As I was reading this article about IS;
I really wonder who this IS is?
In Islam, it is forbiden to take innocent life:
“And do not kill the soul which Allah has forbidden, except by right.”
Quran 17:33
And, in Islam, religious differences do not warrant the taking of a life.
“There is no compulsion in religion”
َQuran 2:256
Hence, IS as an acronym cannot stand for Islam.
For a Muslim is not a Muslim if they go against the teachings of the Quran.
The current world politics and especially that of the Middle East, have shown the ugly face of many in positions of leadership. That which is hidden from the public sphere is probably worse. However, I have no doubt that:
“The meek shall inherit the earth!”
This old verse is found in the Bible as well as the Quran.
So let those leaders not be your role model.
We all saw during the covid pandemic that the people who saved the country were the actual workers.
We all also saw that the source of the problems were the failures in decision-making by those in positions of authority. It may appear they got off scot-free, but the reality may be otherwise.
The people who really did the work came from all walks of life.
Indeed, we have an assurance from the Quran that what matters is not your appearance/s, but your sincere belief and your good deeds:
“Indeed, those who believed and those who were Jews or Christians or Sabeans – those [among them] who believed in Allah and the Last Day and did righteousness – will have their reward with their Lord, and no fear will there be concerning them, nor will they grieve.” Quran 2:62
Let there be a space in your heart for the above verse.
Let no wrongdoer be your role model. Struggle to be fair:
“O you who have believed, be persistently standing firm for Allah, witnesses in justice, and do not let the hatred of a people prevent you from being just. Be just; that is nearer to righteousness. And fear Allah; indeed, Allah is Acquainted with what you do.” Quran 5:8
If you do not give up on harming yourself and others, you will suffer.
Your belonging to ‘high’ society or ‘high’ achievers will not protect you.
Your perceived power will not protect you.
Start with yourself.
List all those things that you know, for certain, are harmful to you.
Select the one from that list that requires the least effort to remove; remove it and keep going.
If you fail, keep trying again till you succeed.
One success will lead to another till you are able to help others.
Have you not read a sound narration attributed to the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him:
“Faith has seventy-five branches, the top of which is saying there is no god but Allah, and the closest of which is removing harm from the road; and modesty is a branch of faith.”
Once you have dealt with your physical side, it would time to turn to your spirit.
That would be your true challenge.
“As for those who strive for Us, We will surely guide them to Our Paths;
And verily, Allah is with the good doers.”
Quran 29:69
Salihun 