Unfortunately, we are living in a time where by Muslims are more concerned about what sect to belong to, rather than simply being a Muslim. Communities are separated and everyone claims their version of Islam is the truth. What I see is that pride comes in the way of people accepting the truth. However, a person is truly a Muslim if they truthfully submit themselves fully to Allah (Swt). They sacrifice all their worldly desires for the sake of no one but Allah. Which, technically is the definition of the term Muslim.
Being a Muslim is not a title, name or even a birth given right. Rather, it is a privilege that is earned .The Prophet عليه السلام warned us that eventually the people of our religion would divide into seventy three sects and that only one amongst them would actually obtain paradise.
Allah warns us in the Quran:
"And hold fast, all of you together, to the rope of Allah and be not divided."Surah al-Imran
Quran (3:103)
If the Prophet عليه السلام was the best of all creations (The Most Beloved to Allah), as well as the fact he was guaranteed paradise and the ummah of his time were known to be the most righteous amongst all of his followers, as the Prophet عليه السلام was present right in front of them and the verses of the Quran had been revealed during their time. Common sense suggests; this is the example we should all follow. We are very quick to say we are from the Muslims who will enter Jannah with the Prophetعليه السلام, but we rarely question what if 'I' was amongst the 72 groups who don't. When in reality mathematically speaking the probability could be considered far greater. For some who are reading this might think I’m stating the obvious. However, in a time whereby Islam is becoming complicated to the extent it's being corrupted, I feel there is a need for us to return back to the basics and revive the true Islam. For our deen does not need sugar coating, it's plenty sweet enough anyway !
I remember listening to an amazing lecture once and the scholar was saying “We cannot customise Islam to suit ourselves, rather we have to change instead” simply because Islam is pure and free from any faults what-so-ever. The faults lie with us if we try to change it. I regard this as being very true. I’m writing this as a reminder to myself and hopefully Insh’Allah perhaps it could benefit the youth of today, who want to come back to the deen. But the whole issue of sects, rituals as well as traditions hinder their vision of Islam. They become confused on what path to take, that they end up taking no path at all. Whilst, it’s vital we invite others to our beautiful deen. At the same time it’s important that we encourage those steering away from it, to come back. Although, Allah does guides whom He wills.
The Prophet عليه السلام advised us if we follow two things then we will never go astray (Quran and Sunnah). I urge anyone to read or perhaps re-read the Prophet عليه السلام last sermon. There is so much wisdom in it, that if followed, it would most certainly benefit us as well as the rest of Man Kind. It’s a summary of what Muslims should be doing (including me). For me it summarises what Islam is about. To this day I have never heard or read a single speech that promotes such equality and justice the way this sermon does Mash’Allah. "I have a dream" by M.king is worth applauding, but that doesn't even come close !
This sermon was delivered on the Ninth Day of Dhul Hijjah 10 A.H. in the 'Uranah valley of Mount Arafat' (in Mecca). After praising, and thanking Allah he said:
"O People, lend me an attentive ear, for I know not whether after this year, I shall ever be amongst you again. Therefore listen to what I am saying to you very carefully and TAKE THESE WORDS TO THOSE WHO COULD NOT BE PRESENT HERE TODAY.O People, just as you regard this month, this day, this city as Sacred, so regard the life and property of every Muslim as a sacred trust. Return the goods entrusted to you to their rightful owners. Hurt no one so that no one may hurt you. Remember that you will indeed meet your LORD, and that HE will indeed reckon your deeds. ALLAH has forbidden you to take usury (interest), therefore all interest obligation shall henceforth be waived. Your capital, however, is yours to keep. You will neither inflict nor suffer any inequity. Allah has Judged that there shall be no interest and that all the interest due to Abbas ibn 'Abd'al Muttalib (Prophet's uncle) shall henceforth be waived...Beware of Satan, for the safety of your religion. He has lost all hope that he will ever be able to lead you astray in big things, so beware of following him in small things.O People, it is true that you have certain rights with regard to your women, but they also have rights over you. Remember that you have taken them as your wives only under Allah's trust and with His permission. If they abide by your right then to them belongs the right to be fed and clothed in kindness. Do treat your women well and be kind to them for they are your partners and committed helpers. And it is your right that they do not make friends with any one of whom you do not approve, as well as never to be unchaste. O People, listen to me in earnest, worship ALLAH, say your five daily prayers (Salah), fast during the month of Ramadan, and give your wealth in Zakat. Perform Hajj if you can afford to.All mankind is from Adam and Eve, an Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab nor a non-Arab has any superiority over an Arab; also a white has no superiority over black nor a black has any superiority over white except by piety and good action. Learn that every Muslim is a brother to every Muslim and that the Muslims constitute one brotherhood. Nothing shall be legitimate to a Muslim which belongs to a fellow Muslim unless it was given freely and willingly. Do not, therefore, do injustice to yourselves. Remember, one day you will appear before ALLAH and answer your deeds. So beware, do not stray from the path of righteousness after I am gone.O People, NO PROPHET OR APOSTLE WILL COME AFTER ME AND NO NEW FAITH WILL BE BORN. Reason well, therefore, O People, and understand words which I convey to you. I leave behind me two things, the QURAN and my example, the SUNNAH and if you follow these you will never go astray.All those who listen to me shall pass on my words to others and those to others again; and may the last ones understand my words better than those who listen to me directly. Be my witness, O ALLAH, that I have conveyed your message to your people".
