The
Author
is
M.A. (Master's of
Arts) degree holder, presently residing in,
Riyadh, Saudi
Arabia. The enlightening article is one of the requirements that she
submitted as a participant to the
World Islamic Service for
Developing Outstanding Muslims (WISDOM) International Islamic (Distance)
Learning Program.
We, the organizers of the Wisdom Enrichment Foundation (WEFOUND) pray to Allah
the Almighty to accept her effort as a good deed, worthy of His Rewards in
Paradise. May Allah accept this also as a service from us and bless it as a
source of enlightenment to Muslims and non-Muslims alike. Ameen.
“I testify that none has the right to be worshipped but Allah and Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) is His last Messenger.’’
Allah reveals in the Holy Qur’an:
“O you who believe! Enter into Islam wholeheartedly; and follow not the footsteps of the Evil One; for he is to you an avowed enemy.” (Qur’ân 2:208)
‘O you who believe! Fear Allah as He should be feared and die not except in a state of Islam (as Muslims with complete submission to Allah).” (Qur’an 3:102)
Allah, the Creator, the Omnipresent, the Omnipotent, the God of all guides us Muslims to have complete submission to Him through the Qur'an and the Sunnah (Tradition and Practices) of His Messenger (pbuh, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him). If we believe and follow Allah's Guidance by practicing Islam wholeheartedly we become righteous. We will be among those who will dwell in Paradise forever. We will attain our ultimate Goal in life, and that is to return to Allah in a state of perfection and hence, supreme success. Indeed, Allah promises us supreme success when He says:
“But those who
believe and do deeds of righteousness -- We shall soon admit them to
Gardens, with rivers flowing beneath,-- to dwell therein forever. Allâh’s
promise is the truth, and whose word can be truer than Allâh’s?” (Qur’ân
4:122).
"...Allâh has promised the believers, men and women, gardens under which rivers
flow to dwell therein and beautiful mansions in gardens of everlasting bliss.
But the greatest bliss is the Good Pleasure of Allâh: that is the supreme
success.” (Qur’ân 9:71-72)
Islâm is a religion based on reason, that leads man to a peaceful blend of the divergent aspects of life. We Muslims should be proud of the fact that Islam is not a religion of mysticism or barren spirituality. Islam is a mirror to our life showing the reality and difference between vice and virtue. It serves us a guide to the humanity. The Holy Prophet’s life is a guidance in itself and a mercy not only to the Muslim Ummah but mankind as a whole.
To the people who have faith in Allâh and Muhammad’s Prophethood, the Prophet’s practice and teachings should become the standard by which every man should reform his life and morals, his behavior and conduct. Rejecting his guidance means rejecting Allâh’s Guidance:
“Say: ‘If you do love Allah, follow me: Allah will love you and forgive you, your sins: for Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.’” (Qur’an 3:31)
In this age of sick hurry and divided aims, loss of values and lack of faith, concentrated efforts are being made to destroy and mutilate religious beliefs and faith in Allâh, the One and Only True God. In this wake of current and cross currents of the world events, it seems absolutely necessary to understand that Islâm teaches us to live in peace and preserve peace. Islâm is not a theoretical philosophy, but a complete code of conduct and a way to a successful human life. As such, it does not need to compel anyone to follow it, for very clearly anyone who reads and tries to ponder in the veracity of its teachings will find it as the true religion and the best way of life for all. How vividly the Qur’ân States:
“Let there be no compulsion in religion; for Truth stands out clear from error...” (Qur’an 2:256)
Islâm is a comprehensive value system and not a set of ritualistic beliefs. It is a religion of acceptance and commitment of peace. As Muslims we should know more about Islâm in order to reach and worship our Creator the way He likes us to worship Him and perform other forms of duties towards Him to seek His pleasure. The Holy Prophet (pbuh) was sent as a Messenger and guide for the entire world. Through him, Allâh’s guidance reached its consummation and no more guidance was ever needed, for God’s religion had been completed and perfected:
