Islam - A realistic interpretation
Saturday, 1 September 2012
Muhammad Zafor
Islam is not a religion in the ordinary sense of the term. Normally religion means strong belief in some fundamentals, with prescription to practice some rituals but without any well defined guidelines to be followed in practical life. On the other hand Islam is a comprehensive concept incorporating both fundamental beliefs and a code of complete life. If religion is translated in Bengali as 'dharmo' meaning basic characteristics of a matter, then Islam can be considered as a religion having such basic characteristics unique to itself. We can say that 'dharmo' of fire is to burn, 'dharmo' of air is to blow, and 'dharmo' of water is to flow, so 'dharmo' of man is to act according to the basic characteristics with which he is created which is called in Islamic theology as 'fitrat' and so named in the holy 'Quran'. In this sense Islam can be defined as a philosophy based on some fundamental beliefs aimed at protecting the 'fitrat' and promoting the bond of relationship with the creator and his creation for achieving welfare in this world and salvation ('najat') in hereinafter ('akhirat').
In western perception, man is primarily conceived as selfish, brute and sin incarnate. Existing Christian philosophy holds that by having faith in Christ one can come out of the state of born sinner. But Islam says that man is born with some good qualities and proper guidance will enhance his chances to remain in the right path. The objectives of practicing prescribed 'Ibadat' (rituals like 'Salah', 'Zakah', 'Siam' and 'Hajj') and following right 'Muamalat' in day to day life, are to protect and promote those basic qualities. In a 'hadith' our beloved prophet (puh) said "Every child is born with good qualities known as 'fitrat', but his parents (society) misguide him and lead him to the wrong track of 'Zudaism' or 'Christianity' or 'Fire Worshipping'''. Basic fundamental good qualities of a man are to have faith in the creator, maintain brotherly relations with men and other units of creation. 'Ibadat' are aimed at strengthening relations with the Creator while 'Mualmalat' are aimed at improving relations with men and other units of creation.
Relations with the creator
The word Islam means -- to surrender. It is derived from the basic term of 'Silm' or 'Salam' meaning peace. In Islam one surrenders to the will of the Creator -- Allah, in order to achieve peace in both worlds. So, journey in Islam begins with strong faith in Almighty Allah and surrendering to His will. The practical manifestation of this faith is to abide by His orders in every sphere of life as revealed through the Prophet Muhammad (pub), collectively called 'Shariah'. 'Shariah' has two branches - 'Ibadat' and 'Muamalat' -- the former meaning all rituals as practical demonstration of obedience to the creator, and the latter showing the methods of behaving with fellow human beings and the society.
Through the practice of regular 'Ibadat' one can truly establish direct link with Almighty Allah and thereby gradually can arrive at a spiritual stage when he feels His existence. Islam believes, and rightly so, that a creation cannot prove the existence of the creator by placing reasons and arguments, howsoever strong those might be. Of course one can feel its existence by practicing 'Ibadat' in such form and sequence as has been prescribed with full concentration and withdrawing the mind for the time being at least from all other things and powers that possess the human mind. For this reason Islam has a prescribed method of direct worship without any other media to intervene in between. In a 'Hadith' the Prophet (pub) said "Worship your Lord as if you are looking at him, if you cannot see him, He surely sees you". In another 'Hadith it is stated that "Salah (Regular five times prayer) is the 'Miraj' (Journey to heaven to contact Allah) of every believer". Prophet (pub) had direct contact with the Almighty Allah during his 'Miraj'. So, every believer can attain similar position during 'Salah'. When a man attains that high level of spiritual standard, he always feels the presence of the Creator around him and naturally refrains from all kinds of evil doings and bad practices. This perpetual fear of Allah that protects him from wrong path is called 'Taqwa'. Consequently a 'Muttaqi' possesses the qualities of a good citizen needed to build a prosperous and peaceful society. Such a person is assured of 'Najah' after death and 'falah' (welfare and success) before it.
