(March 2014)
The human mind works on two dimensions. One of these dimensions brings human beings closer to their Creator, and the other takes them away.
When man spends his life within the confines of religion, his mind travels in a positive direction and consequently he remains calm and healthy. But when he violates religious laws, his mind becomes destructive. Such a person is a threat to himself and to the welfare of other people.
When we study the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, we come to know that the purpose of his life was to introduce humankind to a way of life that leads to purity, goodness, brotherhood, peace, non-discrimination, equality, justice, fair play, and spiritual growth. By adopting the teachings of the Prophet ﷺ, one gets to know the real reason for his birth.
The reason for the creation of man is to develop understanding of his Creator.
The Prophet ﷺ is the beloved servant of Allah, who was designated as the mercy for all the worlds. His teachings are of love and affection, serving as guidance for us.
The condition of the Islamic world clearly indicates that Muslims spend their lives in violation of the Prophet’s teachings, which are completely within the confines of Quranic commands. History bears witness that whenever the Prophet’s teachings were acted upon, Muslims remained successful and leaders of the world.
As they moved away from the teachings of the Messengers of Allah and adopted a materialistic approach, the curses of greed, maltreatment, lethargy, moral crimes, and degradation crept in.
We call ourselves the followers of the Prophet ﷺ, but look at our actions. They are nothing but complete blasphemy, as they contradict the teachings of our Master ﷺ. Muslims now feel happiness in killing their brothers. Instead of reforming ourselves, we like to reform others. Allah says:
“And hold firmly to the rope of Allah all together and do not become divided.” (Quran 3:103)
When we work on individual interests, we are very active. When it comes to collective life, we prefer to spend time only in prayers. Who does not know that only those nations lead in the world that remain united? Yet we are not prepared to work collectively.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“A Muslim does not hurt his brother with his hand or tongue.”
But today’s Muslim is always prepared to behead his brother.
The Quran says:
“You are the best nation produced for mankind. You enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong and believe in Allah.” (Quran 3:110)
If we survey our actions, we find that good characteristics have almost disappeared from our community. Greed and materialism have filled our bodies. Human life has become cheaper than material things.
Efforts to eradicate evil and promote goodness guarantee our existence. Any lapse in this regard leads to death and devastation.
At the same time, we must carefully monitor our own actions. We might inadvertently follow the path of evil while persuading others to avoid it. The Quran says:
“Do you order righteousness of the people and forget yourselves while you recite the Scripture?” (Quran 2:44)
If we wish to invite people to the path of God, we must follow that path faithfully. We must establish a close link with the One Who created us.
The Quran mentions the procedure to create this link:
“O you who wraps himself [in clothing], arise to pray the night, except for a little. Half of it, or subtract from it a little, or add to it, and recite the Qur’an with measured recitation. Indeed, We will cast upon you a heavy word.” (Quran 73:1–5)
This means that the servant of God establishes a connection with his Creator by associating each and every action of his life with Him. This connection helps eradicate sadness and fear, and man epitomizes calmness, tranquility, and purity. When he invites others to goodness, the pure souls welcome this invitation.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“The similitude of believers in regard to mutual love, affection, and fellow-feeling is that of one body. When any limb of it aches, the whole body aches because of sleeplessness and fever.”