“This day have I perfected your religion for you, completed My favors upon you, and have chosen for you Islam as your religion.” (Qur’an 5:4)
The virtue claimed by the Qur’ân of being the last revelation and this divine teaching revealed through the last Prophet (pbuh) were for all times and for all nations. Things which began with Adam were accumulated and culminated in the message of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) and is a gift for the entire humanity. For one thing Islâm teaches us the acquisition of knowledge, especially the knowledge that pertains to Aqeedah (belief). As one Muslim scholar says: “Knowledge vary depending on the extent of one’s adherence to it. The greatest and most excellent of knowledge is that which pertains to Allâh, His names and His attributes and this knowledge is known as Aqeedah (belief).” Allâh the Almighty guides us to acquire knowledge of Islam when He says:
“Say: ‘Are those equal, those who know and those who do not know? It is those who are endowed with understanding that receive admonition.’” (Qur’an 39:9)
The Holy Qur’an provides answers to all life’s queries. It is an indisputable truth and proof from Allâh that contains all issues related to the phenomenon of nature which were not known or understood by anyone. It talks of the various kinds of knowledge from the creation of the universe to relating history, from philosophy and sociology to scientific details. It is our recent discoveries in fields of biology to cosmology or physiology to mathematics -- that the Qur’ân has confirmed and provided ultimate proofs to all. There are many more facts that are still undiscovered lying in between the lines of the Holy Qur’ân, awaiting the mortals to progress in the respective fields of study and to interpret them in the light of new findings.
Qur’ân is also thus called Al’Furqaan which means it is a book which helps us to discriminate between good and evil, between right and wrong. The belief in the absolute oneness of Allâh (Tawheed) is the belief in the oneness of humanity. The Qur’an repeatedly asserts that mankind was created from one breath of life and hence the idea of humanity being a single community has come into force. The Islamic concept of oneness of God is based on the glorious creed, the deep resounding echo, which showered from the heavens called out to the Prophet (pbuh) by the one and only True God, Allâh:
“Say: ‘He is Allâh, the Eternal, the Absolute. He begets not. Nor is He begotten. And there is none like unto Him.'” (Qur’an 112:1-4)
Islâm is a religion based upon knowledge for it is ultimately knowledge of the Oneness of God (Tawheed) combined with faith and total commitment to Him that saves man. The Qur’ân invites man to use his intellect, to ponder, to think and to know, for the goal of human life is to worship Allâh in His Oneness. This is the Truth which we must know, if we want to succeed in life. We need to seek knowledge of Islâm in its perfect form so we can reach our ultimate Goal. The Prophet (pbuh) has encouraged us to seek knowledge as shown in many authentic Ahâdîth. Some of them are as follows:
`Abdullah ibn Mas`ud narrated that the Prophet (pbuh) said, “Do not wish to be like anyone except in two cases. (The first is) a person whom Allah has given wealth and he spends it righteously; (the second is) the one whom Allah has given wisdom (the Holy Qur’an) and he acts according to it and teaches it to others.” (Bukhari, Vol. 1, Hadith 73; 255)
Anas ibn Malik (May Allah be pleased with him) reported that Allah’s Messenger (pbuh) said, “Seeking of knowledge is incumbent upon every Muslim and he who imparts knowledge to the persons who do not deserve it, is like him who puts on a necklace of pearls, jewels and gold around the necks of swine.” (Ibn Majah, Vol. 1, Hadith 224)
