Thursday, February 12, 2009

Islam is Simple: Life is easier with Manual


People always say, “Islam is a difficult religion. So many do’s and don’ts (commands and prohibitions/laws). This is haram, that is haram! What is halal??! It’s so difficult!”
In truth, the commands and prohibitions in Islam are only a few.


For example, Islam prohibits its followers from eating pork. But at the same time, there are hundreds, even thousands of kinds of food that are considered halal.


Islam makes it compulsory for its followers to perform solat (prayer) five times a day. Each solat only takes about 5 minutes. This means, 23 hours and 35 minutes of the day of a Muslim is outside of solat.


Other than that, as has been explained before this, do’s and don’ts in Islam are for the good of mankind himself.


Muslims do not live in trial and error. The entire life of a Muslim is based on a practical manual that was given by the Manufacturer of humanity and the entire universe. The Most Gracious and Most Merciful God sent the Prophet as a technician to explain the manual that was given to humanity so that they may live in the best way.


“…This day, I (God) have perfected your religion for you, completed My Favour upon you, and have chosen for you Islam as your religion. But as for him who is forced by severe hunger, with no inclination to sin, then surely Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.” 5:3


The teachings of Islam embrace all aspects of life, including personal issues, family, society, law, nationhood, entertainment, economy, military, politics, civilization and so on and so forth. It encompasses the relationship between a human and his God, the relationships between humans and the relationship between humanity and the universe.


Islam does not just revolve around faith, it also revolves around deeds. It does not only give guidance on spiritual issues, it also gives guidance on material, physical, mental and emotional issues.


With this manual, we are not left floundering looking for a path that has been theorized by humans for our lives. God has made our lives more convenient by giving us this all-encompassing manual. What we need to do is only refer to this manual and be obedient to the commands of God.

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