Page 267 - Islam and Far Eastern Religions
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Followers of Shinto try to People believing in Shintoism have
convince themselves that no concept of sin. They believe that the
no matter what evil they
commit, fire, water and salt evil deeds they may commit are simply
will purify them. The fact is, caused by evil spirits and that they must
though, that were they to
think honestly for a few therefore frequently purify themselves
minutes and heed the voice from their effects. Various odd rituals for
of their consciences they
this purpose are practiced in temples.
would quickly realize the
nonsensical nature of these They hold the irrational belief that partak-
superstitious ceremonies.
ing in such rituals called “harae,” in
which salt, water or fire are used, cleanses
people physically as well as spiritually.
“Harae”, like the other pagan prac-
tices of the Japanese, is erroneous because
to purify oneself spiritually, one must
genuinely listen to the voice of conscience,
cleanse oneself from evil and turn to
Allah. Salt or fire rituals won’t do. Every
human being will receive in the life of the
hereafter the recompense for his actions in
this life. Those who live according to
Allah’s direction, refrain from sin and im-
morality and do good, will earn Allah’s
good pleasure, mercy and eternal par-
adise. Allah reveals the following: “This
is your Garden which you have inherited
for what you did.” (Surat al-A‘raf: 43)
And those who have rejected Allah, who
have ascribed handmade idols to be His
partners, who have competed with one
Harun Yahya (Adnan Oktar)
