The Churches’ message at Christmas

This year the churches’ Christmas messages focussed mainly on the acute social and economic problems in many people’s lives. Religious leaders renewed their commitments to their flocks, placing emphasis on the services offered to the needy and poor and reinforcing the need to bolster human engagement in alleviating their problems. 

Allah, the Creator, has provided sufficient resources in the world for all to enjoy a comfortable life and for that we should be grateful to Him. However, for many, the world is a miserable place in which to live; millions are subjected to abject poverty, inhuman living conditions and have no access to these God given riches.  The growing disparity between the rich and the poor in the world is shocking and has, in some places, become horrific!  This disparity is largely due to Governments, corporate companies and individuals taking ever greater control of the world’s resources and further marginalising the poor. It was, therefore, refreshing that the religious messages issued by church leaders appeared to contain kinder, more compassionate and more helpful methods of reducing poverty in the world.

When I reflect on the teaching of my own Faith, Islam, I find that service to Allah’s creation is a service to Allah Himself. Our own salvation in the Sight of Allah the almighty is designed around ‘who is better in deed’ and not in ritual performance, or the utterance of big and lofty words or the possession of immense wealth.

Allah, the Almighty, highlights this purpose for mankind in their lives in this verse: ‘Blessed is He in Whose Hand is the dominion of the universe and Who has power over everything; Who created death and life that He might try you as to which of you is better in deed. He is the Most Mighty, the Most Forgiving.’ S67 V1-2

Those of us who believe that there is a divine purpose in the creation of life and accept that mankind’s thoughts, actions and deeds, are being continually tested by Him, must also believe that this also offers us the opportunity to alleviate suffering and make it a better world for all. Allah, subhanahu wa ta`ala, says: ‘O Prophet! Did you see him who turned away (from the path of Allah); who gave a little and then stopped? Does he have any knowledge of the world beyond the ken of sense-perception, and therefore, clearly sees (the truth)? Has he not been informed of what is in the Scrolls of Moses? And of Abraham, who lived up to the trust? That no bearer of a burden shall bear the burden of another, and that man shall have nothing but what he has striven for; and that (the result of) his striving shall soon be seen’. S53 V33-40

These verses, from the surah al-Najm, place a powerful spotlight on the personalities of many in our time. They are oblivious of the consequences of their actions, continue to selfishly hoard and manipulate the resources of this world only for themselves. Their lust for wealth and power has become all consuming!

The Quran mentions a story of a person from the time of Moses in the Surah Al-qasas saying: ‘Surely, Qarun (Korah) was one of Moses’ people, then he transgressed against them. We had bestowed on him such treasure that their very keys would have been raised with difficulty by a whole group of strong people. Once when his people said to him: ‘Do not exult, for Allah does not love those who exult (in their riches). Seek by means of the wealth that Allah has granted you the abode of the hereafter, but forget not your share in this world and do good as Allah has been good to you and do not strive to create mischief in the land, for Allah loves not those who create mischief. He replied: All this has been given to me on account of a certain knowledge that I have.’ Did he not know that Allah had destroyed before him those who were stronger in might than he and were more numerous in multitude? The wicked are not asked about their acts of sin.’ S28 V76-78

These verses indicate, clearly, that the attitudes of many people deteriorate when they have acquired wealth and power in this world. It also warns them of the dire consequences if they persist.  When such people have wealth and control over resources or political power, most of their wealth is employed in retaining their power and wealth and in sustaining their corrupt way of life. However, when this structure finally crumbles, everything is reduced to ashes and they are left with nothing, in this life and the next.

If mankind could only recognise the fragile and vulnerable nature of their existence and realise that being in power is just a matter of rank and control, maybe they would also come to recognise the displeasure their actions afford God the Almighty.  Indeed, enjoying a position of power and great wealth is one of the most severe tests set by Him.  

