Introduction:
ISLAM, meaning submission to Allah, is the 'Deen' ('دين'), signifying the natural 'Way of Life' chosen by Allah for all of humanity to become His vicegerent in earthly life. Its essence lies in guiding individuals towards success and qualification for the ultimate purpose of existence - to become companions of Allah SWT in the eternal life hereafter. From the first Prophet Adam PBUH to the last and final Prophet Muhammad ﷺ PBUH, the mission of all Prophets and Messengers was to preach and guide mankind to follow Islam.
The Active Muslim:
Accepting Islam in its literal sense involves 'acquiring protection, peace, and blessings of Allah SWT by submitting to the will of the All-Mighty Allah.' A true Muslim, the active follower of Islam, resides in a state of resigned submission before Allah, protected by the Muslim community, and safeguarded by Allah from punishment in the hereafter.
ISLAM: The Divine Way of Life:
The Arabic word 'دين' (Deen), interpreted as the complete and perfect 'Way of Life' chosen by Allah for mankind, lacks a precise translation in other languages. Often translated simply as 'Religion' in English, ISLAM is more accurately described as the 'Organic Whole' that surpasses the teachings of all worldwide religions combined. It is easy to comprehend for compliance while offering profound details and in-depth knowledge and heartfelt wisdom in all aspects of life, providing vast horizons for intellectuals, thinkers, and scholars to explore.
As discussed earlier, Allah completed and revealed His Divine Knowledge and Guidance through His beloved Prophet Muhammad ï·º PBUH in the form of the full and final version of Islam. This divine knowledge has remained up-to-date, latest, and fresh for over the past 1400 years, offering solutions to contemporary requirements in this postmodern era and beyond, unlike any other religion.
The Divine Conformity to ISLAM
The Quran states in Chapter 3 Verse 83:
Do they now seek a way of life other than prescribed by Allah even though all that is in the heavens and the earth is in submission to Him - willing or unwillingly - and to Him all shall return? (Quran 3:83)
ISLAM characterizes the universe as the basic principle, defining the way of life of every part of it. In the Quranic passage above, individuals are questioned if they would follow a way of life different from ISLAM, despite being part of the universe characterized by submission to Allah.
Quran illuminates in Chapter 3 Verses 84-86 :
Muslims, adherents of ISLAM, do not harbor narrow prejudices or chauvinistic loyalties. Instead, they bear witness to the truth of all Messengers of God peace be upon them, irrespective of when and where they appeared.
Say: 'We believe in Allah and what was revealed to us and what was revealed to Abraham and Ishmael and to Issac and Jacob and his descendants, and the teachings which Allah gave to Moses and Jesus and to other Prophets. We make no distinction between any of them and to Him do we submit. And whoever seeks a way other than this way a submission (Islam), will find that it will not be accepted from him and in the Life to come he will be among the losers. How can Allah guide people who once believed, after they received clear signs and affirmed that the Messenger was a true one, lapsed into disbelief. Allah does not guide the wrong-doers.(Quran 3:84-86)
The Quran emphasizes that any way of submission other than ISLAM is unacceptable to God, urging believers to adhere to the path of submission. It further highlights the inconsistency of those who, having once believed and received clear signs, lapsed into disbelief, emphasizing that Allah does not guide the wrong-doers.
In these verses, the Quran clarifies that ISLAM is not merely one among many paths but the comprehensive and universal way of submission ordained by God. Believers are called upon to maintain unwavering faith in Allah and the revelations sent to various Prophets (peace be upon them), recognizing the unity in the messages delivered over time. The refusal to distinguish between Prophets (peace be upon them) is a testament to the inclusivity of ISLAM, promoting a broad understanding that transcends narrow sectarian boundaries.
The Quran further addresses those who seek a path divergent from the way of submission (ISLAM), warning that such endeavors will not be accepted. It emphasizes the consequences of deviating from this path, underscoring that those who choose an alternative will be among the losers in the life to come. The message is clear - the true guidance lies in submission to Allah, and any deviation from this path leads to spiritual loss and other consequences hereafter.
The Quranic passages underscore the timeless relevance of ISLAM, portraying it as a dynamic and all-encompassing way of life that accommodates the evolving needs of humanity. The teachings of ISLAM, as completed through the final Prophet Muhammad ï·º, are portrayed as a divine source of perpetual guidance, always fresh and applicable, even in the face of the challenges posed by the postmodern era and so forth.
Conclusion:
In unveiling ISLAM as the divine way of life, these verses illuminate the essence of submission to Allah, encouraging believers to embrace a comprehensive worldview that transcends cultural and temporal limitations. The call to submit to the divine order resonates not only as a spiritual imperative but as a guiding principle for navigating the complexities of life in a manner that aligns with the universal order established by Allah.
Understanding the Dimensions of ISLAM: The Divine Way of Life
ISLAM, the divine way of life, manifests itself in a profound internal coherence, encompassing the spiritual and moral dimensions. The chosen Prophet ï·º has eloquently expounded on the three fundamental dimensions intrinsic to ISLAM, touching upon the realms of the body, mind, and heart. This interpretation is drawn, in part, from the detailed and renowned Hadith of Gabriel (AS), where Prophet Muhammad ï·º explicitly outlines these three core dimensions:
Islam - Religion:
In the context of religion, Islam signifies bearing witness that there is no deity but Allah and Muhammad ï·º is His Messenger. It involves establishing Prayers, paying Zakat, Fasting during Ramadan, and making the Hajj pilgrimage to Makkah if one has the means.
Iman - Faith/Belief:
Faith involves believing in Allah, His angels, His books, His messengers, and the last day. It also encompasses having faith in the divine decree, both in its positive and negative aspects.
Ehsan - Excellence:
Ehsan entails worshiping Allah as if you see Him, recognizing that even if you do not see Him, He sees you.
The Hadith of Gabriel (AS) introduces these dimensions to the way of life, emphasizing that ISLAM is not just a set of practices but a comprehensive framework involving religious rituals, sincere beliefs, and spiritual excellence. It suggests a progression from outward conformity with normative practices to the inner realms of faith in the mind and ultimately to spiritual life in the heart. While these concepts are theoretically straightforward, their practical implementation poses challenges, with varying degrees of accomplishment among Muslims.
Many Muslims achieve conformity to the outward practices of religion according to Sunnah, and a few attain a profound and unwavering belief. However, only a select few reach the elevated spiritual degrees that lead to the status of 'Wali Allah' or achieving sainthood.
Deep Exploration of Three Dimensions: Islam, Iman and Ehsan
It is crucial to recognize that the higher aspects of religious experience can only be fully grasped through the practice of Islam. As we embark on this journey, stay tuned for detailed explorations of these three dimensions that constitute ISLAM - the Divine Way of Life.
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