Introduction
Religious beliefs are essential concepts and attitudes that dictate how people relate to each other. Muslims rely on the teachings of the Qur’an to know what is right and wrong and how they can resolve most of the challenges they encounter in their lives. After thinking deeply about the contents studied in class, I have decided to focus on a unique issue that has troubled me for many years. This thought explains why I have settled on this research question: What religious strategies do Muslims and Christians use to overcome what they identify as evil? I selected this topic to get a clear understanding of the significance of evil to many believers and the major initiatives they apply to deal with negative occurrences. The completed analysis and study have offered numerous ideas and guided me to overcome such challenges as a Muslim.
Selected Methodology
A powerful methodology is always appropriate to solve ethical and religious questions. Such a study approach makes it easier for researchers to identify some of the existing knowledge in literature and identify the major gaps. After selecting the research question, I decided to read and analyze the Qur’an as the primary text for the entire exercise. I also utilized the Internet to examine what different scholars and analysts had completed in the fields of theology and Islam. This approach made it possible for me to consider some of the latest publications and acquire additional ideas for answering my topic accurately and effectively. Some of the articles selected for the activity included “Education and the Overcoming of Evil”, “Evil and Human Suffering in Islamic Thought—Towards a Mystical Theodicy”, and “Strategies for Dealing with Sin about Poverty”. I also went further to consult these two books: The Genesis of Good and Evil: The Fall(out) and Original Sin in the Bible and A Muslim Response to Evil: Said Nursi on the Theodicy. These resources equipped me with adequate ideas to answer the selected question effectively.
The practice of interviewing is essential since it guides researchers to acquire additional information and insights from participants or experts. I decided to pursue such a model since it would make the process much easier for me. The selected person was the Imam from my Mosque. He was the best choice for the exercise since he knew more about the Bible and the relevant passages that can guide more people to overcome evil and attain their spiritual goals (Smith 21). His personal experiences, thoughts, and ideas would also be helpful to support the study process and deliver high-quality answers to the identified question. My reflections were also essential to complete the study process successfully. The combination of all these sources guided me to design a final response to the question and educate more Muslims and Christians about the measures they can apply in their lives to understand the nature of evil and address it successfully.
Findings
While Islam and Christianity might be different in the manner in which believers worship, they have convergent teachings regarding the nature of evil and how to deal with t. The completed exercise became a new opportunity to understand the true nature and meaning of evil among different followers of Muhammad. For instance, Ozkan believes that evil is anything negative that works or operates against Allah’s mission and purpose in the lives of Muslims (19). Human responsibility emerges as one of the leading sources of evil whereby individuals act contrary to Allah’s teachings. The occurrence of ideas, thoughts, and malpractices that go against the true nature of Islam is identified as evil (Ozkan 38). However, religious believers need to acknowledge the fact that negativity is an occurrence that has existed in the universe for many years and will always continue to trouble human beings. The power of evil will usually fall in people’s hands since they will focus on perfection or engage in misbehaviors that worsen the experiences of others.
After considering various passages from both the Qur’an and the Bible, the reader realizes that Satan is the true origin and representative of all that is deemed evil in our world. The Bible reveals that God is the one who affects evil in the universe since He created light and darkness (The Holy Bible Isaiah 45:7). From this spiritual text, Christians observe that the Devil plays a significant role in advancing the message of God and guiding more followers to get the intended meaning. For example, Satan is observed trying to lure or seduce both Christians and Muslims to denounce their beliefs and values. From this observation, any analyst realizes that the purpose of sin and evil spirits is to deceive followers of these religions and discourage them from focusing on their spiritual goals (Kakwata 282). With these predicaments and obstacles in place, followers need to identify and implement appropriate strategies to deal with the Devil and focus on their spiritual goals in life.
Using various messages and teachings from the Bible, the selected publications presented powerful attributes regarding the procedures different individuals follow when trying to overcome the challenge of evil. According to Smith, it was appropriate for Christians to appreciate the fact that Christ died on the cross as a way of redeeming human beings and removing the original sin that made them sinners from birth (31). When individuals acquire this enlightenment, the best activity is to consider additional ideas through which they can pursue their moral goals. Consequently, Christians need to play their roles if they are to overcome the challenge of evil (Smith 28). While doing so, they have to consider and follow most of the teachings that Christ presented when he was on earth. In the Bible, Christians are sensitized about the importance of taking the cross and following Christ’s footsteps (Matthew 10: 38). Those who remain prepared and consider all the challenges they might encounter on earth will never be afraid of any form of suffering. They will strive to consider God’s teachings and work hard until they achieve their religious objectives.
