UNDERSTANDING ISLAM
By Saiffuden MD Mcalanggan

One of the basic Islamic principles is related to the harmony in this universe. Many scientists and thinkers believe that there is conflict between mankind and nature, and that mankind is struggling to overcome the powers of nature.

Islam corrects this short-sighted notion. It states that everything in this world has been created to serve mankind, and mankind has been created to serve the Supreme Being. This fact alone provides mankind with peace of mind, satisfaction and happiness. It also frees man’s mind from worries, fears and hostile feelings. Thereby, man’s life become inspired with love, hope, optimism, contentment and happiness, and these are the factors that enable man to face hardships with complete confidence.

At the same time the Islamic way to happiness does not deny mankind’s materialistic needs. It strongly emphasizes the need for the enrichment of both material and spiritual values simultaneously in such a way that they become deeply infused into the individual’s life.

Islam takes a positive view of life with virtue, not shunning the bounties of the Supreme Being, but enjoying them within the framework of “righteous living” through which Islam seeks to promote human welfare, as noted in the following passage from the Holy Qur’an:

“Oh, you who believe! Make not unlawful the good things, which Allah has made lawful for you, but commit no excess; for Allah loves not those given to excess. Eat of the things which Allah has provided for you, lawful and good; but fear Allah in whom you believe.”

In addition, the apostle of Allah (PBUH) described the “Golden Rule” of happiness in the following words:

“Take advantage of five before five: Your youth before your senility; your health before your sickness; your wealth before your poverty; your leisure before your occupation; and your life before your death.”

Youth, the prime of man, should be used in a lawful and constructive way. Health, the golden opportunity in life, should be used for the prevention of disease. Wealth, an important opportunity, must be used for protection from poverty. Leisure must be treated with a sense of responsibility and used only for constructive and worthwhile activities. Life, the greatest gift from Allah to mankind, is an opportunity for them to prepare themselves for the final journey into the future world (hereafter). To be continued Insha Allah.*