A Challenge to My Faith
Farrukh once wrote in a social forum,
“This is a warning to all Muslims in this forum that Mike Ghouse’s religion is not Islam; he is Ismaili, and he is a misguided person. If anyone needs more info about his religion, please let me know.”
Am I Not a Muslim, If I Am Ismaili?
What if I am an Ismaili—does that strip me of being a Muslim?
Some individuals share information as if it were absolute truth without taking the time to verify its accuracy. Ideally, Farrukh might have said:
“Mike Ghouse is a Muslim, but I am unsure about his specific denomination, as I have not verified this. He seems to resonate with various groups including Shia, Sunni, Bohra, Ahmadiyya, Ismaili, Alawite, among others.”
Prophet Muhammad’s Singular Vision of Faith
Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) recognized only one identity—Muslims. Labels such as Sunni, Shia, Ahmadiyya, Bohra, Ismaili, WD Muhammad, Alawite, Deobandi, Barelvi, Ahl-e-Hadith, and Ahl-e-Bait were never part of his vocabulary. These designations did not originate from him and were not meant to divide.
The Emergence of Islamic Denominations
Denominations, or Mazhabs, developed over time in response to evolving societies and interpretations. Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) foresaw such diversifications. His reference to the number 72 groups signifies a symbolic multiplicity, not a rigid figure.
A Lesson in Humility and Grace
The Prophet encouraged us to live with humility, seeking goodness without boasting of superiority. Ultimately, only God knows who stands highest in His eyes or who is forgiven—for even giving water to a thirsty dog could be the act that earns divine mercy.
The Essence of Goodness in God’s Creation
Our primary duty as Muslims is to care for God’s creation, be it human or environmental. Just as we value a house guest who respects our home, God values actions over affiliations. What matters most is how we treat others and our surroundings.
A Universal Call to Kindness and Justice
God does not scrutinize how we worship but rather how we treat others. Islam emphasizes justice and compassion. The Quran [2:136] reminds us:
“We make no distinction among any” of God’s messengers, whether Abraham, Moses, or Muhammad.
All Religions Recognize Humanity’s Need for Peace
God’s love transcends boundaries. The Muslims believe there were 124,000 prophets, though only 25 are named in the Quran. This indicates a universal framework of peace and guidance, extending to teachers like Krishna in Hinduism or prophets from Christianity and other traditions.
Restoring Righteousness Across Cultures
Across the world and throughout history, God has raised righteous people to restore balance. Whether it’s Sri Krishna in the Bhagavad Gita or Prophet Abraham, all serve a divine mission to restore harmony in times of turmoil.
Building a World of Peace and Accountability
Islam teaches that when believers care for others and the environment, God will care for their Akhira (Hereafter). Our duty is to build peace, and God’s promise is to reward those who take responsibility.
Embracing Different Paths of Faith
The Quran acknowledges and embraces diversity in belief. In [2:62], it assures:
“Those who believe, including Jews, Christians, and others, are under God’s mercy,” as long as they believe in accountability and live righteously.
Learning Through Diversity
Diversity is intentional. God made us into nations and tribes, with different cultures and beliefs, so we may learn from one another—not divide. Quran [43:17] supports this by celebrating our differences.
The Many Interpretations of the Quran
For Muslims, the Quran is God’s final word, yet it is open to sincere interpretation. Great scholars have studied it, but none can claim exclusive ownership of its meaning. Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) left the Quran for personal reflection, encouraging interpretations rooted in kindness and reason.
Interfaith and Intra-faith Harmony
Every major religion has seen its branches—Islam is no different. Just like the Catholic-Protestant divide in Christianity, Islamic sects reflect natural spiritual evolution. Recognizing this can lead to greater empathy and understanding.
The Unity of Islam Beyond Labels
Prophet Muhammad taught one Islam. While diversity emerged later, today we recognize six major schools of thought. Embracing this diversity with humility and respect is key to true unity.
The True Meaning of “Allahu Akbar”
“Allahu Akbar” isn’t a phrase of arrogance—it is a reminder of humility. It reminds us that only God is great, and we must not judge others’ ways of worship. Judging others equates to shirk—diluting God’s unique role; Master of the Day of Judgment
Why I Choose to Remain Denomination-less
I was raised Sunni, and my prayer traditions reflect that. Yet, I hold equal respect for all denominations. Faith is personal, like family. We cherish our families, and others love theirs just as deeply. A corollary of verse 109:6 is this: to you is your faith, and to me is mine. Just as your mother is dear to you, mine is dear to me. Similarly, my cuisine is unique in my heart, just as yours is in yours. By learning to accept and respect the uniqueness of others, we honor God, the creator of us all.
Unity in Diversity: A Call to All Muslims
I’ve prayed in mosques of every tradition—from Mecca and Madinah to Jerusalem. In the Prophet’s time, Sunni and Shia didn’t exist. My identity remains simply “Muslim.” And I respect everyone’s choice to define themselves as they wish.
Building a Pluralistic World Together
My mission is to connect, not divide. This world is shared, and so is our Creator. If we focus on what unites us, we can build bridges, foster peace, and uplift humanity.
About Dr. Mike Mohamed Ghouse
Dr. Mike Ghouse is a renowned community consultant, speaker, social scientist, author, and interfaith wedding officiant. Dedicated to pluralism and unity, he shares insights on interfaith understanding and cultural harmony. Learn more at www.TheGhouseDiary.com.
Frequently Asked Questions (bFAQs)
1. Is it un-Islamic to be Ismaili?
No. Ismailis, like other Muslims, affirm the core beliefs of Islam. Denominational differences exist, but faith is deeply personal and recognized by God.
2. Did Prophet Muhammad mention Sunni or Shia?
No, he did not. These divisions developed after his time, as a result of historical, political and theological differences.
3. What does the Quran say about different faiths?
The Quran acknowledges the validity of Jews, Christians, and others who believe in God and do righteous deeds, as seen in [2:62].
4. Is it wrong to not belong to a denomination?
Not at all. Many Muslims, like Dr. Ghouse, chose to identify simply as Muslim, embracing unity over division.
5. Why are there 72 sects in Islam?
The number 72 denotes many branches Islam would take. Prophet Muhammad emphasized unity despite future differences. He understood human nature and paved the way for people to accept and respect the diversity within.
6. What does ‘Allahu Akbar’ truly mean?
“Allahu Akbar” means “God is Greatest.” It’s a call for humility, reminding us that only God can judge, and all humans are equal.
Further Readings
