How to Test the Truth of Islam

How to prove the truth of Islam? In the process of seeking the truth, thinkers found three major theories, namely Correspondence Theory, Coherence Theory, and Pragmatism Theory.

1. Correspondence

Theory This theory states that truth is the correspondence (correspondence) between statements about something with the reality or facts of that thing. For example, “The Quran was revealed in Arabic”.

This is a statement. If the facts prove that "the Quran was revealed in Arabic," that statement is true. Thus, the statement is a truth.

2. Coherence

Theory This theory states that truth is the conformity between a statement and another statement that previously existed, has been acknowledged, accepted, or is known to be true. For example, "Sayyidina Ali is the son-in-law of the Messenger of Allah." We know and accept this statement from the sirah nabawiyah.

So, if there is a statement that is coherent (in accordance) with the statement, this statement is declared true because it is coherent with the previous statement.

For example:

Rasulullah has made Ali bin Abi Talib as his son-in-law.
Sayyidina Ali married one of the daughters of the Prophet.

The two statements above are true because they are in accordance with the previous statements.

3. Pragmatism Theory

This theory states that something is said to be true if it has utility value, can be done (workability), and has a satisfying consequence (satisfactory consequence). Thus, the value of perceived usefulness is at the core of this theory.

How to test the truth of Islam by using these three theories?

a. Correspondence Theory Test

To test the truth of Islam with Correspondence Theory, we can ask the question, “Are the statements in the Qur'an in accordance with reality or actual reality?

In the Qur'an scattered verses that tell stories about various natural phenomena, news about the past and future, supernatural things, human psychological conditions, and so on. We can test these verses by comparing them with existing realities, for example with the development of science.

For example, in QS Al-Anbiya, 21: 30 it is stated that "... the heavens and the earth were both one unit, then we separated them ..." Is this statement true?

Modern science proves that there was a huge explosion that started the universe. Scientists call it the Big Bang Theory. So, the statement of the Quranic verse is true.

b. Coherence Theory Test

What about Coherence Theory? We can ask the question, "Are the statements in the Qur'an or the hadith of the Prophet coherent (in harmony) with other statements or are there contradictions between one statement and another.

Here we can see the element of consistency of the Qur'an or hadith on a problem. As an example we take the problem of adultery. The Prophet said, "If a servant commits adultery, then faith comes out of him. That faith lay above his head like an umbrella. If he abandons the act of adultery, the faith will return to him." (HR At-Tirmidhi).

Is the content of this hadith true? See if this hadith is in harmony with other hadiths or with the verses of the Quran. Apparently, the content of this hadith is a truth because other texts also support this verse.

In QS Al-Isra, 17: 32 for example, Allah says, "And do not approach adultery; (because of adultery) it is an abominable act, and a bad way." Reality also proves that adultery is a very bad and dangerous act.

c. Pragmatism Theory Test

As for the Pragmatism Theory, we can ask, "Can religion provide benefits for its adherents?" We can reflect on our own experiences and the experiences of many people that religion provides great benefits to human life, at least in five ways:

Religion is able to fulfill the sense of religion;
Religion is able to answer human psychological problems;
Religion is able to bring calm, peace, happiness, and order in life;
Religion makes its adherents have meaning and purpose in life;
Religion is also able to answer many human curiosity, such as about things that are unseen.

William James, a philosopher who supports this theory, admits himself that religion is a truth because religion has a positive influence on its adherents, and by believing in God society becomes more orderly, even though he is an atheist himself.

By using these three test tools, we will be more convinced of the truth of the religion of Islam that we profess. Hopefully.