The Method of Islam

[ابوالوليد المسلم]

The Method of Islam (1/5)

Abdul Rahman Bin Hammad Al-Omar


1- Islam and Science:
According to Islamic faith, the first commandment of Allah to man is that he must learn and acquire knowledge.
Allah stated in the Holy Qur’an:
“So know (O Muhammad [may Allah's peace be upon him]) that La ilaha illallah (none has the right to be worshipped but Allah), and ask forgiveness for your sin, and also for (the sin of) believing men and believing women. And Allah knows well your moving about, and your place of rest (in your homes).” (Surah Muhammad, 47:19)
The Qur’an states also:
“My Lord I Increase me in knowledge”. (Surah Ta-Ha, 20: 114)
Allah also stated:
“So ask the people of the Reminder [Scriptures - the Taurat (Torah), the Injeel (Gospel)] if you do not know.” (Surah Al-Anbiya', 21:7)
Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him said: “The search for knowledge is a duty laid on every Muslim”.
He also said: “The Superiority of a scholar over an ignorant man is as obvious as the brightness of the full moon in dark nights”.
Islam classifies knowledge into two categories:
a) Obligatory knowledge:
This is a duty on every Muslim, whether male or female, The Muslim must know Allah, His Messenger Prophet Muhammad, may Allah's peace be upon him, and acquire knowledge concerning the fundamentals of Islam using available evidence.
b) Optional Knowledge:
This is a collective duty, meaning that it is not a duty on every individual, but if a group of individuals in the community undertake to acquire this kind of knowledge, all other individuals will be exempted from this duty, and the whole community will be free from responsibility of negligence to acquire this kind of knowledge. Examples of such knowledge are:- to study Islamic Law, to study other basic sciences, industries, and professions which are of vital necessity for the welfare of the community. Muslim rulers should always do their best to procure scholars, professionals and qualified men in all fields of optional knowledge to satisfy the needs of the Muslim community.
2- Islam and Faith:
Allah commanded His Messenger Muhammad, may the peace and blessings of Allah be on him, to proclaim to all people that they are the bondsmen of Allah alone, and that they should worship none but Allah. He ordered them to relate themselves with Allah directly without any intercessor between Him and them, that they should put their trust in Him Alone, fear none except Him, and ask for everything from none except Him.
Man must glorify Allah his Lord by His Holy Attributes and Holy Names. This was the manner of Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him. All these meanings have already been exposed and explained in the chapter dealing with the explanation of the meaning of (No god save Allah.)
3- Islam and fostering bonds of friendship among people:
Allah commanded Muslims to be good and to strive for the deliverance of humanity from the darkness of blasphemy to the light of Islam. Belief in Allah is the cornerstone on which the Muslim bases his relations with others. He loves the righteous people who obey Allah and His Messenger even if they are not connected with Him by any bond of relation. Allah abominates the unbelievers and those who disobey Him and His Messenger even though they may be his closest relatives. This connection, being based on belief in Allah, not only gathers dispersed groups and unites different communities, but it also survives more than all other human-made bonds such as nationalism, material interests and even blood relationships which are feeble and liable to break down. Allah states in the Qur’an:
“You (O Muhammad [may Allah’speace be upon him]) will not find any people who believe in Allah and the Last Day, making friendship with those who oppose Allah and His Messenger (Muhammad [may Allah's peace be upon him]), even though they were their fathers or their sons or their brothers or their kindred (people).” (Surah Al-Mujadilah, 58:22)
Allah also states:
“Verily, the most honourable of you with Allah is that (believer) who has At-Taqwa [Le. he is one of the Muttaqun (the pious)].” (Surah Al-Hujuraat, 49:13)
Allah commanded Muslims to do justice to both enemies and friends and forbade all his bondsmen to do injustice to others.
Allah commanded His bondsmen to be honest, truthful, kind to parents, the poor and the benevolent and to desist from all kinds of deception. Allah commanded them to be good in their behavior towards everything, even towards animals and birds, which they are ordered not to torture in any way. The Muslim is ordered to kill harmful animals and insects like scorpions, serpents, rats, mordacious dogs ... etc, to protect himself and his community, but he is not allowed to torture them.
4- Self conscientiousness and heart needfulness of the believer:
The verses of the glorious Quran informed people that Allah sees His bondsmen wherever they may be, knows all their deeds and intentions and that His angels are accompanying them to register whatever they do openly or secretly. People will have to account for Allah for all that they do or say. Allah warns them that they will be punished severely if they disobey His commandments. This divine warning refrains the believers and prevents them from disobeying Allah or committing sins and crimes.
As for those who are heedless of Allah's punishment, and are not ashamed of committing sins whenever they can, Islam imposes on them certain deterring restrictions:
1.The whole Muslim community is accountable to Allah for preaching good deeds and forbidding indecency. In this way, the Muslim, who does not interfere positively to prevent a man from committing a crime or a sin will be responsible for his negative attitude to Allah.
2. Muslim rulers are commanded to execute the punishments laid down in the Quran against the criminals who commit grievous crimes mentioned therein. The Prophet, peace be upon him, explained these crimes and carried out such punishments against the sinners during his lifetime.

