By Dr. Norlain Dindang Mababaya

Introduction

Islâm is the Religion Straight and Right[1].  It is the Way of Allâh leading to Paradise, the Home of Peace and hence to eternal success. Allâh the Almighty says:

“This is the Way of your Rabb (Cherisher and Sustainer), leading straight. We have detailed the Signs for those who receive admonition:  for them will be a Home of Peace in the presence of their Rabb. He will be their Friend because they practiced righteousness.”   (Qur’ân 6:126-127)

Allâh our Creator is indeed the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.  He has sent down the Qur’ân and  has chosen Prophet Muhammad as His universal Messenger  to mankind.  For our success, Allâh has chosen for us Islâm as the right path so that by His Mercy we attain righteousness and be among those who will successfully enjoy  His rewards, especially the Garden of Paradise.  He commands and guides us to follow Islâm as it is the only way toward righteousness that can lead us to success.  Both the Qur’ân and  the Sunnah (authentic Ahâdîth) tell us: 

 “Verily this is my Way leading straight. Follow it: follow not (other) paths.  They will scatter you about from His (great) path. Thus He does command you that you may be righteous.”    (Qur’ân 6:153)

“…For those who believe and do righteous deeds are Gardens as hospitable Homes, for their (good) deeds.”   (Qur’ân 32: 19)

‘Abdullâh bin Mas‘ûd narrated that (once) Allâh’s Messenger drew a line for us and then said, “That is the path shown by Allâh.”  Then he drew several other lines on his right and left sides and said, “These are the paths on every side of which there is a devil calling towards it.”  He then recited this verse, ‘and verily, this is My Straight Path, so follow it.’” (Tirmidhî 166, Ahmad, Nasâ’i and Darimî)

Jâbir bin ‘Abdullâh narrated, “We were sitting in the company of the Prophet . He drew a (straight) line and drew two (other) lines on its right side and two lines on its  left side.   He  then  placed  his hand on the middle  line and  remarked,  “This  is Allâh’s Path.”  Then, he recited this verse: ‘and verily, it is My Straight Path; so follow not the (other) paths. They will separate you away from His Path.’ (6:153).’” (Ibn Mâjah 1/11)

Islâm as the right and true religion [2] teaches righteousness.  The five pillars of Islâm together with the six articles of faith in Islâm guide and develop us Muslims to perform righteous deeds and thus attain success. When we testify that “there is no god worthy of worship except Allâh and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allâh” we are duty bound to follow all the conditions required for this Islâmic testimony.  We have to firmly and sincerely worship no other deity but Allâh, Who Alone deserves our love and devotion. We have to read and follow His Qur’an, His Divine Message, which serves as His Guide and Mercy to us.  Likewise, it is a must for us to believe and follow Prophet Muhammad  as Allâh’s Messenger and Mercy to all mankind.  In other words, we ought to know and follow the teachings of the Qur’ân and  the Sunnah and at the same time share what we know of the Right Path.  By sincerely adhering to shahada (the two testimonies of faith) we are assured of our salvation and success:

Anas ibn Malik narrated  that the Prophet said, “Whoever said 'La ilaha illa-Allâh' ("None has the right to be worshipped but Allâh') and has in his heart good (faith) equal to the weight of a barley grain, will be taken out of hell. And whoever said 'La ilaha ila-Allâh' ('None has the right to be worshipped but Allâh') and has in his heart good (faith) equal to the weight of a wheat grain, will be taken out of hell. And whoever said 'La ilaha ila-Allâh' ('None has the right to be worshipped but Allâh') and has in his heart good (faith) equal to the weight of an atom, or a small ant, will be taken out of hell.”  (Bukhâri 1/42)

