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Introduction
Religion is an integral part of life for many people. As I was reading the Enchanted wisdom: Enduring ideas of world religions, I realized that the theme of wandering the land and being a stranger is quite common both in the Quran and the Hebrew Bible. The Quran offers several examples of people traveling the land and being outsiders. For instance, Abraham willingly left his home to follow God as he trusted Him and His judgment (Bronson, 2021). Similarly, Hagar and Ishmael wandered the desert as they had trust in Abraham and God.
A seemingly disadvantaged position of being a stranger in the strange land is not portrayed as such in the Quran. On the contrary, the holy text implores people to “be in this world as if you were a stranger or a traveler” (Bronson, 2021, p. 108). I believe the deeper meaning of the quote is not to get attached to earthly possessions but to look to the afterlife as is the one true life. Moreover, the quote asks people to put their faith in God and trust that He will provide for them through miraculous acts and the kindness of others. For example, one of the five pillars of Islam requires people to give away a percentage of their earnings as charity to helps those less fortunate. Overall, being a foreigner in a strange land means having faith in others and God.
Personally, I have felt like a stranger before, and it substantially affected my thoughts and actions. I felt very out of place when I moved to another town to study, as I suddenly lost all connections with friends and found myself in a completely new environment. It felt like I have lost my previous life entirely and had to build it anew. I felt like I do not belong, and it was challenging to force myself to go outside and meet new people. My home became a safe place that protected me from the world. Although this part of my life is behind me, it saddens me to think that homeless people experience as they lack this essential comfort.
Islam and Judaism teach people to treat strangers with kindness and help them when they are in need. In the Quran, Hagar and Ishmael are given water by God’s angels, sparing both their lives and ensuring that the son of Abraham was able to lead a life of greatness and significance (Bronson, 2021). If we compare this example to many stories from around the globe of immigrants fleeing their homes and seeking safety, we can see that the doctrines of Islam are not always adhered to in the modern world. For instance, the United Kingdom, the country that saw an influx of illegal immigrants in the last couple of years despite the pandemic, is seeking legal ways of preventing such immigration. Nevertheless, many charity organizations treat people from different walks of life with compassion and kindness.
Yearning for God
Umm Kulthum’s singing is a prime example of a deep lament and longing for God. It is more than praise for Him; it is the longing to know the Deity and be with Him. Sufi poets and performers are unique, and their undying love for God “will not be satisfied until it is in the Beloved” (Bronson, 2021, p. 113). Kulthum’s performance illustrates the yearning faultlessly, and, considering that it cannot be fulfilled in this life, the raw emotion in the singer’s voice leaves the listeners understandable speechless. Not one audience member dared to interrupt the lament, with applause only exploding when she stopped to take a breath or let the music take over. The love and yearning for God are palpable in Kulthum’s piece.
The 99: Knowledge vs. Wisdom
The 99 TV series is based on a comic book series that portrays a team of superheroes with unique abilities. In the episode, Sharifa can access the knowledge and wisdom of all humankind. Dr. Ramzi, the group leader, wants to recruit Sharifa, pointing out that “it is not always strength that prevails” (The99, 2012). Knowledge is a powerful tool that can be used to overcome any obstacle. In my opinion, the physical strength of an individual or a group is not durable. Bodies become frailer with age and fail, teams can break up, and even modern technology is not without fault. However, knowledge can last for generations and provide people with answers on defeating even the strongest of the enemies.
Dr. Ramzi also states that knowledge and wisdom are different concepts. He points out that “knowledge allows you to make a bomb, but wisdom prevents you from using it” (The99, 2021, 11:50). The former is simply an accumulation of information when the latter is the ability to comprehend how one’s actions will affect them and others. In one of the Muslim stories, God shows His infinite wisdom by telling Abraham to help others when he feels alone and isolated, as in caring for others, people also care for themselves (Bronson, 2021). Overall, the stories in the Quran can provide people with knowledge and wisdom. However, only a wise person can make the right choice and apply their knowledge for good or refuse to employ it to avoid a great evil.
Discussing Colleagues’ Posts
First, I want to address the post from the student from Trinidad and Tobago. I believe they draw an accurate parallel between the Hebrew Bible and the Quaran, comparing how the two holy texts explain the nature of God. The place of Abraham as one of the central figures in both religious is also well-explored. However, I would like to pose a question about Abraham and his welcoming of foreigners. In Islam, Abraham is believed to be accepting of strangers because of his personal history of leaving his land in search of God. However, he was also a proponent of the oneness of God and believed that He is eternal, absolute, and benevolent, the creator and provider of humankind, regardless of race or nationality. Thus, the notion of the oneness of God states that the people of all races and ethnicities are brothers and sisters as one true God created them. Would it be fair to assume that Abraham’s warmth towards foreigners stems from the principle of the oneness of God rather than his experience of travel? I would argue that his wanderings reinforced it rather than formed it.
I want to address the post by another student and focus on the discussion of the 99 TV series episode. In your reply, you state that there is a stark difference between possessing knowledge and having the wisdom to apply it in everyday life. However, I would argue that wisdom concerns more than a simple application of knowledge. I believe wisdom is a combination of knowledge and one’s experiences, and it lies in comprehending when not to apply the gained knowledge to benefit others and self. Knowledge is not neutral, and it can be both advantageous and detrimental, while wisdom is goodness. Can knowledge be enough for the benefit of society and the most impoverished communities within it? Where can people gain wisdom to do the right thing by others? In my opinion, stories from religious texts are great examples of wise acts and decisions.
References
Bronson, E. (2021). Enchanted wisdom: Enduring ideas of world religions. Rock’s Mills Press.
The99. (2012). THE 99 TV Series – Episode 11 – English[Video].
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