(Continued)

[ابوالوليد المسلم]

The Method of Islam (2/5)

Abdul Rahman Bin Hammad Al-Omar


5- Islam and Social interdependence:
Allah enjoined Muslims to co-operate with one another in material and moral fields. Some forms of this cooperation have already been explained in the chapter concerning Zakat.
A Muslim is not only forbidden to cause harm to others, but he is also commanded to be positive and remove what acts others do that may cause harm to anyone. Removing a stone from a road, or a thorn from the shadow of a tree, although it may appear a trifle deed, yet it is a good action for which a man will be rewarded.
It is the duty of a Muslim to wish for his fellow-brother what he wishes for himself, and to dislike for him what he dislikes for himself. The Quran states:
“Help you one another in Al-Birr and At-Taqwa (virtue, righteousness and piety); but do not help one another in sin and transgression.” (Surah Al-Ma'idah, 5:2)
The Quran states also:
“The believers are nothing else than brothers (in Islamic religion). So make reconciliation between your brothers....” (Surah Al-Hujuraat, 49:10)
“There is no good in most of their secret talks save (in) him who orders Sadaqah (charity in Allah's Cause), or Ma’ruf (Islamic Monotheism and all the good and righteous deeds which Allah has ordained), or conciliation between mankind; and he who does this, seeking the good Pleasure of Allah, We shall give him a great reward.” (Surah An-Nisa’, 4:114)
Prophet Muhammad, may the peace and blessings of Allah be on him, said: “None of you will be a believer till he wishes for his fellow-brother what he wishes for himself.”
In his magnificent farewell speech, which he made at Arafat before his death, Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him said:
“O people, your God is One, and your father is one, an Arab has no preference over a non-Arab, nor is a Blackman no privileged over a Whiteman, or a red man over a black man except by God-fearing. Have I informed you? The people answered ‘Yes you did.’”
“Your lives, your properties and your honour are as sacred as this day (day of Hajj) of this holy month in this inviolable city (Makkah) is”.
6- Islam and Domestic Affairs:
Allah commanded the Muslims to appoint from among themselves an Imam to be their ruler. Muslims should acknowledge the right of authority of their ruler. They should also unite in one nation and never disperse. They are not allowed to disobey their rulers or leaders except in one case, when the ruler orders them to commit a sin or an action contrary to the commandments of Allah.
Allah has commanded the Muslim to immigrate to an Islamic country if he cannot act on Islam in his own country, or declare openly there that he is a Muslim. Islamic countries are the countries ruled by a Muslim ruler and in which all affairs of the community are regulated by the Islamic Law.
Islam does not acknowledge territorial boundaries, national or popular relations, and nationalities, as these lead to separation and differentiation among people. There is no nationality for the Muslim except Islam. According to Islam, all mankind are Allah's bondsmen, and the whole earth belongs to Allah (not to any nation or a certain country), thus, the Muslim is authorized to migrate wherever he likes as long as he has committed himself to the Laws of Allah. However, if he abrogates these laws, the penalties stated therein should be inflicted on him. By executing the laws of Allah, and carrying into force the penalties which He commanded against those who commit certain crimes, the human community can establish security, Tightness, and protection of lives, properties and honour. The worst evils befall a community when it abandons these Divine laws.
Allah prohibited spiritual, alcoholic drinks, and drugs of all kinds to preserve for man the faculty of sense with which He endowed him. Whoever drinks wine any spiritual or alcoholic drink, or takes any drug is punished according to the laws of Allah by being flogged from 40 to 80 lashes. This preventive punishment guarantees a wide range of protection for people against all evils and crimes that arise out of alcoholic beverages.
