ISLAM THE COMPLETE WAY OF LIFE
By M. A. BADA Chief Imam Oluyole Estate Extension,
South-West Ring Road, Ibadan
CONTENT
PREAMBLE
RELIGION – AS PATHFINDER
ISLAM AS THE COMPLETE WAY OF LIFE
HISTORICAL CONCEPT OF CREATION
COMMITMENT TO EXISTENCE
ESSENCE OF LIVING
RIGHTS AND THE ENSUING PRIVILEGES
QUINTESSENSE OF HUMANITY – ISLAMIC PERSPECTIVE
AL-QUR’AN AS HUMANITY’S MANUAL TO EXCELLENT CONDUCT
SUMMARY/CONCLUSION
ISLAM
THE
COMPLETE WAY OF LIFE
By
M. A. BADA
Chief Imam
Oluyole Estate Extension
South-West Ring Road
Ibadan
PREAMBLE
Nature has left us (Mankind) naked and vulnerable to the Risks and Uncertainties of Life – Our Policies provide Safety and Courage against UNDESIRED events.
– IMMANUEL INUA
(Oil Paintings on Canvass)
You weren’t an accident
You weren’t mass Produced
You weren’t an Assembly line Product
YOU WERE DELIBERATELY PLANNED,
SPECIFICALLY GIFTED and LOVINGLY POSITIONED ON EARTH by THE MASTER CRAFTSMAN – (GOD)
– MAX LUCADO
There is Nothing (ever) so powerful as TRUTH and often Nothing so STRANGE.
– DANIEL WEBTER
We can easily forgive a child who is afraid of the dark, the greatest tragedy of life, is when MEN (OF LIGHT) are afraid of light.
– PLATO
In the present World of diversities in thought, understanding, with unending complexities, Humanity many a-time, is always at Crossroad as to his safety, preservation, protection and eventual salvation here and in the hereafter. Though his present living standard is to some extent – knowledge driven governing his hitherto ignorance, the complexities and vagaries of Modern Day life – has to a large extent, with respect, resulted in Moral Decadence with eventual laxity in Morality – a challenge to his strength of commitment to Human Values and Respect for Human Dignity.
Mankind’s Law of Morality is constantly eroded and challenged through Medley of Doctrines (acquired/determined,) views, and dicta of sceptism – it is common knowledge that No Theory or Doctrine based on a determined denial of BASIC RIGHT and/or PRIVILEDGE, survive in the face of FACTS and consistent realities of LIFE.
Mankind, (through his endless struggle for survival,) has encouraged and embraced gospel of dishonesty – Rubbishing the JUST. For his survival, Mankind should have managed knowledge (within the context of Allah’s gift of Knowledge,) to creating the right and conducive environment which The Lord in His Wisdom, had long provided prior to creating him with extant provisions through the GIFT OF NATURE, for Mankind’s eternal sustenance and salvation.
To avoid mischief – (which Allah detest,) the INSTRUMENT OF CONDUCT (IOC) therefore to him is RELIGION as a PATHFINDER of TRUTH for his breakthrough here and in the hereafter with GROUND RULES in terms of INJUNCTIONS, ADMONITIONS and COMMAND strict adherence to which is 5 PILLARS OF ISLAM and 6 Tenets of EEMAN i.e. Faith further strict adherence to which result in Complete Way of SALVATION, PARADISE and Eternal Bliss – infringement and deviation from which is CHAOS, DISASTER and eventually – HELL.
RELIGION – AS PATHFINDER
Religion as a TOOL of SALVATION and BREAKTHROUGH for Mankind, has its EVOLUTIONARY trend and it is as OLD as the advent of Mankind on Earth. ISLAM – The Religion of Peace, Truth and Uprightness, is The only Religion in the sight of Allah being the last straw in SCRIPTURES that breaks the camel’s back. Allah in HIS WISDOM in Qur’an Chapter 3 Verses 19 & 85 Proclaimed ISLAM as the only Religion before HIM and No any other thus:- “The Religion before Allah is ISLAM (Submission to HIS WILL,)”. “If anyone desires A Religion other than Islam (submission to Allah,) Never will it be accepted of him and in the hereafter, he will be in the ranks of those-who-have-lost”.
