Islam must evolve, and the Philosophy of Light seeks to serve as a guide so that believers may reflect the example of the Prophet Muhammad, as he would have wished for all his followers.
In the book The Ethical State, I present an analysis on the subject of coexistence among Christians, Jews, and Muslims.
Violence and terrorism are not the path. Respect for women, children, and believers of other religions must prevail.
Negotiation and agreements are tools for achieving peaceful coexistence.
The Philosophy of Light supports Christian, Islamic, and Jewish Republics, which originate from Abraham, as long as they live peacefully, respectfully, and in peace.
I pray to God that the descendants of Abraham may live in the peace of God.
I publish this article so that Iran may learn how an Islamic State should be.
1. The Islamic Republic
The Philosophy of Light teaches that every nation
that wishes to live in harmony must base its social, political, economic, and
spiritual organization on universal principles of justice, human dignity, and
respect.
The Philosophy of Light proposes a model of social,
political, economic, and spiritual organization that seeks human dignity,
justice, peace, and reconciliation among peoples. These principles, which shape
the Christian Republic, can be applied with coherence and richness in an
Islamic Republic that aspires to live its faith in harmony with universal
values and interreligious respect. Far from opposing one another, both models
can engage in dialogue, since they share a monotheistic root that recognizes the
one God as the source of morality and guidance for nations.
The Islamic Republic, by integrating the positive
values of Islam and the elevated teachings of the Qur’an, can become an example
of peaceful coexistence, human development, and democratic participation.
In the social sphere, the Philosophy of Light
emphasizes that every community must guarantee the dignity of each person,
protect the vulnerable, and ensure opportunities for all. These principles
coincide with teachings of the Qur’an, which commands justice, compassion, and
care for those in need.
Islam, in its essence, calls for helping the poor,
the orphan, and the traveler, promoting a spirit of solidarity that can serve
as a foundation for humane and responsible social policies. An Islamic Republic
that embraces these values could develop fair welfare systems, promote
education for the entire population, and build a society where interreligious
respect is a sign of fidelity to God, not a threat to religious identity.
In the political sphere, the Philosophy of Light
teaches that authority must be at the service of the common good, act with
transparency, and respect fundamental rights. This vision finds resonance in
various Qur’anic teachings that exhort justice, mutual consultation (“shura”),
and righteousness in leadership.
Shura, understood as participation and consultation
of the people, can inspire an Islamic Republic to strengthen democratic
practices, guarantee free elections, and allow citizens, regardless of their
religion, to have a voice in the future of their nation.
Authentic Islam rejects tyranny and calls leaders
to accountability. Thus, an Islamic Republic that adopts a democratic system
would be honoring the spirit of the Qur’an and promoting social peace.
In the economic sphere, both the Philosophy of
Light and Islam agree on the importance of an ethical economy. The Qur’an
prohibits abusive usury, commands commercial honesty, and promotes justice in
exchanges. These norms not only prevent exploitation but also promote shared
prosperity and economic responsibility.
An Islamic Republic that adopts these values could
create modern economic models that combine development, equity, and solidarity,
protecting the poor, avoiding extreme inequality, and encouraging productivity
without corruption. Thus, the economy becomes a space where faith inspires
justice, and where collective well-being is a sign of obedience to God.
In the spiritual sphere, Islam offers profound
richness: constant prayer, fasting, charity, the pursuit of knowledge, and mercy
as an attribute of God. These values can strengthen the inner life of an
Islamic Republic and serve as a foundation for promoting interreligious peace.
The Qur’an teaches that there must be no coercion in religion and that
differences among peoples can be an occasion for mutual understanding. An
Islamic Republic that integrates these principles can become a beacon of
tolerance and respect, where Muslims, Christians, Jews, and other groups live
with freedom and dignity.
The Philosophy of Light maintains that
interreligious peace is essential for the stability of nations. An Islamic
Republic inspired by the Qur’an can embrace this call, recognizing that respect
toward the “People of the Book”—Jews and Christians—is part of the Islamic
tradition.
The “People of the Book” is a designation referring
to religious groups, mainly Jews, Christians, and Muslims, who share belief in
one God and in revealed sacred scriptures. The term originated in Islam (in
Arabic, Ahl al-Kitab) and is based on the idea that these peoples
have a “book” containing the divine word, such as the Torah, the Gospel, and
the Qur’an.
The Qur’an commands treating with justice those who
seek peace, and this teaching can guide the development of laws that protect
religious freedom, guarantee coexistence, and promote fraternal relations among
all the children of Abraham.
Democracy also becomes essential. An Islamic
Republic that wishes to live under the Light must adopt democratic systems that
ensure citizen participation, the balance of powers, freedom of expression, the
defense of human rights, and continuous dialogue among the different
communities.
Democracy does not contradict Islam; on the
contrary, it strengthens the justice that God requires and allows nations to
grow in harmony, avoiding extremism and promoting peaceful solutions to
conflicts.
In this model, Islam contributes values of great
spiritual beauty: mercy, justice, compassion, honesty, honor, family, and
service to one’s neighbor. The Islamic Republic, inspired by these teachings,
could walk alongside the ideals of the Christian Republic toward a world where
faith does not divide but unites, where politics becomes an instrument of
peace, and where the economy serves the common good. Both visions, united by
the Philosophy of Light, can become an example of how monotheistic nations can
contribute to healing humanity.
Positive values of Islam and teachings of
the Qur’an to strengthen an Islamic Republic
1.
Mercy as the foundation of faith. The Qur’an begins
almost every sura with the phrase “In the name of God, the Most Merciful, the
Most Compassionate,” reminding us that God is the source of goodness,
forgiveness, and tenderness.