Allah has prescribed retaliation to protect Muslims' lives. He commanded that reprisal and paying back injury for injury should be executed on the intentional murderers and aggressors who kill or wound others intentionally. The Muslim is authorized to practice legitimate self-defense against any aggression on his life, honour, or possessions.
Allah stated in the Quran:
“And there is (a saving of) life for you in Al-Qisas (the Law of Equality in punishment), O men of understanding, that you may become Al-Muttaqun (the pious).” (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:179)
Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him, said:
“Whoever is killed while defending against an attack on his life, his honour, or his possessions is a martyr”.
Allah protected the Muslim's honour by prohibiting calumny and prescribing a punishment against slander and false accusations of fornication or pederasty.
Allah protected man's honour and prevented lineage confusion by preventing adultery and fornication, considering them to be one of the most grievous crimes and prescribing a severe punishment for adulterers and adulteresses.
Allah protected possessions by prohibiting stealing, deception, gambling, bribery and all means of illicit gains. He prescribed severe punishment for thieves and highway robbers, commanding that their hands should be maimed.
All these punishments are enacted by Allah, The All-Wise, The All-Knower. He knows better what suits His bondsmen and puts their society in order. He is The Most Merciful. These punishments not only expiate the sins of criminals but also protect the whole society against all kinds of evil. Islam's enemies criticize Islam for inflicting severe punishments against murderers, robbers and adulterers, but their criticisms are null and void because, by inflicting these punishments, Islam cuts off from the society a vicious spoilt member who, if not punished severely, will spread corruption and viciousness to other members and damage the whole community. Those who criticize Islam forget that they do not refrain themselves from killing innocents, and encourage all kinds of brutalities in order to achieve their malicious goals.
7- Islam and Foreign Policy:
Muslims and Muslim rulers are ordained to call people to Islam to deliver them from the darkness of anthems to the light of faith in Allah, and to rescue them from being immersed in the illusions of the materialistic life wherein they suffer deprivation of spiritual happiness.
One of the grave defects of man-made doctrines is that they preach man to be a good citizen and a useful member only of his own society, whereas, Islam ordains man to be good and useful to all mankind. This difference proves that Islam is perfect, magnanimous and superior to all manmade doctrines.
Islam has its own regulations of war. It demands from Muslims to prepare whatever force they can to protect themselves and their faith and to dismay the enemies of Allah and their enemies.
However, Allah authorized Muslims to conclude treaties with non-Muslim nations, on condition that these treaties should be in conformity with Islamic law.
Muslims are strictly prohibited to break the treaties which they conclude with their enemies, but they are authorized to abrogate them if the enemy violates these treaties or commits an act contrary to the conditions laid therein.
Muslims are ordained to call their enemies to Islam before fighting against them. If they refuse, Muslims should call them again to pay the tribute and submit to the laws of Allah. If the enemy refuses again, Muslims should fight them so that there may be no persecution and religion should be for Allah Alone.
Muslims are strictly commanded not to kill women, children, old men, and monks who do not participate in war against Muslims. They are commanded to treat prisoners of war kindly.

