One who wants to understand Islam is always faced with a dilemma. On the one hand, they find the Quran, the scriptures of Islam, and on the other hand, they see the Muslims who claim to be followers of Islam—yet the two appear to be in contradiction with one another. Because of these two contradictory reference points, one who studies the Quran is in a state of confusion. He forms opinions on Islam after seeing Muslim behaviour. This is a common mistake committed by seekers of the truth. The teachings of Islam are enshrined in its original sources: the Quran, the Word of God, and Sunnah, the sayings and actions of Prophet Muhammad. Therefore, the first guiding principle for the student of Islam is: “To differentiate between Islam and Muslims; Muslims must be judged in the light of Islamic teachings, and not vice versa.

Islam is the name of an ideology of life given by the Quran. Islam means ‘to submit’. An adherent of Islam—a Muslim—is expected to imbibe the tenets of this ideology and lead a 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 his 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 based on the actions of Muslims.

The truth is that Islam is a religious ideology, whereas the position of Muslims is determined by the sentiments and conduct of a community. This being so, the student of Islam must see the community as it ought to be when actually subservient to Islam and not judge Islam by the personal divagations of the human beings making up the community. This is a basic principle to be observed if the study of Islam is to be scientific. Keeping this in view, one can form a correct opinion of Islam. If this principle is neglected, any opinion one forms will not be factual.

Source: The Seeker’s Guide