Allah also in Qur’an Chapter 5 Verse 3 injuncted that:- “This day (in history and now,) have I Perfected your Religion for you, Completed My Favour upon you, And have chosen for you, ISLAM as your Religion”.
These attestations are testimonies significantly proclaiming ISLAM and MUSLIMS (as adherents of the Islamic Faith,) as those on the Right Path of Allah’s Glory. Requirements of the MUSLIMS therefore to enjoy this Bliss, is adherence to the INJUNCTIONS, ADMONITIONS and COMMANDS of Allah strictly within the ambit of the Islamic Tenets basic of which are the 5 Pillars thus:-
5 PILLARS OF ISLAM
Attesting/Believing that there is no deity (worthy of worship) except Allah and that Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is His Messenger.
Observing Regular Solat – Prayers
Paying Zakat
Fasting in the month of Ramadan
Pilgrimage to the Holy Land of Mecca and Madinah
GROUND RULES
The above tenets have Ground Rules governing their observance on a code of conduct channel of :–
Strong belief and faith that Allah (The Creator of The Heavens and The Earth and all that is in between,) is ONE for Whom there is NO SIMILITUDE – and that Muhammad (PBUH) is Allah’s Messenger – he is Not God rather a disciple of Allah Universally sent to Mankind.
Strict observance of time of Prayer is injuncted in Qur’an Chapter 4 Verse 103 thus:- “Solat (Prayers) are enjoined on Believers at stated times”. A clear indication by Allah that observance of Solat is ORDAINED on standard times.
Payment of Zakat (or Poor Due,) is ordained by Allah as an Injunction and Command as in Qur’an Chapter 2 Verse 43 thus:- “And be steadfast in Prayer: Give ZAKAT”
As earlier remarked, every aspect of Religious activity in Islam is ordained free of human Intuition/Innovation – Fasting in the month of Ramadan is injuncted in Qur’an Chapter 2 Verse 183 thus:- “O ye who believe Fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you ………”
Finally, Pilgrimage to the Holy Land is also ordained by Allah as injuncted in Qur’an Chapter 3 Verse 97 thus:- “And Pilgrimage (Hajj) thereto i.e. Kaaba – is a duty Men owe to Allah – Those who can afford the journey.”
ISLAM AS THE COMPLETE WAY OF LIFE
Islam as A and THE complete way of Life and Religion of uprightness, teaches Morality (in Totality) as Humanity is, through the Mercy of Allah, allowed to operate and live on a Regulatory Law of Nature even though he has his free will, albeit, within the ambit of the Regulatory Law of the Purpose of Creation. With the endowment of WISDOM in him, he explores the framework of right conduct which defines a clear and concise path to his strength of character for good conduct.
However, the Morality in him consequent on HUMAN ERRATISM, gradually diminish and finally disappear consequent on his GREED and UNYIELDING STANCE to rectitude through Admonitions in Scriptural Realm exposing him to HUMILIATION and RIDICULE as a result of MISCONDUCT.
With the Universal Message of Allah through the Holy Qur’an ordained on Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), humanity is able (to some extent,) re-align his CONDUCT through the Islamic Faith in God – creating ETHICS, INTER-FAITH HARMONY AND HUMAN RELATIONSHIP – et-al.
HISTORICAL CONCEPT OF CREATION
The history of Creation or Human creation specifically, rests with Allah but in Allah’s WISDOM, a lot of chapters and verses of the Holy Qur’an attest to Allah’s omnipotence at creating Humanity AS HIS VICEGERENT ON EARTH and breathing into Mankind, of His Spirit per Qur’an Chapter 15 (AL-HIJR) Verse 29 – “When I have fashioned him (in due Proportion) and breathed into him of My spirit …………”
This aspect is in contrast to the Angels opposition that Allah should not create Human being for Humanity will shed blood of one another and be mischievous in content of character consequent on greed.