Knowledge of Islâm indeed helps the believer to discern between the lawful and the forbidden, and it is the guiding light for the seekers on the path of Allâh. Knowledge is our comforting friend in times of loneliness. It is the best companion during travels, and it is the inner friend who speaks to us in our privacy. Knowledge is the discerning proof of what is right and what is wrong; and it is the positive force that helps us surmount the trails of comfort, as well as those of hardship. Knowledge is our most powerful sword against our enemies, and finally it is our most dignifying raiment in the company of our close companions. Allah has not only guided us to seek for knowledge but also He has stressed to us not to do anything without knowledge:
“...Allah will raise up, to (suitable) ranks (and degrees), those of you who believe and have been granted Knowledge. And Allah is well-acquainted with all you do.” (Qur’an 58:11)
"And follow not, (O man i.e. do not say, act or witness) that of which you have no knowledge. Verily! The hearing, and the sight and the heart for each of those will you be questioned.” (Qur’an 17: 36)
Through knowledge, Allâh, blessed be His Name, raises some people in rank, and makes them leaders in righteousness and models in morality. The vestige of their faith is avidly sought, their deeds are emulated perceptively, and people will seek and sanction their opinions solicitously and unequivocally. The heavenly angels seek their company and shade them under their wings, every fresh or withered life they pass by implore Almighty Allâh on their behalf. This is because knowledge revives the dead hearts and drives them out of darkness into light, and knowledge is the light of inner eyes that cures one’s blindness and restores light as the Prophet (pbuh) taught us in the following hâdîth:
Kathir ibn Qais reported ... that Abu Darda said, I heard Allah’s Messenger (pbuh) as saying, “He who sets foot on a path in the quest of knowledge Allah facilitates for him the path to the Paradise, the angels accord welcome to the seeker of knowledge and everything of the heaven and the earth, even the fish in the water beg forgiveness for him. The superiority of the scholar over a devout person is like the superiority of the moon over the stars. Verily, the scholars are the heirs of Allah’s Messengers. The Prophets transfer neither dinner nor dirham by inheritance. They only transfer knowledge of inheritance. Therefore, he who acquires this (knowledge), receives an ample share.” (Ibn Majah, Vol. 1, Hadith 223)
Islâm is a religion for all people, from whatever race or background they belonged to. Islamic civilization is based on equality and justice, which stands completely against any racial or ethnic discrimination. The global civilization created by Islâm has succeeded in activating the mind and thoughts of the people who come into Islâm with an open mind and a faithful heart. The religion of Islâm is in itself responsible not only for the creation of a world civilization in which people of many different ethnic backgrounds participate, but it plays a central role in developing intellectual and cultural life on a scale not seen before.
People in the various parts of the Islamic world bear witness to the flowering of Islâmic culture and thoughts. Every sensible individual finds it as the best source of guidance. As such, Islâm is destined to ultimately prevail as the leading world religion and we are witnessing the progression of a civilization which is stretching from one end of the globe to another! Allâh the Almighty plainly tells us:
“This is the Book; in it is guidance sure, without doubt, to those who fear Allah.” (Qur'an 2:2)
“It is He Who has sent His Messenger with Guidance and the Religion of Truth to make it prevail over all religions, even though the Pagans may detest it.” (Qur'an 61:9)
Islâm guides us in all aspects of life -- to reach the ultimate level of success. The guidance for attaining righteousness is given very comprehensively -- covering not only the aspects of our spirituality, but also life itself as a moral code. Would it then be sufficient to just believe in His existence but not carry out His Command? When Allâh commands Muslims to pray five times a day, and a Muslim does not do that, can he expect our Only God to be merciful to him?