Islam teaches us to live life in accordance with a balance. The Sunnah of the Prophet عليه السلام is in fact the very essence of living life through the middle course. I use to be so shy that I once feared marriage. Whilst hayah is a part of faith, if taken to the extreme it could prevent you from obtaining sawab. The following hadith changed my opinions in regards to this matter and I realised I was wrong.
Hadith - Sahih Bukhari Volume 7, Book 62, No. 1, Narrated Anas bin Malik
"A group of three men came to the houses of the wives of the Prophet asking how the Prophet worshipped (Allah), and when they were informed about that, they considered their worship insufficient and said, "Where are we from the Prophet as his past and future sins have been forgiven." Then one of them said, "I will offer the prayer throughout the night forever." The other said, "I will fast throughout the year and will not break my fast." The third said, "I will keep away from the women and will not marry forever." Allah's Apostle came to them and said, "Are you the same people who said so-and-so? By Allah, I am more submissive to Allah and more afraid of Him than you; yet I fast and break my fast, I do sleep and I also marry women. So he who does not follow my tradition in religion, is not from me (not one of my followers)."
If we actually examine the meaning of Islam, what does it mean? Okay it means PEACE. But why does it mean peace? It means peace because it teaches us to live in accordance with the prescribed measurement Allah (Swt) has promised to be best for us.
This is evident in many of His signs. For example; take healthy foods if that is all we eat, that then becomes bad for you. The body also needs fats for energy. Hence, the body is not at peace (or cannot function to its fullest) unless it receives a balanced diet.
Another example would be that of a plant. It needs water and light for it to live and grow. However, if given too less water (it will dry out) but at the same time if the plant is given too much (it will drown). Hence, it needs just the right measurement in order for it to survive (which is usually not too much, not too less).
The same can be applied to our deen. Hence, that is why Islam means peace, because it means to live life in accordance with the true measurement prescribed most beneficial to man, by Allah (Swt).
What we have to remember Islam came to teach people the middle ground. For those that label Islam as being extreme, they should think again. Since the Jews deviated from their Moses (Peace Be Upon Him) that they ended up worshiping the calf. Whereby, on the other hand the Christians loved their Messenger Isa (Jesus) (Peace Be Upon Him) to the point that they even claimed him to be the son of God or even God Himself (Astaghfurallah). If you had to place all three religions on scale; Christianity and Judaism would be on either side of the scale and Islam would be placed right on the Middle. Since Islam teaches us to love our Messenger عليه السلام even more than our own selves, but not more than the Creator Himself. Now how can there be justice when the Creator is loved less than the person whom He had created? If there is no justice, how can there ever be peace?
Now the Prophet عليه السلام was the best of all of Allah's creations. To think if the creation itself is so beautiful, how beautiful must our CREATOR be? It is beyond our comprehension.
ALLAH HU AKBAR!
On a final note ! Let our knowledge gainned from Islam not be a reason why we become arrogant, rather let it be a reason why we become humble and treat others with kindness as well as respect. Despite the Prophet عليه السلام being the best amongst all men, and the fact he was most knowlegeable in regards to the religion. He was still the most Humble !