Allah says in the Quran: ‘On that Day – the Day when they will behold angels – there will be no good news for those immersed in evil, and they will cry out: ‘We seek refuge (in Allah). And We shall turn to their deeds and shall reduce them to scattered dust’. S25 V22-23

All religious leaders, regardless of their religious affiliation, are called on by God to forgo their own comfortable lifestyles and do the bidding of God by serving humanity. This call, to create a kinder and compassionate world and to serve people, should also resonate throughout all mankind. Everyone should play their role by showing mutual compassion towards each other. The world has not been corrupted by just a few people and so it cannot be put right by few people, for we all suffer from greed and a greedy lifestyle, sometimes in the name of God. The Quran says: ‘Believers! Many of the rabbis and monks wrongly devour mankind’s possessions and hinder people from the Way of Allah. And there are those who amass gold and silver and do not spend it in the Way of Allah, announce to them the tidings of a painful chastisement. On a Day when they shall be heated up in the Fire of Hell, and their foreheads and their sides and their backs shall be branded with it. (and they shall be told): ‘this is the treasure which you hoarded for yourselves. Taste, then, the punishment for what you have hoarded.’ S9 V34-35

In conclusion; immense wealth and power and control lead us nowhere. The prestige and glory of power and wealth are waning and earn us no reward, unless and until they are put to the right cause. Our survival needs are limited and do not require us to plunder or hoard resources just to amass wealth. What we need for ourselves is little, but what finally goes to waste is all!

A short life or a long life; the Islamic view.

Very often we hear and read the expression: ‘life is short’ and, indeed, the lifespan granted to us by our Creator the Almighty, is sometimes less than many of us would wish for. Most people would wish to spend it in doing something positive, productive and beneficial for themselves. Unfortunately, while many of us make the best of our opportunities and work our hardest to bring comfort into the lives of ourselves and our families, we still find little time for enjoyment and life seems to be too short.

Allah, the Giver of life, said in the Quran: ‘the life of this world is merely an illusory enjoyment’. S3 V185

This life is meant to be short; it is only transitory and not permanent but just a passageway to a life which will be permanent and blissful for those who achieve it. The Quran again highlights this fact in this verse: ‘The present life is nothing but sport and amusement. The true life is in the abode of the Hereafter, if only they knew.’ S29 V64

The purpose of Islamic teachings and guidance is to inform mankind of their ultimate destination and how hard and full of tests this life will be for us to reach the blessed life in the hereafter. The Quran tells us about this in this verse: ‘O man! You are striving unto your Lord and you will meet Him’. S V6

As an indication of the tests and trials in this life, Allah says: ‘Blessed is He in whose Hand is the dominion of the Universe, and Who has power over everything. Who created death and life that He might try you as to which of you is better in deed. He is the Most Mighty, the Most Forgiving.’ S67 V1-2

Islamic guidance points us towards a possibly long and arduous passage that would lead us to eternal life. But, even if our time in this life is very short, we must still pay a significant price for the glorious and blessed life in the Hereafter. That price is our obedience to Allah, the Creator of all and everything, and our submission to Him. In Islamic terminology it is called ‘Islam’.

Islam came to mankind as a complete package of divine guidance. Allah proclaimed in the Quran that the way forward to Him is only through Islam; a state of submission to Allah as guided by Him. Allah’s guiding revelation is simple and logically contained in the overall scheme of our life and death cycle, within its justice and rewards framework. The Quran says: ‘We have made this Quran easy as a reminder. Is there, then, any who will take heed?’ S54 V17) A short span of life of this world still affords us the God given opportunity to take our place in the hereafter.

Islam’s message to the Prophet Mohammad, peace and mercy of Allah be upon him, was, on the one hand a confirmation of the age old divine guidance given to all prophets and messengers. On the other, it was a completion of intended divine guidance to mankind and an assertion that without this guidance humanity would be lost.

Islam tells us about the natural transition from the temporary life of this world to the permanent life in the hereafter, whilst affirming that both worlds are Allah’s creation.

Islam also deals with the intellectual aspects of mankind, regarding them as the catalyst in forming our beliefs and philosophical understanding of the purpose for our existence and indeed the universe. Intellect can be a means to fortune for people or, ironically, lead them to a state of misfortune. The divine guidance is also concerned with people’s intellectual wellbeing and with helping them to appreciate Allah’s Glory in His creation, so that they will work for Him throughout their lives and achieve a favourable result in the Hereafter.

A life not lived in accordance with Allah’s guidance and in submission to Him, does not open the doors to Allah’s blessings in the life of the Hereafter according to the Quran. People would wish to prolong their stay here by any means, because it is believed by them that this is the only life, but pleasure is a mirage, never reached and never satisfying. 

‘You will certainly find them most eager to cling on to life, indeed even more eager than those who associate others with Allah in His Divinity. Each one of them wishes to live a thousand years although the bestowal of long life cannot remove him from chastisement. Allah sees whatever they do.’ S2 V96

We create a small world of our own that pleases us and give us some entertainment. An assumption of power and glory makes us proud of ownership and in authority. In our time, people own millions and billions and ‘invest’ their wealth to further benefit from what they have already made for themselves. Does it open any door to God’s pleasure and His blessings?