(Continued)

[ابوالوليد المسلم]

The Method of Islam (3/5)

Abdul Rahman Bin Hammad Al-Omar

8- Islam and Freedom:
A. Freedom of Faith
In a country ruled by Muslim authorities, a non-Muslim is guaranteed his freedom of faith. He has the full choice, either to embrace Islam to deliver himself from disbelief and attain prosperity, or to stick to his religion, and hence, choose disbelief, distress, and torment in Hell-Fire. Such a choice provides a clear-cut evidence against the disbeliever on the Day of Judgment. Muslims are forbidden from obliging a non-Muslim to embrace Islam, but he should pay the tribute to Muslims readily and submissively, surrender to Islamic laws, and should not practice his polytheistic rituals openly.
Apostasy from Islam is a grievous crime punishable by death. One who commits apostasy from Islam rejects truth after he had known it, thus, he does not deserve life and loses the (Raison-d'etre) of his existence. But if his apostasy is due to a violation of one of the principles of Islam, he should repent and ask Allah for forgiveness, and behave in accordance with Islamic rules.
Violations leading to apostasy are of many forms:
1. Idolatry: - That is to worship others beside Allah, even if he considers those whom he associates with Allah to be intercessors and not gods (as a symbol of a pious man, or any other creature whom he thinks to be his intercessor to Allah). Islam considers one committing such acts to be an idolater or an apostate.
The likeness of those who commit idolatry under the name of intercession is as the likeness of a man who drinks wine after calling it by another name. Allah stated in the Qur’an:
“So worship Allah (Alone) by doing religious deeds sincerely for Allah's sake only. Surely the religion (i.e. the worship and the obedience) is for Allah only. And those who take Auliya (protectors, helpers, lords, gods) besides Him (say): "We worship them, only that they may bring us near to Allah." Verily Allah will judge between them concerning that wherein they differ. Truly, Allah guides not him who is a liar, and a disbeliever…” (Surah Az-Zumar, 39:2-3)
Allah also states:
“Such is Allah, your Lord, His is the kingdom And those, whom you invoke or call upon instead of Him, own not even a Qitmir (the thin membrane over the date-stone). If you invoke (or call upon) them, they hear not your call; and if (in case) they were to hear, they could not grant it (your request) to you. And on the Day of Resurrection, they will disown your worshipping them. And none can inform you (O Muhammad [may Allah's peace be upon him]) like Him Who is the All-Knower (of everything).” (Surah Al-Fatir, 35:13-14)

