Imaan

This precious commodity of Imaan, for which little gratitude is expressed, is the only means by which a person can gain najaat (salvation) in the Aakhirah (Hereafter), and entrance into Jannat (Heaven in Urdu).

Unfortunately, Imaan is not recognized as the priceless gift it is, because there has been no sacrifice for it. There are so many who confidently entertain the misconception that since they are born Muslims, they will most certainly die as Muslims, no matter how much in conflict their actions are with Islam.

1. …Our condition is akin to the unscrupulousness of that person who was walking with two pieces of an expensive shawl tied to his feet; while he carried his shoes on his head.
2. Someone questioned him : “What is this upside down ‘amal’ (action)? ”
3. The person replied : “I received the shawl as part of inheritance, but I had to pay for these shoes with my own money. I am therefore saving the leather of the shoes because my hard-earned money has gone into the purchase of these shoes.”
4. The condition of our Imaan is like that shawl. It means nothing to us because we have made no sacrifice for it. So we trample on Imaan and Islam. Because there was no effort made in obtaining it, we ‘evict’  that precious Imaan from our hearts.
5. It is due to this lack of appreciation that many leave the fold of Islam and die on Kufr…
6. Allah Ta’ala says in the Qur`aan Sharief :
7. “…If you are grateful, I will most certainly increase for you (My favours) but if you show ingratitude, verily! My Punishment is indeed severe.”
8. [Surah Ibraheem 14 : 7]
9. Thus, if we appreciate the gift of Imaan, Allah Ta’ala will increase us in Imaan and Yaqeen (conviction). If not, it may well be snatched away. (May Allah Ta’ala protect us all.)

…So we find that our Ikhlaas is lip service.

Allah Ta’ala’s complaint against His servants, has been appropriately portrayed in the poetry of one Wali of Allah Ta’ala:

“ You keep Me upon your lips
But not within the depths of your heart.
Your faith is limited to your lips;
Your faith is not engraved upon your heart.”

This is the reason why we do not retain any Noor of Taqwa within our hearts. We acquire a little and then we destroy the little : through the sins of our eyes, our ears, our tongues, our hands and our feet. How can we then expect other people to be impressed and convinced, when we cannot convince ourselves?

Islam and its teachings are, indeed, Haq and it’s implementation brings peace, happiness, satisfaction, contentment and is the only means of establishing a firm Ta’alluq (relationship) with Allah Ta’ala. Whilst we should have been the first ones to be convinced, our actions display that we are not convinced.

In fact, in our actions there is a resemblance of the attitude of the Jews in the time of Hazrat Musa (‘Alaihis Salaam). When Musa (‘Alaihis Salaam) presented them with the Tauraah, they said :

“…We have heard and disobeyed…”
[Surah Baqarah 2 : 93]

Whilst, most of us do not say so with our tongues, because that would clearly expel a person from the fold of Islam, our actions have the same arrogance and insolence of the Bani Israeel.

So we find that our arch-enemy, Shaytaan, comes to us and tempts us with wealth, earned in a haraam manner and we foolishly consider, if not oblige. He entices us, by whispering : “Take this, it will help you to give to the Musjids and for the Madrasas. When collectors call on you and appeal for funds, you will not be embarrassed by giving only R10. What is so serious if you take interest on your money and thereafter give large amounts to charitable causes… Allah will be pleased.” (Na-oozu Billahi min zaalik.)

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