Relations with man and
other units of creation
The unique characteristic of Islam is its all comprehensive nature. It prescribes the method of having faith in the Creator and also maintaining good relations with man and other units of creation. The fundamental principle in this respect is the concept that man and other units of creation are created with some very basic characteristics, the crux of which is surrendering to the will of the Creator. In the holy 'Quran' it is clearly stated that "Seven skies, the earth and whatever is there in between them are engaged in glorifying Him (Tasbih) and everything in this universe is constantly praising Almighty Allah, though you do not understand this" (Verse-44, Surah-17). The only difference is the fact that man is given the freedom to remain on the same line with other units or deviate from it. The system of 'Ibadat' and 'Muamilat' in Islam are designed in such a way that ensures protection of surrendering value of human beings so that they remain on the same wave length with other units of creation. This natural way of practicing Islam is called 'Deen' in the holy Quran. In the holy 'Quran' Almighty Allah mentioned clearly "Establish your face towards the correct 'Deen' (which is based on the nature). The nature with which man has been conditioned. There is no change in the creation of Allah. That is the strong 'Deen'" (Verse-30, Surah-30). If the harmonious relations with the Creator and the creation are maintained, then everywhere peace will prevail. If not, then there will be chaos and conflict termed in the holy 'Quran' as 'Fasad'.
In a verse of the holy 'Quran' it is openly declared that every other parts of this universe are following the path of 'Deen' and man in ultimate analysis cannot go the other way. In the words of the holy 'Quran' "Do they want to have a way outside the 'Deen' of Allah, while everything else in the sky and the earth has surrendered to Him willingly or unwillingly and all will return to him (Verse-83, Surah-3). In another verse the holy 'Quran' declared that "There appeared chaos and 'fasad' in the land and the sea due to some practices of man" (Verse-41, Surah-30). So, it is clear that Islam prescribes a method of actions that ensures harmonious relations with Creator and creation.
However, creation consists of two organs -- Man and other Units. Islam has wide provisions of having good relations with man which can be termed as 'Social brotherhood'. It also asked man to maintain proper relations with other units of creation which may be described as 'Natural Brotherhood'. For social brotherhood Islam prescribes some common rights for all irrespective of religious belief. In a 'Hadith' Prophet (pbuh) said "Allah assists the man so long he assists his brother". Islamic injunctions to respect rights of the neighbours are also not based on religious consideration. For 'Natural Brotherhood' there are particular guidelines to respect rights of animals, vegetation and other creation. In the holy 'Quran' destruction of vegetation has been condemned in equal term with destruction of animal. In Verse 205 of Surah 02, it is said "When they get power they start moving in the society, creating disorder by way of destroying vegetation and animals. Allah does not like disorder". In a 'Hadith' the Prophet (pub) said "Entire creation is the family of Almighty Allah."
Spiritual and social bearings
of Islamic rituals
Islamic fundamentals as explained above lead to the protection and promotion of' basic human qualities that transform an individual into an ideal man. A society consisting of such individuals will be free from all kinds of evils. It will also ensure protection of bio-diversity and sustainable development by having smooth relations with all units of creation (nature). A man imbued with Islamic values will be dutiful to the Creator and His creation at the same time. He will be mindful about rights of fellow human beings and other units of creation simultaneously. He will have peace in this world and also hereinafter. In this way true objectives of Islam will be realised. Unfortunately, the preaching and understanding of Islam in our society is not on its right track. Most of us consider Islam as a tool only for personal salvation after death forgetting its bearing for others and the society.
