Islam Rediscovered
12. Islamic Fundamentalism
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The Quran tells us that one proof of its being a book
of God is that there is not the slightest inconsistency
in its teachings. (4:82). Another proof of this claim is
that the target of the Islamic mission set forth by it
is the building of ideal individuals and not ideal
state.
In fact, man has been created in this world for the
special purpose of being put to the test. According
to the Quran, the present world is a trial ground
and the
Akhirah
(the Hereafter) is the place of
reward. As a necessary prerequisite, man has been
given total freedom of action (33:72). That is to say
that he is entirely at liberty either to submit to God
or to become a transgressor. (18:29)
According to the creation plan of God, freedom, or
free will is every man’s birthright, and even if he
misuses this power, it will not be taken away from
him. It is not part of God’s plan of creation ever to
abrogate this free will. And it must be conceded
that it is this freedom which is the ever-recurring
stumbling block in the establishment of an ideal
society or an ideal State. For even a handful of men,
by misusing their freedom, can disturb the whole of