2. The Muslim must charge idolaters, Jews, Christians, atheists and magicians with unbelief. He should charge also with unbelief those who worship false deities and take for law regulations different from those which Allah had revealed. A Muslim commits the grievous sin of unbelief if he does not accuse such men with unbelief.
3. Sorcery is a form of unbelief, especially when it includes grave idolatrous deviation. Therefore, whoever practices sorcery, or gives his consent to such action after knowing that it is atheism is an unbeliever.
4. Whoever believes that there is a law better than the law of Islam, or that there is a system better than that revealed to Muhammad is an unbeliever.
5. Whoever dislikes Prophet Muhammad, may the peace and blessings of Allah be on him, or abominates any of the rules of Islamic law is an unbeliever.
6. Whoever ridicules any of the precepts of Islam knowingly is an unbeliever.
7. Whoever longs for the defeat of Islam and abhors its victories is an unbeliever.
8. Whoever takes unbelievers as friends and gives them support knowingly with abrogation to Islamic rules is an unbeliever.
9. To believe that there are certain men authorized to violate Islamic laws and perform what is contrary to them is unbelief.
10. Whoever shuns Islamic faith or law after being reminded of it is an unbeliever.
11. To deny or reject any of the fundamentals of Islam is unbelief.
All these examples of deviation which lead to apostasy are supported by evidences from the Quran and prophetic traditions. We should beware of committing any of these deeds.
B. Islam confers freedom of opinion on Muslims on condition that it should not be used to violate Islamic precepts. Allah commanded the Muslim to stick to truth and say it wherever he may be heeding no censure of others. This is considered to be one of the highest ranks of fighting for the cause of Allah. The Muslim should also give good advice to Muslim rulers and admonish them to refrain themselves from all kinds of transgression. Allah ordered the Muslims to refute false opinions and restrain those who call people to it from committing this grievous sin.
Such a system based on respecting the opinions of others so long as their opinions are not violating the law of Allah is most magnanimous system. Opinions contrary to the laws of Allah result in nothing but corruption and falsehood, therefore these should not be communicated.
C. Individual liberty is guaranteed in Islam within the broad limits of Islamic laws. Both man and woman have the right to practice all kinds of transaction: i.e. contracts of sale, donation, waqf..... etc. As for marriage, both male and female have full liberty to select their spouse, but in exceptional cases, when a female agrees to marry a man who is not equal to her in religious rank (i.e. a man of bad reputation, or negligent of his religious duties such as prayer, fast.... etc), the female's father or the most close relative to her has the right to interfere and oppose the marriage with a view to protect her faith, honour and her family's interests. A female should not run about herself to complete marriage formalities, but her legal sponsor should do so on her behalf.
A contract for marriage is dependent on the consent of both the parties (the male and the female). Two witnesses, at least, should be present at the time of concluding the contract and should sign it as witnesses.
According to Islam, man and whatever he own belong to Allah. Therefore, all human behavior should be within the limits explained by the commandments of Allah. Islam permits no transgression or extravagance; the laws of Allah are not only a guidance to His bondsmen, but they are also a source of mercy on them. To protect the Muslim society from all kinds of abuses and deviations, Islam has strictly forbidden adultery, fornication, sodomy, suicide and all forms of lewdness.
Allah ordained Muslims to shave off their moustaches, trim their nails, pluck out their armpits and pubic hair and to circumcise males.
Muslims are enjoined not to imitate the behavior of Allah's enemies, or commit their indecencies. Behaviour imitation will affect the Muslim's attitudes, and may create in him a sensation of sympathy towards his enemy's indecent mode of life. Allah wants the Muslim to be purged from all vices, and thus be a proper source for original Islamic thought, independent of all forms of man-made opinions, ideas, or modes of behaviour. The Muslim should be a model for others in both faith and behaviour, he should not be an imitator and dependent on others.
In the field of industries and technical knowledge useful to mankind, Islam commands the Muslim to strive and acquire this knowledge and experience even from non-Muslims. Knowledge belongs to Allah, and He is the Instructor who provides man with all forms of knowledge.
The Holy Qur’an states:
“He has taught man that which he knew not.” (Surah Al-Alaq, 96:5)
This promptness to acquire useful knowledge and science is the highest rank of reform and admonition for mankind in order to enable man to make use of his liberty, preserve his honor and dignity and protect himself against evil.

(Continued)

[ابوالوليد المسلم]

The Method of Islam (4/5)

