The Muslim and His Rabb 

[only God, Cherisher, Sustainer]

By Dr. Muhammad 'Ali Al-Hishimi

(An Excerpt from the author's book "The Ideal Muslim", copyright and published in 1999 by the International Islāmic Publishing House (IIPH), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.)

Bismillah hir Rahmanir Rahiim

The believer is alert
Islam requires of the Muslim, first and foremost, that he be a true and sincere believer in Allah (S.W.T)·, 'The Exalted,' closely connected to Him, constantly remembering Him and putting his trust in Him, while making the effort to help himself. The Muslim should 1feel in the depths of his soul that he is in constant need of the help and support of Allah (S.W.T) no matter how much he may think he can do for himself.

The true and sincere Muslim is alert and open-minded to the magnificence of Allah's creation. He knows that it is Almighty Allah (S.W.T) Who is in control of the affairs of the universe and of mankind. He recognises the signs of His unlimited power in every aspect of creation, and so his faith in Allah (S.W.T) increases, he remembers Him constantly and puts his trust in Him:

[Behold! In the creation of the heavens and the earth, and the alternation of Night and Day - there are indeed Signs for men of understanding - men who celebrate the praises of Allah, standing, sitting, and lying down on their sides, and contemplate the [wonders of] creation in the heavens and the earth, [with the thought]: 'Our Rabb! Not for naught have You created [all] this! Glory to You! Give us salvation from the Penalty of the Fire.'] (Qur'an 3:190-191)

Obedient to the commands of his Rabb

It comes as no surprise, then, that the sincere Muslim is humbly obedient to Allah (S.W.T) in all matters. He never transgresses the limits, and he follows Allah's commands and guidance even when they are contrary to his own desires. The test of the Muslim's faith lies in this following of the commands of Allah (S.W.T) and His Messenger (S.A.W) in all matters, great and small, with no hesitation or reservation:

"None of you [truly] believes until his inclination is in accordance with what I have brought." 1

[But no, by the Rabb, they can have no [real] Faith, until they make you judge in all disputes between them, and find in their souls no resistance against your decisions, but accept them with the fullest conviction.] (Qur'an 4:65)

It is the matter of absolute submission and complete obedience to Allah (S.W.T) and His Messenger. Without both of these, there is no faith and no Islam. Therefore the sincere Muslim does not deviate from the guidance of Allah (S.W.T) or ignore the commands of His Messenger, whether these concern him as an individual or those over whom he has authority and for whom he is responsible (i.e., the members of his family).

He has a sense of responsibility for those under his authority

If any member of the Muslim's family is neglectful or failing in his or her duties towards Allah (S.W.T) and His Messenger, then he is responsible:

"Each of you is a shepherd, and each of you is responsible for his flock (i.e., those over whom you have authority)." (Bukhari and Muslim)

The sense of responsibility that the sincere Muslim feels when a member of his family is failing in some important regard disturbs him greatly. He cannot bear it, so he will hasten to deal with its causes despite the consequences. The only one who can ignore such a responsibility and keep quiet about it is the man whose faith is weak and whose manhood is lacking.

He accepts the will and decree of Allah (S.W.T)
The sincere Muslim is always content to accept the will and decree of Allah (S.W.T), remembering the hadith (Prophet's Teaching):

"How amazing is the affair of the Muslim! His affairs are all good. If he experiences ease, he is grateful, and that is good for him. If he experiences hardship, he faces it with patience and perseverance, and that is also good for him." (Bukhari)

The sincere Muslim is convinced that belief in the will and decree of Allah (S.W.T) is one of the pillars of faith. Whatever befalls him in life cannot have been avoided, because Allah (S.W.T) has decreed it. His acceptance of the divine will and decree will earn him a great reward from Allah (S.W.T), Who will count him as one of the successful, obedient believers.

This is why the hadith says that the Muslim's affairs are all good. If he goes through a time of ease, he will give much thanks to his generous Rabb for His bounty, and if he goes through a time of hardship he will bear it with patience and fortitude, following the commands of his Rabb and accepting His will and decree. Whatever the case, it is truly good for him.

The one who turns to Allah (S.W.T) in repentance

The Muslim may find himself becoming neglectful and slipping from the Straight Path, so that he may commit a sin which does not befit him as a humble and vigilant believer, but he will soon remember his Rabb, turn away from his error and seek forgiveness for his failings:

[Those who fear Allah, when a thought of evil from Satan assaults them, bring Allah to remembrance when lo! They see [aright]!] (Qur'an 7: 201)

The heart filled with love and fear of Allah (S.W.T) will not be overcome by negligence. It is those who ignore Allah's commands and guidance who will be led astray. The heart of the sincere Muslim is ever eager to repent and seek forgiveness, and rejoices in obedience, guidance and the pleasure of Allah (S.W.T).
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Compliments from
Wisdom Enrichment Foundation (WEFOUND)
URL: http://www.wefound.org

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Please feel free to distribute this article and other WEFOUND reading materials by email/fax, etc. to other Muslim individuals as well as interested non-Muslims. If you do this for the pleasure of Allah, you will certainly get great rewards. Allah the Almighty says:

"And he who brings the Truth and he who confirms (and supports) it -- such are the men who do right. They shall have all that they wish for, with their Rabb (Only God, Cherisher and Sustainer). Such is the reward of those who do good: so that Allah will remit from them (even) the worst in their deeds and give them their reward according to the best of what they have done." (Qur'an 39:33-35)

Jazakallahu khayr,

Moderator
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