Money cannot buy longer lives. Everyday we see billionaires and powerful authoritarians who do not survive when their time comes.

The only thing that our money can do is to buy us the pleasure of our Creator, both by our faith and what we do with our wealth. His pleasure with us together with His mercy in the life after our death, if we have used this wealth solely for pleasure of Allah, could cause us to continue with better possessions and ownership in Paradise and last for ever.

The Quran has a beautiful and expressive way of highlighting  both the life of this world and the Hereafter. It says: ‘know well that the life of this world is merely sport and diversion and adornment and an object of your boasting with one another, and a rivalry in the multiplication of riches and children. Its likeness is that of rain; when it produces vegetation it delights the tillers. But then it withers and you see it turn yellow, and then it crumbles away. In the Hereafter there is (either) grievous chastisement (or) forgiveness from Allah and His Good Pleasure. The life of this world is nothing but delusion.’

The following verse gives us further cause to strive for our own salvation. It says: ‘So vie with one another in seeking to attain your Lord’s forgiveness and a Garden whose width is as the width of the heaven and the earth, one which has been prepared for those who believe in Allah and His Messengers. That is Allah’s bounty which He bestows upon those whom He pleases. Allah is the Lord of abounding bounty’. S57 V20-21

If we manage to make our lives a pleasure to Allah, its very shortness can prolong our life in the Hereafter and make it eternal. Yes, life is short, but that means that our hard work is also short and our pleasure can become real sooner and be longer with the forgiveness and blessings of our Lord.

We pray to Allah that all mankind submits to Him and that He is pleased with our deeds and actions and shows us His mercy.

PEACE – an Islamic perspective

Peace is one of the most elusive but precious commodities that all people, individuals and nations, desperately search for in their lives. We look for peace everywhere. We often turn to our holy scriptures in our search and even turn to philosophy and ancient wisdom in the hope that they will provide the answer. Indeed we even wage wars, kill, plunder and destroy other’s peace in our vain attempts to experience it for ourselves. Some become pacifists or Sufis, seeking to find the peace within, only to find that their chosen spiritual life fails them. It would seem that the big questions are always there; where is peace to be found and how do we achieve it?

Islam has its own concept of peace and my understanding of this comes from studying the Islamic scriptures:

The purpose of divine guidance offered in Islam is to establish peace. The Quran says unequivocally, that ‘Allah does not love those who spread mischief in the land’.

To establish peace we need to understand the elements necessary in building the essential pillars to support it. Achieving peace demands that we take practical steps.

To have a clear mind about peace, Allah, the God Almighty, named Himself ‘Peace’. It is one of His beautiful names in Islam. According to Islam, following the path to God is what causes peace. In a practical world, the following would ensure peace in human society and create an inner peace:

Justice and fairness for all help create peace:

A just society is one which reflects the justice shown by a loving community, whose members are fair-minded and ensure that wrongdoers are stopped in their tracks. Injustice is a shameful human characteristic that causes God’s wrath and destroys the fabric of human society, but a just society prospers, flourishes and grows in happiness and blessings. An unjust society creates fear, disengagement, false pride and suppresses people’s rights. A just and fair society helps develop a positive character in its people who will stand out above all others. An unjust society, inevitably, causes corruption, produces mischievous people, and stops human society functioning at its best level. Islamic guidance on justice is firm and clear.

The Quran says: ‘Believers! Be upholders of justice and bearers of witness to Truth for the Sake of Allah, even though it may be against yourselves or against your parents or kinsmen, or the rich or the poor, for Allah is more concerned with their well-being than you are. Do not then follow your own desires lest you keep away from justice. If you twist or turn away (from Truth), know that Allah is well aware of all that you do’. S4 V135

‘Allah commands you to deliver trusts to those worthy of them; and when you judge between people judge with justice’. S4 V58

Justice and fairness is never a selective act. A mindset of fairness knows no discrimination between people and helps people live in peace and in happiness.

Respecting the rights of others and doing good:

Human rights are our most vulnerable possession but they continue to be regularly violated by many, either at an individual or family level and, what is even more concerning, even more frequently by those in positions of power or authority. We strive for peace by violating just that which is necessary to create it. This continuing violation of human rights is the most potent tool in the arsenal of those determined to destroy peace and the path leading to it.

