Page 144 - Seekers Guide Book

Islam and the Quran

66 What is the difference between
Islam and Muslims?

slam is the name of an ideology of life given by the
IQuran. It means ‘to submit’. An adherent of Islam (or a
Muslim) is expected to imbibe the tenets of this ideology
and lead life in accordance with its principles. The word
‘Muslim’ translates to ‘one who submits’.

However, given the freedom a person enjoys, one may
sometimes follow the principles of Islam and at other
times, may simply follow free will. Therefore, it must be
understood that Islam and Muslims are different. The
actions of Muslims must be judged in the light of Islamic
teachings, but Islam must never be judged on the basis of
actions of Muslims.

67 Which reforms are most required

among the Indian Muslim community?

have studied this issue in detail and have written about
I it extensively. There are two reasons for the overall
backwardness of the Indian Muslims: their backwardness
in education and the prevalence of the mindset of loss.
By education, here, I mean secular education. There are
madrasas (Islamic seminaries) in every Muslim locality,
but madrasas only educate you about religion, about
how to pray and so on. But to understand how to live
in this world, how to live in society, requires more than
madrasa education. It requires secular education, in the

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