Abdul Rahman Bin Hammad Al-Omar


D. Islam protects man's privacy. It not only prohibits the Muslim from entering into other people's houses without permission, it also interdicts strictly glancing furtively at others inside their dwellings as well as prohibiting all deeds which encroach upon someone's security and right of privacy.
E.Allah has conferred on man the freedom of work. Man has the right to earn and expend within the limits explained by the laws of Allah. Work is a duty on man. He should work to support himself and his family. But, at the same time, Allah forbids strictly illicit gains which are the outcome of illegal deeds such as usury, gambling, corruption, theft, sorcery, fornication, and sodomy. Money gained by selling wine, pork, or practicing forbidden kinds of entertainment such as singing and dancing is also illicit and prohibited. The Muslim should avoid earning money from illicit sources and should also avoid spending it for ill deeds.
By this method which regulates means of earning and ways of spending, Islam offers to man the most useful guidance to a prosperous and a very happy life.
9- Islam and Family Status:
Allah organized family status by the Islamic law. This perfect divine Organization ensures happiness for those who adopt it. The Qur’an and prophetic traditions call upon and encourage people to marry for many noble reasons:
Marriage is the best means to chastity and protection against indecency. It creates feelings of love and mercy between the couples and ensures security and tranquility for them. Marriage secures also for the society the way to proper growth through chastity and honest legitimate means.
According to Islam, each couple helps his mate by fulfilling the duties which suit his own nature. The man performs out door work to earn money and support his wife and children. The wife undertakes indoor- work such as bringing up children well, household-management, and doing her best for the happiness of her husband and children.
It is permissible for the wife to work outside home if her husband allows her to co-operate with him to increase their earnings and support their family. But, there is an important reservation on woman's work outside her home. A female should abstain from performing any work in company with men. Women can perform profitable and productive work in homes, their own farms, or their husbands or parents' farms. Neither the husband nor the wife's relatives have the right to oblige her to work in company with men in factories, offices, or commercial stores because such co-work will expose her to corruption.
A woman secured in her house is protected against all kinds of temptation, but if she leaves her safe shelter to associate with men in works, markets, and other fields of life, she may harm herself and expose her honour and dignity to danger.
Islam And Polygamy
Polygamy is permissible in Islam.
Allah authorized man to marry up to four wives, provided that he should treat them all as equals and should not discriminate among them. Islam considers man responsible for observing equality among his wives in all kinds of material treatment such as equality among them in habitation, clothing and all means of adequate support. But strict equality in emotions and feeling is beyond the ******* of a man, therefore he is not obliged to treat his wives on the same footing in emotional matters.
Allah states in the Qur’an:
“You will never be able to do perfect justice between wives...” (Surah An-Nisa’, 4:129)
The commentators of the Qur’an are in agreement that this verse refers to equality between wives in emotions and feelings of love. Such equality which is beyond man's ability should not be a reason to justify abolition of polygamy.
Allah authorized His messengers in all ages to marry more than a wife, because He knows better what is more favorable for His bondsmen. It is a fact that a healthy man can satisfy the sexual desires of four women. Should he restrict himself to only one wife, as Christians and others do, as pretenders of Islam assert, this will result in many different kinds of corruption: -
1. If the husband is a good believer and obedient to His Lord's commandments, restricting himself to one wife only will not satisfy his desires, especially in the periods of his wife's menses, childbirth, sickness and during the last months of pregnancy. Certainly he will feel deprivation during these periods.
2. If the husband is a disobedient sinner and does not act according to the commandment of Allah, monogamy may incite him to commit adultery and abandon his wife. The majority of those who oppose polygamy are sinful adulterers who commit fornication and indecency shamelessly with unlimited number of women. A man committing lewdness and fornication while declaring himself to be an open antagonist to polygamy is condemned to be an unbeliever.
3. Monogamy deprives a great number of women of their legitimate right of marriage and having children. In times of wars and disasters, the death rate among men is proportionally high. In these cases, polygamy is the best means to extend the circle of marriage to combine a great number of widows and unmarried women and give them shelter and an honourable life. It is a clear fact that Islam, by regulating polygamy, has treated women with justice and mercy. Islam preferred the interests of women as a whole to the individual feeling of jealousy or grief which a wife suffers in case of polygamy. Those who oppose polygamy are the real enemies of women, virtue, and prophets of Allah. Who practiced polygamy according to the laws of Allah. Individual feelings of jealousy or grief should never be taken as a basis to impede laws and systems regulated by divine laws.
However, Islam authorizes the wife to stipulate a condition in her marriage contract that she will have the right to be divorced by her own will if her husband marries a second wife. According to Islamic law, the husband has no right in this case to reclaim from his divorced wife the possessions, cash or gifts that he had given her.
Divorce is permissible in Islam to enable couples to terminate their disputes and unhappy life, so that each one of them may start a new, happier life with a new mate. Divorce in Islam puts an end to unhappy matrimonial life and removes all deadlock that can prevent people from a happy, honourable life.
10- Islam and Hygienic Problems:
Many verses of the Qur’an and prophetic traditions contain spiritual and material methods for treating many psychological and physical diseases. Allah stated in the Qur’an:
“And We send down of the Qur’an that which is a healing and a mercy to those who believe (in Islamic Monotheism and act on it)”. (Surah Al-Isra’, 17:82)
The Prophet, may the peace and blessings of Allah be on him said:
“Whatever the disease, Allah has created a medication for it, regardless of the fact that some men may come to know what this medication is and others may not.”
The Prophet permitted Muslims to use all kinds of medicines except which contain unlawful elements such as wine, swine flesh or any other forbidden matter. Ibn Al Qayyim treated this subject thoroughly in his book “Zad - Al-Maa'd” so, the reader can refer to this book if he wishes to acquire more knowledge about this subject.
11. In addition to hygienic problems:
Islam also organizes commerce, the economy, industry and agriculture in details. The Islamic methods in these fields satisfy properly the needs of people in nutrition and housing, organize public utilities, and secure public health in urban and rural societies and maintain the public amenities apparatuses on a proper basis to guarantee the settlement of all social troubles.

