“I am a Muslim.”
How does it feel to say that out loud?
Do you rather whisper it?
Do you feel the power of this word or do you feel that it makes you weak?
Unfortunately, Islam has been negatively portrayed increasingly these past decades, creating a social stigma to be a follower of its path. It’s a fitnah for sure, but let it not discourage you; stand straight and be proud you are a follower of this powerful religion; the religion of Islam.
Islam lays a foundation for every aspect in life. It teaches us how to be stronger spiritually, mentally, physically, socially, etc.
Allah (SWT) informs us in the Quran::
{By time, indeed, mankind is in loss, except for those who have believed and done righteous deeds and advised each other to truth and advised each other to patience.} (103)
Allah Almighty makes it clear to us in the Quran that we need two keys in this world to open up the doors to paradise in the hereafter; these keys are belief and righteous deeds.
What is Belief?
Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) describes this (an excerpt from a longer hadith) when asked by Angel Gabriel about Iman (Belief):
“It is to believe in Allah, His angels, His books, His messengers, the Last Day, and in the divine destiny of both good and evil.” (Al-Bukhari)
Along with belief, you need to do righteous deeds too like prayers, fasting, zakah, charity, supplications, etc. You should also practice good Islamic traits such as piety, patience, kindness, generosity, modesty, etc.
Power of a Strong Faith
Allah Almighty says:
{Never will we be struck except by what Allah has decreed for us; He is our protector. And upon Allah let the believers rely.} (9:51)
This world is filled with so many hardships and injustice it is truly a challenge to face it with strength. Nevertheless, strong faith is the most powerful tool of strength. If you are a Muslim with strong faith, you are blessed. You have complete trust in Allah and do your best to live in accordance with the Quran and Sunnah, and accept that whatever befalls you after that is already predestined.
If at times certain events may not be in accordance with your will, you know that what comes from Allah is always what is best for you, and this gratefulness is how you reach a constant state of serenity.
Power of a Sense of Purpose
Many people are lost in this world with no sense of purpose. But, how can you feel lost when Allah has revealed to you how this life is but a test to prepare you for the next eternal one in paradise?
Allah Almighty directs us in the Quran to the purpose of this life:
{And I did not create the jinn and mankind except to worship Me.} (51:56)
Islam gives us a sense of purpose in life. We know why we were created; to worship Allah alone; we pray, supplicate, fast, read Quran, Seerah, Fiqh etc. while growing in spirituality.
We know that this world is but a trial, a station we enter to reach our final destination of eternal blessings. We know what good tides await in the hereafter for those who believed and did good deeds.
Power of Righteous Deeds
Islam sets a clear path for us of how to live rightly in this world. Man has become so obsessed with money, power, lust and entertainment that if he only listens to his body and abandons his soul he will be in loss.
As we were created of both body and soul, Islam seeks to create a balance of both. We can enjoy the pleasures of this world, as long as they are through Halal (lawful) means and are in moderation. However, in the quest of quenching our thirsty spirits, Islam emphasizes that we were created for a more honorable cause; worshipping God and doing righteous deeds.
The Power of Knowledge
As we grow in spirituality, Islam also gives us the advantage to grow mentally through “worldly” knowledge like humanities, social, natural and formal sciences. We are encouraged to learn how the world functions around us and how we can excel through coming up with methods of development.
The Power of Organization
Islam teaches us how to organize our life and how to make the utmost benefit of it. Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) says:
“There are two blessings in which most people are in great loss: Good health and free time.” (Al-Bukhari)
Islam emphasizes the importance of time in our lives and how we should make use of our good health and free time wisely. Utilize your health and time in knowledge and righteous deeds before you get crippled or busy. Life should not go wasted on constant entertainment and idleness. A day that passes without adding anything beneficial to our lives is one wasted.
The Power of Guardianship
Narrated ‘Abdullah, Prophet Muhammad said:
“Each one of you is a guardian and is responsible for his charges. The ruler who has authority over people, is a guardian and is responsible for them, a man is a guardian of his family and is responsible for them; a woman is a guardian of her husband’s house and children and is responsible for them; a slave is a guardian of his master’s property and is responsible for it; so all of you are guardians and are responsible for your charges.” (Al-Bukhari)
Another great advantage in Islam is the notion of guardianship. When individuals understand the weight of their roles and the responsibilities entitled, society will move in a smooth pathway. The ruler would be both firm and just with the people, and so forth with any leaders in different positions.
Men would bear responsibility providing and caring for their families, women would understand that even if they chose to work or study they have nonetheless a crucial role in raising their offspring; this is not a minor role as many modern societies preach. How could it be when they are preparing new generations that would shape the progress of the society as a whole?
Follow Islam and you will live in peace, both in this world and in the hereafter. What more, you will have a guaranteed ticket to paradise, yes so powerful is Islam.