Islam is not merely a religion; it's a comprehensive way of life that emphasizes submission to the divine will of Allah. This submission, known as Islam, is the path to eternal happiness and is the culmination of divine guidance delivered through a succession of prophets. Islam is a faith that transcends physical and psychological dimensions, offering a unique humanistic personality through the faculties of thought, analysis, synthesis, and decision-making. It is a system of divine education that shapes human behavior and personality, leading to a mature and virtuous existence.
Humans are complex entities, embodying characteristics from various dimensions of existence. In the first dimension, we share the physical and chemical properties of the material world. The second dimension includes our physiological traits, akin to the plant kingdom. The third dimension encompasses our psychological aspects, similar to the animal world. Beyond these, humans possess a fourth dimension that grants us the ability to think, analyze, synthesize, and make decisions, setting us apart from other creatures.
Humans have been bestowed with countless blessings from Allah, the Merciful and Compassionate Creator. Consider the intricate physiological processes involving thousands of chemicals, enzymes, and hormones that sustain life. A single malfunction can lead to distressing consequences. Similarly, our psychological well-being, attention, memory, and consciousness are gifts that, if impaired, can lead to severe hardship.
Imagine being deprived of reason, treated with disdain, unable to manage oneself or one's affairs, and disconnected from society. Such a scenario underscores the magnitude of divine benefactions that many humans, unfortunately, take for granted.
Allah, the Creator and Protector, has endowed humans with immeasurable blessings up to the fourth dimension of reason. He desires to elevate humans to the pinnacle of maturity in the fifth dimension, making them even more precious and excellent. This completion of favors is contingent upon individual volition, requiring one to renounce personal arrogance and egoism and to surrender wholly to the Creator's will. This surrender is succinctly termed Islam.
Islam, derived from the Arabic word for "submission," signifies living in accordance with the commandments of Allah, who is without equal or partner and sovereign over all worlds. True submission is only possible with faith, as one cannot submit to the will of Allah without believing in His existence. Religion scholars have thus recognized belief as the foundation of faith.
Religions serve as conduits for divine education, transforming divine mercy into virtuous human behavior. Through religion, humans can shed negative traits and develop a pure, divine personality. Allah has chosen the name "Allah" in the Quran, encompassing all His beautiful attributes, and it is this name that I will use in my discourse.
Islam represents the manifestation of Allah's attribute as the Educator (Rab) of humanity. It is a doctrine and a prophetic schooling system that guides humans to maturity. The essence of all celestial religions is Islam, despite variations in their respective laws (sharia). Islam is an education of the ego, requiring obedience to Allah's rules and the limitation of personal desires by divine will.
All prophets, from Adam to Muhammad, have preached Islam. Contrary to popular belief, they did not introduce separate religions like Judaism or Christianity; these names were later ascribed by people. All prophets were Muslims, tasked with teaching obedience to Allah's rules and advocating for virtues such as compassion, honesty, and justice. The moral principles we value today have been transmitted through these prophets.
Each prophet brought forth sharia suited to their time, with the final prophet, Muhammad, providing rules that correct past misinterpretations and remain valid for all time.
To achieve full maturity, one must adhere to the essence of religion and consider the abrogated rules of previous sharia. Following the last prophet, Muhammad, is akin to choosing the latest model car to reach one's destination efficiently.
In subsequent articles, I will delve deeper into Islam, the path of perpetual happiness for humans. Those who follow this path attain salvation in both this life and the hereafter, while those who stray, guided by their ego, fall into error to their detriment.
Entrust yourself to Allah.
The Universal Creed: A Single Religion for Humanity
The concept of a single religion for all humanity is not a new one. Throughout history, many have pondered the idea of a universal faith that transcends cultural and geographical boundaries. At the heart of this concept is the belief in one Creator and the submission to His will, a principle that has been communicated through various prophets over time. This article delves into the origins and nature of this universal religion, often identified as Islam, and its implications for social ethics and human behavior.
The Essence of Sincerity in Faith and Actions
In the pursuit of spiritual fulfillment, sincerity stands as a cornerstone of religious practice. This article delves into the concept of "Ikhlas" in Islam, which signifies the purity of intention in faith and deeds. Sincerity is not just a moral virtue but a fundamental aspect of a believer's life, shaping their relationship with the divine and the world around them. As we explore the nuances of sincerity, we uncover its role in transcending hypocrisy and fostering a genuine connection with the eternal principles of truth and justice.
The Essence of Sincerity in Faith and Actions
Sincerity, or "Ikhlas" in Arabic, is the cornerstone of a fulfilling spiritual life, following the establishment of a sound and complete faith. This principle is not just a religious ideal but a universal truth that transcends time and culture, deeply rooted in the teachings of Islam. Sincerity in faith and actions is a reflection of one's true commitment to the divine and is the antithesis of hypocrisy, which is considered more detrimental than outright denial of faith. In this exploration, we delve into the profound importance of sincerity, its implications in daily life, and the consequences of its absence.