Give thanks to Allah !
Jazak Allahu Khair for reading ! May Allah guide us all on the right path (Ameen)
Being a Muslim is not a title, name or even a birth given right. Rather, it is a privilege that is earned .The Prophet عليه السلام warned us that eventually the people of our religion would divide into seventy three sects and that only one amongst them would actually obtain paradise.
Allah warns us in the Quran:
"And hold fast, all of you together, to the rope of Allah and be not divided."Surah al-Imran
Quran (3:103)
If the Prophet عليه السلام was the best of all creations (The Most Beloved to Allah), as well as the fact he was guaranteed paradise and the ummah of his time were known to be the most righteous amongst all of his followers, as the Prophet عليه السلام was present right in front of them and the verses of the Quran had been revealed during their time. Common sense suggests; this is the example we should all follow. We are very quick to say we are from the Muslims who will enter Jannah with the Prophetعليه السلام, but we rarely question what if 'I' was amongst the 72 groups who don't. When in reality mathematically speaking the probability could be considered far greater. For some who are reading this might think I’m stating the obvious. However, in a time whereby Islam is becoming complicated to the extent it's being corrupted, I feel there is a need for us to return back to the basics and revive the true Islam. For our deen does not need sugar coating, it's plenty sweet enough anyway !
I remember listening to an amazing lecture once and the scholar was saying “We cannot customise Islam to suit ourselves, rather we have to change instead” simply because Islam is pure and free from any faults what-so-ever. The faults lie with us if we try to change it. I regard this as being very true. I’m writing this as a reminder to myself and hopefully Insh’Allah perhaps it could benefit the youth of today, who want to come back to the deen. But the whole issue of sects, rituals as well as traditions hinder their vision of Islam. They become confused on what path to take, that they end up taking no path at all. Whilst, it’s vital we invite others to our beautiful deen. At the same time it’s important that we encourage those steering away from it, to come back. Although, Allah does guides whom He wills.
The Prophet عليه السلام advised us if we follow two things then we will never go astray (Quran and Sunnah). I urge anyone to read or perhaps re-read the Prophet عليه السلام last sermon. There is so much wisdom in it, that if followed, it would most certainly benefit us as well as the rest of Man Kind. It’s a summary of what Muslims should be doing (including me). For me it summarises what Islam is about. To this day I have never heard or read a single speech that promotes such equality and justice the way this sermon does Mash’Allah. "I have a dream" by M.king is worth applauding, but that doesn't even come close !
This sermon was delivered on the Ninth Day of Dhul Hijjah 10 A.H. in the 'Uranah valley of Mount Arafat' (in Mecca). After praising, and thanking Allah he said:
"O People, lend me an attentive ear, for I know not whether after this year, I shall ever be amongst you again. Therefore listen to what I am saying to you very carefully and TAKE THESE WORDS TO THOSE WHO COULD NOT BE PRESENT HERE TODAY.O People, just as you regard this month, this day, this city as Sacred, so regard the life and property of every Muslim as a sacred trust. Return the goods entrusted to you to their rightful owners. Hurt no one so that no one may hurt you. Remember that you will indeed meet your LORD, and that HE will indeed reckon your deeds. ALLAH has forbidden you to take usury (interest), therefore all interest obligation shall henceforth be waived. Your capital, however, is yours to keep. You will neither inflict nor suffer any inequity. Allah has Judged that there shall be no interest and that all the interest due to Abbas ibn 'Abd'al Muttalib (Prophet's uncle) shall henceforth be waived...Beware of Satan, for the safety of your religion. He has lost all hope that he will ever be able to lead you astray in big things, so beware of following him in small things.O People, it is true that you have certain rights with regard to your women, but they also have rights over you. Remember that you have taken them as your wives only under Allah's trust and with His permission. If they abide by your right then to them belongs the right to be fed and clothed in kindness. Do treat your women well and be kind to them for they are your partners and committed helpers. And it is your right that they do not make friends with any one of whom you do not approve, as well as never to be unchaste. O People, listen to me in earnest, worship ALLAH, say your five daily prayers (Salah), fast during the month of Ramadan, and give your wealth in Zakat. Perform Hajj if you can afford to.All mankind is from Adam and Eve, an Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab nor a non-Arab has any superiority over an Arab; also a white has no superiority over black nor a black has any superiority over white except by piety and good action. Learn that every Muslim is a brother to every Muslim and that the Muslims constitute one brotherhood. Nothing shall be legitimate to a Muslim which belongs to a fellow Muslim unless it was given freely and willingly. Do not, therefore, do injustice to yourselves. Remember, one day you will appear before ALLAH and answer your deeds. So beware, do not stray from the path of righteousness after I am gone.O People, NO PROPHET OR APOSTLE WILL COME AFTER ME AND NO NEW FAITH WILL BE BORN. Reason well, therefore, O People, and understand words which I convey to you. I leave behind me two things, the QURAN and my example, the SUNNAH and if you follow these you will never go astray.All those who listen to me shall pass on my words to others and those to others again; and may the last ones understand my words better than those who listen to me directly. Be my witness, O ALLAH, that I have conveyed your message to your people".
