of the Book. Taqwa allows the acceptance of religious diversity as natural and normal, indeed, God-given. As the Qur’an says, “Oh people, We created you from male and female, and made you into peoples and tribes that you may know one another. Indeed the noblest of you in the sight of God are atqakum (those with taqwa). Indeed God knows” (49:13).

Practicing taqwa in peaceful social relations with the members of other religions can help in building social solidarity for the advancement of a common social good. As noted earlier, the Qur’an calls for diverse religious communities to compete with one another in good actions. “Unto Allah you will all return, and He will then inform you of that wherein you differ” (Qur’an 5:48). Taqwa thus requires Muslims to observe the freedom of religion for all and to come to a common ground of religious solidarity with members of different religions for the sake of building a just society. The Qur’an states:

Those who have been driven from their homes unjustly only because they said: Our Lord is Allah—For had it not been for Allah’s repelling some men by means of others, cloisters and churches and oratories and mosques, wherein the name of Allah is oft mentioned, would assuredly have been pulled down. Verily Allah helps one who helps Him. Lo! Allah is Strong, Almighty. (Qur’an 22:40)

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