Portrait of A Prophet

You Alone Do We Worship

Bismillahi ar-Rahman ar-Raheem. All praise, indeed, belongs to Allah. As such, we should praise Him, seek His Help and beseech His Forgiveness. Seek refuge in Allah from the evil within this world, ourselves and the evil resulting from our deeds. Whomever Allah guides, there is none that can misguide. Whomever Allah allows to be lead astray, none can guide. I bare witness and testify that there is no God, diety, object or entity worthy of worship except Allah. And I bare witness and testify that Muhammad is the servant and final Messenger of Allah.

"And remind, for the reminder benefits the believers. I have not created the jinn and mankind except to worship Me." -Qur'an 51:56

The absolute perfect (Al Quddus), exalted (Al Aliyy), highest and greatest (Al Kabir) is the Creator (Al Khaliq) and Fashioner of all Forms (Al Musawwir), Allah, subhana wa ta'ala (pure is He, without partners and Exalted). The only one (Al Ahad) deserving of praise (Al Hamid) and the only one worthy of worship.

As Muslims, we are well aware (or atleast should be) that Allah hasn't created us but for one noble purpose and that is to worship Him. Allah has also bestowed us the faculty of thought; inclining us to be inquistive. As such, we cannot resist to question: "why should we worship Allah?" It, of course, ties back to the first clause of the first Kalima: "la ilaha ill Allah" meaning "there is nothing (and no one) worthy of worship but Allah". The operative word of the aforementioned is "worthy". For certainly there are other objects, people and things that are worshipped, venerated or regarded as only Allah should be regarded in this world. But Allah, the Lord and Creator of the heavens, earth and all else is the only one WORTHY of worship. Every prophet of Allah, from Adam, Ibrahim (Abraham), Musa (Moses), Issa (Jesus) to Muhammad, may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon them all, was called to summon people to the right path; to the obedience and worship of Allah and Allah alone.

"For We assuredly raised in every nation a messenger (prophet, warner) with the command: 'Serve Allah and shun false gods', of the people were some whom Allah guided and some on whom error was inevitably established. So travel through the earth and see what was the fate of those who denied the Truth." -Qur'an 16:36

For those whose strife is a journey unto the right path, have firm enough understanding that it is not through anything or anyone, no intercessor, no intermediary, that we worship our Lord. Regardless to how beautiful or alluring an object or design, it has no power except what Allah permits. Regardless to how wise, knowledgable, successful, pious or devout a prophet, imam, priest, saint, man or woman is or once was, remember, Allah is the source of all knowledge (Al Alim), the source of all truth (Al Haqq), and no one has acquired in intellect, honor or prestige except what Allah allowed. There is nothing that occurs outside of His Will or without His Leave. And so to Him, Allah, do we owe all praise and worship DIRECTLY. Shameful is it to think that your Lord is not compassionate (Ar Ra'uf) enough, loving (Al Wadud) enough, forgiving (Al Ghafur) or caring (Al Barr) enough to accept your worship, your prayers, your supplications (du'a) and pleas for forgiveness directly.


"O My servants who have trangressed against their souls! Despair not of the Mercy of Allah: for Allah forgives all sins. Lo! He is Oft-Forgivng, Most Merciful." -Qur'an 39:53

In having the proper concept of Allah, thereby we can enjoin the proper worship of Allah. We realize continual worship and continual remembrance of Allah, the transitoriness and triviality of this world and the concernment of the Hereafter go hand in hand. With the correct awareness, worship works to keep one in line and is a means to purifying our very souls. We accrue blessings and shall, in'sha'Allah, be rewarded for our sincere devotion and implication.

Allah has designed us such that our comprehension must (eventually) advance beyond "because God said so." The question, then arises, in acknowledging Allah is worthy of worship, what makes Him so? Why is He worthy of our worship, our servitude?

Commonly, one might respond in listing the literally countless good, favors, blessings and wonders He has done. These are all indeed reasons to venerate our Lord, but anything Allah has done is but a secondary reason deserving Him of any worship. Primarily, we (should) worship Allah because of Who He is, not for what He does. Our worship certainly isn't for His benefit. Allah will be Allah with or without our servitude. Every attribute, every quality I've mentioned and those I haven't will remain regardless. He Was before we were and shall eternally (As-Samad) remain. It is the worshipper who benefits, not Allah. And there was no better worshipper of Allah than His final messenger, Muhammad ibn Abdullah, salallahu 'alayhi wa salaam, who has left with us his example, his footsteps. Wise are those to follow if it is the pleasure of their Lord they seek.

