by William Montgomery Watt
Copyright (c) 1967, 1994.
It’s interesting to become a voyeur into other religions. I see how much of Islam is quite similar to Christian fundamentalism – subjugation to a text, promises or threats of an afterlife, and a general lack of humanism. Perhaps this belies my Christian theological orientation more. I don’t really like Christian fundamentalism, nor do I like the Koran much.
I respect Muslims, and I mean them no harm. I just disagree with them that this is the meaning of life. I prefer the Christian story of grace and redemption. I wish to understand Muslims as they are my neighbor, whom I am commanded to love. That is why I read this Companion to the Koran. The scientist in me wants to understand the world around me; the religious side of me wants to learn how to love and respect Muslims more; the seeker in me wishes to understand what this book, so revered, has to contribute to a common human instinct to seek after God.
I leave my reading of this guide grateful that Islam has been in geographic retreat since 1666. Perhaps I should feel the same way about Christianity if I only read one commentary on the Bible instead of hundreds of books of theology. The Bible must come alive to be understood. That’s why I like reading the history of religious activities alongside my Bible. The Koran must be the same way. One must first be oriented to learn deeply about the religion. I lack that deep learning – that life habituation – to understand this great book. In my ignorance, I find little compelling here, but I am open to learning more.