Islam is based on five fundamental pillars -- unflinching faith in the existence of Almighty Allah and Prophethood of Muhammad (pbuh), 'Salah', 'Zakah', 'Siam' (Fasting) and 'Hajj'. The famous 'Hadith-e-Jibril' explained it very clearly and loudly. These rituals have manifold objectives, both spiritual and social. But in most of the cases these rituals are performed only for narrow goal. We say prayers only for our own benefits ignoring its role as a method of attaining that high spiritual standard that will enable him to have a direct link with the Creator and transforming him into a fruitful and beneficial member of the society. At that level 'Salah' will prevent a man from unpleasant and indecent actions ('munkar) as mentioned in the Verse-45 of Surah-29. On further elevation one can use 'Salah' as a means to get all kinds of help from Almighty Allah. In the holy 'Quran' it is stated "Seek assistance of Allah by 'Salah' and patience -'Sab'r' (Verse-45, Surah-2). On further elevation across spiritual journey one feels a kind of enjoyment by joining prayer and other rituals. The Prophet (puh) said in a 'Hadith' "the prayer is cooling for my eye."
In the same way we observe 'Siam' (fasting) only to gain good rewards (Sawab) from Allah on the Day of Judgment. We forget that 'Siam' is an excellent method of coming closer to Almighty Allah and serving suffering humanity by sharing their pains and providing solace to them in various ways. Our beloved prophet (pbuh) described it as a month of patience and sympathy. He also mentioned that "a man who does not leave bad practices and telling lies during Ramadan, his leaving of food and drink does not carry any meaning to Allah". Fasting makes one closer to the Angels who do not take food and also are free from all kinds of evil and sinful activities.
'Zakah' is another important basic pillar of Islam. Its meaning is -- to increase and to purify. By paying 'Zakah' wealth becomes pure from the dirt associated with normal business and worldly activities. It also purifies the soul from the sins connected with spending more time in earning wealth than remembering Allah -'Jikrullah'. This is the main objective of the institute of 'Zakah'. Poverty alleviation and assisting the needy, are its by products. Because if a man is purified he will always try to help others in various ways payment of 'Zakah' included. Putting much importance on its economic aspect, makes it only a tool for achieving a limited goal. From another point of view Zakah, is not a poor tax aiming at poverty alleviation only. Its real function is to remove the personal and social hurdles that slow down the pace of economic activities. Six heads out of eight heads of 'Zakah' clearly explain this aspect. It is a lubricant that keeps the wheels of economy running by cleaning them from different types of dirt which gather in the way of its progress.
Hajj is also one of the main pillars of Islam. It does not have any rigidly prescribed rituals except -'Ihram', 'Tawaf' and stay at the Arafah. Its sole objective is to present oneself before Almighty Allah uttering the words - 'Labbaik' -- I am present before you. It is the highest manifestation of the spiritual journey on earth and attainment. It makes one admit that he has left all worldly possessions and has arrived at the door of the Creator. This feeling of closeness makes one a perfect Muslim and a fully qualified man to be true servant of Allah and the society. In a 'Hadith' it is stated that "a man who performs 'Hajj' correctly, returns home with all his sins forgiven, just like a new born child". So, he takes a fresh vow to start a new life of a person devoted to the cause of the Creator and His creation. Most of us do not look into 'Hajj' from its real perspective and rather make it a journey for pleasure and spending extra wealth gained by various means -- legal and illegal.
In this way every prescribed ritual is an effective mechanism of establishing direct link with Almighty Allah and attaining very high spiritual position which ultimately makes a man full 'Muttaqi' and good human being. Gaining good reward (Sawab) and 'Jannat' will be there as basic benefit. But focusing only on this aspect deprives us of its full benefit.
Islam as a complete code of life or
a code of complete life
Very often we say that Islam is a Complete Code of Life. It appears to me that it is partially true not fully. It means that if a man does not follow Islam, he can somehow leave in this world as his final suffering will be after his death. But in reality one cannot have any meaningful life without following Islam even in this world. Because Islam and life are synonymous considering the fact that one cannot have a life outside the domain of divinely fixed path. The message of Verse No-83 of Surah-3 is clear in this respect. The Verse No-179 of Surah-7, describes a man not following Islam -- worse than the animals. So, deviating from Islam means deviating from true vision of life.
