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Merits Of Islam - By Shaykh Ashraf Salah
Merits Of Islam
By Shaykh Ashraf Salah
Dear
Muslims:
The greatest blessing that Allah (SWT)
bestowed on mankind is His sending of Muhammad (PBUH) with a pure religion that
brings all good to mankind and protects them from all that is evil through its
principles of justice, brotherhood, freedom and peace.
The Islamic creed
with which the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was sent is the bringer of all good and
prosperity and the preventer of all evil and its causes. Whoever adheres to it
will ever remain on the straight path. He will not be carried away by whims nor
deceived by the beauties of this world. Allah (SWT) says, “Then whenever there
comes to you guidance from Me and whoever follows My guidance, there shall be
no fear on them, nor shall they grieve.” (Al-Baqarah: 38).
The faith that Islam established its
pillars is the source of all good and felicity for those who follow its
guidance. This faith is the pure tree with ripe and everlasting fruits. Allah
(SWT) says, “See you not how Allah set forth a parable? – A goodly word as a
goodly tree, whose root is firmly fixed and its branches (reach) to the sky.
Giving its fruits at all times by the leave of its Lord…” (Ibrahiem: 24).
Dear Muslims:
The religion of
Islam is the system by which Allah (SWT) established the best of all
civilisations. It was a great source of happiness and prosperity for those
nations and individuals who sincerely followed its teachings and it shall continue
to be so – insh`allah – in this present age, as well as in the future.
The Islamic
civilisation succeeded where others failed because it calls people to shun the
worship of false deities and worship the Only Lord.
“Say, ‘O people of
the scripture, come to a word that is equitable
between us and you – that we will not worship except Allah and not associate anything with Him and not take one
another as lords instead of Allah’” (Aal-Imran: 64).
Dear Muslims:
Islam does not
preach asceticism, nor does it shy away from the material aspects of this life.
Islam teaches man how to make use of all the worldly treasures with which he
has been blessed to the best advantage; in such a way that will guarantee for
him and his fellow human beings a fulfilling, meaningful and rewarding life. It
teaches man not to take his material possessions as an end in itself but as a
means to an end.
Islam encourages
the acquisition of both religious and scientific knowledge. In fact, it
commands that they should be sought. Allah (SWT) honours the knowledgeable and
deems them to be far superior to the ignorant. Allah (SWT) says that which
translates as: “Allah will raise those of you who have believed among you and
those who were given knowledge, by degrees.” (Al Mujadilah: 11).
Also according to
Islam no race or colour should be regarded as superior and that the only
criterion for superiority should be piety and righteousness. Allah (SWT) says
that which translates as:
“… The most noble
of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you …” (Al Hujurat: 13).
Dear Brothers And Sisters In Islam:
Islam comes with a
unique set of rules that leaves no right of man unaddressed. It clearly
stipulates the rights of every individual member of the society in a
comprehensive manner that could only be possible from a divinely inspired
system. Its rules and regulations are free from error, injustice and
inconsistencies. Islam controls the ardent human passion by obligating and
enforcing the institution of marriage and forbidding adultery and fornication.
All these, dear
Muslims, are some of the excellent blessings that Islam has to offer and which
are attested by its friends and foes alike.
The impact of
Islam is great in the mind and its fruits are wonderful. Apart from its purification
of the heart and developing it, it is also an infinite living treasure. It
gives man power, perseverance, firmness, peace of mind and hope in this world.
It gives absolute security, complete guidance and perfect light. Allah (SWT)
says, “Those who believe and whose hearts find rest in the remembrance of
Allah, Verily, in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find rest.” (Ar Ra’d: 28).
Dear Muslims:
Islam gives man
certainty, confidence and power to persevere. If he is in bliss, he will not be
arrogant, but will rather praise his Lord and thank Him and if he is afflicted
with calamity, he will not despair, but will rather have patience and be
satisfied with his fate. This is because he exemplifies his faith with clarity
and power of will, and derives his power of forbearance during hardship from
it. Nothing will then be able to divert him from his faith and his seeking for
the pleasure of his Lord. He will rather increase in purity, sincerity,
truthfulness, patience and firmness.
The Messenger of Allah
(PBUH) said, ‘The affair of a believer is wonderful; all his affairs are good
for him and that is for none except the believer. When he gets a bliss he
thanks Allah for that, and that is good for him and when a calamity befalls
him, he is patient and that is also good for him.’ (Muslim).
A nation that is
governed by the Islamic creed and its life is controlled by the realities of
faith is a powerful nation in itself; a nation that has a natural immunity that
enables it – with permission of Allah – to overcome all hardships and trials;
and prevent its children from being affected by despair during calamities. It
will rather be a nation that calamities and trials only increase it in good,
reform and constructive life. It is actually a nation that has passed through
all kinds of tribulations in its long history.
Dear Muslims:
The winds of
evils that blow among mankind these days as well as wars and instability are
all a result of keeping away from the divine path, true faith and the correct
concept of freedom and equality. Allah says, “And transgress not the limits.
Truly Allah likes not the transgressors.”
(Al-Baqarah: 190).
Life should be
based on the foundation laid by the Creator. Wise men of the world should fully
recognise the real sources of evil. Comprehensive justice should be the
solution to the world problems. Doubts can never be a valid proof to take
judgements against the others. No one should be punished for a mistake done by
another. Only if we do so wars will come to an end and the ship of this world
will, insha`allah, find its way to the port of peace.
May Allah (SWT) forgive our sins, increase
our Iman, bestow our world more peace and security and bless us all (Ameen).