Islam is so extraordinary, so beautiful in that it enables the Muslim to convert the most trivial and commonplace of actions into an act of worship. By merely preposing the right intention can we make reading, working, speaking, playing, eating, walking and even sleeping constitute as worship. Activities like raising properly and feeding your family is serving Allah, being that He has commanded we do so. This includes playtime with our children, caring and looking after our parents, intimacy with our spouses. ANY act we set forth that benefits, aides, assist and/or prepares us in fulfilling our most noble purpose can be worship itself; so long as we acknowledge it before engaging the act. And, of course, avoid those fruitless acts which will hender or distract us from the reason of our existence.

I pray all my brothers and sisters in Islam realize the religion, or more appropriately, the way (deen) of God is not merely a matter of "do this but don't do that". Islam is not merely tradition, there are blessings involved in not only enjoining the rights but even moreso in understanding why we should do them. Allah, in the Qur'an, urges us in a so many places to think and use reason. Never should we hesistate to take that advice and inquire and investigate so that we might constantly excel in faith (iman), wisdom (hikma) and the conciousness of Allah (taqwaa). Bare in mind that each desire, effort and step towards learning about Allah and His Way is an act of worship. And in knowing the reasons and blessings behind each splash and wipe of our wudu, our salah, our sujood, our every prostration, our du'a, our zakat, our hajj, our smile, it is practically impossible to do any of the like with the same attitude or mindset we had prior to knowing.

Iyyāka na'budu wa iyyāka nasta'īn!

Springing Into Action

As-salaamu 'alaikum Rahmatullahi wa-Barakathu. May the Peace, Mercy and Blessings of our Creator and Lord be upon you all. Tis the season of Spring and this year I'm fortunate enough to suffer through the associated allergies. It wasn't until moving in this particular area, 3 years ago, that I've experienced anything remotely resembling of an allergic reaction. It must be something in the air around these parts. Thankfully, my symptoms have gradually degenerated from severe to mild; my eyes were swollen, moist and precipitating. I would want to communicate verbally, but it seemed anytime I'd open my mouth it was either to cough or sneeze. In fact, the language I involuntarily spoke for nearly a week was Cough-n-sneeze. And my throat. Ya Allah. It felt like I had just inhaled two woolly scarves bind together by a lumpy knot. Or worse yet, that mercilessly scratchy tan Mammothus hide my grandmother would dare toss over me while staying the night at her house when I was little. I'm left now to deal only with the watery, itchy eyes, sniffling and a very occasional sneeze fest.

I was ecstatic over my wife having the whole entire Monday through Thursday off last week. We went out and discussed our Deen, our family, investment plans, things to be grateful over, things to be disappointed over, things we can obtain by certain durations and so-forth over a cup... well... cups of coffee. We gone out to get flowers and plants to embellish the side and backyard of our home with. We planted them together. We embraced and enjoyed each other's company as though we wouldn't have the same luxury the succeeding week as this would indeed be the case.

This luxury or situation, I realized, was but a microcosm of the whole picture. That this world, like our lives, are more transitory than we know. And we must strive to make the best of every moment. Even during relaxation should we not do so unless in a state of Islam, in a state of remembering Allah, in a state of challenging ourselves and thereby reaffirming why we are here and why we are Muslim. Our optimism depends heavily on our intending, our planning and finally, our acting. No soul is exempt from trials, from mistakes, from sadness, from success, from happiness. No soul is immune to devastation or surprise.

"On no soul doth Allah place a burden greater than it can bear. It gets every good that it earns, and it suffers every ill that it earns..."

A believer should never mistake any trial as a misfortune or a curse. Every trial and even those easily ignored, quickly pass instances where it seems "nothing happened", is indeed a blessing. We should be thankful, give praise and move along with Allah constantly in mind.