(The writer is a former ambassador and director general, ministry of foreign affairs, government of Bangladesh and Adviser & Pro-VC, Royal University, Banani, Dhaka)
Islam is not a religion in the ordinary sense of the term. Normally religion means strong belief in some fundamentals, with prescription to practice some rituals but without any well defined guidelines to be followed in practical life. On the other hand Islam is a comprehensive concept incorporating both fundamental beliefs and a code of complete life. If religion is translated in Bengali as 'dharmo' meaning basic characteristics of a matter, then Islam can be considered as a religion having such basic characteristics unique to itself. We can say that 'dharmo' of fire is to burn, 'dharmo' of air is to blow, and 'dharmo' of water is to flow, so 'dharmo' of man is to act according to the basic characteristics with which he is created which is called in Islamic theology as 'fitrat' and so named in the holy 'Quran'. In this sense Islam can be defined as a philosophy based on some fundamental beliefs aimed at protecting the 'fitrat' and promoting the bond of relationship with the creator and his creation for achieving welfare in this world and salvation ('najat') in hereinafter ('akhirat').
In western perception, man is primarily conceived as selfish, brute and sin incarnate. Existing Christian philosophy holds that by having faith in Christ one can come out of the state of born sinner. But Islam says that man is born with some good qualities and proper guidance will enhance his chances to remain in the right path. The objectives of practicing prescribed 'Ibadat' (rituals like 'Salah', 'Zakah', 'Siam' and 'Hajj') and following right 'Muamalat' in day to day life, are to protect and promote those basic qualities. In a 'hadith' our beloved prophet (puh) said "Every child is born with good qualities known as 'fitrat', but his parents (society) misguide him and lead him to the wrong track of 'Zudaism' or 'Christianity' or 'Fire Worshipping'''. Basic fundamental good qualities of a man are to have faith in the creator, maintain brotherly relations with men and other units of creation. 'Ibadat' are aimed at strengthening relations with the Creator while 'Mualmalat' are aimed at improving relations with men and other units of creation.
Relations with the creator
The word Islam means -- to surrender. It is derived from the basic term of 'Silm' or 'Salam' meaning peace. In Islam one surrenders to the will of the Creator -- Allah, in order to achieve peace in both worlds. So, journey in Islam begins with strong faith in Almighty Allah and surrendering to His will. The practical manifestation of this faith is to abide by His orders in every sphere of life as revealed through the Prophet Muhammad (pub), collectively called 'Shariah'. 'Shariah' has two branches - 'Ibadat' and 'Muamalat' -- the former meaning all rituals as practical demonstration of obedience to the creator, and the latter showing the methods of behaving with fellow human beings and the society.
Through the practice of regular 'Ibadat' one can truly establish direct link with Almighty Allah and thereby gradually can arrive at a spiritual stage when he feels His existence. Islam believes, and rightly so, that a creation cannot prove the existence of the creator by placing reasons and arguments, howsoever strong those might be. Of course one can feel its existence by practicing 'Ibadat' in such form and sequence as has been prescribed with full concentration and withdrawing the mind for the time being at least from all other things and powers that possess the human mind. For this reason Islam has a prescribed method of direct worship without any other media to intervene in between. In a 'Hadith' the Prophet (pub) said "Worship your Lord as if you are looking at him, if you cannot see him, He surely sees you". In another 'Hadith it is stated that "Salah (Regular five times prayer) is the 'Miraj' (Journey to heaven to contact Allah) of every believer". Prophet (pub) had direct contact with the Almighty Allah during his 'Miraj'. So, every believer can attain similar position during 'Salah'. When a man attains that high level of spiritual standard, he always feels the presence of the Creator around him and naturally refrains from all kinds of evil doings and bad practices. This perpetual fear of Allah that protects him from wrong path is called 'Taqwa'. Consequently a 'Muttaqi' possesses the qualities of a good citizen needed to build a prosperous and peaceful society. Such a person is assured of 'Najah' after death and 'falah' (welfare and success) before it.
