Islam Pocket Guide

Hajj is a complete lesson in leading a God-oriented life. In that it reminds one of the awesome day of Resurrection—a day that could be painful for many—it is a prelude to the attainment of God, exhorting us to strive with all our might to tread the path of righteousness. It warns man that! Satan is his arch-enemy and that he should never allow him to draw near. It conveys the message that if we are anxious I to receive the bounties of God, we should be ready to sacrifice our lives and property for His sake. A grand demonstration of the equality of man, it provides a situation in which being able to bear the disagreeable behaviour of others, and living together in an atmosphere of amity and goodwill, are of paramount importance. Hajj, in a nutshell, is a complete mode of worship which, if performed in the correct manner, will have a transfiguring effect upon the moral aspects of the affairs of man, be they worldly or religious in nature. The Spirituality in Islam According to the Quran spirituality resides in the mind, and is achieved at a purely intellectual level. The Quran uses several terms to express it: tawassum, tadabbur and tafakkur meaning drawing lessons through reflection, thinking and contemplation. All things around us, from a tiny blade of grass to the vast Milky Way, and from the trees, plants and mountains to the sun, the moon and the sky—all are silent reminders of the greatness of the Creator. Everything that exists on this planet or in the universe is an amazing artistic marvel extolling the magnificence and magnanimity of the great Creator. Spirituality is the elevation of the human condition to a plane on which the mind is focused on the higher, non-material realities of a godly existence. Spirituality in Islam is an intellectual activity. Its quest is two-fold; one is to give serious thought to questions pertaining to their purpose of life such as, “Who am I?” What is this world around me? What is the creation plan of God for man as well as for the rest of the world? And two is to solve the riddle of why all men and women undergo negative experiences in this world and to offer positive solutions. The inner transformation of mind and soul translates into outer spirituality blessed with peace and blissfulness. The spirituality of one who is spiritual on the inside will also reflect on the outside. Peace inside will radiate peace outside. Such a person will become more content, tolerant and respectful towards others. Anger, jealousy and negativity will be converted into a positive attitude which radiates forgiveness and compassion and, instead of thrusting his viewpoint on others, he will be more considerate and understanding. He will talk less and listen more. Instead of pointing out the faults in others, he will spend his time in introspection. His focus will be on his duties rather than on his rights. He will live as a harmless individual, contributing to society in positive and meaningful ways. It is, therefore, the responsibility of every individual to uplift himself spiritually and realise the Creator. And then lead his life in accordance with God’s creation plan. The main reasons for them not doing so are their forgetfulness of the Hereafter, and their obsession with worldly pursuits. Then man lives his life in the remembrance of God. He begins to feel the presence of God. Everything serves to remind him of God. God’s remembrance is never absent from his heart and mind. His mornings and evenings are spent as if he is living in God’s neighbourhood. Just as rain replenishes the crops, so does he remain ever immersed in the remembrance of God. The concept of God in Islam provides man with an ideology in which loss is turned to gain and in which adversity brings with it good tidings. And it is in submission to God and living a God-oriented life that man finds complete fulfillment and purpose of life. When he discovers God and worships Him, when he remembers Him, when his mind is turned towards Him with full concentration, when he makes a request or a plea, he establishes a contact with his Creator. In the words of the Hadith, at that particular moment he comes to whisper with his Lord. He has the tangible feeling that he is pouring his heart out to God and that God in turn is answering his call.