Do you ever wonder what about the people who have never heard about Islam?
Allah said in the Quran that when we are born, we have an original disposition (“Fitrah” or “Fitra”) to believe in Him. Thus this is a very important notion to know and understand.
Allah’s Messenger (pbuh) said:
No child is born but upon Fitrah. He then said. Recite: The nature made by Allah in which He created man, there is no altering of Allah’s nature; that is the right religion.” [Sahih Muslim 2658d]
“Each child is born in a state of Fitrah, but his parents make him a Jew or a Christian.[…]” [Sahih Muslim 2658e]
Indeed, all children are affected by the beliefs of their environment. Moreover it can be a direct pressure or an indirect influence.
The lesson from Omar Suleiman is about a righteous man (Zayd ibn Amr ibn Nufayl) who died before reaching Prophet Muhammad (pbuh).
First, Zayn always felt that the Meccans were doing something against pure Monotheism. Hence he didn’t hesitate to talk against it.
Another example of his natural empathy is that he used to rescue daughters who were buried alive, before Islam forbids it.
Furthermore he travelled in search of the Truth.
While he was away, he learnt about Prophet Muhammad (pbuh).
Unfortunately he died on his way back to Mecca.
Secondly, the son of Zayn asked the Prophet what would happen to his dad since he died before saying his Shahada.
For this reason Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) explained that he saw the Day of Judgment.
While all the nations will stand behind their prophets, Zayd will be a Nation of One.
That is to say he will be his own Ummah !
What a valued place mashaAllah!
In conclusion, this natural behavior to worship one god is what is really inside of us. Nevertheless, sometimes we just choose not to follow it.
May Allah guide us, ameen.