If you mention the word Muslim in the world today, you are sure to get a reaction. To some extent, the world has made up its own mind about what it thinks about Muslim youth, Muslim women, Muslim countries, Muslim law, and so on. A very large proportion of the world's population is Muslim, and yet there is still a lot of misunderstanding about what it actually means to be a Muslim. Since many of the youth are standard bearers of Islam, we should be sure that the basics of our belief are strong and correct.
The Creator
The essential belief of a Muslim is to acknowledge that there is one Creator, Allah. The Creator has many characteristics that all point to His mercy and justice. On a daily basis, we are all witness to the unity of Allah as we look around the world, and at the universe, and see how everything works in perfect harmony; no one part of creation can function on its own, and the same applies to people, too.
The fact that life continues and functions despite mankind's horrific wars, bloodshed, and pollution is an amazing witness to Allah's existence as well as to the fact that He guides and directs all things while giving mankind freedom of choice.
Allah tells us: [If there were gods besides Allah, then verily both (the heaven and the earth) had been disordered; glorified be Allah, the Lord of the throne, from all they ascribe (unto Him)] (Al-Anbiyaa' 21:22).
Everything Has a Meaning
Allah is Kind and Merciful, and He did not create all there is just for some kind of play and futility. Allah knows all things, so He knows what mankind will do; He knows the outcome of all things. He gave mankind freedom of choice to find his way through life and have the opportunity to know the Creator and the meaning of life. To help us along this difficult trek, Allah sent messengers to guide mankind.
Allah tells us: [Deemed ye then that We had created you for naught, and that ye would not be returned unto Us? Now Allah be exalted, the True King! There is no god save Him, the Lord of the Throne of Grace] (Al-Mu'minun 23:115-116).
Messengers as Guides to Mankind
The role of the messengers of Allah is unique. They receive guidance from the Lord to share with mankind, and when man adheres to this guidance, he is uplifted, civilized, and secure. The messages sent through the messengers of Allah help mankind to understand the Creator and the meaning of their lives, their origin, and their final goal. All the messengers were human beings, but they were exceedingly righteous and close to Allah; they never committed any cardinal sin or acted in a way that would put them outside the fold of faith.
Allah tells us: [And verily We have raised in every nation a messenger, (proclaiming): Serve Allah and shun false gods. Then some of them (there were) whom Allah guided, and some of them (there were) upon whom error has just hold] (An-Nahl 16:36).
We All Have a Purpose
All people in this world have their own potential; each person is special and has special qualities and capabilities. The role of man is to use these abilities and potentials to know Allah, obey Him, love Him, and spread goodness in the earth. We all follow our own path of destiny, and we are the ones who decide in which direction our feet will walk. We choose between right and wrong; good and evil, and we also live with the consequences of our words and actions. Allah does not expect us to be sinless, but He does want us to repent when we make mistakes. In the end, we will all be judged for what we sent forward in this world; our words and actions and the extent to which we were obedient to Allah.
Allah tells us: [I created the jinn and humankind only that they might worship Me. I seek no livelihood from them, nor do I ask that they should feed Me. Lo! Allah! He it is that giveth livelihood, the Lord of unbreakable might] (Adh-Dhariyat 51:56-58).
Mankind achieves a state of goodness or evil through his own choices, but at the same time, a person is unable to achieve goodness — piety — without the help and guidance of Allah. The role of mankind is to strive to perfect his soul and put it, along with his desires, in submission to Allah — to be free of evil, hatred, and grudge; and to control all the desires of the heart.
Allah tells us: [And a soul and Him Who perfected it. And inspired it (with conscience of) what is wrong for it and (what is) right for it. He is indeed successful who causeth it to grow, and he is indeed a failure who stunteth it] (Ash-Shams 91:7-10).
[Every soul is a pledge for its own deeds.] (Al-Muddaththir 74:38)
Some people might say that Islam is a difficult religion: You have to pray, fast, read Qur'an, dress and behave modestly, and so on. But the reality is that life is difficult but Islam makes it easier. For example, how many problems occur between people, communities, and nations because they cannot decide on laws to suit everyone? Islam solves the problem here because divine law is suitable for all times and places. Islam also guides people how to behave within families, communities, and nations. It guides people to achieve peace and harmony on every level of life. The challenge remains for us to actually live Islam so we can reap its fruits.
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