The Qur'ân makes it clear that the earth is our habitat and that we are required to dwell in it, and establish a balanced way of life without excesses or deficiencies. The basic role of human being in this face of earth is only to worship Allâh:
“I have created not the jinn and men except that they should worship Me (Alone). I seek not any provision from them nor do I ask that they should feed Me. Verily, Allah is the All-Provider, Owner of Power, Most Strong.” (Qur'an 51:56-58)
Serve Allâh or to worship Him is a comprehensive way that covers every aspect of life. Fulfilling sincerely all that Allâh has demanded from us (in terms of praying, fasting, zakah, hajj and other righteous deeds) reflects our devotion to Him. The same could be said regarding any action that every human being performs in accordance with the Islâmic world-view, as long as it is done for the sake of Allâh. A human being, in the Islâmic world-view is considered a vicegerent, a trustee and is, therefore, not supposed to cause corruption and mischief in any form on earth. Living on this earth means a great responsibility and not a mere existence and this very essence of struggle is a test with accountability and hence will be followed by either reward or punishment:
“Behold, your Rabb (Cherisher and Sustainer) said to the angels: ‘I will create a vicegerent on earth.’ They said: ‘Will place therein one who will make mischief therein and shed blood? While we do celebrate Your praises and glorify Your Holy (Name)?’ He said: ‘I know what you know not.’” (Qur'an 2:30)
“It is He who has made you (His) vicegerents, inheritors of the earth: He has raised you in ranks, some above others: that He may try you in the gifts He has given you: for your Rabb (Cherisher and Sustainer) is quick in punishment: yet He is indeed Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.” (Qur'an 6:165)
One of the cardinal principles of Islâmic faith is the belief in all the prophets and all the revealed books. The underlying idea of belief is to make man realize that we all belong to one single Creator who is Divine and the Most Absolute, Who raised the prophets in different nations, at different periods of history with one single message and that is to worship Allâh as the only true God:
“O mankind! Worship your Guardian Allah, Who created you and those who came before you that you may become righteous.” (Qur'an 2:21)
Allâh guides us to be righteous. He has taught the purpose of our creation or existence in this world and that is to worship Him Alone. He has also made it clear that He is our very Goal in life. Our Creator tells us:
“To each is a goal to which Allah turns him; then strive together (as in a race) towards all that is good. Whosoever you are, Allah will bring you together; for Allah has power over all things.” (Qur'an 2:148)
“...And to Allah belongs the dominion of the heavens and the earth, and to all that is between. And to Him is the final Goal (of all).” (Qur’an 5:18)
“O you who believe! Guard your own souls. If you follow (right) guidance no hurt can come to you from those who stray. The return of you all is to Allah. It is He what will inform you of all that you do.” (Qur’an 5:105)
“The revelation of this Book is from Allah, exalted in Power, Full of Knowledge,-- Who forgives sin, accepts repentance, is severe in punishment, and is All-Bountiful. There is no god but He: to Him is the Final Goal.” (Qur’an 40:2-3)
Allâh is, indeed, our Final Goal. To Him we came and to Him is our return. If we submit to Him in Islâm then, we attain our Goal successfully. He will reward those who believe in Him and do righteous deeds with supreme success and happiness in Paradise. Unfortunately, many do not understand their ultimate Goal in life. Materialism -- along with the spread of nationalism, which separates Muslims on ethnic, linguistic and tribal lines -- distort their minds from reaching their very Goal in life. Bid’ah (Innovation) in Islam becomes common among those who know nothing but this worldly life. As humans we lack perfect knowledge as well as perfect wisdom. No matter how hard we try, we will never attain the perfect way of life by our own thinking and interpretation. This is the reason why Allâh, being the Most Wise, has sent down the Qur'ân as a gift to mankind and a key to success in life and ultimately a road to Paradise. Allâh, the Perfect in His Wisdom and Knowledge, bestowed on us a complete way of life. He has set His perfect rules and guidance, all of which are beneficial to mankind, and therefore, do not need any change or modification. Islâm in its perfect form, through the Qur’ân and the Sunnah, is the best way of life for us. If we want to succeed, let us adhere to the Sunnah and avoid bid’ah (innovation in the religion). Let us take guidance and admonition from the following authentic Ahâdîth:
Yahya ibn Abű Muta said, “I heard Irbad ibn Sariya as saying, “One day Allâh’s Messenger (pbuh) said, ‘…It is incumbent upon you to adhere strictly to my Sunnah and the Sunnah of the rightly guided Caliphs. Hold fast that with teeth and pursue not the affairs of innovation for every innovation is straying from the Right Path.’” (Ibn Mâjah, Vol.1, Hadith 42, Abű Dâwűd Hadith 4950, and Tirmidhî)
‘Aishah reported that Allâh’s Messenger (pbuh) said, “Whoso introduces any thing new to this affairs of ours (i.e., religion) which does not form a part of it, it is invalid.” (Bukhâri Vol. 3, Hadith 861 and Ibn Mâjah Vol.1, Hadith 14)
“Whoever leaves off obedience and separates from the Jam'ah and dies, (then) he dies a death of jahiliyyah (i.e. pre-Islamic ignorance and disbelief). And whoever fights under the banner of the blind, angry for nationalism or calling to nationalism or assisting nationalism and dies, (then) he dies a death of jahiliyyah.” (Muslim 2/143)
Islam, being the only perfect way of life, can solve all human problems. It is the only hope for overcoming the present and future challenges of life. What we need is simply to practice it faithfully and wholeheartedly. Islam teaches decency, humility and good manners. The most valued virtues of a Muslim include truthfulness and justice; helping the poor and the needy; respecting parents, scholars, teachers and elders; love and kindness for children, the widows and the poor; and good relations with neighbors and guests. Islam prohibits and condemns enmity, backbiting, slander, blasphemy, ridicule, use of offensive names, suspicion, arrogance, oppression, injustice, and all evil deeds.