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[ابوالوليد المسلم]

The Method of Islam (5/5)

Abdul Rahman Bin Hammad Al-Omar


12. Muslim's Invisible Enemies and the Way to Overcome Them:
Allah explained to Muslims that they have hidden enemies, who do their best to mislead Muslims to perdition in this worldly life and in the Hereafter. Allah also guided Muslims to the method of delivery from the evils of these unseen enemies.
The firstof these enemies is the accursed Satan, who stirs up and leads all other enemies of man.
Satan was not only a foe to our forefather Adam and our grandmother Eve, but he is an open enemy of Adam's progeny till the end of this worldly life. Satan strives hard to persuade people either to unbelief or to commit sins in order that they may accompany him in dwelling forever in Hell-Fire. Satan is an incorporeal spirit, able to instill evil in man and allure mischief to him as if he were a second nature to him.
Allah explained to us how to overcome Satan and his followers. When a Muslim is about to commit a sin, or when he is maddened with anger, he should say “I ask Allah for His refuge against the accursed Satan.” Then he should refrain himself from committing the sin and calm his anger. The Muslim should know that malicious incentives are always motivated by the Satan. Allah said:
“Surely, Shaitan (Satan) is an enemy to you, so take (treat) him as an enemy. He only invites his Hizb (followers) that they may become the dwellers of the blazing Fire.” (Surah Al-Fatir, 35:6)
The Second foe of man is his lusts: Man can be persuaded to deny the truth and disobey the commandments of Allah if these are contrary to his lusts. A sinful man always gives priority to emotions and passions over truth and justice.
The way to overcome lust is to ask Allah for refuge against one's own lusts, stick to truth, and to refrain from following desires contrary to Allah's commandments.
The thirdenemy of man is his base self which incites him to evil.
This base self incites sins and forbidden desires in a man such as drinking wine, committing adultery and breaking fast in Ramadan without a legal excuse. The way to overcome this enemy is to ask Allah for refuge against the base self and against the devil. Then, one should abstain from committing a sin and strive to gain the refuge of Allah. One should always remind oneself that sinful lusts are evanescent and leave nothing but sorrow and remorse.
Satanic-people are the fourth enemy of man. They are called satanic-people because they behave like devils, oppose the commandments of Allah, commit lewdness and tempt people to evil. The best way to overcome this enemy is to beware and not to associate with them.
13. Islam, the noble aim of this life and the way to happiness:
This worldly life with its evanescent allurements is not the ****** of Muslim. Allah explained to Muslims that they should direct their efforts in this life to gain eternity and bliss in the true coming-life, the life after death. This worldly life is not an end in itself; a true Muslim considers it only a means to the life Hereafter. Allah stated:
“And I (Allah) created not the jinn and mankind except that they should worship Me (Alone)”. (Surah Adh-Dhariyat, 51:56)
Allah stated also:
“O You who believe! Fear Allah and keep your duty to Him. And let every person look to what he has sent forth for the morrow, and fear Allah. Verily, Allah is All Aware of what you do. And be not like those who forgot Allah (i.e. became disobedient to Allah), and He caused them to forget their ownselves, (let them to forget to do righteous deeds). Those are the Fasiqun (rebellious, disobedient to Allah). Not equal are the dwellers of the Fire and the dwellers of the Paradise. It is the dwellers of Paradise that will be successful...” (Surah Al-Hashr, 59:18-20)