The life of Muhammad is a powerful example since it presents a detailed model through which individuals can succeed in understanding and overcoming the problem of evil. Throughout His life, this prophet encountered numerous challenges and obstacles that could have made it easier for Him to give in. He taught His followers about the importance of remaining steadfast and promoting what was righteous in the eyes of Allah. Since Muslims believe that they are on Earth for a limited period, they need to overcome all forms of evil and suffering. This achievement is what will take them closer to becoming part of Paradise. The Qur’an reads: “if, as is sure, there comes to you guidance from Me, whosoever follows My guidance, on them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve” (The Qurʾan 2: 38). From this passage, it becomes quite clear that Adam and all his descendants, including modern Muslims, should always seek Allah’s guidance. With His help and support, such believers will fear nothing and will be closer to realizing their objectives.
Similarly, I observed that Christians could follow or consider various strategies to reduce the negative impacts of evil. For example, Smith indicates that love is one of the best forces through which believers can overcome the predicaments associated with Satan on earth (13). This powerful force makes it easier for more people to forgive one another and overcome all aspects of darkness. When individuals promote hatred in their respective families or communities, chances are high that they will harbor negative thoughts and eventually be unable to lead harmonious lives. Since God is compassionate and the source of love, those who embrace His teachings will be able to overcome all obstacles and challenges (Psalms 145: 8-13). The idea of imitating God is appropriate and capable of empowering more Christians to deal with evil spirits and negative mindsets.
When Muslims want to achieve their goals much faster, the Qur’an explains that they should remain steadfast and remain committed. They have to apply the teachings of Mohammad in every issue they encounter. These believers acknowledge that such a strategy will take them closer to Allah. His hand will always be available to guide, encourage, and empower them to overcome all difficulties they might experience in life. The Qur’an teaches people to allow Allah to take over and change their situations (Route 48). They will ask for guidance and the power to conquer darkness.
Additionally, the Bible encourages Christians to believe in His abilities and be ready to do what is ethical and moral. They should also take God’s word as a sword that can guide them when they encounter adversities. When they put all these aspects into action, chances of fighting and overcoming all negativities associated with evil spirits successfully will increase significantly. True Christians who rely on God’s commandments allow Him to guide and fight their battles. The major teachings of this religion indicate that those who ask for His guidance will become victorious over all emerging oppositions and obstacles. They will seek Him in all circumstances and teach others to consider the same path (Smith 29). They will guide their neighbors and colleagues to take the word of God and apply it in all situations. These practices will guide more Christians to appreciate the power of God and ask for it when necessary. Such an initiative will take them closer to their goals, overcome most of the obstacles emerging in their lives, and eventually make their lives more enjoyable.
With the current rate of population explosion in different parts of the world, the nature of evil has taken a different shape. The argument here is that many people are presently finding it hard to find a common ground when they encounter various challenges or differences. Many individuals have moved from one place to another, thereby transforming the diversities recorded in different parts of the world (Smith 36). Many people have become enemies after disagreeing over a wide range of issues or disputes. The problem of evil continues to compel human beings to sin against others and even make it impossible for them to achieve their goals in life. Such issues were complicating the problem of evil in the world. Consequently, different religious believers were relying on superior approaches to overcome such challenges and find new ways to remain true followers of Allah or God.
One of the evidence-based practices that most believers consider when challenges and evil emerge is engaging in prayers. Ozkan reveals that many people rely on such a practice to ask for Allah’s guidance and become resolute to tackle every challenge they might face in life (26). According to many Muslims, it is always possible to overcome evil if Allah gets the chance. Since He is the creator of the world and all living organisms, many Muslims acknowledge that Allah can stop evil or any occurrence that can affect their experiences (Route 49). Similarly, Christians trust that God can guide his true followers to overcome any form of suffering or be able to bear evils. The completed analyses have, therefore, identified prayers as effective in giving believers courage and empowering them to overcome most of their problems.
Human beings will always do wrong or abuse others even without being wronged. When such events occur, Christians believe in the power of God to take revenge on their behalf or bless them abundantly. Many followers of their religion acknowledge that God is a fair judge who does not discriminate against the poor, innocent, or the less privileged (Smith 52). Christians pray and request Him to complete their missions or goals when they become powerless. This model is also essential since it guides more people to trust in God and seek His assistance when they encounter predicaments.