Qur’an (Suuratul Baqara) Chapter 2 Verse 30 has this attestation thus:-
“Behold, thy Lord said to the angels, I will create A vicegerent on earth” – They (angels) said “Will Thou place therein one who will make Mischief therein and shed blood? Whilst we (angels) do celebrate Thy Praise And glorify thy Holy Name?
He (Allah) said: “I know what ye know not.”
It will be clearly seen from the above Injunction that the Angels oppose the creation of Humanity presumably through “jealousy” as they knew (consequent on the endowment of knowledge to them by Allah,) that we were to be Allah’s Most Wondrous Handiwork and the Forefront Creature of all creations Known and Unknown in the Mystical World and in the Devine World of Reality. They, (the angels) were (through The Will of God) commanded to bow to Prophet Adam at creation in acknowledgment of HUMANITY’s leadership.
COMMITMENT TO EXISTENCE
Humanity being CENTRIFUGAL to this Intellectual submission, enjoy right to existence through issues that surrounds him in terms of his:
Existence and Purpose thereof
His Intellect and Knowledge to govern his Ignorance.
His Path to Glory of God to enable him to join the Ranks of The Triumphants, through strict adherence to the Injunctions, Admonitions and Commands of Allah – Infringements of which results in disaster to his Path of Bliss here and in the Hereafter
and finally,
Guarding his sub-lime Morals from Intrusion of Human Erratism, rather, his Respect for Human Dignity upheld and the converse characteristics as listed hereunder becoming alien to his disposition/dispensation i.e.
Hatred
Discord
Enmity
Acrimony
Rancour
Bitterness
Mudslinging
Backbiting
Character Assassination
Slander
Bickering
Jealousy
Cynicism and
Mischief
With these discordant traits removed, mankind’s commitment to Human Values become Profound in the light of his Purpose on Earth and his spiritual attainment strong through renewed Culture of Immense Understanding. His stretched mind of Renewals to life result in Novel Ideas with No Going Back on his previous dimension of determined and/or acquired deficient characteristics – rather his Dignity of Humanity, held SACROSANCT.
ESSENCE OF LIVING
Mankind’s endless search for GOOD LIVING STANDARDS from the Islamic point of perspective, has propelled him into the continual search for succour through persistent evaluation of his CREATIONAL FEATURES. His search and evaluation of the purpose of his existence had resulted in channelling his focus on:-
Good Living Standard
Conducive Environment
Sustenance through adoption of Policies relevant to his Nature and Naturalness
Economic welfare and wellbeing (through Economic Variables)
Expansion of his Intellectual Base to align with Modern Day Technological advancement and ever changing world (of Sense and Senselessness)
Struggle to retain his forefront/leadership position in the league of other creatures of God
Heritage of Human Values vis-a-vis Relationship with Fellow Human and other creatures
Raising his potentials beyond the ordinary for the attendant and far reaching benefits
Moral Uprightness through Spiritual Uplift
Right to Life, Existence, Rights and Privileges
(and finally)
Seeking God and His Guidance as Mankind’s only Source of STRENGTH, INSPIRATION and HOPE for life HERE and in the HEREAFTER.
The above course of sublime search eventually lead HUMANITY to attributes of HUMAN VALUES in:
Ideal disposition of EXCELLENT CHARACTER
Ability to distinguish between RIGHT and WRONG.