Allah said also:
“So whosoever does good equal to the weight of an atom (or a small ant) shall see it. And whosoever does evil equal to the weight of an atom (or a small ant) shall see it”. (Surah Al-Zalzalah, 99:7-8)
When the Muslim remembers these verses and other similar verses of glorious Qur’an, he understands his aim in this worldly life and acquires knowledge about the true life of Hereafter, which is certain to come. Therefore, he serves Allah devoutly and strives to gain His consent and kindness in this life and in the Hereafter. This will stimulate him to fulfil his religious duties sincerely, search for happiness in supplicating Allah and gain tranquility by continuous remembrance of Allah. Such a man is always good in deed and saying. He gains praise and appreciation of other good men, and pays no heed to ungrateful envious men who deny religion and mock at pious men's efforts. He follows the way of the messengers of Allah, and in whatever he does or says, he seeks nothing but the favour of Allah. Wherever he may work, he strives hard to increase production in order to serve Islam and Muslims, knowing that Allah will reward him for his sincerity and good intention, and that his earnings by which he supports himself and his family will be blessed by Allah.
This manner of life secures honour and complete contentment for man. He can enjoy all legal pleasures without extravagance He can have a wife and children who will serve Allah, add to the number of good Muslims and continue to carry out their father's mission after his death. A Muslim always thanks Allah for His favours and becomes more sincere to Him by devout obedience.
When a Muslim is afflicted with any disaster (fear, hunger, illness ... etc), he knows well that Allah tests him, therefore, he should endure, be contented and thank Allah in all cases. In this way, Allah rewards him for his patience.
A Muslim leading his life with this high spirit and striving for the happy eternal life will gain happiness not even in this worldly life but also in the Hereafter.
Allah said:
“That Home of the Hereafter (i.e. Paradise), We shall assign to those who rebel not against the truth with pride and oppression in the land nor do mischief by committing crimes. And the good end is for the Muttaqun (the pious and righteous persons)”. (Surah Al-Qasas, 28:83)
“Whoever works righteousness -whether male or female-while he (or she) is a true believer (of Islamic Monotheism) verily, to him We will give a good life (in this world with respect, contentment and lawful provision), and We shall pay them certainly a reward in proportion to the best of what they used to do (i.e. Paradise in the Hereafter).” (Surah An-Nahl, 16:97)
The prophet, may the peace and blessings of Allah be on him said “How astonishing is the believer, all his affairs are rewarding, if he is blessed with a favour, he thanks Allah and gains the reward of the thankful men, and if he is afflicted with a misfortune, he endures and gains the reward of patient men”.
All this evidence proves that Islam is the only source of true conceptions and the right criteria to distinguish truth from falsehood. All prevailing conceptions in the fields of sociology, economics, politics, education and other fields of knowledge should be revised and corrected according to the true principles of Islam. It is impossible for any contrary conception to gain success, but it would rather impede progress and continue to be a source of misery and unhappiness to those who adopt it.