Al-Risala (English), Jan-Feb 2002

A person who worships God will invoke Him alone, and the prescribed prayers are the day-to-day form which this supplication will take. The worshipper becomes so involved with His Lord that his requirements become minimal; a particular form that this diminution takes is fasting. His adoration of God compels him to strive towards God, and one historic manifestation of his longing is Hajj. He does unto others as he would be done by, and in zakat—charity—this takes a regular, practical form. The whole life of a true worshipper of God, both inwardly and outwardly, becomes an act of worship, bowing only to God and fearing Him alone—putting His considerations first and foremost in all matters. Placing oneself totally in God’s hands, one becomes God’s own, and God becomes one’s own. And one’s heart overflows with the love of God. The Role of Non-Muslims in Islamic Development Islam is the religion of Nature, and in treading its path, it is non-discriminatory, finding room within its scheme of things for every segment of society. Rigidity is quite alien to its process of development. There is a meaningful hadith in Sahih al-Bukhari to this effect. According to this hadith, the Prophet Muhammad said: “God Almighty will strengthen this religion [Islam] through a fajir (one who is not a true Muslim) person as well (Bukhari).