"Pray: "Our Lord! Condemn us not if we forget or fall into error; our Lord! Lay not on us a burden like that which Thou didst lay on those before us; our Lord! Lay not on us a burden greater than we have strength to bear. Blot out our sins, and grant us forgiveness. Have Mercy on us. Thou art our Protector; HELP US AGAINST THOSE WHO STAND AGAINST FAITH." -Qur'an 2:286

Along with the springing plantlife, the springing allergies, the springing romantic interactions, have my vision and will also sprung up to the truth that my aspirations, whether microscopic, short term, long term, gargantuan or hardly significant, all require action. Don't get me wrong. I've always had a firm grasp on this concept, but this reality sets in deeper with the surpassing of every growth-inducing experience, every testing circumstance, every achievement, every trial, every fitnah. With each passing year. Each passing month. Each passing day, hour, minute, second, moment and glimpse my understanding excels to a new altitude that anything I desire done or avoided demands my effort.

Among the most basic of principles. Probably the only principle that remains with every human from the instant they picked up on it. A principle that is best growing as rapid or even more rapidly than we ourselves are growing. A principle, as is the case for all knowledge, that is best acted on. Which if a person has no reason or sees no benefit in pursuing something, they will have no motivation. It all depends on what the individual values that will boost them forward. The less a person believes and the less a person values anything, the more apathetic and spiritually defunct a person becomes.

For some, time is money. And for this reason do they move any muscle at all.

"These are the people who buy the life of this world at the price of the Hereafter..." -Qur'an 2:86

For me, and certainly any pious Muslim, time is a term of chances we have to worship Allah (and ask His Forgiveness). Stop me if I'm wrong, but I believe that Islam is the most God-centered faith on the face of this planet. Everything we do is to be in the name of God (Bismillah), and if there is an endeavour or act we have in mind we feel the least ashamed to do in God's Name, we are encouraged to think twice or avoid it altogether.

Perhaps in my next journal I will focus on how everything the Muslim does, whether praying/performing salat, prostrating, making dua/supplication, bathing, communicating, eating, going to work, going to school, playing at the park, posting a blog, even sleeping constitutes as an act of worship, in'sha'Allah. But the reason I bring this up now, and how it is relevant, is that action is vital to achieve any means. And what better way to act than as an act of worship to achieve the ultimate goal in the Hereafter?

Doing for the sake of God is not restricted to getting done those activities which we loathe. For God's sake and in God's Name we can do practically anything that is intellectually, emotionally, physically or spiritually profitable. And we do so by patterning our ways after the examples of the prophet (salallahu 'alayhi wa salaam) and those who were around him, his companions. Neither the prophet (saws) nor his companions retreated from their society to a distant, remote land to practice Islam. On the contrary. They remained in their society. They all shopped, married, had families with children, had homes, had jobs and so forth all while exercising Islam to the most integral extent.

Some get by doing as the phrase, "keep your eyes on the prize", suggest. But by focusing only on the end result, really there are no holds bar, you could pretty much achieve any ends at the expense of loved ones and innocents. However, when it comes to the phrase, "remember Allah", you are engaged to achieve any desired end, but through regulated means. And surely, we can overcome anything through the remembrance of Allah, knowing every joy and every trial we're presented with is for a reason. Whether we, at the moment, understand that reason or not.

"Does mankind think they will be left alone on saying, 'We believe', and that they will not be tested? We did test those before them, and Allah will certainly know those who are true from those who are false." -Qur'an 29:2-3

So before handling any issue or engaging in anything the Muslim should always remember Allah. This will benefit us more in this life over anything else and most certainly, the Hereafter.

AAAAANNNNNND...


ACTION!!!

7 Random AV Facts

And so it was that I was tagged by my sister, Mega, to produce a short series of little known, awkward or otherwise interesting fun facts about yours truly. I've been unintentionally out of the loop lately, returning only to discover I've been served such a friendly callout. Not to mention an intimidating load of new, unread messages in my electronic inbox. None of which were junk I realized in disbelief before gauging my impulse to delete the bulk of them. Proceeded by an audible exclamation to myself: "you mean I have to read all of that!!??!" This, certainly, is not to suggest I don't enjoy them. I was obviously overwhelmed by the love.

First, Meghan, I extend to you a well deserved and sincere shukran for supplying me the idea of what to write with regards to next. Second, be aware that I have a LEGION of random facts about myself, but I will, in'sha'Allah, limit my list to the ascribed number. And lastly, with respect to the topic, behold my 7 randoms:

1. I never peel the gentle brown, fuzzy skin of a kiwi. I eat them as they are. The what-would-seem-to-be discording combination of dry, bitter, rough and wet, sweet, gushy I find profusely delectable. (NOTE: I am not trying to be insinuative in the least.)

