| By qalam,
on 01-03-2007 20:22
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Islam - where are we today?
So We prevented them from hearing in the cave for a number of years. (1)
Can our Ummah expect that our future will be better than our past? Will this world ever become a better place?
Imagine that you have lived your life in a dark cave. Your parents and grandparents lived here too, and so did their parents and grandparents. You have been told that generations ago, your relatives lived in a very different, beautiful place, but can you really believe some story about the possibility of life on the outside?
But no matter how accustomed you have become to the darkness, you still feel restless and insecure. You realize that, although the darkness may be a part of life, it is not life itself.
As we stumble through life, we have all wondered if we will ever find true Islam within ourselves and lead a truly meaningful life. After all, even though human nature craves a higher purpose, what is the point of working so hard to live a virtuous life if it is not leading anywhere?
The answer to all these questions is just one word: Jannah. Jannah is the light at the end of the cave. Jannah is the belief that this world was created by design, and its purpose will indeed be realized -- that goodness will prevail and that our lives can be meaningful. Without Jannah, our lives would be meaningless -- a never-ending cave of darkness, with little awareness of an alternative existence and no hope of ever reaching the light.
It was narrated by Abu Huraira (ra) that The Prophet (saws) said, "Allah said, "I have prepared for My righteous slaves such excellent things as no eye has ever seen, nor an ear has ever heard nor a human heart can ever think of. " (2)
How do we get out of this cave?
He is Allah the Creator, the Maker, the Fashioner; His are the most excellent names; whatever is in the heavens and the earth declares His glory; and He is the Mighty, the Wise. (3)
Allah (swt) created within each of us a nafs which, when cultivated, allows us to illuminate the darkness and move on. How does one cultivate this nafs? By recognizing the strength of Allah (swt) empowering your soul. By rising above your ego and acknowledging an absolute force that is far greater than yourself. And above all, by realizing that, amidst the darkness there is indeed a light to be found, which will instill every act of virtue with infinite meaning. To be redeemed means to be freed from an overbearing employer or a tyrannical regime; to be freed from a dangerous habit or an abusive situation; to be freed from the fear within ourselves and the confusion that clouds our vision.
Are we still in the dark?
The current technological revolution is in fact the hand of Allah (swt) at work; it is meant to help us make Allah (swt) a reality in our lives. And as time goes on, science will show itself more and more to parallel the truths of Allah (swt), thereby revealing the intrinsic unity in the entire universe.
The divine purpose of the present information revolution, for instance, which gives an individual unprecedented power and opportunity, is to allow us to share knowledge -- spiritual knowledge with each other, empowering and unifying individuals everywhere.
What now?
And We strengthened their hearts with patience, when they stood up and said: Our Lord is the Lord of the heavens and the earth; we will by no means call upon any god besides Him, for then indeed we should have said an extravagant thing. (4)
After the centuries of living in the cave and traveling through its darkness, we now stand on the threshold of the era of redemption. This means, in part, that people will perceive Allah (swt) in all their experiences. We will all see our material pursuits through the filter of our deen -- not as an end in themselves, but as means to a higher end. Revolutionary changes are taking place on all fronts -- on a personal level and on a global scale, in technology, in politics, and in the human spirit.
We are now approaching the exit from the cave, and we are beginning to feel and see the warm, bright light. Now, then, is not the time to be skeptical or selfish. Even the smallest things -- a kind word, an offering of sadaqah, a few minutes in salat -- are immeasurably significant. We must do anything we can to throw even one ray of light into the darkness. Our journey is about to end; we are set to reach our destination, our rendezvous with Allah (swt). The next move is yours.
Abdullah ibn Umar (ra) narrated that The Prophet (saws) said: "If anyone seeks protection in Allahs name, grant him protection; if anyone begs in Allahs name, give him something; if anyone gives you an invitation, accept it; and if anyone does you a kindness, recompense him; but if you have not the means to do so, pray for him until you feel that you have compensated him." (5)
Add in acts of kindness and sadaqah.
Because your challenge is so large, you must start small.
Take an inspiring class or go to a lecture.
Learn about Allah (swt) and the purpose of creation.
Remember, the first step in escaping the darkness is acknowledging that it is darkness. Familiarize yourself with these ideas at your own pace, and you will begin to see a larger picture taking shape in your mind. Pause for a moment to reflect on the true priorities in your life.
Make your home a loving environment; make your office a place where charity and compassion replace selfishness and aggression. And above all, share these ideas with your family and friends.
If one person can resolve to make these changes, then ten can. And if ten can, so can one hundred, and on and on. After all, we are intrinsically good; we naturally want to lead better, more productive, more meaningful lives. Commit yourself today and exhort others to do the same.
That Allah may forgive your community their past faults and those to follow and complete His favor to you and keep you on a right way (6)
Footnotes
1) 18.11
2) Sahih Bukhari: Volume 9, Book 93, Number 589
3) 59.24
4) 18.14
5) Sunan Abu-Dawud: Book 9, Number 1668
6) 48.2
Last update : 01-03-2007 20:22
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