It is a real challenge to get a person to let go of his deeply ingrained beliefs even though it is clear as the sky they are false.
This is due to a fixed mentality supported by deeply rooted assumptions that what they believe in is true.
This is applicable in the case of political stance, outdated dogma, and conformity bias. The remedy is a flexible mentality otherwise known as the Beginner's Mind. In adopting the Beginner's Mind, a person thinks in possibilities.
* Socrates in line with the Beginner's [] (Mind) suggested we follow where the argument leads. In this case, the pursuit is no longer about truth or false but rather about useful or not. This is inherent [] (in) that whatever you believe in to establish a foundation of successful living.
One such belief is the notion that such and such religion is divine and the founder is flawless. This as Thomas Carlyle depicted in his work On Heroes, Hero-Worship, and the Heroic in History equates the status of the founder of a particular religion as being near divine if not divine.
Unfortunately, upon cross-referring with the biography of the founder suggested otherwise. The biography is marred with bigotry, contradiction, and inconsistent behaviors.
For whatever it's worth, do not get stuck in the past. If you don't rely on a 1,400-year-old medical journal for remedy, why should you do so with your faith?
* Larger Letters intervention is from Ratu Ina, Cyber Intelligence.
Some examples:
Sahih al-Bukhari, Vol. 4, Book 56, Hadith #29: "The Prophet became angry and ordered that the man be killed. He was dragged to the well at the mosque and was beheaded."
Sahih al-Bukhari, Vol. 5, Book 59, Hadith #448: "Allah's Messenger said, 'I have been made victorious with terror.'"
Sahih Muslim, Book 31, Hadith #5917: "Allah's Messenger commanded that all of the Jewish men and boys who had reached puberty should be killed.
Qur'an, Surah 5:33: "Indeed, the penalty for those who wage war against Allah and His Messenger and strive upon earth [to cause] corruption is none but that they be killed or crucified or that their hands and feet be cut off from opposite sides or that they be exiled from the land.
Sahih Muslim, Book 37, Hadith #6759: "The Prophet said, 'The blood of a Muslim cannot be legally spilt other than in three cases: the married person who commits adultery; a life for a life; and the deserter of his religion who abandons the community.'
Sahih al-Bukhari, Vol. 1, Book 4, Hadith #196: "The Prophet said, 'I have been ordered to fight the people till they say: 'None has the right to be worshipped but Allah.'
Why Believers Won’t Let Go
1. Emotional Investment and Identity
Faith as Identity:
For many, religious belief is intertwined with personal and cultural identity. Questioning it feels like an existential threat.Emotional Ties:
Muhammad is revered not just as a prophet but as the “perfect example” (uswa hasana, Quran 33:21). Criticizing him is deeply offensive to followers who see him as central to their moral and spiritual framework.
2. Cognitive Dissonance
Rationalization:
When presented with evidence challenging their beliefs, people often rationalize contradictions. For example:- Contradictory verses are explained as contextual or misinterpreted.
- Actions that seem harsh are justified as necessary in the historical context.
Cherry-Picking Evidence:
Believers often focus on verses or traditions that confirm their views while disregarding problematic ones.
3. Fear of Social Repercussions
- Apostasy and Punishment:
In some Islamic societies, leaving the faith is met with severe consequences, including ostracism or legal penalties. This fear discourages critical examination.
4. The Power of Religious Institutions
Control of Narrative:
Religious leaders often present a sanitized version of Muhammad’s life, emphasizing virtues and downplaying controversies.- Historical criticism is labeled as blasphemous or dismissed as Orientalist bias.
Collective Reinforcement:
The collective belief in Muhammad’s perfection is reinforced through communal practices, education, and media.
5. Faith Beyond Logic
- Spiritual Experience:
Many believers rely on faith and spiritual connection rather than historical accuracy. For them, contradictions are irrelevant to the essence of their belief.
Concluding Thoughts
Critiques of Muhammad’s life and teachings often clash with the deep reverence held by his followers. The challenge lies in bridging historical analysis with sensitivity to belief systems. The persistence of faith, despite evidence or contradictions, reflects a complex interplay of identity, emotion, and social structures. Therefore caveat emptor!
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