2. I seldom experience sleep paralysis. Perhaps a sleeping disorder commonly associated with narcolepsy. You see, during the REM phase, the brain naturally restricts all skeletal muscle movement as precaution to prevent physical reactions while dreaming. Hence, wherever this response is defective, you have your sleepwalkers, sleepkickers and/or sleepfighters, etc. Anyway, in the event you become conscious or break from sleep while the body remains in (partial) REM mode, you are awake but your body is temporarily paralyzed (you can also hear and sometimes even see faint remnants of what you were dreaming). Your eyes can scan the room, but you can't move a single muscle and the pressure you feel on your chest is as though something (or someone) is sitting on top of it. I said "seldom" experience, because I seldom achieve REM with the limited hours of sleep I get these days. The "condition" doesn't alarm or frighten me, it's just frustrating.

3. I've been married for nearly 6 years, have 2 children, and to this present day I'm shy around my wife when she flirts with me.

4. I thoroughly enjoy viewing the commentary feature on DVDs. A couple of my favorites are from Crash and The Incredibles.

5. My eyes never leave the plate while eating. I keep my food in sight at all times until I've completed consuming it. I don't eat savagely, but I do appear deeply concentrative. My focus fixates on the platter as though I'm going to make sujood on it. Take away my fork and you'd swear I'm about to supernaturally vacuum it into my mouth. Even worse, when I'm finished, I'm reluctant to look up in suspecting that everyone is staring at me in the same manner I was just staring at my plate.

6. Whenever vacant I always use the handicap stall in public restrooms. I'm claustrophobic and those areas are usually so delightfully spacious.

7. I honestly don't believe O.J. Simpson did it. I'm telling you, I've read his book "If I Did It..." and based on it's literary eloquence, grandiloquent word usage and vivid imagery countering the charges, surveillance footage wouldn't even convince me that O.J. Simpson authored this book. No way!

7. The previous numbered 7 "fact" was obviously a joke. So with this second 7th point, I'll confide in you all an honest random: I cannot fathom why calamari is not a popular pizza topping. This, to me, is inexcusable.

Interfaith Debate, pt.1: NOI Encounter

Bismillah ar-Rahman ar-Raheem

As-salaamu 'alaikum and may the Peace, Mercy and Blessings of Allah be upon you all. I've quite an extensive discussion involving myself and an NOI brother with regards to my handsdown favorite subject... Islam, that I thought may be of interest to a lot of you. If you haven't caught on yet, allow me to fill you in...*ehem*...the fellowship of Farakhan (Nation of "Islam") is an extreme deviant, perverse excersence of Islam. The salutations and usage of such words and phrases as "Allah," "Muslim," "As-salaam alaikum," "Islam," "Allahu Akbar," and so on, are only as far as similarities go between Islam and Farakhan's folks. The NOI is to Islam what the film Scary Movie is to Scream or the 60s television series Get Smart was to 007 and Mission Impossible... a satire, a spoof, a parody, a blatant mockery!

As impostrous as they are, I must give credit and praise that over time they have been scooting their way closer to true Islam, although sluggishly in classic sloth-like fashion. For instance, they were never instructed to announce Al Shahadah (the first and most momentuous principle of Islam, the foundation and very backbone of Islam), until recently Farakhan has made it mandatory his followers do so. Though it's only lip-service on their part, seeing as to how they lack the FAINTEST understanding of it's meaning. How does one declare there is no diety, object, person, idol, place, entity worthy of worship but Allah while at the same time testifying to Allah appearing or incarnating in the person of Wallace D. Fard? How does one declare that Muhammad ibn Abdullah (salallahu alayhi wa salaam) was the Seal of the Prophets and Final Messenger of which there will be none after, and at once testify that Elijah Muhammad was a Messenger of Allah? How does one reject the "original sin" theory and believe that the White race is innately weak and wicked? I could spring into all kinds of tangents, but I'll proceed.

I was in course of mentioning their improvements. In addition to permitting Al Shahadah, they as well have been instructed to enjoin Ramadan on Ramadan. As opposed to beforehand when they were instructed to only fast for Ramadan on December! The last improvement I'm aware of, is Farakhan's calling for his flock to perform Hajj at least once whensoever they can afford. Their concepts, teachings and overall ideology are far off the radar of actual Islam, but at least they're coming close, Alhamdullilah. I pray they soon be guided to cross that bridge to embrace Islam as it has been ordained by Allah for all humanity. Until then, so long as they're propogating this infusion of Black Nationalism and religious doctrine/jargon masquerading as Islam, those not knowing any better will continue to be hornswoggled.

