Islam is a religion and a way of life based on the commandments of Almighty God (Allah) contained in the Holy Qur’an and the example of the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him). Almighty God had created humans with an innate, natural inclination toward the worship of Him alone.
Islam is an Arabic word which literally means submission. Almighty God has honoured humanity with the great gift of free will. It comes with heavy responsibility, and on the Day of Judgement, we will be accountable for our use of this gift. It is entirely our own choice to submit or not.
The concept of submission scares some people because by the very meaning of the word we have been placed into servitude.
When My servants ask thee concerning Me, I am indeed close (to them): I listen to the prayer of every suppliant when he calleth on Me: Let them also, with a will, Listen to My call, and believe in Me: That they may walk in the right way. (Qur’an Chapter 2:186)
However as a servant to the Almighty we are told that our creator listens to OUR prayers and that he is close to us.
Islam came with its complete comprehensive and eternal Shariah (Path to be followed) for the whole of mankind.
This day have I perfected your religion for you, completed My favour upon you, and have chosen for you Islam as your religion. (Qur’an Chapter 5:3)
However from experience I can truly say that the lifestyle of the Muslim is not difficult, you do not feel in a prison, in fact you feel liberated. As the years pass by since I embraced Islam I have no regrets of my decision to become Muslim nor do I have any wish to rediscover the lifestyle I had lived prior to my conversion.
The Prophet (pbuh) characterized his Message by saying,
“I have been sent with what is straight and easy” – Hadeeth
Almighty God makes things permissible and prohibited for a reason, with peoples’ well-being in view.
What is permissible is sufficient, while what is forbidden is superfluous.
The prohibition of things is due to their impurity and harmfulness.
They ask you about wine (the word in Arabic is khamr – meaning all intoxicants) and gambling. Say: "In them is great sin, and (yet, some) benefit, for people. But their sin is greater than their benefit." (Qur’an Chapter 2:219)
. Satan's plan is (but) to excite enmity and hatred between you, with intoxicants and gambling, and hinder you from the remembrance of God, and from prayer: will ye not then abstain? (Qur’an Chapter 5:091)
The Shariah has universal applicability; here there is no such thing as that which is prohibited to one ethnic group but permitted to another. For in Islam there are no privileged classes or individuals who, in the name of religion, can do whatever they please according to their fancy. Muslims do not have any privilege of making something forbidden for others while making it lawful for themselves; this cannot be, for truly Allah is the Lord of all, and the Shariah of Islam is the guide for mankind.
In Islam necessity dictates exceptions. For example if you were lost far away from civilisation and you were starving, and the only food source was a wild boar you would be able to kill it and eat it even though swine flesh is forbidden to you in normal circumstances.
He hath forbidden you only carrion, and blood, and swine flesh, and that which hath been immolated to (the name of) any other than Allah. But he who is driven by necessity, neither craving nor transgressing, it is no sin for him. Lo! Allah is Forgiving, Merciful. (Qur’an Chapter 2.173)
As imperfect human beings we do sin and Almighty God has constantly reminded us in his message to mankind that he is oft-forgiving.
"But ask forgiveness of your Lord, and turn unto Him (in repentance): For my Lord is indeed full of mercy and loving-kindness." (Qur’an Chapter 11:090)
Being a Muslim in Australia has its challenges but it is possible to do without compromise. You don’t need to choose between being a Muslim and being an Australian. Being a Muslim doesn’t mean that you lose your Australian identity, Islam is for every nation. It certainly does not require becoming like an Arab. You can happily be an Australian, feel free to play AFL and have a BBQ in the backyard. As a citizen of Australia we are required by our faith to follow the laws of Australia as long as we are not commanded to commit a sin.
Abd Allah ibn Umar (Allah be pleased with him) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace) said: “It is necessary upon a Muslim to listen to and obey the ruler, as long as one is not ordered to carry out a sin. If he is commanded to commit a sin, then there is no adherence and obedience.” - Hadeeth
But those who believe and work righteousness,- no burden do We place on any soul, but that which it can bear,- they will be Companions of the Garden, therein to dwell (for ever). (Qur’an Chapter 7:042)
* * * * *
Reflections on Islam from a Non-Muslim point of view
By anthropologist Ms. Karen Turner
I have been interested in Islam for as long as I can remember. As a little girl I was always mesmerised by the images of Hajj I saw on the television – in awe of the beautiful women dressed in white who prostrated in unison to worship their God. I was always taken by the peacefulness of Islam, and as I grew into adulthood these images stayed with me. My interest in Islam developed alongside my university studies where I studied anthropology and women’s studies.
