'Islam, a way of life'

by Ayesha Yusuf

Islam is a way of life that creates a harmonious balance, between body and soul, and materialism and spiritualism. It also brings about a just way of life for all Allah's creations. Peace and obedience to the Lord, our creator, and submission to his will and commands is Islam.

All pride is due to Allah, who is all-powerful as well as merciful. It is for man to abandon pride and find contentment in life. Actions will be judged solely by their intentions.

Let us remember that whatever we do and whatever heights we hope to achieve, should be in keeping with Quran and Sunnah and the Shariah.

These are the stepping stones for all that we hope to aspire in all our endeavours.

Education is one aspect of an individual's life. In this context we should strive to acquire knowledge, for the sake of widening our horizons, and doing our best to follow in the path that Allah (S.W.T.) has decreed.

Remembrance of Allah, Thaqwa is the cornerstone, on which all our aspirations should be built and that will lead us on the path of righteousness.

We cannot resort to being partial in faith, we have to conform not only to Allah's commands. But also to his messenger.

Actions done other than for the sake of allah would be to commit shirk. As Muslims we have to reflect on where our love, hope and fear should rest.

The true understanding of faith can only be appreciated once we accept it in totality. Only ignorance and false hope, leads people to mere words that do not reflect sincerity of purpose.

The need to fulfil these requirements that open the doors to paradise is of vital importance.

One accepts everything we are asked to believe in, if we are sincere, and reach that position of acceptance. Hence when we sincerely believe, and act upon it, only that we have accepted islam. We have to submit ourselves to our Lord if we are seeking the pleasure of Allah.

The salah or five time's daily prayer is compulsory and not optional. When one prays in private we develop our inner selves that purify our souls.

However in congregation, we stand shoulder-to-shoulder rich alongside the poor, black with the white, leader with his subject, all united before the Lord our creator. Nothing is more humble, than when we willingly prostrate before him, face down on the ground in humility. The difference in race, wealth, and class vanish, as they stand in prayer in sharp contrast to the outside world.

Fasting is a compulsory act of worship and is incumbent on every Muslim, in the holy month of Ramadan, except those who are sick, and pregnant and nursing mothers. Fasting is not only abstaining from food and drink, but also from lying.

Islam being a practical way of life it is easy to practice without overburdening oneself in such religious acts and resorting to extremism, for one will not be able to continue one's good deeds regularly as such. Steadfastness in religious acts is the way to success in all our prayers. Allah says call on me and I will respond.

Moderation in speech is best for you, so speak well or keep silent. A kind word or even a smile is charity. Visiting the sick and consoling the bereaved are all act of Sadaqa.

We must always remember that this life is temporary and we have to prepare for it. To Allah we belong and to him is our return.

The way to receive Allah's blessings, is by being honest and truthful in all our dealings with others. In earning wealth let us obey Allah as he wants us to, as Allah's blessing are in what we earn.

In marriage man is promised increase in sustenance. Do not fear poverty through marriage. Allah is the provider, and when through procreation a child is born his sustenance for life comes with it.

True wealth is in contentment, for allah says. 'Take time to worship me and I will grant you what you wish.

Allah says, "verily in the creation of the heavens and the earth and in the alternation of night and day. There are indeed signs for men of understanding.

"Those who remember Allah standing sitting and lying down on their sides and think deeply about the creation of the heavens and earth saying our Lord you have not created all this without purpose, glory to you (Ch 3-190-91) We leave this world at the appointed time not a minute late, Nor a minute earlier.

We have to always remember the temporary nature of this life on earth, particularly when distress comes.

If we handle these times with patience Allah will reward us as patience is an act of worship in itself.

We should think postively and realise that Allah will if he so wishes make a way out for us, for after hardship comes ease. We must always remain grateful to Allah for what he bestows on us, specially when we experience hardships. Allah accepts our repentance until our last breath leaves us.