UNDERSTANDING ISLAM
By Saiffuden MD Mcalanggan

The Islamic Concept discourages people from allowing their impulses, desires and wants to rule their lives. The Prophet of Allah (PBUH) said: "May he perish who is the slave of dinar and dirham."

Happiness springs from inside the human mind and heart. Therefore, peace of mind and psychological security play major roles in the attainment of happiness. Many wealthy people cannot find the way to happiness despite the luxury they enjoy. That is due to their lack of the aforesaid factor. While, many people who lack the luxury of life, enjoy such inner security and through this they experience a great deal of happiness. Security may also be established and strengthen by mutual mercy and sympathy and caring for sectors of society badly in need of protection and assistance. Therefore, the Islamic Concept strongly encourages charitable acts, donations etc., as a purification of one's wealth and a stabilizing factor for the economy. This in turn provides the members of the society with feelings of love and compassion for each other, and with a sense of security by removing greed and poverty which are often barriers to true happiness.

Organization of family affairs also helps remove some causes of anxiety. The following verse from the Holy Qur'an on the wife-husband relationship clarifies this concept: "...and among His signs is this, that He created for you mates from among yourselves, that you may dwell in tranquillity with them, and He has put love and mercy between your (hearts); verily in that are signs for who reflect."

It is this mutual relationship of love, mercy and affection that gives the sense of security to the whole family, including children who enjoy this sense under protection of their parents. This relationship is well organized in the society, and subscribes to the Islamic Concept, including the prescription of the rights and obligations for every member of the family so that stability may prevail in their lives.

On a larger scope, Islam laid down the foundations of security and in society by establishing comprehensive and fair rules and regulations for all human affairs, moral, social, political, military, economic and other fields of human endeavour (To be continued).*