The Qur'aan is the divine source for us on how to live our lives on this earth. So, let us turn to it for our subject matter, Al-Islam:
Verse 3:19
'Indeed, the way to live a human life on earth, as approved by Allah, is Al-Islam! And those to whom the Book was given, differed not, but after the Knowledge was given them, out of mutual rivalry. And whoever disbelieves in Allah's Verses, beware! Allah is swift in taking account.'
Verse 3:85
'And if anyone seeks a way of life other than Al-Islam, it will not be accepted from him/her, and he/she will be among the doomed, in the Hereafter!'
Verse 5:3
'Prohibited to you are:
the dead,
the blood,
pork,
that which is dedicated to anyone other than Allah,
that which is strangled to death, fatally hit, gored to death,
that which had a fatal fall,
that which is eaten by wild animals unless properly slaughtered by you yourselves,
that which is sacrificed on stone altars, and
fortunetelling, which is grave disobedience. -
This day, the disbelievers despair of your way of life. So then, fear them not, but fear Me! This day I have perfected for you your way of life and completed My Favour upon you, and I have approved Al-Islam for you as the way of life. -
But if one be forced by hunger, and not inclined to sin, then indeed, Allah is Forgiving, Merciful!
Verse 61:7
'And who can be more unjust than one who invents a lie against Allah (by calling what was revealed to the Prophet as magic), while he/she was invited to Al-Islam! Allah guides not the unjust people.'
In the foregoing Verses, it has been reiterated that Al-Islam is the way of life approved by Allah Almighty for mankind. No other way of life is acceptable to Him! Anyone following a way other than Al-Islam is destined to be doomed in the Hereafter.
But what is Al-Islam? We may have to study another Verse, 2:208, to get the answer.
Verse 2:208
'O you who believe! Enter an unflinching attitude of complete submission to Allah and follow not the footsteps of Satan. He (Satan) is, openly indeed, an enemy to you.'
This Verse constitutes the definition of Al-Islam. First, one must have an unflinching belief in Allah, the One Creator, and Sustainer of the entire Universe and of everything therein. Then one must do one's duty as ordained by Him, without being influenced, in any way, by earthly temptations. These temptations are bound to put one to one's doom! After so doing one's duty, one must completely surrender to Allah's Will, whatever That apparently be!
15th July 2022.