
Knowledge is the key to strong faith. Faith itself will protect us from doing wrong and from falling into despair over the vicissitudes of life. It also gives us the confidence to pursue challenges as well as scale new heights.
In the Holy Qur’an, Allah (SWT) tells us of the story of Prophet Musa (AS) who faced many challenges in the course of his life. For instance, he and his followers were pursued by Pharaoh and the latter’s army to the coast of the Red Sea, with no means of escape. At that point, his men felt certain that they were trapped. Yet, he did not lose faith and held on to the belief that Allah (SWT) will not forsake him:” And as soon as the two sides came within sight of one another. Moses’ follower said, ‘We shall definitely be caught’. Moses said, ‘No, my Lord is with me: He will guide me’” (Al-Shu’ara’: 61-62)
The Muslim community that bases its religious life on profound principles and strong values will be able to thrive in all circumstances. Such adaptation to contextual needs does not necessarily mean that each Muslim will forsake Islamic values and principles. Instead, adaptation means that a Muslim can live according to his/her religion, and in harmony with society, because everyone is guided by a set of shared principles and values. This concurs with the Prophet saying: And let none of you be those who follow the crowd, saying,” My opinion or stand depends on what the masses say. If everyone is good, I shall be good. If everyone acts otherwise, I too shall follow them.” But you have to stay true to yourself. If other people are good, you will be good, and should they not be, so make them good.” (Tirmidhi)
Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said: “None of you (truly) believes until his inclination is in accordance with what I have brought.”
The few words of this Hadith encompass Islam in its entirety and define true faith. Al-Imam an-Nawawi said: “It means that a person must measure his deeds against the Qur’an and Sunnah, oppose his inclinations, and follow what the Prophet (SAW) conveyed. And it is similar to the saying of Allah, the Exalted: It is not for a believing man or a believing woman, when Allah and His Messenger have decided a matter, that they have the choice about their affair.” (Al-Ahzab: 36)