That community passed away.
What they earned belongs to them,
and what you earn belongs to you.
You will not be answerable for their deeds.

The Qur’an - 2:134
(Translated by Abdel Haleem)
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I was listening to a podcast with addiction expert Dr. Gabor Maté yesterday. He said there’s no evidence alcoholism is a physical trait passed down through generations, but rather the pattern of trauma causing addiction that’s passed on. I thought it was interesting timing that I stumbled upon this quote while reading the Qur’an. It serves as a reminder that we’re not our ancestors, and that we can separate ourselves from their paths if need be.

Of course, this could go one of two ways: You’re not bound to the bad deeds or habits which your family performed, but then again, you’re not secured to any good that’s come before you either. You’re an individual when it comes to being seen by God (if you believe in such a thing. And if you don’t, you can still apply this wisdom in cutting ties with any preconceived stories about ending up like your father or mother or what have you).

In the context of the passage in the Qur’an, this was referring to how Judaism and Christianity began to deviate from the path Abraham set out on. From what I read, it seems Islam was of born from observing the self-righteous bickering between Christians and Jews, accusing each other of having no basis for their respective beliefs, even though they had the same Scripture. Islam was a reversion to simple faith of the Abrahamic ways, worshipping one god, without the need for any coming Messiah or divine offspring.

That said, the Qur’an encourages its followers to live in peace with those of other faiths, and accepts there are partial truths in all religions. It leaves the judgment of all men to God as a way of dealing with the irrational and futile arguments made by those who claim salvation is exclusive.

The Muslim conception of Allah seems to be broad, including what’s best in other religions, but free from any of their limitations. The principle in unity of faith, and unity of all prophets and messengers throughout the ages, is the cornerstone of Islam. This universal characteristic brings people under the same banner, free of prejudice and discrimination.

I’m officially intrigued.