Islam deals with man and his ultimate goal in life. Its teachings cover all aspects of this life and the life after death. It is the only way to salvation. Unfortunately, many Muslims have such a poor Islamic identity and perspective that they cannot bear to fulfill their Islamic obligations under the critical eye of the hostile world. Instead of clarifying the misconceptions that non-Muslims have on Islam and the Muslims, they themselves support the distorted views by not practicing Islam faithfully. One misconception pertains to the concept of equality between man and woman. The foundation of an Islamic society is justice and equality. Allah has created men and women as equal, but with different capabilities and different responsibilities. Men and women are different, physiologically and psychologically. Their roles and responsibilities are different. Men and women are equal in Islam, but not identical. In terms of rewards for doing righteousness, women enjoy the same rewards with that of men. Allah promises Paradise and a new life that is good and pure to both men and women who do deeds of righteousness. Our Creator says:
“If any do deeds of righteousness be they male or female and have faith they will enter heaven and not the least injustice will be done to them.” (Qur’ân 4:124)
“Whoever works righteousness man or woman and has faith verily to him will We give a new life a life that is good and pure and We will bestow on such their reward according to the best of their actions.” (Qur’ân 16:97)
Indeed, Islam is the only religion, which gives tremendous importance to the identification of both sexes. The status of women in Islam is often the target of attacks in the secular media. The 'hijaab' or the Islamic dress is cited by many as an example of the 'subjugation' of women under Islamic law because they fail to see the wisdom behind it. Islam uplifted the status of women and granted them their just rights1400 years ago. Islam expects women to maintain their honor and dignity. People usually only discuss 'hijaab' in the context of women. However, in the Qur'an, Allah first mentions 'hijaab' for men before 'hijaab' for the women:
"Say to the believing men that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty: that will make for greater purity for them: and Allah is well acquainted with all that they do." (Qur'an 24:30)
And then for the women:
“And say, to the believing women that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty; that they should not display their beauty and ornaments except what (must ordinarily) appear thereof; that they should draw veils over their bosoms and not display their beauty except to their husbands, their fathers, their husbands' fathers, their sons.” (Qur'an 24:31)
The Qur'an says that hijaab has been prescribed for the women so that they are recognized as modest women and this will also prevent them from being molested. This reason is mentioned in the Qur'an in the following verse:
“O Prophet! Tell your wives and daughters, and the believing women that they should cast their outer garments over their persons (when abroad); that is most convenient, that they should be known (as such) and not molested. And Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.” (Qur'an 33:59)
Western society falsely claims to have uplifted women. They talk of woman's liberalization, but in reality it is nothing but a disguised form of exploitation of her body, degradation of her soul, and deprivation of her honor. Western society claims to have 'uplifted' women but on the contrary it has only degraded her status, under the cover of the so-called fashionable world and making her a mere tool in the various fields of activities. In contrast, Islam does not degrade a woman but uplifts her, by safeguarding her modesty and chastity. If one critically analyzes the teachings of Islam with an open mind, one cannot escape the fact that this Deen (Religion) gives full of benefits both at the individual and collective levels.