Prelude to a debate
And so quite recently was I compelled to intervene and attempt on correcting a misguided "Black Muslim" as they rambled intensively to a listless audience. My intent was to make clear the distinction between the message of the NOI and the glorious, universal message of Islam. To explain how Islam is not a Blacks-only fraternity, but a universal religion, din-ul-Fitra (the natural religion), ordained for all of humanity. What probally suit me better as a canidate for this "job", was that as an adolecent, I was part of another grossly deviant group called the 5%. As such, I've memorized and am to this today well familiar with not only the NOI's curriculum (i.e. Student Enrollment, English C Lessons, Lost-Found Muslim Lesson 1-14, 1-40, Actual Facts and Solar Facts), but their mindset as well. Allowing me to (hopefully) level with them more personally.

Let's talk about sects.
"So set thou thy face steadily and truly to the Faith: establish Allah's handiwork according to the pattern on which He has made mankind. No change let there be in the work wrought by Allah: that is the right religion. But most among mankind understand not. Turn ye back in repentance to Him, fear Him: establish regular prayers and be not ye who join gods with Allah." -Qur'an 30:30-31

A quick synopsis of our discussion: I'll tell you overall it was indeed productive and clarifying, in spite of it's combative beginings. He eventually opened up to what I was saying after my quoting the Holy Prophet during his final sermon when he told his Companions: "Islam will divide into 73 sects. 1 in heaven and 72 in hell." After which, he explained it would be Islam as they heard conveyed and demonstrated by himself that would be in heaven. Also reciting Qur'an 5:3 where Allah reveals:

"This day have I perfected your religion, completed My Favor upon you and have chosen for you Islam as your religion."

From this, we see that Islam was since re-established, complete and perfect 1400 years prior to the finding of the NOI or even the birth of it's founders. Appropriately, I explained how innovation, known as bid'ah, is forbidden in Islam. This means no revisions, no perversions, no deletions, no additions to ANY aspect of Islam whatsoever. Therefore, anything unique, contrary or irrelevant to the Qur'an and Sunnah is unique, contrary and irrelevant to Islam. Point blank. If they but chose a name besides "Islam" to identify their organization, there would be no grounds for contention.

It astonishes almost as well as it perplexes me how Islam is the only religion where groups objecting and denying the very infrastructure of Islam actually use the name of Islam! Take for example Christainity, having well over 100 sects and denominations. Even if you include the cults, all of which disagree in certain areas and on certain points, they are all in congruence on the fundamental artical of Christain faith, and that is "Jesus died for our sins". You can't be Christian and reject this idea. How is it you can reject Islam and still consider yourself an embodiment of Islam? Hilariously absurd.

**For a more in depth glance into my views on Black nationalism, afrocentricity, pride, prejudice and racism, refer to my blog "Illiberality: Unearthing a Hidden Nature". **

All these issues (and more) I've expounded with this brother. However, being pressed for time (and patience) I suggested that if he desired to prusuit the conversation any further, he should E-mail me to follow up where we left off. Gave him my e-mail address and not so long proceeding that day, behold, I receive a message from him seeking confirmation whether it was the correct E-mail. I confirmed it was me and from that point the saga continued... enjoy:

Debate with NOI believer

Path to Salvation

Bismillahi ar-Rahman ar-Raheem

All praise belongs to Allah. We praise Him and seek His Guidance and Forgiveness. We seek refuge in Allah from the evil of ourselves and the evil consequences of our bad deeds. Whoever Allah guides, there is none that can misguide. And whoever Allah allows to be lead astray, none can guide. And I bear witness that Muhammad is His Servant and final Messenger to mankind.

As-salaamu 'alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuhu. Peace be unto every and each one of you setting sight on this journal with an open mind and open heart to either attain a better understanding of Islam or just simply to see how I'll go about explaining pertinent aspects thereof. My only hope and goal is to purify the concepts of Islam by exposing the reality of this most ennobling, seamless, practical, mesmeric and yet most misunderstood religion. And with such clarification, in'sha'Allah (God-willing/if Allah Wills), the non-Muslim can at least distinguish the reality of Islam versus its myths and misconceptions. So if they care to, they might correct those carrying such crude falsehoods and general misgivings about Islam.