Abu Hurairah narrated: “I said ‘O Allâh’s Messenger! Who will be the luckiest person who will gain your intercession on the day of Resurrection?’ Allâh’s Messenger said: ‘O Abu Hurairah! I have thought that none will ask me about it before you as I know your eagerness to (learn) the Hâdîth. The luckiest person who will have my intercession on the Day of Resurrection will be one who said sincerely from (the bottom of) his heart ‘La ilaha ill-Allâh' ('none has the right to be worshipped but Allâh).’”  (Bukhâri 1/ 98)

As Muslims we need to perform the five obligatory and optional salât (prayers) to express our submission, fear, love, devotion and gratitude to Allâh. We know that Allâh has commanded us to worship no one but Him. If we perform salât with devotions according to the Qur’ân and  the Sunnah we attain righteousness and success:

“O you people!  Worship your Guardian Allâh, Who created you and those who came before you that you may become righteous.”    (Qur’ân 2:21)

“Say: ‘Shall I give you glad tidings of things far better than those? For the righteous are gardens in nearness to their Rabb (Cherisher and Sustainer) with rivers flowing beneath; therein is their eternal home; with companions pure (and holy) and the good pleasure of Allâh.  For in Allâh’s sight are (all) His servants, (namely) those who say: ‘Our Rabb! We have indeed believed: forgive us then our sins and save us from the agony of the fire.’  Those who show patience firmness and self-control; who are true (in word and deed); who worship devoutly; who spend (in the way of Allâh); and who pray for forgiveness in the early hours of the morning. There is no god but He: that is the witness of Allâh His angels and those endued with knowledge standing firm on justice.  There is no god but He the Exalted in Power the Wise.’”   (Qur’ân 3:15-18)

Mu’adh narrated: “I was a companion rider of the Prophet on a donkey called 'Ufair. The Prophet asked, ‘O Mu'adh! Do you know what Allâh’s right on His slaves is, and what the right of His slaves on Him is?’ I replied, ‘Allâh and His Messenger know better.’ He said, ‘Allâh’s right on His slaves is that they should worship Him (Alone) and should not worship any besides Him. And slave’s right on Allâh is that He should not punish him who worships none besides Him.’ I said, ‘O Allâh’s Messenger! Should I not inform the people of this good news?’ He said, ‘Do not inform them of it, lest they should depend on it (absolutely).’” (Bukhâri 4/108)

Abu Dhar narrated that Allâh’s Messenger said, “Someone came to me from my Rabb (Cherisher and Sustainer) and gave me the news (or good tidings) that if any of my followers dies worshipping none (in any way) along with Allâh, he will enter Paradise.”  I asked, “Even if he committed illegal sexual intercourse (adultery) and theft?”  He replied, “Even if he committed illegal sexual intercourse (adultery) and theft.”  (Bukhâri 2/329)

For us Muslims who are entitled to pay zakât (compulsory charity), we pay the amount due from our wealth in order to purify it and attain Allâh’s reward in the Hereafter.  We believe that Allâh rewards those who give zakât with a prosperous life in the Hereafter.  They will be among those who will inherit Paradise.  Allâh tells us: 

“These are Verses of the Wise Book, a Guide and a Mercy to the Doers of Good,¾  those who establish regular Prayer, and give zakât and have sure faith in the Hereafter.  These are on (true) guidance from their Creator; and these are the ones who will prosper.”    (Qur’ªn 31:3)

 “Successful indeed are the Believers, those ... who are active in giving zakaah ... these will inherit Paradise.  They will dwell therein (forever).”  (Qur’ân 23:1-4 and 10-11)

By paying zakât, we are assured of success in the eternal world.  We become righteous as we purify our wealth and refrain from miserliness.  We must fear that if we do not pay zakât, Allâh  will  punish us in the Hereafter:

“As for him who gives (zakât in charity) and keeps his duty to Allâh and believes in the best reward from Allâh, We will make smooth for him the path of ease. But he who is a greedy miser and thinks himself self-sufficient, and gives the lie to the best reward from Allâh we will make smooth for him the path for evil.”  (Qur’ân 92:5-10)