It is sad to note that due to lack of knowledge of Islam, especially its uniqueness as the best way of life and religion, many Muslims become secular. They have subjected themselves to various temptations from Satan and his followers by imitating the non-Muslims in many ways. Instead of learning the Qur'an and the Sunnah they waste their time watching television programs, reading fictions and magazines, and surfing websites, which are not at all Islamic. They prefer this temporary world instead of the eternal world in the hereafter. If only they read and study the Qur’an, they will learn that the best goal in life is to return to Allah and enjoy the eternal blessings of Paradise:
“Fair in the eyes of men is the love of things they covet: women and sons; heaped-up hoards of gold and silver; horses branded (for blood and excellence); and (wealth of) cattle and well-tilled land. Such are the possessions of this world’s life; but with Allah is the best of the goals (to return to).” (Qur’an 3:14)
“Nothing is the life of this world but play and amusement, but best is the Home in the Hereafter, for those who are righteous, will you not then understand?” (Qur’an 6:32)
“Allah does enlarge, or grant by (strict) measure, the sustenance (which He gives) to whom so He pleases ľ (the worldly) rejoice in the life of this world. But the life of this world is but little comfort compared to the Hereafter.” (Qur’an 13:26)
For our salvation and success, let us turn to Allah for His Guidance. Verily, Allah is the Only One Who makes sound the hearts of those who sincerely seek the Truth and who go for righteousness:
“...And who is more astray than one who follows his own desires without guidance from Allah? Verily Allah guides not people who are Dhaalimoon (wrongdoers, disobedient to Allah, polytheists).” (Qur’an 28:50)
Let us follow Islam according to the Qur’an and the Sunnah. Let us uphold Islam, live a life according to its teachings and morals and follow the ideal Muslim character expected of us as believers of the True Faith. Let us not imitate the life of the non-Muslims. Sheikh Ibn Taymeeyah commented:
“It is a duty upon a Muslim to uphold his religion and make it the mere act of living. Among them is a cause and a suspicion of one imitating them, acquiring their characteristics and morals, and their blameworthy deeds and indeed even their religious convictions and as a result one who lives among a kaafir becomes like him. As well, the external act of participation in living and working with disbelievers stimulates internal feelings of love, friendship, and benevolence just as internal feelings of love encourages external acts of imitation of them. The Messenger of Allaah, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam has forbidden a Muslim to reside among the mushrikeen if he has the ability to make hijrah away from them ... and he said "Whoever gathers among the mushrik and lives among them is one of them." ('Awn Al-Ma'bood – Vol. 7 pg 338, Al-Jihaad)
The life that is based on human conjectures, whims, caprices and vices does more harm than good to us. The best life is one based on the complete submission to Allah and that is Islam according to the Qur’an and the Sunnah. The Messenger of Allah (pbuh) left a way very clear for us as he said:
Jâbir ibn ‘Abdullâh narrated that the Prophet (pbuh) said, “...I have left among you the Book of Allâh, and if you hold fast to it, you would never go astray...” (Muslim, Hadith 2803.1)
Jabir ibn Abdullah narrated that Allâh’s Messenger (pbuh) said, “The best speech is that embodied in the Book of Allâh, and the best guidance is the guidance given by Muhammad. The most evil affairs are their innovations; and every innovation is an error.” (Muslim, Hadith 1885)