The most common concerns I personally hear from those inquiring about Islam is that we, Muslims, with all our prayers, fasting, charity and good deeds, sadly have no salvation. Such thinking couldn't be any further from the truth. It is the similitude of Neptune's distance from the Sun (as recent discoveries have concluded that Neptune's path of orbit takes it further from the Sun than Pluto). I will commence to explicate the achievement of salvation in Islam.

Be certain that any truth and exactness I should explain is from Allah, Most High and that any mistake and inaccuracies are from myself. I pray to Allah that all I write regarding His Way is to His Satisfaction. Ameen.

"Those who believe in the Qur'an, and those who follow the Jewish scriptures, and the Christians and the Sabians, -any who believe in Allah and the Last Day, and work righteousness, shall have their reward with their Lord; on them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve." -Qur'an 2:62

On the face of the underlined statement above, salvation would appear readily obtainable. But we must as well take into account the artful deceit, dangersome allures and shrewd misguidance evoked by Shaitan (i.e. Satan, the Accursed One) with which we are unceasingly confronted, especially in times we are most vulnerable. Often we succumb to engaging in such fruitless, compromising pleasures. Distancing us further from Allah and nearer the doorstep of disbelief, disregard, doubt and downright recklessness.

But surely, as the Holy Prophet, Muhammad peace be upon him once said, "no nation nor race is superior to another, for of surety, the best of us are those best in conduct and piety." Likewise, Allah tells us in the Qur'an, c.49 v.13: "O mankind! We created you from a single pair, male and female, and made you into nations and tribes so that ye may know each other, not that ye may despise each other. Verily, the most honored of you in the Sight of Allah is the most righteous of you." The criterion of judgement in Islam is one solely based on conduct and piety. Abstaining what's unlawful and enjoining what is right truly is how one earns reverence in Islam.

Notwithstanding, especially for the most pious, many trials lie ahead and deviation is substantially inevitable. Those with fear enough in their Lord to sense remorse and repent to Him directly with all sincerity earn salvation. It is imperative the Muslim be in a constant state of checking and correcting oneself. Sometimes, more times than we care to realize, we forget Allah inadvertently. In saying, "forget", I'm not implying disremembering God's existence, rather, forgetting to do for the sake of Allah in every given circumstance.

During our toughest trials, Believers, are quick to ask the help of Allah and make promise to Allah to do right if He just "let this cup pass", deliver us from this anguish, depression, obstacle or worry. But once Allah shows His Mercy to us and things in life transpire favorably, having us to enjoy some sweet, nectareous scent of success it's not uncommon one should forget Allah and become selfish and ungrateful in such moments. Even begin doing that which they know is harmful and shameful under the banner of celebration or some halfwit excuse resembling something as "I'm a free spirit" -what this really means from the individual whose mouth this disgorges is: "I'm but a slave to my own desires."

For Muslims, we realize, indiscriminately, every circumstance is a trial. The good and the bad. The Murphy's Law times and the suspicious everythings going right times. The Prophet Job (Ayyub) peace be upon him times and the 'will the coins ever stop falling from this slot machine?' times. As rewarding as something good happening to us feels, we must be ever-mindful that we're being tried. Will you remember Allah? Or will Shaitan get the best of you?

All this to demonstrate how effortful it is to retain "belief in Allah and the Last Day" and "work righteousness". How susceptible we are to value this life over the Hereafter. How probable it is that we, intermittently, lose fear and devotion towards Allah. It's exceptionally staggering for the youth, not only in age, but (also) in terms of faith. So in light of this, how does one evade and escape such conditions and ultimately attain salvation?

At last we inch closer to the very theme of the matter. And as we do such, I'm compelled to elucidate the point that in Islam, desires are not repressed. Islam discourages all forms and levels of self-denial. As Allah states in the Qur'an:

"He it is that has created for you the faculties of hearing, sight, feeling and understanding: little thanks it is ye give." -Qur'an 23:78

So in understanding these sensory and intellectual faculties are blessings given unto us from God Almighty. It is clear, then, that they are purposeful and beneficial. Not to be suppressed, but instead, channeled in ways that are better profitable. With them, we can enhance the clarity of our perception of the Signs of Allah. Islam encourages the study of everything in life, to challenge our intellect so that we might excel in faith and piety. Blind faith is simply shunned in Islam. Allah tells us further regarding our senses and intelligence:

"...but of no profit to them were their faculties of hearing, sight, and heart and intellect, when they went on rejecting the Signs of Allah; and they were completely encircled by that which they used to mock at!" -Qur'an 46:26

Moreover, in its original, Arabic text, the word used in the Qur'an for "intellect" is "‘iqâl". This is one of three words in Arabic that describe "intellect" or "intelligence". All of which (literally) describes a harness used for riding and steering either a horse or camel. Off the bat, one may be confused over the connection between a harness for a horse and intellect. Interestingly, with a bit more thought you notice the genius of it. Because as Allah describes, our intellect, when properly applied, aids in excelling our faith, therefore, navigates us safely and rightly, and alertly to avoid harm and misdirection. Similarly, the cord about the horse is pulled by it's rider to lead and steer it in the path perceptually most fitting. But depending on what you allow to have the greater influence on your intellect, decides the direction you "pull" yourself. And in the event you catch yourself before ultimately losing yourself in the wrong direction, in Islam, we are advised to turn back to Allah (directly) and repent. By this, salvation is earned. And through the performance of the 5 daily prayers obligated on every Muslim, one not only worships His Lord, but is as well constantly reminded of His Lord, His Glory and His Promise. This practice gives the Muslim tranquility, peace of mind, assurance and sustains his absolute trust and obedience to Allah.

In Islam, true salvation is not earned or permanently guaranteed through mere acceptance, belief or knowledge. There is no one-time ritual, ceremony or confession a Muslim undergoes and is suddenly healed or saved for all times (i.e. "living under grace"). Indeed, when a person wholeheartedly embraces Islam, reciting what is called "Al Shahadah", which is the testimony of faith, all their previous misdeeds and sins are eliminated, never to be held against them or even mentioned on the Day of Judgement. However, this knowledge and faith of theirs they must continually put into action. Islam is not something a Muslim should leave in the Masjid (mosque, sanctuary), neither is it something they leave at home or in their minds and hearts. The Muslims should instead carry out Islam wherever they carry themselves. For salvation is an ongoing process.

"Our religion is the Baptism of Allah: And who can baptize better than Allah? And it is He whom we worship." -Qur'an 2:138

The Arabic word translated into "baptism" in this verse is "sibghah", which literally means "to color, to give hue or to soak". It's meaning relies heavily on the context it's used. Some translators have interpreted the meaning of this verse as: "We take our color from Allah: and who is better than Allah at coloring...", it's English interpretation can be misleading or perhaps baffling. Unless you consider the general meaning of "coloring". Color is not restricted to physically scribbling a crayon or washable marker over a sheet a paper. Nor is it limited describing the visual shade of a particular object. Color means to modify or to give a distinct quality. In it's context, this verse tells us it is ONLY by worshipping Allah (i.e. praising, asking of His Help Alone; acts of charity and generosity, etc.) that we are delivered from a state of "spiritually filthy" to "spiritually clean". By constantly immersing ourselves in the Will of God, we keep ourselves set on the right path and nearest to our Creator.

"Allah loves those who repent; and He loves those who purify themselves." -Qur'an 2:222

"Say, 'O My Servants who have transgressed against their own souls! Despair not of the Mercy of Allah: for Allah Forgives all sins: for He is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.'" -Qur'an 39:53

"Ask forgiveness of your Lord, and turn unto Him in repentance: For my Lord is indeed full of Mercy and loving-kindness." -Qur'an 11:90

"Those that turn (to Allah) in repentance; that serve Him, and praise Him; that wander in devotion to the cause of Allah,: that bow down and prostrate themselves in prayer; that enjoin good and forbid evil; and observe the limit set by Allah;- (These do rejoice). So proclaim the glad tidings to the Believers." -Qur'an 9:112

"But any that in this life had repented, believed, and worked righteousness, will have hopes to be among those who achieve salvation." -Qur'an 28:67

"Our Lord! In Thee do we trust, and to Thee do we turn in repentance: to Thee is our Final Goal." -Qur'an 60:4

This precisely recapitulates the means and path to salvation in Islam. Which, for the Muslim, always has been the way of the Almighty God. It is the immutable, changeless and ever-living law of Allah that has been revealed to all of His prophets and ordained upon all men. To worship, seek the help, the guidance and forgiveness of God and only God; ascribing to Him no partners, associates or idols ("nothing in the skies above, on earth or in the seas below"). An idea that is as well evident in the Bible.

