A Prophet for the Arabic People

[Falvlun]

I am currently reading a biography on Muhammed and the history of early Islam (Muhammed: A Prophet for Our Time, by Karen Armstrong). The point was made a couple of times that one of the driving forces behind the development and acceptance of Islam was that it was a revelation specifically for the Arabic peoples. At the time, they did not have any written holy scriptures, like the Christians and Jews who were called "People of the Book", nor had a prophet seemingly been sent specifically to them, like prophets had been to the others.

Muhammed, at least in his early revelations, held that the Jewish and Christian faith were valid forms of worshipping Allah (God), and Allah in his wisdom, sent people revelations in accordance with their culture. Islam, therefore, was the revelation meant for the Arabic people and culture.

Now, I do believe that both Muhammed and modern Muslims would welcome people from any culture or ethnic group into Islam. But here are my questions to you. Do you think that such a conversion would be necessary for "people of the Book", that is, Jews and Christians?

Do you even agree with what I have written above, that Islam was primarily meant as a revelation for the Arabic peoples?

Do you feel that a non-Arabic person would have trouble converting to Islam? And lastly, does anyone feel that non-Arabic people should not convert to Islam?

Thanks.

 

[Peace]

I am currently reading a biography on Muhammed and the history of early Islam (Muhammed: A Prophet for Our Time, by Karen Armstrong). The point was made a couple of times that one of the driving forces behind the development and acceptance of Islam was that it was a revelation specifically for the Arabic peoples. At the time, they did not have any written holy scriptures, like the Christians and Jews who were called "People of the Book", nor had a prophet seemingly been sent specifically to them, like prophets had been to the others.

Muhammed, at least in his early revelations, held that the Jewish and Christian faith were valid forms of worshipping Allah (God), and Allah in his wisdom, sent people revelations in accordance with their culture. Islam, therefore, was the revelation meant for the Arabic people and culture.

Islam is a universal religioin which is meant for all humanity. And Prophet Muhammad peace be with him is the last Messenger of Allah sent to all humanity. If you read the Quran you will notice that it addresses you and any one who reads it. There is no single verse that says that Islam is only for Arabs. Here are some verses that show the universality of Islam:

"O people! I am sent unto you all, as the Messenger of Allah, to Whom belongeth the dominion of the heavens and the earth: there is no god but He: it is He That giveth both life and death. So believe in Allah and His Messenger, the Unlettered Prophet, who believeth in Allah and His words: follow him that (so) ye may be guided." (7:158)

It is He Who hath sent His Messenger with guidance and the Religion of Truth, to proclaim it over all religion, even though the Pagans may detest (it). (9:33)

We have not sent thee but as a universal (Messenger) to men, giving them glad tidings, and warning them (against sin), but most men understand not. (34:28)

It is He Who has sent His Messenger with Guidance and the Religion of Truth, to proclaim it over all religion: and enough is Allah for a Witness. (48:28)

Now, I do believe that both Muhammed and modern Muslims would welcome people from any culture or ethnic group into Islam. But here are my questions to you. Do you think that such a conversion would be necessary for "people of the Book", that is, Jews and Christians?

As I said Islam is meant for all humanity whatever their race, language, culture are. So Islam is meant for Christians, Jews and all people.

Do you even agree with what I have written above, that Islam was primarily meant as a revelation for the Arabic peoples?

Nope.

Do you feel that a non-Arabic person would have trouble converting to Islam?

Not at all. And the best example is the huge number of non-Arabs converting to Islam throughout history.

And lastly, does anyone feel that non-Arabic people should not convert to Islam?

Muslims believe that Islam is for all and not only Arabs.
Do you know that Indonesia, who are non-Arabs, has the world's largest Muslim population?

Thanks.

You're welcome

 

[Starsoul]

There are muslims in every race, chinese , africans, asians, caucasians and etc. What made you think that Islam is exclusive to race? It simply isn't. A Universal divine message of peace and truth is for all people , limiting it within a particular race as a signal of glory on racial grounds is racism, not religion or belief.

And also, there are good muslims and not so good Muslims, so being a muslim isn't a racial priority card above a pious person from any religion.

 

[islam means peace]

I am currently reading a biography on Muhammed and the history of early Islam (Muhammed: A Prophet for Our Time, by Karen Armstrong). The point was made a couple of times that one of the driving forces behind the development and acceptance of Islam was that it was a revelation specifically for the Arabic peoples. At the time, they did not have any written holy scriptures, like the Christians and Jews who were called "People of the Book", nor had a prophet seemingly been sent specifically to them, like prophets had been to the others.

Muhammed, at least in his early revelations, held that the Jewish and Christian faith were valid forms of worshipping Allah (God), and Allah in his wisdom, sent people revelations in accordance with their culture. Islam, therefore, was the revelation meant for the Arabic people and culture.

Now, I do believe that both Muhammed and modern Muslims would welcome people from any culture or ethnic group into Islam. But here are my questions to you. Do you think that such a conversion would be necessary for "people of the Book", that is, Jews and Christians?

Do you even agree with what I have written above, that Islam was primarily meant as a revelation for the Arabic peoples?

Do you feel that a non-Arabic person would have trouble converting to Islam? And lastly, does anyone feel that non-Arabic people should not convert to Islam?

Thanks.

I did not understand properly due to my poor english what actually you want to say but just want to point out that , you might think that (at least what I understand) that the message of islam is something new only came to arabic people at the time of Prophet Muhammad salalahualiwaslam , if so you are wrong.

The basis message of all the Prophets is same

Quran says in SURAH 3
84: Say: "We believe in Allah, and in what has been revealed to us and what was revealed to Abraham, Isma'il, Isaac, Jacob, and the Tribes,and in (the Books) given to Moses, Jesus, and the prophets, from theirLord: We make no distinction between one and another among them, and to Allahdo we bow our will (in Islam)."

 

[Starsoul]

I suggest you read the Biography on the Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him, by Martin ling .

 

[Falvlun]

Thank you everyone for your insight. I didn't think that Islam was exlusive to the Arabic peoples. Just that maybe it was more tailored for them, based upon the culture from which Muhammad came. And, as mentioned before, the book I was reading stated that an early attraction of the people for Muhammad's message was that it was from an Arabic prophet talking to them personally, an Arabic people. That concept intrigued me, as it would make sense that God would understand the yearnings of different people.

Starsoul, once I get my library card, I'll check out that book. I'm certainly interested now. I know very little about Islam and would like to know more.

 

[Starsoul]

: ) You're most welcome, feel free to ask anything you want to know more.