What are the universal aspects of Islam?

The universality of Islam is evident in the six articles of faith. Allah mentioned in the first article of faith is the Creator of Universe and is understood to be a “non-denominational” God. He has created everything and under his attributes of Most Gracious, provides resources for every creature without asking and before they were created. Under His attribute of Most Merciful, he rewards every creature for their efforts. These attributes are applicable even to people who don’t believe in Him. So it is the universal God, not God of a group of people or a tribe.

The fact that a Muslim believes in all the prophets of Allah provides a basis of universality. Such a belief leads to understanding other people’s spirituality, it creates respect for founder of other’s faiths and thus it helps to create a respect and honor for all prophets. One never sees a Muslim degrading or ridiculing or drawing caricatures of prophet Jesus or Moses or any other, peace be on them all.

Similarly, belief in all his previously revealed books is another powerful tool of spirituality. Muslims are encouraged to read these scriptures and develop an understanding of other people’s spirituality basis.

The concept of accountability in this world and in the hereafter is also another universal aspect where everybody is called to account because of their actions and intentions. There is no concept of atonement. We bear the burden of the consequences of our deeds.

Islam is the only religion that totally rejects the notion that truth is the monopoly of any single faith, race or people; instead, it professes that Divine guidance is a general bounty that has sustained humanity in all ages. The Qur’an tells us that there is neither a race nor a people, who have not been blessed with the bounty of divine guidance, and there is neither a region of the earth nor body of people who have not received prophets and Messengers of God.