Islam teaches us to live life in accordance with a balance. The Sunnah of the Prophet عليه السلام is in fact the very essence of living life through the middle course. I use to be so shy that I once feared marriage. Whilst hayah is a part of faith, if taken to the extreme it could prevent you from obtaining sawab. The following hadith changed my opinions in regards to this matter and I realised I was wrong.
Hadith - Sahih Bukhari Volume 7, Book 62, No. 1, Narrated Anas bin Malik
"A group of three men came to the houses of the wives of the Prophet asking how the Prophet worshipped (Allah), and when they were informed about that, they considered their worship insufficient and said, "Where are we from the Prophet as his past and future sins have been forgiven." Then one of them said, "I will offer the prayer throughout the night forever." The other said, "I will fast throughout the year and will not break my fast." The third said, "I will keep away from the women and will not marry forever." Allah's Apostle came to them and said, "Are you the same people who said so-and-so? By Allah, I am more submissive to Allah and more afraid of Him than you; yet I fast and break my fast, I do sleep and I also marry women. So he who does not follow my tradition in religion, is not from me (not one of my followers)."
If we actually examine the meaning of Islam, what does it mean? Okay it means PEACE. But why does it mean peace? It means peace because it teaches us to live in accordance with the prescribed measurement Allah (Swt) has promised to be best for us.
This is evident in many of His signs. For example; take healthy foods if that is all we eat, that then becomes bad for you. The body also needs fats for energy. Hence, the body is not at peace (or cannot function to its fullest) unless it receives a balanced diet.
Another example would be that of a plant. It needs water and light for it to live and grow. However, if given too less water (it will dry out) but at the same time if the plant is given too much (it will drown). Hence, it needs just the right measurement in order for it to survive (which is usually not too much, not too less).
The same can be applied to our deen. Hence, that is why Islam means peace, because it means to live life in accordance with the true measurement prescribed most beneficial to man, by Allah (Swt).
What we have to remember Islam came to teach people the middle ground. For those that label Islam as being extreme, they should think again. Since the Jews deviated from their Moses (Peace Be Upon Him) that they ended up worshiping the calf. Whereby, on the other hand the Christians loved their Messenger Isa (Jesus) (Peace Be Upon Him) to the point that they even claimed him to be the son of God or even God Himself (Astaghfurallah). If you had to place all three religions on scale; Christianity and Judaism would be on either side of the scale and Islam would be placed right on the Middle. Since Islam teaches us to love our Messenger عليه السلام even more than our own selves, but not more than the Creator Himself. Now how can there be justice when the Creator is loved less than the person whom He had created? If there is no justice, how can there ever be peace?
Now the Prophet عليه السلام was the best of all of Allah's creations. To think if the creation itself is so beautiful, how beautiful must our CREATOR be? It is beyond our comprehension.
ALLAH HU AKBAR!
On a final note ! Let our knowledge gainned from Islam not be a reason why we become arrogant, rather let it be a reason why we become humble and treat others with kindness as well as respect. Despite the Prophet عليه السلام being the best amongst all men, and the fact he was most knowlegeable in regards to the religion. He was still the most Humble !
Give thanks to Allah !
Jazak Allahu Khair for reading ! May Allah guide us all on the right path (Ameen)
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