"The soul that sinneth, it shall die. The son shall not bare the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bare the iniquity of the son: the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him. But if the wicked shall turn from all his sins and do that which is lawful and right, he shall surely live, he shall not die." -Ezekiel 18:20-21

What most Muslims and generally anyone may not be aware, is that there is no contradiction between the Qur'an and the Bible, except in the places where the Bible contradicts itself. And despite the Bible being of no authority to the Muslim, the aforementioned verses from Ezekiel are purely Islam. It informs the believer that they are accountable for their own deeds. Every individual is responsible for their own action and there will be no blame or credit on them for what their father, brother, sister, cousin, uncle, friend or close acquaintance has done. Islam does not endorse the philosophy of "original sin." Rather, more reasonably, "Original Purity". In that, we are all born pure, innocent and free of sin. Having the natural awareness of the existence of one God, this belief, instinct rather, is known as "al-fitrah" in Islam. It is only an individual's surrounding influences (i.e. parents, friends, media, etc.) that misdirect them to believe otherwise. And it is only after puberty, and into the beginning stages of adulthood that an individual is held accountable for their (personal) wrongs and rights. Before then, in the Sight of God, they are blameless and pure.

But so long as a person has a beating and believing heart, they turn for repentance, they will be forgiven. Baring in mind, that Allah does NOT judge by deeds. For it's not only for the Sake of God that people might offer good deeds. They could be doing it for the sake of publicity, appearance or mere reputation. An act that is void of sincerity. And so we're told that Allah doesn't judge by deeds, but by intentions. In other words, the believer cannot think they will live as a slave to their desires, indulging the cake and ale of this world, but then at a certain age suddenly decide to be a servant to Allah. God can neither be fooled nor hustled. Again, salvation is an ongoing process... not a only when times are heavy thing. Not a "I'll do it at my convenience" thing. Neither are there any shortcuts or alternative means to salvation in Islam. We atone for our own sins in keeping true to what God has commanded.

There are many opinions on what best pleases Allah, and what assures His Mercy upon us. So many opinions and for so many reasons. Which does nothing but produce a downpour of (unnecessary) confusion and complications. Islam offers a simple and straightforward solution: repent to God, heed His instruction and avoid what He's forbidden. Words attributed to Solomon peace be upon him in Ecclesiastes testify:

"By this, my son, be admonished: of making many books there is no end; and much study is weariness of the flesh. Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments: for this is the whole duty of man." -Ecclesiastes 12:12-13

The commandments of God have never been revised or changed, except by the hands of men. The same commands revealed and taught by Adam peace be upon him to his descendants during his lifetime. The same commands revealed and carried out by Abraham, Moses, David, Jesus and finally Muhammad, may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon all of them. Indeed, both Jesus and Muhammad, peace upon them, had been divinely elected to reinforce the Law before them. As Allah tells us in the Qur'an, c.61, v.6: "And remember, Jesus, the son of Mary, said: 'O Children of Israel! I am the messenger of Allah sent to you confirming the Law which came before me...", similarly we see Jesus asserting, more forthright, in the New Testament:

"Think not that I have come to abolish the Law or prophets before me: I am not come to abolish BUT TO FULFILL. Verily, I say unto you, till the Heavens and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in NO WISE pass from the Law, till all be fulfilled. Whosoever shall break least of the commandments, and shall teach men so, shall be considered least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall follow the commandments, and shall teach men so, shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. Verily, I say unto you, except your righteousness exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in NO CASE enter the kingdom of heaven." -Matthew 5:17-20

The commandments, as reaffirmed, in the Last Testament, Final Revelation, panacea and divine guidance to mankind have since remained from the time of creation. One God, ascribed no partners, idols, intermediaries and NO EQUALS (whether in divinity, might, authority, appearance or otherwise). Loving for your brothers and sisters what you love for yourself. Giving charity to those in need. And when in error, turning to God alone for repentance -for this is the path to salvation.

I intended a quick but concise explanation, but couldn't resist to supply particular spiritual proofs and reiterate where I thought fit. It is my prayer that the understanding of Islam has been elevated for the non-Muslim reader, and that the Muslim, upon reading, has acquired some degree of inspiration. And so now I close this 'more lengthy than expected' blog with a verse from the Qur'an stating what means:

"By the Soul, and the proportion and order given to it;

and it's enlightenment as to it's wrong and it's right;

Truly, he succeeds that purifies it,

and he fails that corrupts it."

Qur'an 91:7-9