According to the Quran, a belief in the Most Merciful and Most Just Creator, Allah, to Whom all will return and be accountable for their actions and deeds in the Hereafter, is the most powerful and effective deterrent to any peace breaking action. Such a belief ensures that violators of human rights will face a judgement day and will be made accountable for their peace breaking actions. Instead, the Quran guides, we should be promoting human brotherhood and fraternity, encouraging a harmonious human society and entering into trustful relationships. The Quran says:

‘Say to them (O Mohammad): come, let me recite what your Lord has forbidden (made sacred): that you associate nothing with Him; and do good to your parents; and do not slay your children out of fear of poverty. We provide you and will likewise provide them with sustenance; and do not even draw near to things shameful – be they open or secret; and do not slay the soul sanctified by Allah except in just cause; this He has enjoined upon you so that you may understand. And do not even draw near to the property of the orphan in his minority except in the best manner; and give full measure and weight with justice, We do not burden anyone beyond his capacity; when you speak , be just, even though it concerns a near of kin; and fulfil the covenant of Allah. That is what He has enjoined upon you so that you may take heed’. S V151-152

The Quran also says: ‘seek by means of the wealth that Allah has granted you the abode of the Hereafter, but forget not your share in this world, and do good as Allah has been good to you, and do not strive to create mischief in the land, for Allah loves not those who create mischief’. S V77

A good human character

The best of human traits will foster and sustain the foundations of a peaceful human society.  We all have morals, but how we treat others reflects on how we think and what our morals are. Even the most immoral people have their own set of morals and rules of engagement with others. Our values and morality impact on other people’s fate and their way of life. Peace loving people cannot be without love towards all humanity. They know no discrimination when dealing and deciding about people.

We need to promote a high human morality, common to all people and engage in a collective way to move forward and create a happier, peaceful and contented human society.

In conclusion; peace is not necessarily found within ourselves, but is rather the consequence of our actions and deeds. Peace needs to be sown before it can be reaped. Peace within and around us are integral to each other and we cannot have one without another. The Quran highlights this fact in this verse: ‘Whatever good happens to you is from Allah; and whatever misfortune smites you is because of your own action. We have sent you to mankind (O Mohammad) as a Messenger, and Allah is sufficient as a witness’. S4 V79

A happy heart a happier life

Man has craved and sought after happiness ever since his existence was decreed by his Creator, but reaching this goal has proven to be extremely elusive. Like a mirage, just when a person thinks that he has found the serenity and perfect conditions for the most peaceful and happiest of lives, it disappears. Indeed, on the surface, it would appear that no one has ever reached that perfect point in his life nor been blessed with complete happiness. People continue to be miserable, struggling and embracing any idea, creed, cultural colour or social service in order to find anything that will arouse this much desired satisfaction in their hearts.

Many people embrace a religious belief in order to make sense of their lives and to generate happier conditions for them. Others reject all religious beliefs and take things as they come, refusing to accept that achieving happiness has any connection to anything beyond this physical world. Some take to nature and search for happiness and inner peace whilst wandering through jungles, caves, rivers and deserts. A few try to find an inner happiness by engaging in services to the poor, destitute and needy, but even the wealthiest in this world seem to be unsatisfied with their condition and find themselves unable to buy happiness.  

And so the search for inner peace and happiness goes on and on….

Islam, with its teachings from the One who is the creator of all and everything and Who is Most Compassionate and Most merciful, provides a solution whereby humanity may achieve peace and happiness in their lives.

The Quran mentions three concepts, which, when combined, create this perfect situation. These three concepts are 1- As-Salaam, 2- at-Tumaninah, and 3- As-Sakeenah.

The first, As-Salaam, literally translates as The Peace. As-Salaam is one of the beautiful names of Allah, the Almighty. It indicates that not only is God the source of peace but that He is also the means and destiny of peace. Our connection to Him matters above everything. Looking for God is equivalent to looking for peace.

As-Salaam is the root word for another terminology which is Islam, meaning submission to God in all our actions and deeds. Even our thoughts and intentions must be in total conformity and this act of total submission to the One Al-Salaam is our only guarantee for creating the perfect situation for inner peace in our hearts and minds. The seekers of this Path are called Muslims. Unfortunately, this does not necessarily mean that every person who is called Muslim is by definition a follower of that path.

More often than not, Muslims become distorters of the Path and try to look for peace from an exactly opposite direction. On that the Quran says: ‘indeed, the true religion with Allah is Islam’. S3 V19. It means the path that causes the real inner peace and the way to it is submission to God, from whom all peace emanates.

