By Dr. Norlain Dindang Mababaya
It
is a must that we strive to know Islam. Allâh’s Messenger (sallallâhu ‘alayhi
wasallam, meaning: May the peace and
blessings of Allah be upon him) to the
whole mankind encourages us to acquire knowledge of Islam in order to comprehend
it. He says in the following authentic Ahâdith:
Abu Hurairah (radhiallâhu anhu,
meaning: May Allah be pleased with him)
narrated that... the Prophet (sallallâhu ‘alayhi wasallam) said, “Those who
were the best in the pre-lslamic period of ignorance will be the best in Islam
provided they comprehend the religious knowledge.”
(Bukhâri 4/572 and Muslim)
‘Abdur Rahmân ibn Abi Bakrah (radhiallâhu anhu)
narrated on the authority of his father that the Prophet (sallallâhu ‘alayhi
wasallam) said, “If Allâh wants to do good to a person, he makes him comprehend
the religion; and of course knowledge is attained by learning.”
(Bukhâri 1/67)
Mu‘awiyah ibn Abi Sufyân narrated
that Allâh’s Messenger said,
“Goodness is a (natural) habit while the evil is a stubbornness. To whomsoever
Allâh wills to show goodness, He favors him with the understanding in the
Religion.” (Ibn Mâjah, 1/221)
When we study
Islam or at least read the Qur’an and the authentic
Ahâdith
we learn that Islam is easy, complete and the perfect religion as well as
way of life for the whole mankind. We read in the Qur’an and the Ahâdith
the following unique features of Islam:
1.
Islam is easy:
“But whoever believes and works righteousness he
shall have a goodly reward and easy will be his task as We order it by Our
command.” (Qur'an 18:88)
Abu Hurairah (radhiallâhu anhu) narrated that
the Prophet (sallallâhu ‘alayhi wasallam) said, “Religion (Islam) is very easy
and whoever overburdens himself in his religion will not be able to continue in
that way. So you should not be extremists, but try to be near to perfection and
receive the good tidings that you will be rewarded; and gain strength by
offering the prayers in the mornings, afternoons and during the last hours of
the nights.” (Bukhâri 1/38)
Anas bin Malik
(radhiallâhu anhu) narrated that the Prophet (sallallâhu ‘alayhi
wasallam) said, "Make things easy for the people, and do not make it difficult
for them, and make them calm (with glad tidings) and do not repulse (them).”
(Bukhâri,8/146)
2.
Islam is complete:
“…He it is Who has sent unto you the Book,
explained in detail. They know full well, to whom We have given the Book, that
it has been sent down from your Rabb in truth. Never be then of those who
doubt.” (6:114)
“For We had certainly sent unto them a Book
based on knowledge, which We explained in detail -- a guide and a mercy to all
who believe.” (7:52)
“…(This is ) a Book with verses basic or
fundamental (of established meaning) -- further explained in detail -- from
One Who is Wise and Well-Acquainted (with all things).”
(11:1)
3. Islam is perfect:
“...This day have I perfected your religion for
you, completed My favor upon you, and have chosen for you Islam as your
religion.” (5:3)
As the
perfect religion, Islam teaches mankind how to attain success in the most
perfect way. The following are some of the Ahâdith that serve as
enlightenment and guidance to those who desire for perfection:
Abu Hurairah (radhiallâhu anhu)
narrated that the Prophet (sallallâhu ‘alayhi wasallam)
said, "Goodness and comfort are for him who worships his Rabb in a
perfect manner and serves his master sincerely.”
(Bukhari 3/725)
Ibn Umar (radhiallâhu anhu) narrated that
Allâh’s Messenger (sallallâhu ‘alayhi wasallam)
said, "If a slave is honest and faithful to his master and worships his
Rabb (Allâh) in a perfect manner, he will get a double reward.”
(Bukhari 3/722)
Abu Hurairah (radhiallâhu anhu) narrated that the
Prophet (sallallâhu ‘alayhi wasallam) said, "Whoever believes in Allâh and His
Messenger, offers prayers perfectly and fasts (the month of) Ramadan then it is
incumbent upon Allâh to admit him into Paradise, whether he emigrates for
Allâh’s cause or stays in the land where he was born.” They (the companions of
the Prophet (sallallâhu ‘alayhi wasallam) said, "O Allâh’s Messenger
(sallallâhu ‘alayhi wasallam)! Should we not inform the people of that?" He
said, "There are one-hundred degrees in Paradise which Allâh has prepared for
those who carry on Jihad in His Cause. The distance between every two degrees is
like the distance between the sky and the Earth. So if you ask Allâh for
anything, ask Him for the Firdaus, for it is the last part of Paradise and the
highest part of Paradise, and at its top there is the Throne of Beneficent, and
from it gush forth the rivers of Paradise.”
(Bukhari 9/519)
Abdullah ibn Hisham (radhiallâhu anhu) narrated:
“We were with the Prophet (sallallâhu ‘alayhi wasallam) and he was holding the
hand of 'Umar bin Al-Khattab. 'Umar said to Him, "O Allâh’s Messenger! You are
dearer to me than everything except my own self.” The Prophet (sallallâhu
‘alayhi wasallam) said, "No, by Him in Whose Hand my soul is, (you will not have
complete or perfect faith) till I am dearer to you than your own self.” Then 'Umar
said to him, "However, now, by Allâh, you are dearer to me than my own self.”
The Prophet (sallallâhu ‘alayhi wasallam) said, "Now, O 'Umar, you are a
believer.” (Bukhari 8/628)
Abu Hurairah (radhiallâhu anhu) narrated that
the Prophet (sallallâhu ‘alayhi wasallam) said:
“The most perfect believer in respect of faith is he who is best of them in
manners.” (Abu Dawud 4665)
Abu Humamah (radhiallâhu anhu) narrated that
the Prophet (sallallâhu ‘alayhi wasallam) said: “If anyone loves for Allâh’s
sake, hates for Allâh’s sake, gives for Allâh’s sake and withholds for Allâh’s
sake, he will have perfect faith.” (Abu Dawud
4664)
Abu Hurairah (radhiallâhu anhu) narrated that
the Prophet (sallallâhu ‘alayhi wasallam) said: “Among the Muslims the most
perfect, as regards his faith, is the one whose character is excellent, and the
best among you are those who treat their wives well.”
(Tirmidhi 278, 628, 3264 and Abu Dawud)
Aishah (Radhiallâhu anha) narrated that Allâh’s
Messenger (sallallâhu ‘alayhi wasallam) said, "Among the believers who show
most perfect faith are those who have the best disposition, and are kindest to
their families.” (Tirmidhi 3263)
All the above Prophetic teachings in addition to
the Qur’anic Ayât
(Verses) earlier quoted clearly tell us that indeed, Islam is the perfect
religion and hence the best way of life for all. Islam as a universal religion
is Allah’s Blessing and Mercy for all of us. It is for us to enjoy it and be
successful in the eternal world to come. The best way to attain success through
Islam is to learn it according to its authentic Sources. That is, to acquire
knowledge of Islam through the Qur’an and the Sunnah and the right deductions
from these revealed Sources of Knowledge and Guidance.
Since Allah (Subhanahu
wa ta’ala) is the One Who gives guidance, earnestly ask Him for authentic
Islamic knowledge. We must seek His help and guidance to be able to apply such
knowledge and share them to others – all for His Pleasure. May our
Rabb (Cherisher and Sustainer) increase
our knowledge of Islam and enjoy the best life of being true Muslims forever.
Ameen.