When We compare our our physical existence with other incredible creations only to find that we are nothing but a tine particle in the universe, we begin to ask countless questions. Who are we? From where did we come? To where are we headed? What is the purpose of all the things out there? If there is life after death, how is it? If there are Heaven and Hell, what do they look like, and where are they? How are we to believe in the existence of God, Lord, Creator or Allah? What does He look like? Why can we not see Him? Who are the chosen prophets? Which prophets were real, and how can we believe in them? Is there are book or a set of rules revealed by the Lord, or are all such books merely a creation of the human mind? Who is right, and who is wrong? How can we achieve peace, happiness, prosperity, and so forth? What is good or bad, who decides that, and how can we be sure of it? How is it possible that when we die and turn to dust we become alive again? Is there a spiritual wold? Are the body and soul two different things? Everyone asks such questions; some ponder deeply for answers ,and others just scratch the surface.
If these and many other questions are not answered to our satisfaction, of if we fail to comprehend the answers or simply abandon the inner voice of curiosity, true satisfaction and peace of heart, mind, and soul cannot be attained. Even if we attain material success at some point in our life, we are not completely satisfied. We continue to feel an emptiness, and thoughts of failure overshadow our conscience. In this vast universe, we tend to lose purpose, sense of placement, and the taste for life until we find answers to these and many other questions that linger in our curious minds.
If an ideology or religion does not provide complete, satisfactory, and rational answers, or if the answers provided are no longer relevant, then, in my view that ideology/religion is incomplete. Since Islam claims that it is the complete way of life, then it must provide answers to all questions one can raise. After reading this series of blog postings, I am confident that the reader will come to believe that Islam has answers to all questions and that nothing remains unanswered.
Allah created and revealed to us the system that explains how we should live and prepare to acquire the ultimate success. Besides Him, no one else could have developed this required system, because He is our Lord and knows best our needs and desires, abilities and short comings, psychology, and so on. Allah is our true Lord and does not want us to go astray; therefore, He has beforehand included answers to every possible question and completed the deen (Faith) of Islam. Thus, there is no mystery in Islam.
However, to obtain answers for complicated questions, the following are some prerequisites: sincere desire, thirst for true knowledge, and a heartfelt wish to search for the truth. Also, bear in mind that this world is Allah’s creation and governed by His principles and that we are merely His creation and do not posses unlimited knowledge and power. Even though Allah has revealed the complete message, we may not instantly comprehend it and may require deeper knowledge and wisdom. The more knowledgeable we become, the more we understand the word and commandments of Allah. I firmly believe that if we continuously strive for answers, we will get them eventually.
This post is in series of many to come on the topic of Islam from a Sufi Perspective. More articles are to follow. Please follow in the Category : Islam as a Sufi Perspective.