Does Islam Stop From Being Successful in This World
http://muslimsinsouthkorea.blogspot.kr/2015/06/does-islam-stops-being-successful-in.html
http://muslimsinsouthkorea.blogspot.kr/2015/06/does-islam-stops-being-successful-in.html
Choosing This World over
Hereafter
اعْلَمُوا أَنَّمَا الْحَيَاةُ الدُّنْيَا لَعِبٌ وَلَهْوٌ وَزِينَةٌ
وَتَفَاخُرٌ بَيْنَكُمْ وَتَكَاثُرٌ فِي الْأَمْوَالِ وَالْأَوْلَادِ ۖ كَمَثَلِ غَيْثٍ أَعْجَبَ
الْكُفَّارَ نَبَاتُهُ ثُمَّ يَهِيجُ فَتَرَاهُ مُصْفَرًّا ثُمَّ يَكُونُ
حُطَامًا ۖ وَفِي الْآخِرَةِ
عَذَابٌ شَدِيدٌ وَمَغْفِرَةٌ مِّنَ اللَّـهِ وَرِضْوَانٌ ۚ وَمَا الْحَيَاةُ الدُّنْيَا
إِلَّا مَتَاعُ الْغُرُورِ ﴿٢٠﴾
Know that the life of this world is but amusement and diversion and
adornment and boasting to one another and competition in increase of wealth and
children - like the example of a rain whose [resulting] plant growth pleases
the tillers; then it dries and you see it turned yellow; then it becomes
[scattered] debris. And in the Hereafter is severe punishment and forgiveness
from Allah and approval. And what is the worldly life except the enjoyment of
delusion. (SURAH AL-HADEED 57:20)
Salam Brothers and Sisters,
Today I would like to put some light on one of the key issue in our
daily lives i.e. Love/Lust for this worldly life. In this verse, Allah SWT is
telling us the reality of this world. In our real lives, if we examine, we find
out that this verse applies to our lives. However, some find out such verses
and become oblivious of the responsibilities of this world. Such people then
visualize this world with a very narrow eye which contradicts to the Islamic
way of life. Islam brought the perfect code of life. Islam has specified
obligations and responsibilities towards human beings. Therefore, a general
concept in the whole world prevails that Religion is contradicting and
hindering the practical life, success and scientific growth. Hence Religion
should stay in the mosque and we can govern daily lives without the need
for religion.
I want to point out the fact that Human beings can be divided into two
entities;
1) MATERIALISTIC or
PYSICAL
2) SPIRTUAL – ego and soul (ROOH and NAFS)
يَا بَنِي آدَمَ خُذُوا زِينَتَكُمْ عِندَ كُلِّ مَسْجِدٍ وَكُلُوا
وَاشْرَبُوا وَلَا تُسْرِفُوا ۚ إِنَّهُ لَا يُحِبُّ
الْمُسْرِفِينَ ﴿٣١﴾
O children of Adam,
take your adornment at every masjid, and eat and drink, but
be not excessive. Indeed, He likes
not those who commit excess. [31]. (SURAH AL-ARAAF 7: 31-32)
As clear from this verse, Allah SWT has given freedom to mankind and
permitted to eat and drink but with a condition that do not be excessive. So is
this forbiddance for the wellbeing of the people or harmful? These days, you go
to the doctor and he specifies some amount of medicine and gives some
directions to use. What happens if one takes 5 days of pills together at once?
Will it cure quickly or will it make it more worse? It will definitely make it
worse. Similarly, Allah is also telling human beings that whatever lawful I
have made on this earth, use it but do not cross the limit.
If we apply the concept of this verse to a wider sense, we can apply this
rule of excess on each and everything which is existent on this earth.
Therefore, in regards to materialistic or spiritual needs of mankind, one
should fulfill them but in order to remain healthy one should maintain balance
in providing sustenance.
رسولُ اللهِِ (صَلَّيَ اللهُ عَلَيهِ وَ آلِهِ): الدنيا مَزرَعةُ
الآخِرَةِ
The Prophet (SAWA)
said, ‘The world is the plantation for the Hereafter.
The above tradition is explaining the concept of this world in only
three words. This purpose is also proved from Al-Quran (Chapter
Al-Dhariyat 51-56) that I have not created Jinn and mankind except for
worship.
Imam al-Sadiq (AS) said, ‘The one who attaches his heart to the world
has attached his heart to three things, endless worry, false expectation and an
unattainable hope.
Imam Ali (AS) said, ‘Look at the world through the eyes of those who
have renounced (abandoned) it, for verily its inhabitants are quick to depart
it and its opulence (luxury) inflicts distress. So do not allow the abundance
of what amazes you therein to deceive you, for it is but a little that you will
take with you thereof.’
Hence the question arises, how to maintain balance and how can we
achieve salvation in the Hereafter by evading the dangers of the deception of
this world. In order to define the balance, I would refer to the Sunnah of
AhlulBayt(AS) i.e. Prophet (peace be upon him) and his progeny.
REWARD OF EARNING LIVELIHOOD
I will quote one of the tradition of Imam Jafar al-Sadiq AS to highlight
the importance of earning the livelihood and what reward does it hold in eyes
of ALLAH SWT.
