The Rational Religion

From: www.wefound.org

By Dr. Norlain Dindang Mababaya

Islam stands as the most rational and precise religion that Allah (Subhanahu wa ta’ala, meaning: the Most Glorious and Most High) has given to the whole mankind. As the Only True Religion from Allah, Islam teaches and enjoins universal freedom of religion. Allah the All-Mighty says:
[Let there be no compulsion in religion. Truth stands out clear from Error...] (Qur’an 2: 256)
[...And say to the People of the Book and to those who are unlearned: “Do you [also] submit yourselves?” If they do, they are in right guidance, but if they turn back, your duty is to convey the Message; and in Allah’s Sight are [all] His servants.] (Qur’an 3: 20)
[If it had been Your Rabb’s Will, they would all have believed, -- all who are on earth! Will you then compel mankind, against their will, to believe?] (Qur’an 10: 99)
[Say: “O you that reject Faith! I worship not that which you worship, nor will you worship that which I worship. And I will not worship that which you are worshipping nor will you worship that which I worship. To you be your religion, and to me my religion.”] (Qur’an 109: 1-6)
The above Verses clearly show how Allah (Subhanahu wa ta’ala) guarantees mankind the freedom of religion. However, in order to guide mankind to the True Religion, Allah (Subhanahu wa ta’ala) commands us to seek knowledge of the Truth. Allah’s Messenger (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) makes it very clear that the Qur’an and the Sunnah constitute the best knowledge and hence, the best guidance:
‘Abdullah ibn ‘Amr (radhiallahu anhu, meaning: may Allah be pleased with him) reported that Allah’s Messenger (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “Knowledge consists of three things; the decisive Verses (Qur’an), authentic Ahadith and prescriptions rightly deduced from the two. What is beside them is superfluous.” (Ibn Majah 1/54 and Abu Dawood 2879)
Jibir ibn ‘Abdullah (radhiallahu anhu) reported that Allah’s Messenger (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said, “The best of affairs is the Book of Allah (the Qur’an) and the best of guidance is the guidance given by Muhammad.” (Ibn Majah 1/45 and Muslim 1885)
Jibir ibn ‘Abdullah (radhiallahu anhu) narrated that Allah’s Messenger (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) used to say in his prayer after Tashahhud, “The most excellent words are the Words of Allah (Subhanahu wa ta’ala) and the most excellent guidance is the Guidance given by Muhammad (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam).” (At-Tirmidhi 956 and An-Nasa’i)
Hudhaifah (radhiallahu anhu) narrated that Allah’s Messenger (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said, “Honesty descended from the heavens and settled in the roots of the hearts of men (faithful believers), and then the Qur’an was revealed and the people read the Qur’an (and learnt from it) and also learnt from the Sunnah. Both Qur’an and the Sunnah strengthened their (the faithful believers’) honesty.” (Bukhari 9/381)
Islam as the rational religion is against ignorance and blind following. It gives importance to the acquisition of knowledge. In fact, the first revelation that Allah (Subhanahu wa ta’ala), our Creator[1] has revealed to His Messenger, Prophet Muhammad (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) pertains to reading:
[Read! In the name of your Rabb [Only God, Cherisher and Sustainer] Who created—created man, out of a leech-like clot. Read! And your Creator is Most Bountiful.] (Qur’an 96: 1-3)
The Qur’an is the only Book wherein Allah (Subhanahu wa ta’ala) instructs mankind to read[2], understand[3], study[4], recite[5], listen[6], remember[7], and follow it for guidance:
[And this is a blessed Book [the Qur’an] which We have sent down, so follow it and fear Allah [i.e. do not disobey His Orders], that you may receive mercy [i.e. be saved from the torment of Hell].] (Qur’an 6: 155)
[Those who listen to the Word [none has the right to be worshipped but Allah] and follow the best thereof those are whom Allah has guided and those are the men of understanding.] (Qur’an 39: 18)
To guide us to the True Religion, Allah (Subhanahu wa ta’ala) further inspires us to seek knowledge. Knowledge in Islam refers to the Qur'an and the Sunnah. He (Subhanahu wa ta’ala) says:
[He grants wisdom to whom He pleases; and he to whom wisdom is granted receives indeed a benefit overflowing; but none will grasp the Message but men of understanding.] (Qur’an 2: 269)
[...Say: “Are those equal, those who know and those who do not know? It is those who are endowed with understanding that receive admonition.”] (Qur’an 39: 9)
[...Allah will raise up, to [suitable] ranks [and degrees], those of you who believe and have been granted knowledge. And Allah is Well-Acquainted with all you do.] (Qur’an 58: 11)
The Prophet (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) also stresses the importance of the acquisition of knowledge. He further encourages us to seek knowledge of Islam. We read the following authentic Ahadith:
‘Abdur Rahman ibn Abi Bakra’s father (radhiallahu anhu) narrated that the Prophet (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said, “If Allah wants to do good to a person, he makes him comprehend the Religion and of course knowledge is attained by learning.” (Bukhari 1/67)
Muawiya ibn Abu Sufyan (radhiallahu anhu) narrated on the authority of Allah’s Messenger (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) that he said, “Goodness is a (natural) habit while evil is a stubbornness. To whomsoever Allah wills to show goodness, He favors him with the understanding in the Religion.” (Ibn Majah 1/221)
Anas ibn Malik (radhiallahu anhu) narrated that Allah’s Messenger (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said, “Seeking of knowledge is incumbent upon every Muslim...” (Ibn Majah 1/224 and At-Tirmidhi 218)
Ibn ‘Abbas (radhiallahu anhu) narrated that Allah’s Messenger (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said, “One single scholar of Religion is more formidable against the Devil than one thousand devout persons.” (Ibn Majah 1/222)
Katheer ibn Qais (radhiallahu anhu) narrated that Abu Darda (radhiallahu anhu) said, I heard Allah’s Messenger (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) as saying, “He who sets foot on a path in the quest of knowledge, Allah facilitates for him the path to Paradise. The Angels accord welcome to the seeker of knowledge and everything of the heaven and the earth, even the fish in the water begs forgiveness for him. The superiority of the scholar over a devout person is like the superiority of the moon over the stars. Verily, the scholars are the heirs of Allah’s Messengers. The Prophets transfer neither dinar nor dirham by inheritance. They only transfer knowledge of inheritance. Therefore, he who acquires this (knowledge), receives an ample share.” (Ibn Majah 1/223)
‘Abdullah ibn Qatada (radhiallahu anhu) narrated on his father’s authority that Allah’s Messenger (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “The best of what a man leaves behind (after his death) are three things: 1) A pious son who prays for him; 2) A Sadaqa (charity), which continues (even after his death) and its reward benefits him; and 3) The knowledge that is acted upon after him.” (Ibn Majah 1/241)
Hasan Al-Basri narrated that Allah’s Messenger (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said, “He whom death overtakes while he is engaged in acquiring knowledge with a view to reviving Islam with the help of it, there will be one degree between him and the Prophets in Paradise.” (At-Tirmidhi 249)
Anas ibn Malik (radhiallahu anhu) narrated that Allah’s Messenger (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said, “One who goes out to search for knowledge is (devoted) to the Cause of Allah till he returns.” (At-Tirmidhi 220)
Abdullah ibn ‘Abbas (radhiallahu anhu) narrated that Allah’s Messenger (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said, “Acquiring knowledge in company for an hour in the night is better than spending the whole night in prayer.” (At-Tirmidhi 256)
In addition to acquisition of knowledge of the Truth, Allah and His Messenger (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) enjoin the Muslims to invite mankind to Islam. Muslims are expected to enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong. This is to free mankind from the darkness of ignorance and falsehood and therefore attain success. We read in the Qur’an and the following authentic Ahadith:
[Let there arise out of you a band of people inviting to all that is good, enjoining what is right, and forbidding what is wrong: they are the ones to attain felicity.] (Qur’an 3: 104)