Relations with man and
other units of creation
The unique characteristic of Islam is its all comprehensive nature. It prescribes the method of having faith in the Creator and also maintaining good relations with man and other units of creation. The fundamental principle in this respect is the concept that man and other units of creation are created with some very basic characteristics, the crux of which is surrendering to the will of the Creator. In the holy 'Quran' it is clearly stated that "Seven skies, the earth and whatever is there in between them are engaged in glorifying Him (Tasbih) and everything in this universe is constantly praising Almighty Allah, though you do not understand this" (Verse-44, Surah-17). The only difference is the fact that man is given the freedom to remain on the same line with other units or deviate from it. The system of 'Ibadat' and 'Muamilat' in Islam are designed in such a way that ensures protection of surrendering value of human beings so that they remain on the same wave length with other units of creation. This natural way of practicing Islam is called 'Deen' in the holy Quran. In the holy 'Quran' Almighty Allah mentioned clearly "Establish your face towards the correct 'Deen' (which is based on the nature). The nature with which man has been conditioned. There is no change in the creation of Allah. That is the strong 'Deen'" (Verse-30, Surah-30). If the harmonious relations with the Creator and the creation are maintained, then everywhere peace will prevail. If not, then there will be chaos and conflict termed in the holy 'Quran' as 'Fasad'.
In a verse of the holy 'Quran' it is openly declared that every other parts of this universe are following the path of 'Deen' and man in ultimate analysis cannot go the other way. In the words of the holy 'Quran' "Do they want to have a way outside the 'Deen' of Allah, while everything else in the sky and the earth has surrendered to Him willingly or unwillingly and all will return to him (Verse-83, Surah-3). In another verse the holy 'Quran' declared that "There appeared chaos and 'fasad' in the land and the sea due to some practices of man" (Verse-41, Surah-30). So, it is clear that Islam prescribes a method of actions that ensures harmonious relations with Creator and creation.
However, creation consists of two organs -- Man and other Units. Islam has wide provisions of having good relations with man which can be termed as 'Social brotherhood'. It also asked man to maintain proper relations with other units of creation which may be described as 'Natural Brotherhood'. For social brotherhood Islam prescribes some common rights for all irrespective of religious belief. In a 'Hadith' Prophet (pbuh) said "Allah assists the man so long he assists his brother". Islamic injunctions to respect rights of the neighbours are also not based on religious consideration. For 'Natural Brotherhood' there are particular guidelines to respect rights of animals, vegetation and other creation. In the holy 'Quran' destruction of vegetation has been condemned in equal term with destruction of animal. In Verse 205 of Surah 02, it is said "When they get power they start moving in the society, creating disorder by way of destroying vegetation and animals. Allah does not like disorder". In a 'Hadith' the Prophet (pub) said "Entire creation is the family of Almighty Allah."
Spiritual and social bearings
of Islamic rituals
Islamic fundamentals as explained above lead to the protection and promotion of' basic human qualities that transform an individual into an ideal man. A society consisting of such individuals will be free from all kinds of evils. It will also ensure protection of bio-diversity and sustainable development by having smooth relations with all units of creation (nature). A man imbued with Islamic values will be dutiful to the Creator and His creation at the same time. He will be mindful about rights of fellow human beings and other units of creation simultaneously. He will have peace in this world and also hereinafter. In this way true objectives of Islam will be realised. Unfortunately, the preaching and understanding of Islam in our society is not on its right track. Most of us consider Islam as a tool only for personal salvation after death forgetting its bearing for others and the society.
