The believer is alert

Islam requires of the Muslim, first and foremost, that he be a true and sincere believer in Allah, closely connected to Him, constantly remembering Him and putting his trust in Him, while making the efforts to help himself.

The true and sincere Muslim is alert and open-minded to the magnificence of Allah’s creation. He knows that it is Almighty Allah who is in control of the affairs of the universe and of mankind. He recognizes the signs of His unlimited power in every aspect of creation, and so his faith in Allah increases, he remembers Him constantly and puts his trust in Him: “Behold! In the creation of the heavens and the earth and the alteration of night and day – there are indeed signs for men of understanding – men who celebrate the praises of Allah, standing, sitting, and lying down on their sides, and contemplate the (wonder of) creation in the heavens and the earth, (with the thought): ‘Our Lord! Not for naught have You created (all) this! Glory to You! Give us salvation from the penalty of the Fire.’” (Qur’an 3: 190-191)

Obedient to the commands of his Lord

It comes as no surprise, then, that the sincere Muslim is humbly obedient to Allah in all matters. He never transgresses the limits, and he follows Allah’s commands and guidance even when they are contrary to his desires. The test of the Muslim’s faith lies in the following of the commands of Allah and His Messenger (saw) in all matters, great and small, with no hesitation or reservation: “None of you (truly) believes until his inclination is in accordance with what I have brought.” (An-Nawawi’s forty Hadith No. 41). Allah said: “But no, by the Lord, they can have no (real) faith, until they make you judge in all disputes between them, and find in their souls no resistance against your decisions, but accept them with the fullest conviction.” (Qur’an 4: 65)

It is a matter of absolute submission and complete obedience to Allah and His Messenger. Without both of these, there is no faith and no Islam. Therefore, the sincere Muslim does not deviate from the guidance of Allah or ignore the commands of His Messenger, whether these concern him as an individual or those over whom he has authority and for whom he is responsible.

He has a sense of responsibility for those under his authority

If any member of the Muslim’s family is neglectful or failing in his or her duties towards Allah and His Messenger (saw), then he is responsible: “Each of you is a shepherd, and each of you is responsible for his flock.” (Bukhari and Muslim)

The sense of responsibility that the sincere Muslim feels when a member of his family is failing in some important regard disturbs him greatly. He cannot bear it, so he will hasten to deal with its causes despite the consequences. The only one who can ignore such a responsibility and keep quiet about it is the man whose faith is weak and whose manhood is lacking.

He accepts the will and decree of Allah

The sincere Muslim is always content to accept the will and decree of Allah is one of the pillars of faith. Whatever befalls him in life cannot have been avoided, because Allah has decreed it. His acceptance of the divine will and decree will earn him a great reward from Allah who will count him as one of the successful, obedient believers.

This is why the hadith says that Muslim affairs are all good. If he goes through a time of ease, he will give many thanks to his generous Lord for His bounty, and if he goes through a time of hardship he will bear it with patience and fortitude, following the commands of his Lord and accepting His will and decree. Whatever the case, it is truly good for him.

The one who turns to Allah in repentance

The Muslim may find himself becoming neglectful and slipping from the Straight Path, so that he may commit a sin that does not befit him as a humble and vigilant believer, but he will soon remember his Lord, turn away from his error and seek forgiveness for his failings: “Those who fear Allah, when a thought of evil from Satan assaults them, bring Allah to remembrance when lo! They see.” (Qur’an 7: 201)

The heart filled with love and fear of Allah will not be overcome by negligence. It is those who ignore Allah’s commands and guide who will be led astray. The heart of the sincere Muslim is ever eager to repent and seek forgiveness and rejoices in obedience, guidance, and the pleasure of Allah.

(To be continued)

by Muhammad Ali Al-Hashimi