I started to think critically about my own and other cultures, and I considered how women in all cultures including my own, were valued. My nagging doubts about western feminism’s ‘cure all’ guide to ‘fixing’ the problems of women around the world led me to begin my PhD. last year. I decided I wanted to explore what it means to be a Muslim woman in Melbourne, to have faith and a deep religious conviction in an increasingly secular society.
As a non-Muslim researcher wanting to ‘investigate’ women’s experiences I was apprehensive about approaching ‘the community’. Given that many Australian Muslims had already been thrust onto the global stage after the events of September 11th, experiencing increased vilification and intense media and government scrutiny, I didn’t want to further scrutinise women or add to their anxieties. Also, the overwhelming number of media reports that portray the Islamic community as potentially dangerous and violent, had all but convinced me that if I asked permission to talk to different women about why Islam was important to them, they would tell me to go away!
Quite the contrary! After asking around I found a group of women who met regularly to discuss Qur’an and Hadeeth, and other aspects of their faith. The women were incredibly welcoming and hospitable, allowing me to ask silly questions, explaining all the different Arabic terms and phrases and inviting me to lunch each week. What amazed me about this group of women was the diversity; Islam embraces all ethnicities, cultures and nationalities. Many of the women were born here in Australia; some are from Muslim families while others have made the decision to embrace Islam on their own.
Recently Bronwyn Bishop and Sophie Panopoulous stated publicly that the hijab should be banned from public schools because the women who wear hijab do so as an ‘act of defiance’. Other academics and media commentators have supported these statements, lamenting the ‘oppressed’ Muslim women migrating to Australia whom are unable to break the ‘shackles of their traditions’. Sadly, these discussions do little to encourage good relations between Australian Muslims and their fellow Australians, they assume all Muslims are migrants and do not recognise the freedom that many women find in wearing hijab. As one women explained to me, her hijab is part of her, it is part of her identity, removing it would be the same as asking her to cut off an arm or a leg. Another woman who reverted to Islam recently declared that wearing her hijab has brought her the kind of respect as a woman that she never experienced before Islam.
After spending time with the women they have taught me why Islam is important to them and why they wear the hijab. For some women wearing the hijab everyday reminds them of Allah (swt) and his infinite blessings. Others feel incredibly proud of being Muslim and proud to be the ‘flag bearers’ of their religion and other women like to be recognised as a person who believes in God in a time where the importance of religion in public life has declined.
Unfortunately, the debate will never be resolved easily but judging from some of the reflections above it is evident that Islam is not homogenous, rather it is complex and diverse, and that the women who worship Allah (swt) do so for many reasons, and wear hijab for many more. While the ideologies that underlie western feminism continue to inform how some public commentators view the hijab many Australian Muslim women will feel vilified and marginalised by this society. Being a non-Muslim Australian woman does not provide you with any more or less freedom than a Muslim woman, we each have our own battles as women. If we are to grow together as a nation and to uphold the values that seem to be so flippantly espoused we must begin to view freedom as a concept that is culturally specific and highly contested, not universal and assumed.
* * * * *
The Voice Of Youth
Contributed By Sister Calisha Bennett, Western Australia
The Party Life
Vs.
The Pious Life
People often say that when you are young, you are meant to have fun – right?
But to what extent should we have fun?
And what activities are classified as fun?
Is fun staying out until the early hours of the morning, clubbing and partying? Is it getting so drunk or high on drugs that you don’t know what you are doing? Is it having a different sexual partner every weekend? If you have been there and done that or know someone who has, then you probably know the answer.
Well one thing is for sure – pastimes such as these are highly unlikely to lead to a productive and fulfilling life. They will only succeed in diverting a person from the reality and importance of life.
They will put a person’s mental, physical, emotional and spiritual wellbeing in jeopardy.
It may sometimes seem a lot easier to turn to alcohol, drugs or sex for temporary comfort or distraction than to face and deal with things that happen in life. Youth may indulge in pastimes such as these due to boredom or perhaps in order get relief from feelings of emptiness, sadness and loneliness (i.e. the spiritual void). Ever noticed that this happens mostly at night?
But realistically, for those who have experienced the ‘party life’, is it really all that fun? Does it provide fulfilment and contentment? Does it refuel you to be a better person or to achieve the goals in your life? More often than not it leads to moral degradation and many regrettable mistakes.
Almighty God says in the Quran:
“Whoever goes right, then he goes right only for the benefit of his own self. And whoever goes astray, then he goes astray to his own loss........” (Quran Chapter 17:15)
In Islam God (Allah) has forbidden certain things for our own good. Among these things are intoxicants, sex outside of marriage, gambling, stealing, and murder (just to name a few). He wants to protect us from any possible harm or misfortune but in order to do that we must obey Him.