2.
Justice as a central command. Islam commands acting
with justice even toward those who are different or adversaries, establishing a
high moral standard for rulers and citizens.
3.
Peace as the divine will (“Salam”). One of the names of
God is “The Peace.” Islam deeply values reconciliation, dialogue, and the
peaceful resolution of conflicts.
4.
Rejection of oppression. The Qur’an condemns injustice,
tyranny, and exploitation, promoting governments that protect the freedom and
dignity of all people.
5.
Consultation of the people (shura). Islam teaches that
decisions should be made through collective consultation, a principle that can
strengthen modern democratic systems in an Islamic Republic.
6.
The pursuit of knowledge. Islamic tradition values
studying, reflecting, and learning; this promotes quality education, critical
thinking, and social development.
7.
Obligatory charity (zakat). Islam establishes a system
of economic support for the poor, the sick, and those in need. This strengthens
social justice and combats inequality.
8.
Honesty and integrity. The Qur’an condemns deception,
fraud, and corruption. An Islamic Republic inspired by these principles would
encourage ethical and transparent governments.
9.
Family and community as the social foundation. Islam
promotes family unity, mutual respect, care for the elderly, and community
support.
10. Hospitality
toward the foreigner. Islamic tradition honors the visitor and the stranger,
promoting a spirit of openness and interreligious respect.
11. The
prohibition of abusive usury. The Qur’an condemns financial exploitation,
encouraging an ethical, supportive, and balanced economy.
12. The
value of forgiveness and reconciliation. God is described as “The Forgiving,”
inviting people to resolve their conflicts with mercy and understanding.
13. Moderation
and balance. Islam teaches avoiding extremes and seeking the just and balanced
path in personal and social life.
14. Respect
for the “People of the Book” (Jews and Christians). The Qur’an recognizes their
faith in God and calls for treating them with justice, fostering interreligious
peace.
15. Human
dignity as a gift from God. Every person is created by God with honor and
value; this principle can inspire constitutions that protect human rights.
About the Prophet Muhammad: his example as
a peaceful leader
The Prophet Muhammad is considered by Muslims as a
guide who taught mercy, patience, and respect even toward those who did not
share his faith. Many historical accounts portray him promoting coexistence
agreements, peace treaties, protection of minorities, and teachings oriented
toward compassion. His famous “Constitution of Medina” is one of the earliest
examples of interreligious coexistence, where he established rules of respect,
cooperation, and justice among Muslims, Jews, and other tribes.
Although he lived in a difficult context, Muhammad
sought to resolve conflicts through dialogue, negotiation, and reconciliation
whenever possible. His patient attitude, his dignified treatment of friends and
adversaries, and his teaching that “mercy ennobles the believer” can inspire
today an Islamic Republic committed to peace, democracy, and respect for all
its citizens.
2. Common points between Islam and Judaism
There are very valuable common points between the
teachings of Islam and Judaism.
In fact, both share a deep spiritual and moral root
because they arise from the same Abrahamic tradition. Below are some good and
positive elements that both religions have in common:
·
Absolute monotheism. Both
Islam and Judaism believe in one God, creator of the universe, all-powerful,
merciful, and just. This firm faith in divine unity is the backbone of both
traditions.
·
Spiritual descent from Abraham. Both
religions recognize Abraham as a spiritual father, a model of faith, obedience,
and righteousness. This common bond creates a natural basis for mutual respect.
·
Importance of moral law. Judaism
has the Torah and Islam has the Qur’an and the Sharia (in its ethical sense).
Both traditions value living according to the divine will, promoting justice,
family, honest work, respect for parents, and solidarity with those in need.
·
Focus on social justice. Both
the Torah and the Qur’an command caring for the poor, protecting the
vulnerable, practicing charity (tzedakah in Judaism, zakat in
Islam), and avoiding oppression. In both religions, helping one’s neighbor is a
central act of faith.
·
Life of prayer and spiritual discipline.
Both spiritual systems encourage daily prayer, personal discipline, fasting,
purification of the soul, and the constant search for a deeper relationship
with God.
·
Respect for the prophets. The
shared prophets—Abraham, Moses, David, and others—are sacred figures in both
traditions. Islam even considers the prophets of Israel as legitimate
messengers of God.
·
Value of peace and coexistence. Although
there has been a history of conflicts, both Judaism and Islam, in their sacred
texts, value peace, forgiveness, reconciliation, and dignified life.
·
Emphasis on community and family. Both
religions consider the family as a moral nucleus and the sense of community as
a spiritual duty; social cohesion is highly valued.
In summary, yes; there is a rich and powerful
common foundation between Islam and Judaism, full of values that can unite,
build bridges, and open doors to peace.
Judaism and Islam share a deep spiritual heritage
that can serve as a bridge of unity and reconciliation. Both traditions believe
in one God, recognize Abraham as the father of faith, value social justice,
charity, family life, and respect for the prophets.
Both the Torah and the Qur’an teach the importance
of prayer, moral righteousness, and service to one’s neighbor. These
coincidences, when recognized with humility and openness, can become solid
foundations for building fraternal relationships, breaking down prejudices, and
opening doors to lasting peace among the children of Abraham, inspiring Jews
and Muslims to walk together toward a future of respect and harmony.
Abraham, father of faith for Jews, Christians, and
Muslims, would be deeply happy to see his descendants reconciled, walking
together in respect and fraternity.
He, who fully trusted in the one God and believed
in the blessing for all nations, would see in the unity of his children the
fulfillment of his most sacred legacy: peace, justice, and love among peoples.
Nothing would honor his memory more than seeing his descendants leaving
conflict behind and embracing the coexistence that reflects the divine will.
.jpg)