The second concept is at-Tumaninah, which can be translated into English as tranquillity and repose. These qualities are what we most often look for in our lives. Few, if any, of us seem to find them and so we look for them in the rhythms of nature or in the songs of life. Everyone seems to be trying to escape to a quieter place or to where no other human lives. So, where does this At-Tumaninah exist and how can it affect our hearts?

The Quran says: ‘Such are the ones who believe and whose hearts find rest (tranquillity) in the remembrance of Allah. Surely in Allah’s remembrance do hearts find rest (tranquillity). So those who believe and do good are destined for happiness and a blissful end’. S13 V28-29

God is the ultimate destination in man’s life. If one seeks Allah’s Pleasure in everything that he does, then that is the path to true happiness that will last throughout his life, death and resurrection in the Hereafter. But how does that happen? Islam guides man to many means to achieve that. In a Hadith of the Prophet, Peace and Mercy of Allah be upon him, said: ‘O people! Spread peace, feed people, join relations, offer prayers while others are asleep, you will enter the Paradise (Jannah) in Peace’. Narrated by Ahmad, Thirmidhi and al-Hakim.

The third concept is As-Sakeenah, mentioned six times in the Quran. This is the state of tranquillity, repose, poise and dignified appearance that translates from the heart to the whole being of a man. It removes all fear and its causes in life from the hearts and minds of people. It cures any state of depression and tension. It places a complete trust in Allah. Many Islamic scholars, in their times of worry, used to recite the six verses of As-Sakeenah from the Quran.

The Quran says: ‘Surely the friends of Allah have nothing to fear, nor shall they grieve, the ones who believe and are God-fearing’. S10 V61-62

The Quran emphasises, time and time again, that people will not be subjected to fear or grief if they follow these paths to peace.

We humans, by our very nature, will always find ourselves looking for something better and more meaningful in our lives. Something that makes sense to us, brings serenity to our lives and calms our hearts. Something that will help us navigate securely through the very troublesome affairs of this life.

Islam’s concept and guidance towards peace and happiness is of an eternal nature, transcending all that occurs in this life and death and includes the life to come. It is a complete package, connected in its scope, purpose and destiny to the One God who implores us to walk on His Path and enter His Garden of Peace, the Paradise.

Marhaba Ramadan

Once again we, the Muslim community, heartily welcome the blessed month of Ramadan. This blessed month, in which fasting is a divinely prescribed obligation, allows us to fulfil the fifth pillar of Islam. It is exciting for all believers to observe the act of fasting and by so doing seek out Allah’s mercy in their lives.

For Muslim communities, it is a collective as well as an individual way of submitting to Allah’s command. A community is collectively brought into a pattern of spiritual discipline and change the routines of their daily lives. This month provides us with the opportunity to guide the community towards a collective remembrance of Allah and bonds us in unity.

Ramadan is first and foremost an act of spiritual dedication (Ibadah) to Allah and is an obligation on all Muslims who are capable of fasting in the month. However, like all of the spiritual obligations in Islam, Allah fills this month with blessings of all kinds for all observers of the fast, in terms of health, economic and social benefits and internal peace.

Fasting was not a new phenomenon when Allah’s guidance was given to humanity. The remnants of this blessed act of fasting can be seen in most world communities which have been ‘reshaped’ by humans to ‘best suit’ their desired situations.

The Quran says: ‘Believers! Fasting is enjoined upon you, as it was enjoined upon those before you, that you become God-fearing’.  S2 V183

According to Islamic teachings, God did not leave any group of people without His guidance or without prophets. The essentials of God’s obligations upon human beings remain unchanged and fasting has always been one of them. The outcome of fasting has been described in the verse, translated as: ‘That you become God-fearing’.  The Quranic words are ‘la`allakum tattaqoon’. Tattaqoon is from the root word of ‘Taqwa’, which is described as the essence of all goodness in life. Taqwa has many shades of meaning and so the verse is translated in many different ways.

One of these meanings is mentioned in the above translation, however other meanings are: ‘So that you seek righteousness’, or: ‘So that you learn self-restraint’. Taqwa is all about spiritual self-discipline that brings peace, calmness and a sense of purpose into our lives. It creates a lifelong connection through our human souls with the eternally ingrained guidance of Allah.

Taqwa makes life easier for people and introduces peace into their lives when they are fulfilling their commitments and human responsibilities. Taqwa provides the right context for human engagement and saves them from woes arising out of relationships.

Taqwa is the source of most positive energy in a human-being’s life. It counters all aspects of negativity that can undermine the quality of a peaceful and tranquil engagement within our lives.