Almighty God says in the Quran:
“O you who believe! Intoxicants and gambling, sacrificing to other than Allah, and arrows for seeking decision are an abomination of Satan’s handiwork. So avoid that in order that you may be successful.” (Quran Chapter 5:90)
And
“They ask you (O Muhammad (S) concerning alcoholic drink and gambling. Say: In them is a great sin, and (some) benefits for men, but the sin of them is greater than their benefit...........Thus Allah makes clear to you His Laws in order that you may give thought.” (Quran Chapter 2:219)
So are you thinking that maybe Muslims aren’t allowed to have fun? Well of course we are – as long as it is within the bounds set by God (Allah) in the Quran. There is a whole lot of enjoyment to be had out of life without drugs, alcohol, sex, gambling etc.
A person can be God-fearing and religious but still have a good time. It’s about going back the basics, enjoying nature, doing outdoor activities, sports, camping, swimming, weekends away with family, learning new skills, favourite hobbies - the possibilities are endless!
There is no need for wild pastimes that numb our minds and senses.
Living a life in which one remembers and thanks his Creator is far more soothing for the soul. It’s about appreciating and recognising everything that God has made for us. You could learn about the miracles of God’s creation (read the Quran!); study the perfection of the tiniest, most delicate flower; the next time you go for a walk or jog feel your heart as it pumps blood throughout your entire body without you having to even think about it. The simplest things that we take for granted every day are actually the most miraculous gifts that have been bestowed upon us.
If we can be more grateful for these things and express that gratitude through prayer and remembrance, along with living noble lives (by obeying God’s commandments) we will Insha’Allah (God willing) live to have enriched and blessed lives.
Almighty God says in the Quran:
“Wealth and children are an adornment of the life of this world. But the good righteous deeds (five compulsory prayers, deeds of Allah’s obedience, good and pleasant talk, remembrance of God with glorification, praises and thanks) that last, are better with your Lord for rewards and better in respect of hope.” (Quran Chapter 18:46)
“Jane” describes her experiences;
“Before Islam, life for me started to deteriorate at the age of 13. It was the year that I was sexually abused by someone in my family and found out my step- father was a pervert. It was the year I started hanging out with the wrong crowd, drinking, doing drugs, and smoking. I became sexually active and no one was even there to care or to notice. For the next few years my mother was busy with her two new children, working a full time job, and I was free to pretty much do what I liked. To some people this would have been great, and at first to me it was, but over time when I started to take drugs more frequently to get away from what was happening to me and to be “happy”. I started to see that this sort of life wasn’t getting me anywhere. In the end, what sort of happiness is it, if only seen through the haze of bong smoke?
Life after Islam started at 21 years of age. I discovered a religion that made sense and more importantly a way of life that mattered. Life to me now makes sense, has a purpose and meaning. Everything that I do now is for Allah, for the pleasure of God, to endeavour to get to a place of eternal happiness once the hardships of this life have ended. When I start to think that life is unfair I remind myself that God is testing us, that we have to be patient and that everyone will be accountable for their actions in the end.
Since Islam I have new friends, ones who will never lead me back to a life of degradation and failure, and who are always there for me. After Islam all Muslims have become my family. They are people who care for me, watch out for me and have helped me when I have needed it most, never turning their backs on me. I am so contented now that I have Islam, and I have discovered that there is TRUE happiness in life and that it is a happiness that I see with clear sight, an open mind and a pure heart.”
* * * * *
Prayer According to Islam and Christianity
Part 1
Contributed by Sister Janine Cadd, Western Australia
To understand the importance of prayer in Islam, it is essential to realise that Islam (submission to Allah[1]) is built upon five pillars.
Prayer is the second pillar of Islam, coming only after the testimony of faith (shahadah). Firstly, a person enters the faith of submission to Allah (Islam) by testifying that no one or nothing is worthy of worship[2] except Allah (The God) and that Muhammad[3] is His Messenger.
Having entered the faith of Islam, the Muslim (meaning one who submits to Allah) is required to offer prayers (salah) five times a day at fixed times.
There are, as well, other obligatory prayers at specific times, such as Friday prayers in congregation and Eid (Celebration) prayers at the end of Ramadan, the fasting month, and for the Eid of sacrifice to commemorate the Prophet Ibrahim's (Abraham) willingness to sacrifice his own son in obedience to Allah.
The third pillar of Islam is to pay zakat (charity), which is 2.5% of an individual's excess, or nett, wealth once a year. The fourth is to fast during the month of Ramadan every year. The fifth and last pillar of Islam is to perform Hajj, the pilgrimage to Mecca at least once in a lifetime if physically and financially able.
These five actions or pillars are obligatory and while failure to perform them is a sin requiring repentance, it is the pillar of salah, the closeness to Allah, which, by His Grace and His Mercy, enables one to accomplish the third, fourth and fifth pillars.