From the completed interview and readings, I have identified helping as a powerful practice that makes it possible for many individuals to overcome evil. When Muslims and Christians become empathetic, they develop a sense of fulfillment and reconsider the example of Jesus (Smith 48). They will support their friends, neighbors, colleagues, or partners who might be encountering some difficulties. When they do so collectively, chances are high that they will identify or develop additional strategies for responding to evil occurrences and suffering. When they encounter those who are suffering, it is appropriate to provide a helping hand and be part of their worries. Such an evidence-based approach will take them closer to their goals and collaborate to get rid of evil in the world. After realizing these aims, such believers will be on the right path towards overcoming the challenge of sin and eventually realizing their maximum potential.
Muslims and Christians believe that there is a need to work as a team and become part of God’s creation. This religion teaches its followers to consider the importance of love and implement it when they encounter difficulties. The major values of friendship, meekness, humility, trust, and sympathy appear to encourage individuals to take the issues of the religious community seriously. These people will be willing to pray for each other, solve their common problems, and implement shared values to transform their societies (Louden 1311). When the level of harmony increases, more people will embrace the idea of loving one another. Consequently, those who take the practice seriously will find it easier to avoid sin and do good to each other. They will also engage in communal worship and ask for forgiveness continuously. They will also seek Allah’s guidance to overcome all evil occurrences and consider new ways of bringing peace to their respective societies (Route 52). Through His support, it will be easier to record positive results promptly.
The findings have gone further to reveal that Christians and Muslims are encouraged to target evil tirelessly in their lives. They should consider various religious teachings and apply them in every situation or scenario. True believers will engage in prayers without ceasing since the Devil is always alert and willing to tempt people. This knowledge makes it easier for them to practice what the Bible permits and be ready to engage others (McTavish 137). Muslims will read the Qur’an widely in an attempt to identify the possible occurrences of evil and how they might affect their goals in life. Christians, on the other hand, will read the Bible to acquire new ideas for repelling evil spirits and learning how to focus on their goals. They need to educate others about God’s position about negativities and sin (McTavish 137). Those who receive such a message will find it easier to be part of God’s creation on earth and ensure that all activities advance His cause or purpose for humanity.
Finally, my personal experiences reveal that Muslims have unique ways of acknowledging the presence of evil in the universe and repelling it. From my family setting, we have been relying on the power of prayers to seek Allah’s guidance in all activities and actions. My family members appreciate the relevance of putting Allah first in every situation since such a practice can empower them to achieve their goals much faster (Ozkan 43). The development of a powerful Islamic philosophy of worship has also stood out as a powerful concept for dealing with the problems of evil and sin (Route 49). I will consider the importance of combining these aspects with the insights gained above to overcome the challenges that I might encounter in life. These practices will take me closer to my goals and apply them to transform the experiences and lives of my colleagues.
Conclusion
Islam and Christianity remain the two leading religions with many followers across the world today. The above research has revealed that they have specific guidelines for following the outlined doctrines and commandments. The completed exercise focused primarily on some of the best approaches different religious believers utilize when trying to overcome the challenges of evil in their lives. The studied materials, the Bible, and the Qur’an were instrumental since they presented numerous insights for answering the intended question. From the completed work, I have realized that Muslims and Christians have diverse ways through which they can overcome emerging troubles and achieve most of their objectives. Some of these initiatives include considering religious teachings, engaging in prayers, and helping those in need. Believers who take these practices seriously will lead peaceful lives and eventually become part of the eternal kingdom. I will, therefore, consult additional publications and religious materials to learn more about evil and understand how both Christians and Muslims can deal with it successfully.
Works Cited
Kakwata, Frederick N. “Strategies for Dealing with Sin in Relation to Poverty.” Stellenbosch Theological Journal, vol. 2, no. 2, 2016, pp. 273-294.
The Holy Bible. Doubleday, 1985.
Louden, Robert B. “Education and the Overcoming of Evil.” Educational Philosophy and Theory, vol. 51, no. 13, 2019, pp. 1308-1318.
McTavish, James. “Suffering, Death, and Eternal Life.” The Linacre Quarterly, vol. 83, no. 2, 2016, pp. 134-141.
Ozkan, Tubanur Y. A Muslim Response to Evil: Said Nursi on the Theodicy. Ashgate Publishing, 2015.
The QurĘľan. Oxford UP, 2010.
Rouzati, Nasrin. “Evil and Human Suffering in Islamic Thought—Towards a Mystical Theodicy.” Religions, vol. 9, no. 2, 2018, pp. 47-59.
Smith, Mark S. The Genesis of Good and Evil: The Fall(out) and Original Sin in the Bible. Westminster John Knox Press, 2019.