There are two reasons for engaging to gain Taqwa.  The first is that the believer strengthen his belief in the good teachings of his Lord, Allah the Almighty. The second, is the recognition that it is God (Allah) Himself who is the Creator and He is promoting the welfare of His servants when they answer His call.

Taqwa is the most desired and sought out outcome of fasting. Fasting is indeed a well recognised training ground for gaining Taqwa and developing a well-balanced lifestyle that is most pleasing to Allah. Taqwa helps to build the most positive characters in human beings and for that reason the month of Ramadan is regarded as the most perfect month of the year.

To underline the importance of this purpose, the Quran states: ‘During the month of Ramadan the Quran was sent down as a guidance to the people, with Clear Signs of the true guidance and as the Criterion (between right and wrong). S2 V185

The Quran is the Book of Allah’s guidance for mankind. It was first sent down in its complete form from the seventh heaven to the lowest heaven in the month of Ramadan. It was then revealed to the Prophet Mohammad, peace and mercy of Allah be upon him, in one of the last ten nights of Ramadan. This night is therefore called in the Quran ‘the Night of Power’. This ‘Night’ is so significant that it is described as ‘better than (the nights of) of a thousand months in which angels and Gabriel descend with all kinds of decrees’. S97 V3-4

Ramadan is the month in which gates of Paradise are opened and gates of Hell are closed and Satan is chained. A caller calls out: ‘O seeker of goodness! Come forward, and O seeker of evil! Stop, until the end of the month of Ramadan.

Fasting is described as a shield. The Prophet Mohammad, peace and mercy of Allah be upon him, said: ‘When it is a day of fasting for someone, he must not speak evil, or shout or behave like ignorant person. If he were to be sworn at or being fought with, he should say: ‘I am fasting, twice’.

Fasting is such a great act and so pleasing to Allah, the Almighty, that he proclaimed: ‘All acts of the children of Adam belong to him except the fasting. It is for Me and I would reward for it’. 

All aspects of Ramadan contain goodness, mercy and the chance to make positive changes. Speaking on the spiritual aspect of the fast, the Prophet, peace and mercy of Allah be upon him, said: ‘Whoever fasts Ramadan out of belief and seeking the pleasure and rewards of Allah, their past sins (wrongdoings) would be forgiven’.

It is a blessed opportunity for all believers to make the best out of this most auspicious season of Ramadan and fast if we are capable of doing so. It is a time for all of us to ensure our obligatory salaah are done at the correct times, to increase our voluntary salaah and read and recite the Quran. It is also the time to increase our acts of charity in the name of Allah and offer every goodness that we can to others. We should not allow these opportunities to pass us by; there is no guarantee that we will be around for Ramadan next year!

May Allah bless us all, make this month of Ramadan an opportunity for us to increase in every goodness, gain the pleasure of Allah and show that all our good deeds are acceptable to Him.

Conflict resolution in Islamic teachings

Contrary to the over-reactive and at times compulsive nature of Muslims (or Muslim politics), displayed only too often nowadays, Islamic teachings present an entirely reasonable and sensible three stage approach to the handling of human conflicts, wherever and whenever they may occur.  Their guiding aim in resolving any conflict is reconciliation, with a fair deal for all parties involved and they include clear and unambiguous principles for achieving it.

Islam links this approach to conflict resolution with the essential beliefs of a person in Allah’s justice and rewards in both this world and in the Hereafter.

In the first of the three stages of approach necessary to resolve a conflict the individuals concerned must demonstrate their personal and public commitment to behave in a just and fair way at all times.

In a hadith of the Prophet Mohammad, peace and mercy of Allah be upon him, said when he was asked about al-bir (righteousness): ‘You have come to ask about the al-bir? (in the first place) ask yourself about it. Al-bir is what your soul finds its tranquillity in and your heart is at peace with. A sinful act is what may put your heart in discomfort and you feel your chest struggling with it, even though, people may judge your act being the right one.

