To understand the essence of Islam is to understand the true essence of humanity. More than a religion, Islam is a complete and comprehensive way of life leading to a balanced way of living. Islam brings civilization and happiness to man. Islamic principles and teachings can provide realistic, fair and objective solutions to the prevention of individual, familial, social and international problems which are threatening the existence of human communities throughout the world.
A Message To The Entire World:
The first thing that shows its comprehensiveness is that the message of Islam was sent to the entire world not to a certain group of people . It is the religion that suits any nation because it values the role of reason. The Prophet (ﷺ) said: ” Every Prophet used to be sent to his nation only but I have been sent to all mankind.” Allah also said: “say (O Mohammed ), O mankind, verily, I am sent to you all as messenger of Allah.”
Unlike Islam, Judaism cares only about the legislations and ruling, and Christianity cares about the spiritual aspects separated from laws . On the other hand, Islam combines between the spirit and the reason. It meets the needs of both the spirit and the body. Islam realizes human nature so it doesn’t demand him/her to be like angels or even follow all lusts like animal. Islam guides human to the intermediate approach which is if you commit sins , you have the right to repent or to go astray. Allah said “but seek, with that (wealth) which Allah has bestowed on you, the home of Hereafter, and forget not your portion of lawful enjoyment in this world ; and do good as Allah has been good to you, and seek not mischief in land . verily , Allah likes not the Mufsiden ( those who commit great crimes, sins, oppressor, tyrants, mischief makers, and corrupters). “
The Older Messages:
Islam also respects all divine messages. It considers believing in other true divine Books and all prophets is condition of complete faith, as Allah says,
” Say (O Muslims) we believe in Allah and that which has been sent down to us and that which has been sent to Abraham , Ishmael , Isaac, Jacob , and Alas bat { the offspring of the twelve sons of Jacob} , and that which has been given to Moses and Jesus and that which has given to the prophets from their Lord. we make no distinction between any of them , and to Him we have submitted ( in Islam)”. Islam never forces anyone to convert it , Allah says:
” There is no compulsion in religion (Islam) “. It warns its followers not to harm or assault others but behave in good manners .
Islam also organizes relations among individuals in the community. It establishes the relations between husband and wife, as the prophet said:
“The most perfect man in his faith among the believers is the one whose behavior is most excellent; and the best of you are those who are the best to their wives.” , he (PBUH) said “Any woman dies while her husband is pleased with her, she will enter Jannah”.
Relations In Islam:
Islam shows that relation between parents based on mercy and kindness, Allah says, ” and we have enjoined on man (to be dutiful and good) to his parents”. the prophet (PBUH) was asked “ which of the deeds makes one nearer to Paradise? He (the Holy Prophet) replied: Prayer at its proper time, I said: What next, Messenger of Allah? He replied: Kindness to the parents. I said: What next? He replied: Jihad in the cause of Allah. these show the behaviors that should be inside the small community (family).
Islam cares a lot about relatives and their relations among each other , as The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “The word ‘Ar-Rahm (womb) derives its name from Ar-Rahman (i.e., one of the names of Allah) and Allah said: “I will keep good relation with the one who will keep good relation with you, (womb i.e. Kith and Kin) and sever the relation with him who will sever the relation with you, (womb, i.e. Kith and Kin). Islam also orders its followers to establish good relation with neighbors, this is clear in prophet’s saying “Jibril kept recommending treating neighbors with kindness until I thought he would assign a share of inheritance”.
Let us see how Islam handles trade dealings. The prophet (PBUH) said:
“May Allah show mercy to a man who adopts a kind attitude when he sells, buys and demands for the repayment of loans.”. It also orders to show mercy to employees, as he (PBUH) said “Give the worker his wages before his sweat dries.”
Animal Care:
Islamic teachings shows us how to deal with animals and plants . The prophet (PBUH) said “While a man was walking he felt thirsty and went down a well and drank water from it. On coming out of it, he saw a dog panting and eating mud because of excessive thirst. The man said, ‘This (dog) is suffering from the same problem as that of mine. So he (went down the well), filled his shoe with water, caught hold of it with his teeth and climbed up and watered the dog. Allah thanked him for his (good) deed and forgave him.” The people asked, “O Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ)! Is there a reward for us in serving (the) animals?” He replied, “Yes, there is a reward for serving any animate.” He also said “A woman entered the (Hell) Fire because of a cat which she had tied, neither giving it food nor setting it free to eat from the vermin of the earth.” The prophet warns people that harming animals makes them face severe punishment in the Hereafter.
The prophet also said: ” Never does a Muslim plant, or cultivate, but has reward for him for what the beasts eat, or the birds eat or anything else eats out of that”.
To sum up, Islamic teachings covers every side in our life. It is sent to all mankind and jinn . the message of Islam combines between spirit and reason. It establishes rules to all kind of relations in the community and cares about environment as well. There are countless sides that Islam handles that need thousands of books to cover them .
