Reaction Paper

http://www.wefound.org/ Your website to success through authentic knowledge of Islâm and Da'wah according to the Qur’ân and the Sunnah.

Reaction Paper on WISDOM Learning Module One: “Authentic Knowledge of Islam: The Key to Development and Supreme Success.”

By Alexander Stark
M.A. in Sociology
Neckarstr, Remseck, Germany
E-mail: Staralexander4@aol.com

(Published by the Wisdom Enrichment Foundation Website (http://www.wefound.org), September 25, 2002)

In this reaction paper, I selected some ayaat (Qur'anic verses) and ahadeeth (teachings of Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.s.)[1]), which I consider very important. I like to share these important teachings to everyone:

“And whoever seeks a religion other than Islam, it will never be accepted of him, and in the Hereafter he will be among the losers.” (Qur'an 3:85)

These ayaat show that Islam is the only religion acceptable to Allah (s.w.t)[2]. Unfortunately, there are many people who ignore this fact. Therefore, we Muslims must convey the truth to everyone, especially to non-Muslims. Why do many people reject the truth that Islam is the only religion acceptable to Allah (s.w.t)? Among various reasons, a lot of people only love this world. Maybe, they are not aware of the following Qur'anic verse (ayah):

“And the life of this world is nothing but play and amusement. But far better is the house in the Hereafter for those who are Al-Muttaqun (God-fearing). Will you not then understand?” (Qur'an 6:32)

The life in our present world is, indeed, nothing but play and amusement. Since many people do not realize that, we need to show them more proofs from the Qur'an and the Sunnah. Many ayaat and ahadeeth stress the superiority of the Hereafter to our present world. Everyone knows that we will not be able to carry our worldly or material possessions (wealth and children) with us when we die. Only those spent for the pleasure of Allah will benefit us in the Hereafter. This is very important for everyone to reflect upon and prepare for the eternal life. Death is a certain reality! Unfortunately, many people forget that one day they will die. For our guidance, let us take admonition from the following hadeeth:

Abu Hurairah (r.a.)[3] narrated that Allah’s Messenger (s.a.w.s.) said, “When a man dies, accrual of merit in his favor from good deeds ceases except from three actions: 1. a charity which continues after his death, 2. knowledge left behind from which men continue to benefit, and 3. righteous offspring who pray for him.” (Muslim 4005)

From the stated hadeeth everyone should know that after death only three things remain (of our good deeds worthy of Allah's rewards), namely: charity, knowledge and a righteous child. Our wealth won’t help us in the grave if we do not use it for the pleasure of Allah. Therefore, we have to spend our money for charity; for acquiring Islamic knowledge and sharing it to others; and for raising our children to be righteous by giving them good education (with Islamic knowledge). All these imply that if we want Paradise in the eternal world, we need to learn and apply true knowledge of Islam. The problem is that many people do not care about religion. They only think about this world. They only focus their minds and thoughts on their wealth and families. They never care to follow Allah’s guidance and admonition:

“O you who believe! Let not your properties or your children divert you from the remembrance of Allah. And whoever does that, then they are the losers.” (Qur’an 63:9)

A big problem is mentioned in this ayah. Those who neglect their duties to Allah are losers! This means that they will be punished in the Hell-Fire. So Allah (s.w.t) enjoins Muslims not to be preoccupied with their wealth and children at the expense of their duties to Allah. Many people nowadays become too materialistic. For example, there are many brothers in Europe and elsewhere who sell alcohol in restaurants or pubs. There are those who neglect their very purpose in life, and that is to worship Allah, the Exalted. They need to be reminded of the following words of Allah (s.w.t.):

“And I have not created Jinn and men, except that they should serve (worship) me.” (Qur’an 51:56)

“Say: ‘ Truly, my prayer and my service of sacrifice, my life and my death, are (all) for Allah, the Cherisher of the Worlds.’” (Qur’an 6:162)

The whole mankind must know that the purpose of our creation is only to worship Allah (s.w.t). We ought to serve our Creator, Allah (s.w.t) who gave us life. We ought to follow His commandments, one of which is to invite others to Islam. Allah says:

“Let there arise out of you a band of people inviting to all that is good, enjoying what is right, and forbidding what is wrong: they are the ones to attain felicity.” (Qur’an 3:104)

In order to follow the above divine commandment, we must have good knowledge about the Qur’an and the authentic ahadeeth. Islam stresses the importance of acquiring Islamic knowledge. It is often mentioned in many ayaat and ahadeeth. Some of these ahadeeth serve as inspirations for us to seek for knowledge:

Abdullah ibn Abbas (r.a.) narrated that Allah’s Messenger (s.a.w.s.) said, “Acquiring knowledge in company for an hour in the night is better than spending the whole night in prayer.” (Tirmidhi 256)

Uthman bin Affan (r.a.) narrated that the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) said, “The most superior among you are those who learn the Qur’an and teach it.” (Bukhari)

I strongly suggest to everyone (Muslim or non-Muslim) to acquire Islamic knowledge. To non-Muslims, I suggest that they read the Holy Qur’an seriously to gain insight into what Islam is all about. They will learn to believe that the Qur’an is from Allah subhana wa ta'ala. With Allah’s guidance, they will be in the Straight Path. Allah (s.w.t.) says:

“And that those on whom knowledge has been bestowed may learn that the (Qur’an) is the Truth from your Rabb (Cherisher and Sustainer), and that they may believe therin, and their hearts may be made humbly (open) to it: for verily Allah is the Guide of those who believe in the Straight Way.” (Qur’an 22:54)

The search for true Islamic knowledge is very important. We need to seriously and sincerely spend time and efforts learning Islam. In this way, Allah will make it easy for us to attain success. He will guide us to Paradise:

The Prophet (s.a.w.s.) said: “Whoever goes down a path/road searching for knowledge, Allah will make it easy for him the road to Paradise.” (Muslim)

This hadeeth should serve as an inspiration to everyone. It is very important that we must try to seek knowledge of Islam and inshaAllah we will have an easy way to Paradise. With knowledge of Islam, we know what is allowed and what is forbidden. If we do not have the right knowledge, how can we know the things and deeds that please Allah? Likewise, how can we know the things and deeds that displease Him? In other words, how can we best serve and obey Allah so that He will reward us Paradise in the eternal world to come and save us from the torments of the Hell-Fire?

Allah the Almighty is the One Who grants knowledge to whom He pleases. Therefore, we must supplicate to Him. Let us follow the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) who supplicated knowledge from Allah (s.w.t):

Narrated Anas (r.a) Allah’s Messenger (s.a.w.s.) used to say: “O Allah grant me benefit in what you have taught me, teach me what will benefit me, and provide me with knowledge which will benefits me.” (An-Nasai)

“O Allah, I ask you for beneficial knowledge, acceptable action and good provision.” (Tirmidhi)

In the Holy Qur’an, we also read the following supplication, which we can include in our day-to-day supplications:

At the end, I want to explain again how I would like to use the above mentioned Islamic teachings (ayaat and ahadeeth). First, I will tell everyone that Islam is the only religion that will be accepted by Allah (s.w.t). After that, I will explain the meaning of our life according to the Qur’an and the authentic ahadeeth. Everyone should realize that the life in this world is just for a short moment, compared with the life in the Hereafter, which is everlasting. Our wealth or material possessions cannot help us when we will be questioned in our grave. Only right belief, good deeds and righteous offspring can help us. In short, we need to learn Islam according to the Qur’an and the Sunnah, practice what we know and share it to others. Everyone should, therefore, acquire authentic knowledge of the Qur’an and the Sunnah. Some of us may find this important task difficult; therefore, we need to be patient and seek the help of Allah (s.w.t.). With the supplications for knowledge from the Qur’an and the Sunnah, everything will be made easy, insha Allah.

I pray to Allah that many people, if not all, will spend parts of their time, money and efforts in learning Islam. May He make them realize that verily Islam is the True Religion. It is the best way of life that guides us to eternal happiness in Paradise. Therefore, seeking knowledge of Islam according to the Qur’an and the Sunnah is a must for all of us if we want Paradise in the eternal life Hereafter.

[1] Abbreviation for Sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam meaning: May the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him.

[2] Abbreviation for Subhanahu wa ta’ala (the Exalted and Most High).

[3] Abbreviation for Radhi Allahu anhu (May Allah be pleased with him)

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“The parable of those who spend their substance in the way of Allah is that of a grain of corn: it grows seven ears, and each ear has a hundred grains. Allah gives manifold increase to whom He pleases: and Allah cares for all and He knows all things.” (Qur'an 2:261)

“That man can have nothing but what he strives for; that (the fruit of) his striving will soon come in sight; then will he be rewarded with a reward complete; that to your Rabb (Cherisher and Sustainer) is the Final Goal...” (Qur'an 53:39-42)

Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that Allah’s Messenger (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said, “When a man dies, accrual of merit in his favor from good deeds ceases except from three actions: 1. a charity which continues after his death, 2. knowledge left behind from which men continue to benefit, and 3. righteous offspring who pray for him.” (Muslim 4005)

Please note that the word WISDOM does not only stand for knowledge but also an acronym for World Islamic Service for Developing Outstanding Muslims (WISDOM). The WISDOM International Islamic Learning Program on Islamic Studies and Personality Development aims, among others, at educating Muslims and interested non-Muslims with authentic knowledge of Islam. Participants who will succeed in completing all the WISDOM learning modules are expected to have the right aqeedah (belief) and/or eeman (faith), develop the characteristics expected of Muslims according to the Qur'an and the Sunnah, and do righteous deeds for the pleasure of Allah. In this way, they will be able to do Da'wah (inviting people to Islam), enjoin the right and forbid the wrong so that in the sight of Allah the Almighty they become outstanding Muslims. They will be among those successful Muslims who will attain Allah's everlasting reward. Allah our Rabb (Cherisher and Sustainer) says:

“You are the best of peoples, evolved for mankind. You enjoin what is right, forbid what is wrong, and believe in Allah...” (Qur'an 3:110)

“But those who believe and do deeds of righteousness. We shall soon admit them to Gardens, with rivers flowing beneath, to dwell therein forever. Allâh’s promise is the truth, and whose word can be truer than Allâh’s?” (Qur'an 4:122)

“Allâh has promised the believers, men and women, gardens under which rivers flow to dwell therein and beautiful mansions in gardens of everlasting bliss. But the greatest bliss is the Good Pleasure of Allâh: that is the supreme success.” (Qur'an 9:72)

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