In another hadith, the Prophet says: ‘al-bir is the best of character, and the sinful act is what may place your heart at discomfort and you dislike being exposed to people about it’. Narrated by Imam Muslim

It is a duty for Muslims to demonstrate aspects of absolute justice in all their dealings. These two verses from the Quran, among many, are a direct reference for guidance to behave justly and fairly. The Quran says: ‘Believers! Be upright bearers of witness for Allah, and do not let the enmity of any people move you to deviate from justice. Act justly, that is nearer to God-fearing. And fear Allah, surely Allah is well aware of what you do’. S5 V8

In another verse, the Quran guides: ‘Believers! Be upholder of justice, and bearers of witness to truth for the sake of Allah, even though it may be against yourselves or against your parents and kinsmen, or the rich or the poor, for Allah is more concerned with their well-being than you are. If you twist or turn away from (the Truth) know that Allah is well aware of all that you do’. S4 V135

Self-awareness of truth and justice is essential in the Islamic belief of accountability and human destiny. Achieving and employing this stage of awareness and personal commitment will stop many conflicts arising, let alone flourishing.

In the second stage, when a conflict becomes apparent and needs third party intervention, the Islamic system, as in any civilised society, provides logical steps so that justice can be served. The Islamic legal system provides all the essential guidelines and protection for a just outcome for all parties involved. 

In the third stage, the justice of Allah will be implemented. While His justice may not be apparent to us in this world, it surely will in the Hereafter. On the Day of Judgement, all such cases will be resolved by Allah and immaculate justice served by Him.

Acts of justice and injustice are present in all our deeds and all our decisions.  But, we need to be careful how we glorify our deeds, as Allah’s justice is ultimate and inevitable.

A sensible and God-fearing person will always find a way out of conflict and reward himself spiritually, by repelling a provocation with an act of goodness. In a hadith, our Prophet, Mohammad, peace and mercy of Allah be upon him, said: ‘whoever is a believer in Allah and in the Hereafter, let him say a word of goodness or let him be silent’.

The Quran’s guidance for the resolution of any conflict is described in this beautiful verse: ‘Good and evil are not equal. Repel (evil) with that which is good and you will see that he, between whom and you there was enmity, shall become as if he were a bosom friend. But none attains to this except those who are steadfast; none attains to this except those endowed with mighty good fortune’. And if you are prompted by a provocation by Satan, seek refuge with Allah, He and He alone is All-Hearing, All-Knowing’. S41 V34-36

With our divisiveness and the dominance of greed and selfishness in many of us, we Muslims appear to care little about the guidance shown in the teachings of Allah in resolving our conflicts in this world. In the process, we have become cheap in name and nature. People would rather act through a sense of enmity and destruction than try to seek the pleasure of Allah and build further upon the achievements of the past. The words of wisdom say: ‘do not destroy the good in achieving your ideals.

Systemic destruction is taking place in many Muslim lands. The hearts, minds and desires of the people are totally disregarded in any attempt to resolve these conflicts. Yet they are the true witnesses to the destruction of entire towns and cities, the victims of bombardment, the families with nothing left in their lives and have become refugees and are in dire need. But, still, the fighting continues!.

A sensible approach will only prevail when and if the leaders in all conflicts look beyond their immediate interests and fear the inevitable consequences of their evil actions. Such an event appears to be increasingly further out of reach. People have now become so intolerant of each other that the smallest error results in savage reprisals between them. Yet, still, most Muslims, leaders and those led, would claim their religiosity and the pleasure of Allah.

Personal bonds are broken, without thought, for worldly gains, no matter how insignificant they may be. A good character is a fast disappearing commodity. Fitnah is overtaking our lives in all aspects and we don’t fear the consequences and accountability of our actions. We still see ourselves as the one who is the ‘saved one’. The Prophet, peace and mercy of Allah be upon him said: ‘Take advantage of good deeds, in the time of Fitnah, as it will come as dark nights. A person would wake up in the morning as Muslim but by the evening ends up as disbeliever, or would spend his evening as Muslim but wake up as disbeliever. He would sell his religion (deen) for any price of this dunya (worldly matter). Narrated by Imam Muslim

However, we do not seem to be in the business of resolving most of our conflicts; rather it seems that we are in a race to create even more conflicts and sustain them at any cost. Wise and cool headed leadership is needed if peace and justice is to be brought to the peoples in Muslim lands in particular and to the people of the world in general.  

