“No vision can comprehend Him, and He comprehends all visions, He is above all comprehension, yet is acquainted with all things.”

[Surah Al-An’aam, 6:103]

Through a rational basis of argument a person can reach the sound conclusion that there is Allah (SWT) and He is behind the existence of all things. Appreciating that man and all of creation is limited by its own characteristics and dependent on things external to it, the only possibility for the source of all creation is a divine entity (Allah), unbounded by the laws of our universe. Laws which govern and limit every aspect of our existence; time, birth and death, shape and size, hunger, thirst and sleep do not apply. We, as limited beings, can comprehend His existence, but envisioning Him is beyond our limited comprehension. How mighty Allah (AWJ) is and how great His majesty!

We submit therefore humbly and willingly to Allah’s sovereignty, Who is deserving of this. It would follow then that only Allah (SWT) can provide us with our purpose and path for achieving it. Who would know what is best for mankind than the One who created them?

“A Light has now come to you from Allah, and a Scripture (Qur’an) making things clear, with which Allah guides to the ways of peace those who follow what pleases Him, bringing them from darkness out into light, by His will, and guiding them to a straight path.” [Surah Al-Mā’idah, 5:15-16]

Achieving peace in this life is only possible by adhering to Allah’s (SWT) guidance and pleasing Him. Would it not be strange then if the Muslims decided after believing in Allah (AWJ) and his Messenger Muhammad (SAW) that man is better placed to decide right and wrong; to think up the rules by which to govern and be governed by; to decide the practical aspect of life and relegate Allah’s guidance? On one hand to say only Allah (SWT) is capable of setting the boundaries of legality but on the other hand leaving man to decide based on his whims and desires.

“…But perhaps you hate a thing and it is good for you; and perhaps you love a thing and it is bad for you. And Allah Knows, while you know not.”

[Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:216]

Dear Muslims, when we accept Islam, we accept all of Islam. If anything were to be added to it in terms of an innovation or taken away from its completeness such as the hadd (e.g. criminal punishment) of Allah (SWT) then it would no longer remain Islam but a new belief. Those of other religions do not have a Deen (way of life) which addresses both the spiritual and practical aspects of life, hence they keep the spiritual separate from the practical sphere. They have accepted that their spiritual beliefs cannot provide a way to manage their affairs and solve their problems. Making it possible for them to seek solutions from other systems of life, like Capitalism and democracy. This is secularism; to divorce religion from politics and from governing life’s affairs.

Islam is unique. It addresses the spiritual aspects of life and man’s relationship with Allah (SWT). It also provides man with a system of governance and how to govern his life’s affairs. Meaning it is a spiritual and a political doctrine. Allah’s (SWT) guidance addresses all aspects of life and it is a duty of this Ummah to demonstrate this to the rest of mankind, calling to all that is good and forbidding all that is evil.

“O you who have believed, enter into Islam completely [and perfectly] and do not follow the footsteps of Satan. Indeed, he is to you a clear enemy.”

[Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:208]