Ability to Regulate Conduct with Ideal Moral Values
Becoming highly ethical as well as conforming with right CONDUCT of PIETY and RIGHTEOUSNESS
Becoming highly Religious and Principled in Ethics
(and finally)
Becoming COURAGEOUS (certainly Not ARROGANT) in disposition to LIFE through ESSENCE OF LIVING within the Framework of Allah’s Command
RIGHTS AND THE ENSUING PRIVILEGES
Against this backdrop – The defining Moment of Right of existence and the ensuing Privileges of Right Conduct through good frame of mind emerged from inception and Allah in HIS WISDOM created Humanity (through Adam and Eve i.e. Hawaau) which creation, is the FIRST and FOREMOST RIGHT and PRIVILEGE of Human Existence on Earth (i.e. Right to Life and Living) as His Vicegerent. The Lord in His Wisdom gave Humanity other Rights and Privileges to compliment Human Creation per the following Qur’anic Chapters/Verses thus:-
NARRATION QUR’AN CHAPTER VERSE
He created Humanity and gave him shape 7 11
Of those We have created are people who direct (others)
with Truth and dispense justice therewith 7 181
He created Humanity from a single person and
provided mate for Succour 7 189
He breathed His Spirit into Mankind at Creation 15 29
He created Humanity from a Quintessence of Clay
(i.e. a Refined Extract of Creation) 23 12
Allah created for Man, the faculties of hearing, sight,
feeling and understanding 23 78
He created and guided Humanity 26 78
He created Humanity and Provided Rain water to
provide land succour for cultivation of cash and Food 27 60
Crops
He created Humanity and provided for his Sustenance 30 40
He created Humanity and granted to him Resources
in Abundance 74 12
Allah created Humanity and made life smooth and
comfortable for him 74 14
He created Humanity and Provided him Protection 86 04
QUITESSENSE OF HUMANITY – ISLAMIC PERSPECTIVE
Islam teaches Morality in Totality for the Tenets of ISLAM represent a symbol of PRINCIPLE of RIGHT CONDUCT for its adherents which conduct is Not Negotiable. A good and ideal Muslim to the CORE is simply practical as he/she is guided to Right Frame of Mind …………… from the Injunctions, Admonitions and the Commands of Allah which is SACROSANCT. An Ardent follower of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) [who in Qur’an Chapter 68 Verse 4] was Qualified by Allah – as “(AND SURELY THOU HAST SUBLIME MORALS,) is never identified with stunning/bizarre Conduct.
His further Accolade by Allah can be found in Qur’an (Al-Ahzaab) Chapter 33 Verse 21 thus:- “YE HAVE INDEED IN THE MESSENGER OF ALLAH (i.e. MUHAMMAD [SAW]) AN EXCELLENT EXAMPLER” …………” In other words, Prophet Muhammad (SAW) has never, throughout his life, knocked the winds out of the minds of humanity especially the committed adherents, rather he was and still is (IN HISTORY,) an Excellent Exampler with SUB-LIM MORALS – One of the Beauties of ISLAM and its Leadership through Prophet Muhammad (SAW). The seeming fragmentation and division in recent time is borne out OF NON-KNOWDGE of those concerned who for reasons best known to them
had chosen a different SCRIPTURE conduct other than The ONE and ONLY HOLY QUR’AN which teaches harmony, respect for mutual and HUMAN Dignity – the only Universal Scripture Book revealed to Prophet Muhammad (SAW) for Universal Dissemination, Acceptance and Embracement. Islam’s perspective to Morality is without blemish and I cannot buttress my submission without further recourse to the Qur’anic Injunction and the Command of Allah (SWT) to RIGHT CONDUCT for human kind’s salvation and Humanity’s eternal benefit for AYE.
Good morals and good manners are the real test of a man’s excellence and Prophet Muhammad (SAW) in one of his Hadith (as narrated by Buhari) remarked that “The best of you are those who have the most excellent morals”. This Hadith is further amplified in Qur’an Suuratu NAHL Chapter 16 Verse 90 thus:- “Allah commands JUSTICE, the Doing of GOOD, and giving to kith and kin and He forbids ALL INDECENT DEEDS, and EVIL and REBELLION. HE INSTRUCTS You THAT YE MAY RECEIVE ADMONITION”.
