Islam inspires and brings hope

My studies of the teachings of the Quran and the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad, peace and mercy of Allah be always upon him, have taught me that Islam is a religion of inspiration and accomplishment and is for life. Its guidance, when followed sincerely, gives us so much hope and inner peace and inspires us to serve all humanity. Its structural manifestations of ‘Ibadaat’ or devotional acts, i.e. the Islamic testimony of Shahadah, daily Salaah (prayers) Fasting of Ramadan, Zakah (the annual financial compulsory contribution of 2.5%) and the Hajj, are designed to encourage the aspirations of its sincere followers in improving their lives, become closer to their Creator and finding a serenity of life with peace and tranquillity. Indeed, Islam introduces so much meaning into our lives that when we finally understand and follow its teachings it becomes totally relevant and we experience its real taste.

The Quran emphasises this point by saying: ‘Believers! Give your response to Allah and His Messenger when He calls you to that which will give you life. And know that Allah comes in between a man and his heart and that it is He to Whom you shall be gathered.’ S8 V 24

This beautiful and meaningful verse tells us all about the nature of Islamic guidance and what outcomes can be expected once we respond to God’s teachings. It also indicates that if we choose to ignore them our hearts will become unresponsive. Allah’s teachings are for the benefit of all humanity and by observing them we become closer to Him and feel a serenity and spiritual blessing in our hearts that rewards us with a beautiful taste for life. Many people wonder what is the purpose of life and why have we been brought into existence. Our confusion and lack of understanding on this subject will remain while we humans endeavour to understand ourselves and our purpose in this life solely through our personal limited experience or observation and fail to engage in intellectual discourse, analysis or ‘research’.

According to this verse, a functioning heart can only have a life if it follows the guidance of its Creator. The alternative is a live heart burdened with a negative outlook, unhappy and in total bewilderment regarding the purpose behind its existence. This process is described as ‘Allah coming in between a man and his heart’.

Allah provides the purity and the life in people’s hearts. This has been described so meaningfully in this following verse: ‘Those who believe and whose hearts find satisfaction in the remembrance of Allah. For, without doubt, in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find satisfaction. For those who believe and work righteousness is every blessedness and a beautiful place of final return’. S13 V 28-29

The ‘blessedness’ that is promised to us in this verse is an internal state of satisfaction and happiness that is difficult to describe in words. Many people, at some point in their lives, strive to find it in their material possessions but are inevitably disappointed and remain miserable even until the time of their death. We all find it elusive but it is there within reach of all of us.

Islamic teachings provide this quality of life for all those who strive to understand them, follow them in all sincerity and have the best understanding of their meaning. The Quran guides by saying: ‘Those who listen to the Words and follow the best of it. Those are the ones who Allah had guided and those are the ones endued with understanding’. S39 V18

A blocked heart has no real life. It becomes cruel, harsh and uncaring towards others. It no longer enjoys that joyous feeling  that is achieved after committing a good deed and resisting the commitment of an evil act.

The Quran again highlights the difference between the two kinds of heart: ‘Is one whose heart Allah has opened to Islam so that he has received light from Allah (no better than one hard-hearted)? Woe to those whose hearts are hardened against the remembrance of Allah. They are manifestly wandering (in error). Allah has revealed the most beautiful Message in the form of a Book, consistent with itself (yet) repeating (its teaching in various aspects). The skins of those who fear their Lord tremble; then their skins and their hearts do soften to the remembrance of Allah. Such is the guidance of Allah He guides therewith whom He pleases. But such as Allah leaves to stray, can have none to guide’. S39 V 22-23

Islam with its divine guidance, brings hope and contentment into our lives and satisfaction with the purpose for our presence here. Islam is always at the service of all humanity. It does not turn people away from the real blessings of life. Islam is active and pro-active in the service of people who are most in need. Islam embraces them and does not break away from them or ignore them. Islam calls upon people and proclaims: ‘And spend of your sustenance in the cause of Allah, and make not your own hands contribute to your destruction. And do good, for Allah loves those who do good’. S2 V195

This beautiful verse at first encourages people to contribute towards the welfare of those who urgently need support. There are no set limits to this. Our negative decisions and our selfish attitudes could become the cause of our own ‘destruction’ and what we may think is good work at times may prove detrimental to our own wellbeing and destiny.

Then the verse commands and guides us to do good, because this is crucial for the development of humanity. What better encouragement is there to do good and keep doing it, than to let people know and feel that Allah, the Almighty the Creator, loves those who are the doers of good.

A good and purified heart is an essential requirement in achieving good work. The prophet Muhammad says: ‘Behold! Indeed therein in the body is a piece of flesh. If it is purified the whole body continues in purity. And if it is corrupt the whole body gets corrupted. Behold! It is your heart’.

If we really want a world in which we can still show the next generations that morality and good character still abide, we need to care for our hearts!