Imam Jafar al-Sadiq(AS) one day noticed that a constant visitor had not
attended his discourse for many days. He asked his friends if they had any
knowledge about his whereabouts. People replied that he is going through a
great financial crises and on verge of poverty.
‘What is he doing about it?’ the Imam (AS) asked. ‘Nothing, he is seen constantly praying in a corner of the house.’ Then Imam AS asked, ‘How does he make both ends meet?’
‘What is he doing about it?’ the Imam (AS) asked. ‘Nothing, he is seen constantly praying in a corner of the house.’ Then Imam AS asked, ‘How does he make both ends meet?’
People replied, ‘One of his friends is providing for him and his
family.’
Imam AS said, ‘By Allah, his friend’s act is far, far greater in worship
than his.’
DOES ISLAM STOPS BECOMING RICH
After the Battle of Jamal, Imam Ali (‘a) entered the town of Basra. During his stay, he went to enquire after the
health of a friend, Rabi ibn e Ziad Harisi, who was unwell. On reaching his
house, he found it was no less than a palace. Commenting on its splendour, he
said, ‘Of what use can such a palatial house be in this world, when you long
for such a one in the hereafter. However, you can make this house a means of
earning one in the hereafter.
For that you must be very hospitable towards guests and visitors; be courteous and affectionate towards people; make sure your duties towards your brethren- in-faith are fulfilled in this house; help people obtain their rights so that people come to equate this house with a place where truth and justice reign. In short, besides personal advantage, use this house for public benefit, too. Thus, you will be saved from egoistic satisfaction.’
From the above tradition, we can conclude that Islam does not stop from becoming rich or earning livelihood; however, one should not attach his love for this world over the love for the Hereafter. Allah SWT is saying that
“The pious and God-fearing are those who are neither niggardly and miserly, nor over generous and extravagant in charity, but always moderate and balanced.” SURAH AL-FURQAN 25:67)
Verse 29 of Surah Al-Isra’ revealed the following:
“Do not shut your palm tight, nor open it so wide that nothing is left to give a seeker of alms, leaving you embarrassed and regretful.”
Therefore, Islam is teaching us the concept of maintaining balance in each and every aspect of life even in giving charity as well. Moreover, In Al-Quran, SURAH AL-SAAD 38:15, Hazrat Suleman AS is asking ALLAH SWT for forgivenss and making supplication to grant him the kingdom which did not belong to anyone before. If becoming rich or asking for more money was wrong then in Al-Quran, there is no verse mentioning that Hazrat Suleman AS asked for a wrong thing. However, the purpose for that wealth should be legitimate and it should be for the sake of Allah SWT.
To conclude, Therefore, Islam motivates mankind to earn his livelihood by remaining in the limits prescribe and asks to donate and do charity for the love of the Hereafter and finally, aligning our goals and wishes for the sake of Allah SWT. I will end my discussion with a hadith of Prophet SAW explaining about a faithful believer
“A faithful believer (Momin) is an amalgamation of strange attributes. Whether his body is cut into pieces, or all the countries in the east and west become his dominion he will be the same; thankful and obedient to Almighty Allah, because, both conditions - adversity and abundant prosperity-are equally good and honorable for him.”
For that you must be very hospitable towards guests and visitors; be courteous and affectionate towards people; make sure your duties towards your brethren- in-faith are fulfilled in this house; help people obtain their rights so that people come to equate this house with a place where truth and justice reign. In short, besides personal advantage, use this house for public benefit, too. Thus, you will be saved from egoistic satisfaction.’
From the above tradition, we can conclude that Islam does not stop from becoming rich or earning livelihood; however, one should not attach his love for this world over the love for the Hereafter. Allah SWT is saying that
“The pious and God-fearing are those who are neither niggardly and miserly, nor over generous and extravagant in charity, but always moderate and balanced.” SURAH AL-FURQAN 25:67)
Verse 29 of Surah Al-Isra’ revealed the following:
“Do not shut your palm tight, nor open it so wide that nothing is left to give a seeker of alms, leaving you embarrassed and regretful.”
Therefore, Islam is teaching us the concept of maintaining balance in each and every aspect of life even in giving charity as well. Moreover, In Al-Quran, SURAH AL-SAAD 38:15, Hazrat Suleman AS is asking ALLAH SWT for forgivenss and making supplication to grant him the kingdom which did not belong to anyone before. If becoming rich or asking for more money was wrong then in Al-Quran, there is no verse mentioning that Hazrat Suleman AS asked for a wrong thing. However, the purpose for that wealth should be legitimate and it should be for the sake of Allah SWT.
To conclude, Therefore, Islam motivates mankind to earn his livelihood by remaining in the limits prescribe and asks to donate and do charity for the love of the Hereafter and finally, aligning our goals and wishes for the sake of Allah SWT. I will end my discussion with a hadith of Prophet SAW explaining about a faithful believer
“A faithful believer (Momin) is an amalgamation of strange attributes. Whether his body is cut into pieces, or all the countries in the east and west become his dominion he will be the same; thankful and obedient to Almighty Allah, because, both conditions - adversity and abundant prosperity-are equally good and honorable for him.”
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