[Say [O Muhammad]: “This is my Way; I do invite unto Allah with a certain knowledge. And whoever follows me [must also invite others to the Oneness of Allah with sure knowledge]. Glory to Allah! And I am not of the polytheists.”] (Qur’an 12: 108)
[Invite [all] to the Way of your Rabb [i.e., Islam] with wisdom and beautiful preaching; and argue with them in ways that are best and most gracious: for your Rabb knows best, who have strayed from His Path, and who receive guidance.] (Qur’an 16: 125)
‘Abdullah ibn ‘Amr (radhiallahu anhu) narrated that the Prophet (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said, “Convey (my teachings) to the people even if it were a single Ayah (Verse)...” (Bukhari 4/667)
Abu Bakra (radhiallahu anhu) narrated that the Prophet (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said... “It is incumbent upon those who are present to convey this message (of mine) to those who are absent. May be that some of those to whom it will be conveyed will understand it better than those who have actually heard it.” (Bukhari 5/688, 1/67 and 2/797)
Allah, the Exalted, not only commends the Du'at (those who call people to Islam or do Da'wah), but also promises unlimited rewards to them. He (Subhanahu wa ta’ala) says:
[And he [Muhammad] who has brought the truth and [those who] believed therein, those are the pious and righteous persons. They shall have all that they will desire with their Rabb. That is the reward of good-doers. So that Allah may expiate from them the evil of what they did and give them the reward, according to the best of what they used to do.] (Qur’an 39: 33-35)
[Who is better in speech than one who calls [men] to Allah, works righteousness, and says, ‘I am of those who bow in Islam.’] (Qur’an 41: 33)
[And he who brings the Truth and he who confirms [and supports] it — such are the men who do right. They shall have all that they wish for, with their Rabb. Such is the reward of those who do good. So that Allah will remit from them [even] the worst in their deeds and give them their reward according to the best of what they have done.] (Qur’an 39: 33-35)
The very purpose of Da'wah (calling people to Islam) is to invite them to Tawhîd (Islamic Monotheism or the absolute Oneness of Allah). Tawhîd is the most rational concept of God. It is Allah’s Divine Message to the whole mankind. Allah the Almighty has commanded us to worship Him alone with sincere devotion for our guidance and ultimate success. Allah the Exalted says:
[Here is a Message for mankind: Let them take warning there from, and let them know that He is (no other than) One Allah: Let men of understanding take heed. ] (Qur’an 14:52)
[That is Allah your Rabb (Sustainer)! There is no god but He, the Creator of all things; then you worship Him: and He has power to dispose of all affairs. No vision can grasp Him, but His grasp is over all vision; He is Subtle well-aware. ] (Qur’an 6:102-103)
[…The Command is for none but Allah: He has commanded that you worship none but Him: that is the right religion but most men understand not. ] (Qur’an 12:40)
[And they have been commanded no more than this: to worship Allah, offering Him sincere devotion, being True (in Faith); establish regular prayer; and to give Zakat (charity) And that is the Religion Right and Straight. ] (Qur’an 98:5)
To reiterate, the belief in Tawhîd (absolute Oneness of God) in Islam is the most rational concept of God that any sensible person can think of and accept. Indeed, should there be two, three or more “gods” then, the entire universe would have been in chaos as a result of the competition and struggle for power among “gods.” Our Creator tells us very clearly:
[If there were, in the heavens and the earth, other gods besides Allah, there would have been ruin in both! But glory to Allah, the Rabb of the Throne: (High is He) above what they attribute to Him.] (Qur’an 21: 22)
[No son did Allah beget nor is there any god along with Him: (if there were many gods) behold each god would have taken away what he had created and some would have overcome others! Glory to Allah (He is Free) from the (sort of) things they attribute to Him! ] (Qur’an 23:91)
Again ponder upon the veracity of the above Words of our Only Creator in the Qur'an on the rationality of the belief in the absolute Oneness of God in Islam. Be rational to accept Tawhîd as it is indeed the most rational concept of God.