Islam is based on five fundamental pillars -- unflinching faith in the existence of Almighty Allah and Prophethood of Muhammad (pbuh), 'Salah', 'Zakah', 'Siam' (Fasting) and 'Hajj'. The famous 'Hadith-e-Jibril' explained it very clearly and loudly. These rituals have manifold objectives, both spiritual and social. But in most of the cases these rituals are performed only for narrow goal. We say prayers only for our own benefits ignoring its role as a method of attaining that high spiritual standard that will enable him to have a direct link with the Creator and transforming him into a fruitful and beneficial member of the society. At that level 'Salah' will prevent a man from unpleasant and indecent actions ('munkar) as mentioned in the Verse-45 of Surah-29. On further elevation one can use 'Salah' as a means to get all kinds of help from Almighty Allah. In the holy 'Quran' it is stated "Seek assistance of Allah by 'Salah' and patience -'Sab'r' (Verse-45, Surah-2). On further elevation across spiritual journey one feels a kind of enjoyment by joining prayer and other rituals. The Prophet (puh) said in a 'Hadith' "the prayer is cooling for my eye."
In the same way we observe 'Siam' (fasting) only to gain good rewards (Sawab) from Allah on the Day of Judgment. We forget that 'Siam' is an excellent method of coming closer to Almighty Allah and serving suffering humanity by sharing their pains and providing solace to them in various ways. Our beloved prophet (pbuh) described it as a month of patience and sympathy. He also mentioned that "a man who does not leave bad practices and telling lies during Ramadan, his leaving of food and drink does not carry any meaning to Allah". Fasting makes one closer to the Angels who do not take food and also are free from all kinds of evil and sinful activities.
'Zakah' is another important basic pillar of Islam. Its meaning is -- to increase and to purify. By paying 'Zakah' wealth becomes pure from the dirt associated with normal business and worldly activities. It also purifies the soul from the sins connected with spending more time in earning wealth than remembering Allah -'Jikrullah'. This is the main objective of the institute of 'Zakah'. Poverty alleviation and assisting the needy, are its by products. Because if a man is purified he will always try to help others in various ways payment of 'Zakah' included. Putting much importance on its economic aspect, makes it only a tool for achieving a limited goal. From another point of view Zakah, is not a poor tax aiming at poverty alleviation only. Its real function is to remove the personal and social hurdles that slow down the pace of economic activities. Six heads out of eight heads of 'Zakah' clearly explain this aspect. It is a lubricant that keeps the wheels of economy running by cleaning them from different types of dirt which gather in the way of its progress.
Hajj is also one of the main pillars of Islam. It does not have any rigidly prescribed rituals except -'Ihram', 'Tawaf' and stay at the Arafah. Its sole objective is to present oneself before Almighty Allah uttering the words - 'Labbaik' -- I am present before you. It is the highest manifestation of the spiritual journey on earth and attainment. It makes one admit that he has left all worldly possessions and has arrived at the door of the Creator. This feeling of closeness makes one a perfect Muslim and a fully qualified man to be true servant of Allah and the society. In a 'Hadith' it is stated that "a man who performs 'Hajj' correctly, returns home with all his sins forgiven, just like a new born child". So, he takes a fresh vow to start a new life of a person devoted to the cause of the Creator and His creation. Most of us do not look into 'Hajj' from its real perspective and rather make it a journey for pleasure and spending extra wealth gained by various means -- legal and illegal.
In this way every prescribed ritual is an effective mechanism of establishing direct link with Almighty Allah and attaining very high spiritual position which ultimately makes a man full 'Muttaqi' and good human being. Gaining good reward (Sawab) and 'Jannat' will be there as basic benefit. But focusing only on this aspect deprives us of its full benefit.
Islam as a complete code of life or
a code of complete life
Very often we say that Islam is a Complete Code of Life. It appears to me that it is partially true not fully. It means that if a man does not follow Islam, he can somehow leave in this world as his final suffering will be after his death. But in reality one cannot have any meaningful life without following Islam even in this world. Because Islam and life are synonymous considering the fact that one cannot have a life outside the domain of divinely fixed path. The message of Verse No-83 of Surah-3 is clear in this respect. The Verse No-179 of Surah-7, describes a man not following Islam -- worse than the animals. So, deviating from Islam means deviating from true vision of life.
(The writer is a former ambassador and director general, ministry of foreign affairs, government of Bangladesh and Adviser & Pro-VC, Royal University, Banani, Dhaka)