Islam, being a comprehensive and complete code of life, provides adequate guidance for both individual and communal aspects to its followers. Muslims, in their individual capacity, are guided by clearly defined Quranic injunctions and the glorious life of the Holy Prophet ï·º. An individual Muslim is required to fulfil his duties towards his Supreme Lord while taking full care of the rights of his fellow beings. In other words, a balanced way of life is needed with the objective of earning the pleasure of God as well as trying to be a role model of Islamic teachings for others. In this regard, Surah al-Ma'un beautifully sums up the essential relationship between true faith, sincere worship, and an attitude of being considerate towards others:
"Hast thou observed him who belieth religion? That is he who repelled the orphan? And urgeth not the feeding of the needy. Ah, woe unto worshippers who are heedless of their prayer; Who would be seen (at worship), Yet refuse small kindness" (Al-Ma'un: 1-7).
A true
believer observes modesty towards God by having unshaken faith in His Tawheed
and Lordship, by being thankful towards Him, and by developing a strong sense
of His being present everywhere, and being aware of all acts. The Holy Prophet ï·º
taught us about all the possible occasions for expressing gratitude to our Lord.
As a matter of fact, the Holy Prophet himself was a symbol of thanks towards
God. He would remember God before falling asleep, after waking up, before and
after taking meals, before and after attending the call of nature, before
leaving and while entering his home, and so on and so forth. In spite of being
the most exalted servant of God, he used to seek forgiveness from God (Istighfar)
quite repeatedly throughout the day. His degree of observing modesty towards
God was reflected in his way of standing humbly before Him while offering extra
Nawafil at night (Qiyam al lail). Due to prolonged standing posture, his feet
began to swell and he then received God's instructions by way of Surah
al-Muzzammil:
"O thou wrapped up in thy raiment! Keep vigil the night long, save a little" (73: 1 & 2).
Individual
Muslims should offer prayer in the same way, pay Zakat and Fast in the month of
Ramadan in order to strengthen their bond with their Lord. If they can afford
the journey, they should perform Hajj at least once in their lifetime as
enunciated in 3: 97 -
"Wherein is plain memorials (of Allah's guidance); the place where Abraham stood up to pray; and whosoever entereth it is safe. And pilgrimage to the House, is a duty unto Allah for mankind, for him who can find a way thither. As for him who disbelieves (let him know that) lo! Allah is independent of (all) creatures)".
Every
individual Muslim should, likewise, try to follow the conduct of the Holy
Prophet ï·º in matters of social interaction honesty, fair play and truthfulness. The Holy Prophet had earned the enviable titles of
al-Sadiq (the truthful) and al-Amin (the trustworthy) due to his thoroughly
honest dealings. Muslims should try to fulfil all their commitments and
engagements with a strong faith that they would stand accountable before God on
one particular day for this:
"Fulfill all engagements, for every engagement will be inquired into (on the Day of Judgement)" (17: 34).
They
should try to be good at home (as children, parents or spouses) as in society,
and be a source of benefit and comfort for others. The Holy Prophet ï·º has instructed his followers:
"Best among people is the one who is a source of comfort for the people."
They
should develop a strong faith in doing every good deed with the intention of
earning God's favour, only because the Quran constantly reminds us:
"Whether you show what is in your minds or conceal it, God will call you to account for it" (2: 284).
This
belief is bound to be reflected in the form of sincerity in acts of worship, and
fair dealings with fellow beings
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