Action and accomplishment in Islam

One of the most important values that Islam offers to people and requires of its believers, is to show their usefulness to human society. Islam is not an idle belief, nor does it proclaim ideologies that disconnect it from the practical aspects of human life. Islam is a proactive system in which believers are encouraged and driven to serve humanity. Anyone who studies the Quran and reflects on its teachings will find that the Quran combines practice with faith in many of these teachings. One of the shortest surahs in the Quran reads as follows: ‘By the time; man is indeed in the state of loss; except those who have faith and do righteous deeds, and counsel each other to hold on to truth and counsel each other to be steadfast’. Surah 103

Indeed, the spirit of Islam encourages and directs people towards the path of action and good deeds. The Quran, highlighting the purpose of human life in this world, says: ‘Blessed is He in Whose Hand is the dominion of the universe, and Who has power over everything. Who has created death and life that He might try you as to which of you is better in deed. He is the Most Mighty, the Most Forgiving’. S67 V1-2

Islam teaches us that we must lead in action in every field and aspect of human life. It requires that human beings are useful in themselves and in their society. The Prophet Muhammad, peace and mercy of Allah be upon him, was one of most kind and proactive persons in the service of humanity. In one of the earliest revelations of the Quran, Allah testified to his high character, saying in the Quran: ‘and you are certainly on the most exalted standard of moral excellence’. S68 V4

When the Prophet received his first revelation and returned home in terror after his first experience of contact with Gabriel (Jibreel), his wife Khadija comforted him and said: ‘Nay, Allah will never disgrace you. You indeed join relations, and you speak truth, and bear the burden of other people, you honour guests and help out the victims of natural disasters’.

This description of the character of the Prophet, by his wife Khadija, reveals the moral endeavour necessary when trying to serve and benefit human society. How many people have ever managed to offer such service to people?

In our time we have a Muslim Ummah, spread out over every continent of the world and exceeding 1.5 billion persons in number. More than enough, one would think, to contain many wishing to lead the world in morality and action.  But Muslims, with few exceptions, appear to be far too busy doing what the rest of the world is doing; running after the glamour of power and wealth and indulging in murderous politics.

Allah has created the capacity, in all of us, to become useful in human society and we never lose this capacity, even those of us who appear incapable of doing any good. Sometimes only a little knowledge with the right environment is needed to bring it out. But, knowledge and Faith, through which Allah raises the rank of people, are twinned in the Quran. The Quran says: ‘Allah will raise to high ranks those of you who believe and are endowed with knowledge’. S58 V11

No man should live in ignorance. Indeed, Allah wants and encourages all people to come out of the darkness of ignorance and inactivity and embrace a useful existence, enhancing their characters and their lives.

In a very famous hadith, the Prophet Mohammad, peace and mercy of Allah be upon him, emphasises the religious importance of being useful to people and says: ‘the best among people are those who are most beneficial to others’. Islam has never been a selfish religious teaching. It is universal in its character and benefits all, whether they are believers or not.

The Prophet, peace and mercy of Allah be upon him also said: ‘the most beloved person in the Sight of Allah is one who is most beneficial to people. And one of most beloved actions to Allah is a happiness that a person causes to a Muslim (and for that reason to anyone), or helps remove from him a distress, or pay off their debt, or relieve him from hunger.’ Authenticated by Al-Albani

The Muslim Ummah has become so selfishly entangled with its own personal problems that the vast majority of its members are living with only the most tenuous connection to their religion. It is sad to see that Islam is no longer the driving force it was once in creating a socially lively, intellectually coherent, and practically consistent society, where people took pride in their worthiness.

Islamic ibadaat (obligatory and non obligatory forms of worship), in addition to their spiritual virtues, are meant to purify people from suffering of all kinds, including ignorance and an inactive state of mind. The Quran gives us an eternal principle for encouraging us into action. It says: ‘Allah does not lay a responsibility on any one beyond his capacity. In his favour shall be whatever good each one does (earns), and against him whatever evil he does’. S2 V286

The word ‘does’ is translated in this context from the Arabic expression to ‘earn’. It is the effort that one has to make to earn the pleasure of Allah and the emancipation from every suffering and source of suffering.  Earning goodness comes through positive action and engagement. A morally exalted person does make impact on others, however, sometimes it may also induce exasperation in others.

In the world, in which we live today, true Islamic ethical values and moral system must certainly be regarded as a blessing. Our proactive engagement in the service of mankind is nothing less than a religious duty which will earn rewards from Allah. The Muslim world has gone through very damaging processes of late. Sometimes resulting in self-inflicted wounds and on other occasions deliberate provoking impactful damage on others. Loyalty to Allah’s guidance and a purposeful collective action to honour ourselves with knowledge and spirituality, thereby avoiding what is wrong and in error, is one path to raise us higher in rank in His sight.

We need to display our resilience and become responsible people once more. Usefulness to others, whether to the Muslim community or non-Muslim communities, will help us to regain both our spiritual strength and the moral high-ground. It will also earn us a place in the hearts of all the people and only then will we finally regain our pride and honour and earn the pleasure and rewards of Allah.