Bismillahirrahmanirrahim...
It is He Who hath made you (His) agents, inheritors of the earth: He hath raised you in ranks, some above others: that He may try you in the gifts He hath given you: for thy Lord is quick in punishment: yet He is indeed Oft-forgiving, Most Merciful. (6:165)
this week apparently is the Islamic Awareness Week in U0A organised by Auckland University Islamic Society (AUIS). so i went to this really interesting talk titled "Islam as a Religion of Balance"by Sheikh Raf'ad of the AUT. i have to say, he really opened my eyes into viewing Islam in a whole unique way. it is really amazing how Islam is connected and in harmony with our surroundings, the environment and social factors that we live in today.when seeing from different facets of Islam as a religion, we could only find perfection and flawlessness. Subhanallah...
Surah ar-Rahman:7. And the Firmament has He raised high, and He has set up the Balance (of Justice),
8. In order that ye may not transgress (due) balance.
9. So establish weight with justice and fall not short in the balance
Among the things that he touched upon is solat. How could solat bring balance to our lives? As humans, we tend to get carried away with our work, studies, families and friends. However, solat reminds us of how we should not be too engaged with our worldly affairs. there is a need to be reminded that we have a much bigger responsibility to execute, that is our obligation towards our BIG BOSS. so that is the reason why we should take our prayers seriously. they are a form of balance in our lives.
Humans are created along with unending desires for many things such as foods and materials. Fasting could free our body from being slaves to our cravings. Islam teaches us to be in control of our body and minds, to not simply follow our emotions and greed. Fasting trains us to be patient and resilient. To be balanced.
The rules and guidelines provided by Allah are meant to store balance in our lives. they are created by Allah Taala for OUR benefits. this is one of His signs of Love towards us humans. Is it reasonable to abuse this balance? As much as Allah Taala wants us to enjoy life to its fullest, He also wants us to indulge life in the rightful way. Women in Islam, for example have to cover up because they have 'ornaments' which they have to protect. Allah Taala gave them the right to enjoy this privacy. We women should be proud that we are made beautiful and to cover up is how we show our appreciation and gratitude towards Allah Taala.
Syeikh Raf'ad also mentioned that before Allah, we are all equal. there is no discrimination in Islam, and it is indeed a universal religion. We could be from different countries and origins, but we all recite the same verses in our prayers and we refer to only one kitab, the Quran. Islam is also a religion of nation, not a stand-alone religion. it is a religion of ukhuwah and love. there is no room for hatred and envy in Islam.
O ye who believe! follow not Satan's footsteps: if any will follow the footsteps of Satan, he will (but) command what is shameful and wrong: and were it not for the grace and mercy of Allah on you, not one of you would ever have been pure: but Allah doth purify whom He pleases: and Allah is One Who hears and knows (all things). (24:21)Wallahu a'lam
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