Thus the true believer is always conscious and aware of his Lord (Allah) and strives for His Acceptance, Guidance, Mercy and Blessings, always trying to improve himself and to correct any imperfection. Prayer in particular deserves this effort, being the action that epitomizes the real relationship between The Creator (Allah - the Lord of all Creation) and mankind (the one who requests and receives blessings).
Muslim prayers consist of a series of movements with accompanying words and is the same today as when Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) prayed and taught the believers fourteen centuries ago.
It is recorded in Bukhari4[4] that Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) said "Pray as you have seen me pray". This order makes it clear that salah (Muslim prayer) has a definite formula as prescribed by the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) and it is unacceptable to change, delete or add to that formula.
Prayer is ordered continuously throughout the Quran. Allah (all Praise and Gory is His) emphasizes its importance over and over, so there can be no doubt.
Allah says "Carefully adhere to the prayers (not forgetting) especially the middle prayer and stand before Allah in obedience." Quran Chapter 2:238, and also "Certainly prayer has been decreed upon the believers - a decree at specific times". Quran Chapter 4:103.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) stated that an important purpose of prayer is to wash away sins. Another is to have a positive effect on the believer's conscience. Most importantly, however, it is to remember Allah and communicate with Him as indicated in the following verse: "Certainly prayer prevents the shameful and the unjust and the remembrance of Allah is greater". Quran Chapter 29:45. It is in salah that the beauty of the Words of Allah, as expressed in Quran, are recited, bringing with them His peace, His strength and His comfort to the suppliant.
That salah is not something which may be treated lightly may be seen in the following authentic sayings of the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) defining the abandonment of prayer as disbelief:
"Between a man and disbelief is the discarding of salah (Islamic prayer)", compiled by Ahmad and Muslim.
"The covenant between us and them is salah, so whoever abandons it has disbelieved", compiled by Ahmad, at Tirmithi and an-Nazaai.
Clearly Allah and His Final Messenger Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) obligated the believers to worship through prayer, thereby receiving Mercy, Guidance and Blessings from their Lord.
Prayer in Christianity
It appears that although Christianity encourages prayer, there is no direct commandment to establish prayer as an obligatory act of worship. Rather, prayer appears to be an arbitrary choice for the individual Christian.
Pope John Paul II indicates that the people sometimes say they don't know how to pray. "How to pray? This is a simple matter. I would say: Pray any way you like, so long as you do pray. You can pray the way your mother taught you; you can use a prayer book. Sometimes it takes courage to pray, but it is possible to pray and necessary to pray." (John Paul II, The Way of Prayer, Crossroad Publishing Co., 1995)
It is fair to say that the Old and New Testaments make mention of prayer abundantly, for example;
"Cry to me and I will hear you" Jer. 33:3
"Let nothing hinder you from praying always" Eccles. 18:22
"Watch and pray that you enter not into temptation" Matt. 26:41
"We ought always to pray" Luke 18:1
It is therefore clear that praying and supplicating to Almighty God is strongly encouraged and was a practice of Jesus (peace and blessings be upon him) as indicated in numerous Bible statements.
There are many examples of the prayers of the prophets such as David, Moses and Solomon in the Old Testament, particularly the Psalms. The Quran also testifies to the establishment of prayer by the earlier prophets (peace and blessings be upon them) for example;
The Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) supplicated "My Lord, make me an establisher of prayer and also my descendants" Quran Chapter 14:40
Allah spoke to the Prophet Musa (Moses) saying "And establish prayer for the remembrance of Me." Quran Chapter 20:14.
The Prophet Isa (Jesus) said of his Lord "And he enjoined upon me prayer and charity as long as I live." Quran Chapter 29:45
In Part I of this article on Prayer, I have reported the evidences for the obligation to pray in Islam and the encouragement to pray in the Bible.
Insha Allah (God willing) in Part II, I will discuss the nature and form of the prayer in Islam and Christianity.
[1] Allah is The God in Arabic, meaning the one and only God, one in His Lordship, one in His Possession of Divine Attributes, one in His Sovereignty and there is no one who resembles Him or deserves the title God.
[2] Worship - to identify Allah as the Lord, to obey Him, to fulfil obligations to Him, to prohibit what He has prohibited, to fulfil one’s responsibilities for His sake and in the fashion ordained by Him.
[3] Muhammad - The Final Messenger of Allah who received the final revelation to mankind in Arabic and recited it verbatim i.e. the Quran literally meaning The Recitation or Reading. All of the prophets taught the oneness of Allah and obedience to His laws.
[4] Bukhari - an authentic compilation of hadeeth i.e. the actions and sayings of the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him).
* * * * *
Watch out for the next issue of Consider Islam in December, Insha'Allah (God Willing).