Indeed, “Facts do not cease to exist simply because you choose to ignore them and it is very important not to lose our sensitivity towards the wrong.” Very often we hear today from the so-called modernized Muslims talking about Hadith and Sunnah in a light vein. It is an established truth that the Prophet Muhammad’s (pbuh) tradition whether in the form of instruction or example, contains the full explanation of the Qur’an and anyone who disregards it commits wicked act or evil deed. The Ahadith relating to the life, words and deeds of our Prophet’s life is undoubtedly the most unique in the world, so full of truth and virtuous teachings. The Prophet (pbuh) said, “Whoever intentionally lies about me his abode shall be hell.” For our success we need to learn the Qur’an and the Sunnah or the authentic Ahâdîth of our Great Prophet (pbuh). We need to spend our time, money, efforts, knowledge or in short our life learning and practicing Islam for the pleasure of Allah. What we practice, we need to share them to others. Let us take guidance from the following Qur’anic Ayât (Verses) and the Hadith of our beloved Prophet (pbuh):
“Say: ‘Truly, my prayer and my service of sacrifice, my life and my death, are (all) for Allah, the Cherisher of the Worlds.’” (Qur'an 6:162)
“By the time, verily man is in loss, except such as have Faith, and do righteous deeds, and join together) in the mutual enjoining of Truth, and of patience and constancy.” (Qur’an 103:1-3)
Abdullah ibn Qatada reported on his father’s authority that Allah’s Messenger (pbuh) said, “The best of what a man leaves behind (after his death) are three things: A pious son who invokes blessings upon him; a sadaqa (charity), which continues (even after his death) and its rewards benefits him; and the knowledge that is acted upon after him.” (Ibn Majah, Vol. 1, Hadith 241)
Abu Barzah Nadlah ibn Ubayd al-Aslami narrated that the Prophet (pbuh) said: “A servant of Allah will remain standing on the Day of Judgment till he is questioned: about his age and how he spent it; and about his knowledge and how he utilized it; about his wealth from where he acquired it and in what (activities) he spent it; and about his body as to how he used it.” (Tirmidhi, Hadith 407)
Islam is for every person on whom Allah has bestowed life and intellect and for those who can see the blessings of Allah. It is for those who can hear the words of Allah (when the Qur’an is being recited in our day to day prayers) and for those who can comprehend the signs of Allah. It is for those whose hearts are full of love and gratitude to Allah and for those whose blessed hearts are open to the True Faith. Islam is the religion accepted by Allah for all humanity. It is the religion of all prophets since Adam to Muhammad (Peace and blessings of Allah be upon them all). Obey the call of your heart to the eternal Faith. Let us summon to the call of Allah:
“O mankind! Worship your Rabb (Cherisher and Sustainer), Who created you and those who came before you that you may become righteous.” (Qur'an 2:21)
“But your God is one God (Allah), submit then your wills to Him (in Islam), and give the good news to those who humble themselves.” (Qur'an 22:34)
Let us fear Allah by submitting ourselves to Him Alone by adhering to Islam according to the Sunnah of His Messenger (pbuh). Let us not follow those who choose to go astray, as Allah the Exalted says:
“If anyone desires a Deen (Religion) other than Islam (submission to Allah) it never will be accepted of him; and in the Hereafter he will be in the ranks of those who have lost (everything).” (Qur'an 3:85)
In front of us there are two ways: One is leading to bliss in this life and in the Hereafter, that is Islam according to the Qur’an and the Sunnah. The other paths are those leading to misery and loss in this world, and to eternal and severe punishment in the Hereafter. The Choice is in our hands. What are we going to choose? Shall we then choose other ways other than Islam when it is the Only Way to reach Allah in perfection and thus attain His Everlasting Rewards in the Hereafter? Brothers and sisters in Islam and those who want eternal success, think wisely. Live and Love Islam: The Key to Reaching Our Ultimate Goal!
I ask Allah, the Most Gracious to forgive my shortcomings and accept my little effort which I have tried with my very little knowledge but sincerely in hope for the reward from my Rabb (Cherisher and Sustainer). I also pray to the Almighty to save all true Muslim believers, brothers and sisters in Faith from the wrath of evil and guide us all to the path of eternal happiness and success. Aameen!
Shenaz Aslam, M.A. Riyadh, Saudi Arabia shenazaslam@yahoo.com