Abu Hurairah narrated that Allâh’s Messenger said, “Whoever is made wealthy by Allâh and does not pay the zakât of his wealth, then on the Day of Resurrection his wealth will be made like a baldheaded poisonous male snake with two black spots over the eyes. The snake will encircle his neck and bite his cheeks and say, 'I am your wealth, I am your treasure.’  Then the Prophet   recited the holy verse: 'Let not those who withhold . . . (to the end of the verse (3:180).’”   (Bukhâri 2/486)

Likewise, when we observe fasting in the month of Ramadan,  we become righteous Muslims.  We gain self-discipline, kindness and patience. We also perform other forms of worship like reading the Qur’an, doing more dhikr (remembrance of Allâh) and giving more sadaqa (voluntary charity). All these virtuous conducts develop us to be more closer to Allâh and thus be among those righteous Muslims who deserve His Rewards. Allâh’s ultimate reward is Paradise and the supreme success of meeting Him.  Allâh the Almighty says in the following hâdîth Qudsi:

“All the deeds of Adam’s sons (people) are for them, except sawm (fasting) which is for Me, and I will give reward for it.  There are two pleasures for the person observing sawm (fast), one at the time of iftar [breaking his sawm (fast)], and the other at the time when he will meet his Creator; then he will be pleased because of his sawm (fasting).”   (Bukhâri 3/128)

We Muslims who are in a position to do hajj at least once in our lifetime attain Allâh’s reward once we perform it. Hajj, the fifth pillar of Islâm, enables us to attain fear of Allâh, self-restraint, discipline, patience, kindness and other virtuous conducts.  In short, hajj is a pillar that also develops our personality toward righteousness and hence, success:

 “For Hajj are the months well known.  If any one undertakes that duty therein, let there be no obscenity, nor wickedness, nor wrangling in the Hajj.  And whatever good you do, (be sure) Allâh knows it and take a provision (with you) for the journey, but the best of provisions is right conduct.  So fear Me, o you that are wise.”   (Qur’ân 2:197)

Abu Hurairah narrated that the Prophet said, “Whoever performs Hajj for Allâh’s pleasure and does not have sexual relations with his wife, and does not do evil or sins then he will return (after Hajj free from all sins) as if he were born anew.”    (Bukhâri 2/ 596 and 3/ 345)

“He who came to this House (the Ka’bah) (with the intention in performing Hajj) without speaking or committing indecencies, would return (free from sin) as on the day his mother bore him.”   (Muslim 2/3129)

We Muslims who perform all the pillars of Islâm elevate our status as Mu’minoon (Faithful Muslims) when we firmly believe in the six  articles of faith.  As Mu’minoon we truly believe in Allâh as our Only Creator, Sustainer and Provider – Who Alone has no partner.  When we are in need we seek Allâh’s help and guidance. We recognize Allâh’s mercy and blessing. We put our trust and hope in Allâh.  We fear no one but Allâh because we know that Allâh’s wrath is severe for those who do evil deeds.  We constantly seek Allâh’s forgiveness because we believe that Allâh is most forgiving, ready to forgive sins. By believing in Allâh and all His attributes, we become strong and steadfast, ready to perform all acts of devotions purely for Allâh Alone.  Everyone of us takes guidance from Allâh’s Book and says:

“Truly, my prayer and my service of sacrifice, my life and my death, are (all) for Allâh, the Rabb (Cherisher and Sustainer)  of the Worlds.”    (Qur’ân 6:162)

The second article of Faith pertains to the belief in Allâh's Angels, which include the two recording angels. As Mu’minoon we are aware that everyone of us has two angels.  One angel sits on the right side and records whatever each one of us does.  The angel on the left records one’s bad  deeds. The following Qur’anic Ayât (Verses) and authentic Hâdîth tell us the recording of our deeds:

 “Behold, two (guardian angels) appointed to learn (his doings) learn (and note them), one setting on the right and one on the left. Not a word does he utter but a vigilant Guardian is with him (to record it).”  (Qur’ân 50:17-18)

Abû Hurairah narrated that the Prophetsaid, “Allâh ordered (the appointed angels over you) that the good and the bad deeds be written. He then showed (the way) how (to write). If somebody intends to do a good deed and he does not do it, then Allâh will write for him a full good deed (in his account with Him).  If he intends to do a good deed and actually did it, then Allâh will write for him (in his account) with Him (its reward equal) from ten to seven hundred times to many more times. If somebody intended to do a bad deed and he does not do it, then Allâh will write a full good deed (in his account) with Him;  and if he intended to do it (a bad deed) and actually did it, then Allâh will write one bad deed (in his account).”      (Bukhâri 8/498,  9/592 and Muslim 233)

The belief in Allâh’s recording angels make us more conscious of our daily deeds.  Thus, we strive to do righteous deeds because we know that every good deed is being recorded in our favor – one that will bring great benefit to us, especially in the eternal world.  We refrain ourselves from committing sins because we are aware that every evil deed is also recorded in our account, which will bring destruction to our souls if Allâh will not forgive us.

Belief in Allâh’s Books inspires us of Allâh’s divine guidance to mankind throughout the ages.  We learn that the Qur’ân is His final Message that serves as the Criterion, confirming what went before it.   Allâh the Almighty says:

“Allâh! There is no god but He ¾  the Living, the Self-Subsisting, the Supporter of all. It is He Who sent down to you (step by step), in Truth, the Book, confirming what went before it.  And He sent down the Torah and the Gospel before this as a guide to mankind.  And He sent down the Criterion (of Judgment between right and wrong).”  (Qur’ân 3:2-4)

“That which We have revealed to you of the Book is the Truth ¾   confirming what was (revealed) before it, for Allâh is assuredly (with respect to His servants) Well acquainted and Fully Observant.”  (Qur’ân 35:31)

When we believe in Allâh’s Messengers we are reminded of Allâh’s concern for the whole humanity.  He has sent His Messengers to convey the same message of Tawhîd (the absolute oneness of God) as a way to guide humanity to fulfill their very reason for existence – that is to worship Allâh Alone[3] until death[4].  We learn that Prophet Muhammad was the last and Seal of all the Prophets and the Final Messenger to mankind, who confirmed the messages of the Messengers before him.  Allâh said:

“Nay he  (Muhammad ) had come with the very Truth, and he confirmed the messages of the Messengers before him.”  (Qur’ân 37: 37)

The belief in the Hereafter awakens our hearts and minds to perform more acts of ibadah (worship) for the pleasure of Allâh the Almighty. We know that life in this world is nothing compared to the life Hereafter:

“Nothing is the life of this world but play and amusement, but best is the Home in the Hereafter, for those who are righteous, will you not then understand?”   (Qur’ân 6:32)

“Allâh does enlarge, or grant by (strict) measure, the sustenance (which He gives) to whom so He pleases ¾   (the worldly) rejoice in the life of this world.  But the life of this world is but little comfort compared to the Hereafter.”    (Qur’ân 13:26)

Our stay in this world is temporary.  We need to prepare for the eternal world because we never know when we will die. We have to live in this world as if we are travelers.  Let us take guidance from the following hâdîth:

Mujahid narrated that ‘Abdullah Bin Umar said, Allah’s Messenger took hold of my shoulder and said, “Be in this world as if you were stranger or a traveler.”   (Bukhari 8/425)