With firm knowledge of Tawhîd those who sincerely adhere to it are protected from committing Shirk (the major sin of associating partner with Allah). It is the greatest sin, which Allah (Subhanahu wa ta’ala) does not forgive (if one dies without reverting to Islam). Our Only Rabb says:
[Allah forgives not that partners should be set up with Him; but He forgives anything else, to whom He pleases; to set up partners with Allah is to devise a sin most heinous indeed. ] (Qur’an 4:48)
Very clearly, Allah the Most Wise encourages us to be rational and choose the best decision in our lives. That is to believe in the rational concept of God, which is Tawhîd so that we can worship Him as the only True God and therefore be guided in Islam and attain success in the eternal world to come. To guide the whole mankind to the True Religion, Allah (Subhanahu wa ta’ala) has enjoined upon all Muslims to value their time by seeking knowledge of the Truth which is Islam, practice it and share it to other people (both Muslims and the non-Muslims alike) and be patient: Our only Rabb tells us:
[By the time, verily man is in loss, except such as have Faith, and do righteous deeds, and join (together) in the mutual enjoining of Truth, and of patience and constancy. ] (Qur’an 103:1-3)
In line with the above Qur’anic Verses, we Muslims are expected to value the importance of time. We have to be prompt and patient in doing good deeds, which will increase our Faith and subsequently enable us to gain Allah’s pleasure and mercy. We have to remember that on the Day of Judgment we shall be asked how we spent hour lives, wealth and knowledge. In other words, we will be questioned on how we spent everything that Allah has given us as stated in the following Hadith:
Abdullah Bin Mas`ud (radhiallahu anhu) narrated that Allah's Messenger (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said, “A man shall be asked concerning five things on the day of resurrection: concerning his life, how he spent it; concerning his youth, how he grew old; concerning his wealth, whence he acquired it, and in what way he spent it; and what was it that he did with the knowledge that he had.” (Tirmidhi 5197)
Muslims who value the importance of time and seek authentic knowledge of Islam, practice it, share it to others especially the non-Muslims and are patient[8] are obedient to our Creator (Subhanahu wa ta’ala) and His Messenger (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam). They are among those who will attain Allah's everlasting reward when they invite non-Muslims to believe in the absolute Oneness of God. Likewise, those non-Muslims who accept the best invitation will attain salvation and eternal success if they sincerely embrace Islam. Therefore, if you want to give meaning to your life, if you want everlasting reward for every good deed you do in this life, then be rational to accept Islam. Be objective, open your heart and mind to Islam as it is the only rational religion and therefore the true religion for the whole mankind.
___________Footnotes:
[1] [He it is Who created for you all that is on earth. Then He rose over [Istawa] towards the heavens and made them seven heavens and He is the All-Knower of everything.] (Qur’an 2: 29)
[The Originator of the heavens and the earth. When He decrees a matter, He only says to it: “Be!” – and it is.] (Qur’an 2: 117)
[It is He Who has created the heavens and the earth in truth, and on the Day [i.e. the Day of Resurrection] He will say: “Be!” – and it is! His word is the Truth. His will be the dominion on the Day when the Trumpet will be blown. All-Knower of the unseen and the seen. He is the All-Wise, Well-Aware [of all things].] (Qur’an 6: 73)
[2] [So, recite you of the Qur’an as much as may be easy for you.] (Qur’an 73: 20)
[3] [Indeed, We have sent down for you [O mankind] a Book [the Qur’an] in which there is your Reminder. Will you not then understand?] (Qur’an 21: 10)
[Do they not then think deeply in the Qur’an, or are their hearts locked up [from understanding it]?] (Qur’an 47: 24)
[And We have indeed made the Qur’an easy to understand and remember; then is there any one who will remember [or receive admonition]?] (Qur’an 54: 17)
[4] [Those to whom We gave the Book recite it as it should be recited, they are the ones who believe therein. And who so disbelieve in it [the Qur’an], those are they who are the losers.] (Qur’an 2: 121)
[5] [Recite what has been revealed to you of the Book [the Qur’an]…] (Qur’an 29: 45)
[…And recite the Qur’an [aloud] in a slow, [pleasant tone and] style.] (Qur’an 73: 4)
[6] [So, when the Qur’an is recited, listen to it, and be silent that you may receive mercy… (Qur’an 7: 204)
[7] [Nay; indeed it [this Qur’an] is an admonition. So whoever wills, let him pay attention to it. [It is] in Records held [greatly] in honour, Exalted [in dignity], purified.] (Qur’an 80: 11-14)
[8] […Those who patiently persevere, seeking the countenance of their Rabb…and turn off Evil with good: for such there is the final attainment of the (Eternal) Home Gardens of perpetual bliss. They shall enter there…And angels shall enter unto them from every gate (with the salutation): ‘Peace unto you for that you persevered in patience!’ Now how excellent is the final Home] (Qur’an 13:20-24)
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