The fundamental idea which defines a human being as a Muslim is

Opening Scene

The room is filled with the soft glow of afternoon light, creating a peaceful, contemplative atmosphere. Outside, the city moves at its usual pace, but inside, the stillness holds a deeper, more reflective energy. Jack is sitting at the table, flipping through a book, but his focus seems distant. Jeeny stands by the window, her gaze fixed on the world below, her arms loosely folded as though lost in thought. There’s a quiet anticipation in the air, as if a conversation is about to unfold.

Host: After a moment of silence, Jeeny turns from the window, her voice calm and reflective, breaking the stillness.

Jeeny: “I came across something that Feisal Abdul Rauf said that really struck me. He said, ‘The fundamental idea which defines a human being as a Muslim is the declaration of faith: that there is a creator, whom we call God - or Allah, in Arabic - and that the creator is one and single. And we declare this faith by the declaration of faith, where we... bear witness that there is no God but God.’ It made me think — how simple yet profound that idea is. The declaration of faith is not just a belief; it’s an affirmation of something that transcends everything else.”

Jack: “It’s true. There’s something deeply fundamental about that declaration — the belief that there is a single creator, and that everything begins from this understanding. It’s not just a matter of religion; it’s a statement about how one views the world. This declaration aligns everything in the universe under one central truth — that there is only one God.”

Jeeny: “And I think that idea — that everything starts from the belief in one, single God — is powerful. It defines not just the way a Muslim lives their faith, but it shapes the way they engage with the world. The recognition that there is a creator, a force greater than ourselves, sets the foundation for everything else. It’s a deep, unifying belief that transcends individual differences.”

Jack: “Exactly. It’s not just about recognizing a higher power; it’s about recognizing that this power is singular, that everything we see, experience, and encounter comes from this one source. It’s an acknowledgment of the unity of all existence. And by declaring this, they’re not just asserting a belief — they’re affirming a way of seeing and living in the world.”

Host: The conversation begins to deepen as they reflect on the simplicity and profundity of the declaration of faith. Jack leans forward, his hands resting on the table, while Jeeny sits across from him, her voice steady as she continues.

Jeeny: “It’s interesting, though, how such a simple declaration can carry so much weight. It’s not just a religious statement — it’s a commitment to living in a way that honors the oneness of creation. It shapes everything a person does, from their actions to their relationships to how they view the world. It’s not just about belief; it’s about living that belief every single day.”

Jack: “Right, it’s an active belief. It’s not just saying the words, it’s about embodying the truth that there is no God but God in every part of your life. It influences how you engage with others, how you approach challenges, and how you find meaning in the world. It’s a declaration that shapes everything.”

Jeeny: “And in that way, it’s incredibly unifying. When you recognize that the creator is one and singular, it creates a sense of connection, not just to the divine, but to each other as human beings. We’re all part of the same creation, all connected by this one truth.”

Jack: “That’s the beauty of it, isn’t it? By acknowledging the oneness of God, we also recognize the oneness of all things. It’s a belief that doesn’t just live in isolation; it connects everything — all of us, all of creation. And through that connection, we find a deeper unity, a common purpose.”

Host: The room feels quieter now, the weight of their reflections settling in. Outside, the world continues its usual rhythm, but inside, Jack and Jeeny share a moment of understanding: the declaration of faith is not just an individual belief, but a recognition of the unity of all things — a commitment to live in alignment with the truth that there is only one creator, and that everything in existence flows from this singular, powerful truth.

Jeeny: “Maybe that’s the starting point for everything else — recognizing the oneness of God and allowing that to shape how we live, how we relate to others, and how we see the world. It’s not just about religion; it’s about how that truth influences our actions and our relationships.”

Jack: “Exactly. It’s about living in a way that reflects that unity and oneness. The declaration of faith is a reminder that everything comes from one source, and that understanding can help guide us toward a more connected, compassionate life.”

Host: As the conversation settles into a quiet conclusion, the room feels filled with a deeper understanding: that the declaration of faith, simple as it may seem, holds within it a profound truth — the oneness of God, and by extension, the oneness of all creation. This declaration is not just an act of belief, but an ongoing call to live in alignment with the truth that everything is connected, all flowing from the same divine source. Through that understanding, we find unity, purpose, and a deeper sense of meaning in life.