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From Issue: 410 [Read full issue]

Living the Quran

Az-Zukhruf (Ornaments)
Chapter 43: Verse 84

God's Sovereignty
 "He alone is the Sovereign of the Heavens and the Earth; ; and He is Full of Wisdom and Knowledge."

Once people set themselves free from the influence of false gods, a huge amount of energy becomes available for constructive work. Islam then channels this energy towards accomplishing its goal in society, ie. Establishment of Allah's Sovereignty in social life and the state. Islam stresses that Sovereignty, that is the absolute power to command, to define beliefs, laws, rights and wrongs, belongs only to Allah.

Social and Political Implications

This verse sets parameters for the use of power in society. It calls for the dethroning of all false gods in society - strips them of their sovereignty, so that all power is submitted to the All-Powerful God. Islam emphasises that no one can be above the law or allowed to abuse power and authority in any way. However, political sovereignty - a limited, relative sovereignty (mulk), or the power to enforce the law, can be vested in an Islamic government, which has to rule in accordance with Divine guidance.

Only way to Justice

Islam emphasises that the establishment of God's Sovereignty can alone ensure justice to all people. God and His guidance is free from human weaknesses. Since His Mercy extends to all of His creation, He does not tolerate any form of injustice or oppression. Allah's guidance, thus, provides a moral, legal and an equitable framework to guide all decisions and social policies.

Compiled From:
"Building a New Society" - Zahid Parvez, pp. 128-130
Understanding the Prophet's Life

The Scholar, The Soldier, The Rich

Since there are two ingredients essential to all good things: that they should be intended for God's sake, and that they should conform to the Sacred Law, this must apply equally in speech and action, to good words and good works, to matters of knowledge and to matters of worship.

It is confirmed in an authentic narration that the Prophet, on him be peace, said:
"The first of three to fuel the fire of Hell is a man who studies and teaches and reads the Quran and has it read, but all so that people will say: 'He is a scholar and a Quran reader.' Then a man who fights and struggles so that people will say: 'He is courageous and brave.' Then a man who gives alms and gifts so that people will say: 'He is generous and openhanded.'"

Compiled From:
"Public Duties in Islam" - Ibn Taymiya, p. 117
Blindspot

Al-Yusra: The Easy and Natural Way

One of the terms used by the Qur'an during the early Makkan period to describe Islam was al-Yusraa, or 'The Easy Way' [65:4]. This is simply because Islam was, and is, the natural way of life and hence causes human beings to gravitate towards it easily. Islam consequently brings harmony, peace and tranquillity to their lives.

What Makes Islam Simple to Understand & Practice?

FIRSTLY, the basic beliefs of Islam are not shrouded in mystery and hence forever beyond human comprehension. Every tenet in Islam can be analyzed and inquired about, by young children or seasoned philosophers. Moreover, Islam does not present concepts which the intellect cannot grasp (e.g. the "Trinity"). It is therefore not surprising that its beliefs are universal.

SECONDLY, the most important and stringent obligations ordained by Allah upon Muslims are easy to undertake and graded according to effort. It is the wisdom of Allah that the greater the importance He has attached to any act, the easier it is for everyone to accomplish it. Thus, the example of the five daily Salah (Prayers) and Sawm (fasting) as compulsory upon everyone, but Zakah (almsgiving) and Hajj (pilgrimage), though fundamental pillars of Islam, only compulsory on those with the means.

THIRDLY, Islamic law offers provisions, concessions and dispensations when it is genuinely not possible for someone to fulfil an obligation. For instance, if a person is genuinely unable to stand up and pray, then he or she is permitted to sit down or even lie down and pray. Similarly, if there is no water available to perform the Wudu (ablution) before prayer, then one can make Tayammum.

No Excuses

Hence, for the Muslim who sincerely wants to come closer to Allah, he and she will find many doors open for them in God's religion to facilitate their growth and cover their weaknesses. For them is the Easy Way.

But for the Muslim who is looking for an excuse of difficulty or incapacity, they will only frustrate themselves further in looking for external causes for their state.

Compiled From:
"Islam: The Easy Way" - Khurram Murad

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