As travelers, we need to make the necessary preparations so that we will reach our destination without any problem and in the end live happily forever. We need to set everything we have in the right way so we will attain success.  Let us remember that our wealth and our children[5] will not benefit us in our grave and on the day of judgment, if we do not adhere to righteousness. It is part of righteousness that we spend at least part of our wealth for the cause of Allâh.  Likewise, we need to guide our children to be righteous by giving them the best education (i.e., knowledge of Islâm) so that by the Grace of Allâh they become righteous whose prayers for our salvation and eternal success are accepted.  We need to spend more time, money, efforts and everything in us doing righteous deeds hoping for Allâh’s rewards in the Hereafter.  Belief in the Hereafter motivates us to aspire to be among those who believe and do righteous deeds who will have magnificent reward or success in the Hereafter:

“Verily, this Qur’ân guides to that which is most right (or stable), and gives the glad tidings to the believers who work deeds of righteousness, that they shall have a magnificent reward. And that those who believe not in the Hereafter, for them We have prepared a painful torment (Hell).”  (Qur’ân 17:9-10)

In line with the above  Ayâh, we need to fear the terrible punishments that await those who prefer the life in this present World and disbelieve in the Hereafter.  We need to take further admonitions from the following Qur’anic Ayât (Verses):

“Those who desire the life of the Present and its glitter to them We shall pay (the price of) their deeds therein without diminution. They are those for whom there is nothing in the Hereafter but the Fire: vain are the designs they frame therein and of no effect are the deeds that they do!”  (Qur’ân 11:15-6)

“Ta Sin.  These are verses of the Qur'an a Book that makes (things) clear; a Guide; and Glad Tidings for the Believers, those who establish regular prayers and give in regular charity and also have (full) assurance of the Hereafter.  As to those who believe not in the Hereafter We have made their deeds pleasing in their eyes; and so they wander about in distraction. Such are they for whom a grievous Penalty is (waiting): and in the Hereafter theirs will be the greatest loss.”    (Qur’ân 27:1-5)

Finally, the belief in Al-Qadar (the pre-ordainment) draws us more closer to Allâh the Exalted.  It increases our Faith in Him as our Only Rabb (Cherisher and Sustainer) Who is All-Knowing, the Most Just[6] and the Best of Planners. Everything that happens in heaven or earth is recorded in a clear record:

“And verily your Rabb (Cherisher and Sustainer) knows all that their hearts do hide, as well as that they reveal.  And there is nothing hidden in heaven or earth but is (recorded) in a clear record.”  (Qur’ân 27:74-75)

“No misfortune can happen on earth or in your souls but is recorded in a decree before We bring it into existence. That is truly easy for Allâh, in order that you may not despair over matters that pass you by nor exult  over favors bestowed upon you.  For Allâh loves not any vainglorious boaster.”    (Qur’ân 57:22-23)

The recording of whatever deed we do in this world assures us  of Allâh’s Justice on the Day of Judgment and hence the rewards, which He promises to the righteous.  This motivates us to do good deeds in preparation for the life hereafter and at the same time avoid any evil deed that may bring destruction or sort of punishment to us especially in the eternal world.  By knowing the following Qur’ânic Ayâh  we become strong enough to have peace and tranquility.

“Whatever good, (o man!) happens to you is from Allâh; but whatever evil happens to you is from yourself and We have sent you (O Muhammad) to (instruct) mankind.  And enough is Allâh for a witness.”   (Qur’ân 4:79) 

We do not take pride in ourselves for whatever success we accomplish because we know that every good thing that happens comes from Allâh.  Moreover, we do not  feel any sense of despair nor contempt against anyone for our failure or suffering. We know and understand that misfortunes happen because of our own misdeed.

In brief, belief in all the six articles of Iman (Faith) make us truly righteous and elevate ourselves to have ihsan (perfection  or purity in faith).  According to the Prophet ihsan  is “to worship Allâh as if you see Him, and if you cannot achieve this state of devotion then you must consider that He is looking at you.”    (Bukhâri 1/47, 6/300 and Muslim 1)  When we Muslims have ihsan, we become Mu’hsinoon or Mutaqoon (those who are god-fearing and god-conscious) – qualities that make us truly righteous in all our ways and deeds.

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