MAFAHIM ISLAM

Created by : Azhari
Translated by : Asrini Marcelewicz

Many people do not understand the reason why they live in this world, thus, they are embracing a free-life style and we can easily see it in the Western world or even in our own country. For example, sexual intercourse without marriage, claim properties that are not their rights, assassinate, cheat, rob, pose nude, eat and drink that are forbidden (haram).

Those people mentioned above do not understand the meaning of life. So, how can someone capable in understanding the meaning of life? To answer this question, a person should be capable to tackle this following important matter:

1. Where do I come from?
2. Why should I live in this world?
3. Where am I after death?

Where do I come from?

This is a fair question and in relation to human nature, a child would ask his mother where he was before he was born. Most likely the mother would say that he came from her tummy. However, as an adult who are able to think rationally, in this case we would not be satisfied with our mother’s answer. Therefore, God has given us information about the human’s existence through His revelation which is contained in the Qur'an.

And certainly did We create man from an extract of clay. Then We placed him as a sperm-drop in a firm lodging. Then We made the sperm-drop into a clinging clot, and We made the clot into a lump [of flesh], and We made [from] the lump, bones, and We covered the bones with flesh; then We developed him into another creation. So blessed is Allah , the best of creators. (Surah Al-Mu’minun 12-14).

Who perfected everything which He created and began the creation of man from clay. (Surah As-Sajdah 7).

There are many other verses and hadiths explain that God Almighty who created us. However, marriage, pregnancy and birth are only mediator of the process of human creation by Allah.

Why should I live in this world?

Allah clearly states that He has created us solely to worship Him. It means for us to follow all of His command and stay away from what are forbidden.

And I did not create the jinn and mankind except to worship Me. (Surah Adh–Dhariyat 56).

All syara/syariat laws (Islamic laws) are applied to grown up individuals (taklif). They need to know every compulsory commands and prohibitions. Any of their action has to be measured in accordance to the laws. Also, it is a must for them to pray (shalat), fasting, zakat, go for a hajj as well as the obligation of husband and wife, cover aurat, eat halal food, avoid taking things that are not entitled to them/ their rights (such as bribery, commissions, etc), do not take usury, do not proselytise, obligation for Islamic teachings and jihad.

They could have claimed themselves as a Muslim but did not follow the religion’s command. Even do not worship God including praying, fasting, zakat and hajj. Islam regulates our way of life, such as social system (mu’amalah), economy (iqtishadi), politic (siyasah), judiciary and sanctions (‘uqubat), etc.

Islamic laws that are revealed through al-Quran and Sunnah will not miss anything in regulating human’ life since the rules came from the Creator who knew exactly the needs of people from the past, present and future.

This day I have perfected for you your religion and completed My favor upon you and have approved for you Islam as religion. (Surah Al-Ma’idah 3).

Those who understand the meaning of life will always refer to the syariat (Islamic laws) in every his /her step in life. They will always be careful in every way including think before do something even postponing their actions while thinking whether it is haram/ halal. These kinds of people that are devoted are safe in life and later blessed in Hereafter.

On the other hand, people who ignore the syariat of Allah Almighty are categorized as the losers because they have sacrificed the eternal afterlife by putting current life as the top priority. The Prophet, Rasullulah SAW described this world “like being under a shade of a tree (world) in facing an eternal long journey (afterlife)”. Life in this current world is similar to a fun that could blind us; therefore afterlife should be our first priority.

O you who have believed, let not your wealth and your children divert you from remembrance of Allah . And whoever does that - then those are the losers. (Surah Al-Munafiqun 9).

And the worldly life is not but amusement and diversion; but the home of the Hereafter is best for those who fear Allah , so will you not reason? (Surah Al–An’am 32)

So as for he who transgressed. And preferred the life of the world, Then indeed, Hellfire will be [his] refuge. But as for he who feared the position of his Lord and prevented the soul from [unlawful] inclination, Then indeed, Paradise will be [his] refuge. (Surah An-Nazi’at 37–41).

Where am I after death?

Every soul will die and if it is time to die no one can mover it forward or backward even for one second, and it may be too late to repent.

And for every nation is a [specified] term. So when their time has come, they will not remain behind an hour, nor will they precede [it]. (Surah Al–A’raf 34).

He will say, "Oh, I wish I had sent ahead [some good] for my life." (Surah Al–Fajr 24).

Later when we will be raised in the Hereafter, everything we do on earth will be brought to account including small or great sin, large or small reward. There will be only two options which are to heaven or hell.

Every soul, for what it has earned, will be retained (Surah Al–Muddaththir 38).

And they will say, "If only we had been listening or reasoning, we would not be among the companions of the Blaze." (Surah Al–Mulk 10).

Lastly, if we understand the meaning of life then we must give priority to the afterlife because the world is just our temporary harbour to the long journey and we need to benefit from our life by preparing ourselves for the eternal life which is the Hereafter.

Wallahualam (only God knows)

Bahasa Indonesia version:
http://mafahim-azhari.blogspot.com/2007/04/memahami-arti-hidup.html