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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 fulfill 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 repelleth 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 (ï·º) himself was a symbol of thanks to 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.
Despite 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 are plain
memorials (of Allah's guidance); the place where Abraham stood up to pray; and
whosoever enter 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
disbelieve (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 in matters of social interaction honesty, Fairley, and wand boo truthfulness.
The Holy Prophet (ï·º) 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 fulfill 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 favor, 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.
