The word Islam is derived from word istislam, which means “surrender,” that is, surrender to God’s laws. The word is also derived from the word salam, “peace,” for if we follow God’s laws we will achieve peace — be it peace of soul, peace of mind, peace between nations, peace between people, and so on.
Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) did not leave anything bad that he did not forbid us from, and likely he did not leave anything good that he did not order us to perform. Here are some hadiths that show that Islam is a call for purity and peace and it does not contradict with one’s own nature.
By nature Man is not to hurt others but to be kind to others; otherwise hatred will prevail and life will be distorted. We find Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) directs us to this behaviour. Abu Musa Al Ash`ari (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated: I asked Allah’s Messenger which believer in Islam is more excellent. Upon this he remarked, “One from whose tongue and hand Muslims are safe” (Muslim).
There are many hadiths that call on the Muslims to perform charity and to be good and kind to the poor and to everyone, and we find this concern for the poor to be innate in Muslims’ hearts and souls. The Prophet said:
“There is a compulsory sadaqah (charity) to be given for every joint of the human body as a sign of gratitude to Allah everyday the sun rises. To judge justly between two persons is regarded as sadaqah; and to help a man concerning his riding animal, by helping him to mount it or by lifting his luggage on to it, is also regarded as sadaqah; and saying a good word is also sadaqah; and every step taken on one’s way to offer the compulsory prayer in the mosque is also sadaqah; and to remove a harmful thing from the way is also sadaqah”
(Al Bukhari and Muslim)
Abu Musa reported that the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said:
“Giving charity is obligatory upon each Muslim.” It was asked, “What do you say of him who does not find the means to do so?” He said, “Let him do manual work, thus doing benefit to himself and give charity.” It was asked, “What about one who does not have the means to do so?” He said, “Then let him assist the needy, the aggrieved.” It was asked, “What do you say of one who cannot even do this?” He said, “Then he should enjoin what is reputable or what is good.” He was asked, “What if he cannot do that?” The Prophet said, “He should then abstain from evil, for verily that is charity on his behalf” (Muslim).
Another hadith, narrated by Abdullah ibn Amr (may Allah be pleased with him), shows the importance of having compassion for poor people. When the Prophet (PBUH) was asked which merit is superior in Islam, he replied, “That you provide food and extend greetings to one whom you know and whom you do not know” (Muslim).
Allah says in the Quran: Say: “If ye do love Allah, follow me: Allah will love you and forgive you your sins; for Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.” Say: “Obey Allah and His Messenger,” but if they turn back, Allah loveth not those who reject faith.
(Aal Imran 3:31-32).
Islam draws a framework for Muslims, whereby all can act freely as long as they are within this framework; if they go astray, they will have to repent and go back to Islam’s true path or else they will get punished. Let’s ask ourselves why God has created us. The reply comes from the Quran:
I have only created jinns and men, that they may serve Me. (Adhariyat 51:56).
Thus all Muslims’ lives are for achieving this end result —to worship God, which includes studying, working, marrying, having children, interacting with others, and so on. Muslims have to study hard, as they are ordered to increase their knowledge. The Quran says:
…O my Lord! advance me in knowledge. (Taha 20:114).
Muslims also have to work hard and not cheat. The Quran says: Allah doth command you to render back your Trusts to those to whom they are due… (Annisaa’ 4:58).
While choosing a wife, a Muslim is directed to choose a woman for her piety and not to choose her for wealth or ancestry. In raising children, Muslims are ordered to teach them part of Quran and to do good for them. In interacting with others, Muslims are directed to be fair, not to cheat, and to be kind and forgiving.
If all people have to work to live, have to marry to have social life, and have to study to get higher posts and to be knowledgeable, Muslims can do all these things and have thawab (reward) by having the intention to please Allah by these actions.
Umar Ibn Al Khattab (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: “The value of an action depends on the intention behind it. A man will be rewarded only for what he intended. The emigration of one who emigrates for the sake of Allah and His Messenger is for the sake of Allah and His Messenger; and the emigration of one who emigrates for gaining a worldly advantage or for marrying a woman is for what he has emigrated” (Muslim).
If we let ourselves to our instincts, chaos will take place; we will find all kinds of offenses taking place between human beings; all will strive to achieve their welfare regardless of hurting or wronging others. Thus, we find atheist communities tailor earthly rules to preserve peace and make regulations to judge between people. God has given us these rules summed up in Islam: it is not only a book to read or rituals to perform, but answers to all your questions, a religion of life.
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