Islam frown at all forms of DESPIRATION which breed GREED, VIOLENCE and ultimately CHAOS. As when commitment to Human Dignity is challenged, respect for Law of Morality is also challenged with the end result of CATASTROPHY/IES as presently is the case albeit universally. Tension which breed chaos is the order of the day in most countries the world over consequent on UNWARRANTED tension and senseless WAR with resultant Human Displacements (i.e. REFUGREES) and eventual loss of Human Values which events ISLAM IN REALLITY – Deprecate.
AL-QUR’AN AS HUMANITY’S MANUAL TO EXCELLENT CONDUCT
AL-QUR’AN, The Last revealed Message of Allah to MANKIND through Prophet Muhammad (SAW) is THE BOOK OF Light to Humanity to ILLUMINATE the minds (both the corrupted, the decayed and the ideal,) of man to KNOWING, APPRECIATING and UNDERSTANDING resulting to seeking Allah as a Manifestation of Man’s Existence on Earth for a life of Eternal Tranquil and Bliss.
Manifestation in this sense, can be understood through the Injunction of Allah in Qur’an Chapter 4 Verse 174 thus:-
“O MANKIND verily there hath come to you A CONVINCING PROOF (i.e. The HOLY QUR’AN) from your Lord for WE have sent unto you (i.e. MANKIND) A LIGHT that is MANIFEST”.
a manifestation of Light perpetual, to illuminate mankind’s path to the Glory of God in:
WISDOM
INTELLECT
DIGNITY OF HUMANITY (through Morality in Totality)
TREASURE TROVE OF ALLAH (Wealth)
SPIRITUAL ATONEMENT/ATTAINMENT FOR SALVATION through the concept of …………
Life
Health
Education
Knowledge
Understanding NATURE through Gift of Nature i.e. Power of Reasoning (and finally)
FAITH et-al – in God – THE SUPREME (Allahu Akbar)
SUMMARY/CONCLUSION
In conclusion, having expressed this far, I hope my submission has to some extent provided a horizon of thought as to the right channel of conduct required of every HUMAN BEING on earth in terms of life and the ART of LIVING a life of purpose through –
PIOUSNESS
RIGHTEOUSNESS
UPRIGHTEOUSNESS – through
The Ideal Religion (of Islam) for the SALVATION OF MANKIND here and in the HEREAFTER
With the above chronicles, the amazing story of Humanity’s Culture and Heritage has emerged and a principled and highly defined profile of Humanity’s expected standard conduct and character through the Islamic Norm has also emerged and established FUNDAMENTALLY. The Rights and Privileges of Humanity’s free will (within the ambit and concept of Islam,) has further emerged.
With the touch of HIGH WISDOM which Allah endowed HUMANITY with – atop of other creatures (despite mankind’s unending Transgressions,) through the Conduct of Values of Humanity can safely be remarked is clearly established for universal application. I hope Mankind take advantage of these Natural Attributes as Gift of Nature for RIGHT CONDUCT FORMING A green path along the Concept of Ethics and Morality highly initiated for the Path of Glory and Mercy of God for MANKIND’S SALVATION HERE and in the HEREAFTER.
RABANA TAKABALMINA INNAKA ANTA SAMEEUL ALEEM.
WASSALAAMU ALAYKUM WARAH MATULLAH WABARA KAATUHU
References
The Holy Qur’an – English Translation – Abdullahi Yusuf Ali
5 Pillars of Islam – Complete Way of Life and Essence of Living – (Seminar Paper) – M. A. Bada
Morality in Changing Values and Nigeria’s Future – (Seminar Paper)
– M. A. Bada
Al-Qur’an – The Human Manual – Seminar Paper – M. A. Bada
The Encyclopaedic Index of the Qur’an – Syed Muhammad Osama
