Some Differences Between Islam and the Christian-European Culture

By Sheila Quinn

In the Christian European perception of things, we humans are capable of anything- and of knowing everything. In this perception we possess things and we possess ourselves.

Yet, such perceptions are contrary to the Islamic Faith. There are things that we humans cannot know without Guidance from The Creator. Also, we do not possess anything- not even our own bodies or ourselves. Did we create ourselves? Did you create yourself? Did I create myself? Are we sustaining ourselves? Did we create the oxygen that we are breathing?

It is known that dogs hear what we cannot hear and that insects see what we cannot see. Therefore it is logical to say that there is a possibility that there are creatures which exist on this earth with us which we cannot sense.

Indeed, from The Qur'an we do know that there are such creatures. Just as we are made from clay (mud/dirt) there are some creatures which are made from pure light(Angels) and others which are made from flame less fire (Jinn). The Angels don't have any free will and therefore are always good. Whereas, the Jinn are like us in that they have free will. Like humans, some are good and some are not good.

All knowledge comes from The Creator. Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was deeply aware of this. He was deeply conscious of The Creator.