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In the name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, The Most Merciful
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Assalamo Alykum Wa Rehmatullahe wa Barakaatuh
“Let there arise out of you a group of people inviting to all that is good (Islam), Enjoining Al-Ma‘roof (i.e. Islamic Monotheism and all that Islam orders one to do) and Forbidding Al-Munkar (polytheism and disbelief and all that Islam has forbidden).And it is they who are the successful” [Aal ‘Imraan 3:1
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1) Islam: The Middle Way
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Some people think that to live an Islamic life is "restrictive". Islam however, was revealed as a balanced way of living. Allah (The Most High) created all the humans with what is called 'A Fitrah' (a natural state/desire).Islam recognises that within this Fitrah there are motivations that influence a man's role on earth e.g. a desire for good food and drink, to have a home, a desire for love and sex, to protect and be protected and to be successful and strong. Without some form of control and limit, all of these legitimate motives could prove very dangerous.
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So what constitutes the perfect control for the Fitrah? It must be a method that provides an organised yet practical demonstration of how to balance all these natural human desires. It cannot be something that goes against the Fitrah, by placing on it extra burdens. Likewise, it cannot be something that allows the human desires to run wild without any form of control.
Islam is the perfect control for the Fitrah. It provides a divine method that elevates man above animals and the rest of creation.
Humans 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 Allaah being the Most Wise, sent us the Qur'an and the Prophet Muhammad (SAW)[2] to show us this practical and organised way of life.
Allaah, being Perfect, in His Wisdom and Knowledge, perfected a complete way of life for us. He has set His limitations and rules, all of which are beneficial to mankind, and therefore, do not need changing:
"These are the limits (set) by Allaah, so do not approach them"
(Surah al-Baqarah 2:1871)
"These are the limits set by Allaah, so do not transgress them"
(Surah al-Baqarah 2:229)
This is why Islam does not allow celibacy, because it is against the Fitrah, i.e., the desire for sex. Celibacy goes beyond the limits required by humans, and is something that cannot be fulfilled because humans are designed to procreate. As humans we are not expected to fast every single day for the rest of our lives (for most 30 days of the year provides an up-hill struggle). It is also from ignorance to say that 'I shall not sleep during the night, but rather I shall pray!' [3] Humans have not been created by Allah to live life in such a manner. There is a balance which must be observed.
The following incident describes the Islamic stance towards such behaviour, Anas reported that some of the Companions of Allaah's Messenger (SAW) used to say: "I will not marry women"; someone else said: "I will not eat meat"; and someone else said: "I will not lie down in bed". (On hearing this): The Prophet (SAW) praised Allaah, and glorified Him and said: "what has happened to these people that they say so and so, whereas I observe prayer and I sleep too. I observe fast and I break my fast; I marry women also. And he who turns away from my Sunnah (i.e., my example or lifestyle), he has no relation with me" [Narrated in Saheeh Muslim vol. 2. p703. no. 32361].
Islam on the other hand, does not allow the person to surrender themselves to lust and desire, as in contemporary 'civilisation'. Islam recognises the love a man has for women, children, gold, silver, and other possessions. But it provides a limit for the amount of this worldly pleasure which we require, and reminds us of the life in the hereafter.
"Beautified for men is the love of things they desire: Women, Children, much of gold and silver (wealth), branded beautiful horses, cattle and well-tilled land. This is the pleasure of the present world's life, but Allaah has the excellent return ( Paradise )"
(Surah Aali-Imraan 3:141)
The inclinations and desires of the Fitrah are not to become the objective in life. Rather they are to be taken in a stabilised manner. The way to deal with them is real and Allaah (The Most High) has given us the detailed descriptions of a levelled approach. This levelled approach gives mankind the perfectly balanced pleasure in this worldly life. The method of maintaining a well-balanced life is not an endurance test to see who lasts the longest. Allah has revealed Islam, to show us how to attain this balance in a real manner. Life is not a torturous spiritual test, where you are ordered to Iive in mountains and trees. Fasting all year round is not obligatory. Marriage is permissible and you do not have to beat yourself senseless to purify your soul! Rather as Muslims, we must try to follow the Prophet and his balanced teachings of life and living. As Allah says in the Qur'an:
"Indeed in the Messenger of Allah (saw), you have a good example to follow.."(Surah Al-Ahzab 33:21)
Courtesy: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; on behalf of; Badi Nawawi [This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.]
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2) ECHOES OF LIFE
A son and a father were walking on the mountain.
Suddenly, the boy falls, hurts himself and screams:
- Alas! To his surprise, he hears his voice echoing somewhere in the mountain: Alas! Curious boy asks: Who are you? He receives the answer:
- Who are you? Displeased shouts:- You coward!
And listen to the answer: You coward!He looks to his father and asks, worried: - What is it? The father smiles and says:
- My son, pay attention. Then he screams to the mountain:
- I admire you! The voice answers: I admire you!
Again the man screams: You are a champion!
The voice answers: You are a champion!And his father explains:
- People call this ECHO, but really this is LIFE.
Life gives you back everything you SAY, ??all you WANT OF GOOD AND BAD OF OTHERS, LIFE will return all the BLASPHEMY, envy, misunderstanding, lack of honesty that you wanted to, cursed the people who surround you as eg what many parents tell their children:
YOU WILL NOT BE ANYTHING IN THIS LIFE! The power of word of a parent of a child is too big and notice around them, many do this. OUR LIFE is simply a reflection of our actions.
If you want more love, understanding, SUCCESS, HARMONY, HAPPINESS, create more love, understanding, harmony,
in his heart. If you do, LIFE will give you HAPPINESS, SUCCESS; LOVE the people who surround you.
REFLECT ... and improve your life while there is time,
Create ECHOES good in your life and around you, speak only words that bring life and not death.
That when you hear the echo of your life just hearken
good things, is a sign that your heart is full of
love, tenderness, peace, understanding and joy ...
What the rest of your days be blessed by God, who
he always enlighten your path and your life ...
Compiled, edited and adapted by Khalid Latif, www.thekhalids.org
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