Prophet Muhammad (saw) was the last of the prophets; he was sent by Allah to all human kind. That is why his message had to be complete and inclusive of all aspects of life on both individual and societal levels.
The Qur’an is explained and applied by the Prophet’s (saw) Sunnah. Prophet (saw) was not only the leader of the nation, the commander of the army and the teacher of the Muslims; he was also a husband, a father, and a grandfather.
Studying his whole life gives us a complete example of all we need to live a peaceful, prosperous and productive life. The Prophet’s teachings organize our relations with Allah, ourselves, our bodies, our parents, children, relatives, neighbors and co-workers – even with our guests and our enemies.
Islam clearly establishes our duties and rights; it establishes a perfect system of life that includes everything – literally everything: what to eat and drink, what to wear, how to behave within the marriage and the family; it organizes prayers, work and even relaxation. Allah says in His Holy Book: “Indeed in the Messenger of Allah (Muhammad) you have a good example to follow for him who hopes in (the meeting with) Allah and the Last Day and remembers Allah much.” (Qur’an 33: 21)
Islamic teachings are not restricted to the mosque; they are guides for all aspects of life, whether social, ethical, emotional, spiritual, economical, or political.
Islam is totally compatible with human nature. It establishes a wonderful harmony between the requirements of the soul and the demands of the body. Muhammad Ghazali observed rightly that the nature of Islam links the universe with life, the human body with its behavior, science with morality, and the intellect with supplication (du’a).
It is clear that Islam does not dissociate the physical body from the soul – it sees them as integrated whole. The Qur’an stresses the importance of moderation and balance between worldly desires and Allah’s straight path. Allah (swt) said: “Thus, have We made of you an Ummah (community of believers) justly balance.” (Qur’an 2: 143). And He said: “But seek with that (wealth) which Allah has bestowed on you, the home of the Hereafter, and do not forget your portion of legal enjoyment in this world.” (Qur’an 28: 77). He said further: “Say (O Muhammad), who has forbidden the adoration with clothes given by Allah, which He has produced for his slaves, and good and lawful things of provision? Say, they are in the life of this world for those who believe, and exclusively for them (believers) on the Day of Resurrection.” (Qur’an 7:32)
The Prophet’s Sunnah (code of life) clarifies this idea and never demanded humans to go beyond their natural limits, as he (saw) said: “Indeed, I swear by Allah that among you I am the most fearful of Allah and the most pious. However, I fast and break my fast, I pray and I sleep; and I marry women. So, whoever refrains from my way is not among my followers.” (Bukhari and Muslim)
Neither exaggeration nor negligence is accepted by Islamic law – whether in one’s duties towards Allah, oneself, one’s family or one’s community. Allah (swt) said: “Allah burden no person beyond his scope.” (Qur’an 2: 286). The Almighty also said: “Allah (swt) intends for you ease, and He does not want to make things difficult for you.” (Qur’an 2: 185)
Professor Yusuf Qardhawi sees Islam as a “balanced formula of rights and duties.” Where people are not given so many rights that they infringe on those of others, nor are they taxed with more obligations than they can carry out.
by Amira Ayad
