How Does Islam Differ from other Faiths?

Simplicity, Rationality and Practicality

Islam is a religion without any mythology. Its teachings are simple and intelligible. It is free from superstitions and irrational beliefs. The oneness of God, the prophethood of Muhammad, and the concept of life after death are the basic articles of its faith. They are based on reason and sound logic. All of the teachings of Islam flow from those basic beliefs and are simple and straightforward. There is no hierarchy of priests, no farfetched abstractions, no complicated rites or rituals.

Everybody may approach the Quran directly and translate its dictates into practice. Islam awakens in man the faculty of reason and exhorts him to use his intellect. It enjoins him to see things in the light of reality. The Quran advises him to seek knowledge and invoke God to expand his awareness:

Say 'O, my Lord! Advance me in knowledge. (Quran 20: 114)

God also says:

"Are those who know equal with those who know not? But only men of understanding will pay heed." (Quran 39: 9)

It is reported that the Prophet, may the mercy and blessings of God be upon him, said that:

"He who leaves his home in search of knowledge (walks) in the path of God." (At-Tirmidhi)

and that,

"Seeking knowledge is obligatory upon every Muslim." (Ibn Majah and al-Bayhaqi)

This is how Islam brings man out of the world of superstition and darkness and initiates him into the world of knowledge and light.

Again, Islam is a practical religion and does not allow indulgence in empty and futile theorizing. It says that faith is not a mere profession of beliefs, but rather that it is the very mainspring of life. Righteous conduct must follow belief in God. Religion is something to be practiced and not an object of mere lip service. The Quran says:

"Those who believe and act righteously, joy is for them, and a blissful home to return to." (Quran 13: 29)

The Prophet is also reported to have said:

"God does not accept belief if it is not expressed in deeds, and does not accept deeds if they do not conform to belief." (At-Tabarani)

Thus Islam's simplicity, rationality and practicality are what characterize Islam as a unique and true religion.