in choosing the one which is likely to prove most fruitful. Islam gives
its approval to the forward-looking attitude and to the belief that
man can work out his "salvation" not by annihilating or contracting
his self but by creating conditions in which it can develop to its
fullest extent.
II. The Qur'anic Concept of SalvationThe Buddhist, Christian and Hindu doctrines of salvation have a
great deal in common. In each, the emphasis is upon liberation from
sin, upon rescue from evil. In each, the objective is a return to the
previous state of innocence and bliss. As sin is supposed to be
inseparable from life and the phenomenal world is believed to be the
abode of evil, it follows that liberation can be achieved only by
renouncing the world. This doctrine appears in its purest form in
Buddhism. It has been to some extent toned down in Christianity
and Hinduism. It must be admitted that during certain periods of
human history, the doctrine attracted large numbers of men and
cast its spell even on men of learning and intelligence. It is a fact that
during these periods, men had suffered acute frustration and were
disillusioned with life. Having nothing to hope for in this world, they
centred their hopes on the other world where they might get all that
they had missed in this world. This doctrine is the product of
disillusionment and defeatism. It is clearly repugnant to men who
are sane and normal. It is in direct opposition to reason, to
experience and to the progress of mankind. Hope cannot be killed –
it springs anew in the human heart. When man has recovered his
natural buoyancy, he recoils with horror from such a dismal
doctrine. He tends to look on the world of matter as a field for
varied fruitful activities. He refuses to believe that his soul will be
blighted by the slightest contact with the world. The doctrine also
implies that the world has no purpose or design. If accepted
wholeheartedly, it will prove to be a stumbling block to human
progress. It deprives man of all zest for life and of the desire for
progress. If ever it becomes the dominant creed, humanity will be
doomed to stagnation and decay. All the healthy instincts in man
rebel against such a barren concept. To believe in a God Who has
created a world which should be shunned is derogatory both to God
Islam: A Challenge to Religion 159