31ST EDITION OF VOICE OF THE MIMBARR:AL-IMAN (FAITH IN ALLAH) MAIN KEY TO SUCCESS- BY DR. RAZAQ BOLAWAYE

04-08-2023 CE/17-01-1445 AH. 

Bismillah Ar-Rahman Ar-Rahim...

The Glorious Qur'an 4:139 relates the basic motive behind pursuit of a man for principalities other than Allah and its ingrained in material benefit. It says: '... Or are they seeking from them position of honour? Whereas every dint of glory comes but from Allah _(SWT)_ ." This is the plight of every soul who appears loyal to others that Allah.

In contrast, however, worshipping Allah in all ramifications posts a man for unequal recognition, honour and wherewithal. This is to the exclusion of those whose loyalty remains to the creatures other that the Creator, Allah. Qur'an 27:59,60&62 posits: "Say: Praise be to Allah, and peace be on His servants whom He has chosen (for His Message). (Who) is better? _ Allah or the false gods they associate (with Him)? On Who ha created heavens and the earth, and Who sends you down rain from the sky? Yes, with it We cause to grow well-plantedorchards full of beauty and delight: it is not in your power to cause the growth of the trees in them. (Can there be another) god besides Allah? Nay, they are a people who swerve from justice. Or, who listens to the distressed when he calls on Him, and Who relieves his suffering, and makes you (mankind) inheritors of the earth? (Can there be another) god besides Allah? Little it is that you heed!"

From the above Qur'an portions it is clear that the chosen ones among mankind include worshippers of Allah who remain undaunted with categories of Ibaadah (Allah's vertical and horizontal worship). His actions are in line with various injunctions of Allah as an ordinary agent of Allah on land and never give chance for deception in the creatures. This is the essence of Islam and faith in the oneness of Allah.

To this end, the noble Messenger _(SAW)_ hinted mainly on five aspects of disbelief which affected the earlier generations. On the authority of Abi 'Awanah, who related that the noble Messenger said five things before His demise:" That those before you used to dedicate the burial yards of their Prophets and Saints as worship center; do not descend to that for I forbid that for you; and to worship the stars among them; and ascribing partners to Allah in the like of Prophet Ibrahim _(AS)_ ; and adoring the Angels and Jinn for worship (seeking help through them); and idolizing them for worship."

Whereas, Iman is mainly about sincerity with mind, tongue and action of the body. It translate to dutifulness in _Salat_ , _Zakat_ , _Saom_ , _Hajj_ , fairness to all and sundry, enjoining goodness and forbidden evils of all categories. This is the main arrow of the Qur'an _Ayah_ which says: "You are indeed the the best Community ever evolved among men for you enjoin goodness, forbid evil and above all, believe in Allah..."

Essentially, the quality of faith is put to test by the level of engagement in vices amidst mundane activities in actions, reactions, strategies and undertakings.

The import of the above provision appears in making unalloyed loyalty and truthfulness with Allah in our capacity. This is contra-distinction from getting involved and partaking in various activities such as associating partners with Allah in worship, seeking favour and assessing leisure. It must be noted that at this period of holiday when children and wards bond with parents and guardians, the Qur'an 66:6 bears relevance on close monitoring of wards for proper engagement in spiritual and skillful undertaking. Knowing what children do, eat and engage in at this time gives parents insights into their antecedents while away from home. There is no doubt that parents and guardians have responsibilities they should not abdicate with regards to their wards. The month of August offers arrays of traditional festivity against which Muslim children must be cautioned. Our prayer is that Allah makes our children a source of succor and not source of vilifcations. Amin thumma Amin. 

Till we meet in the next edition. Thanks and remain abundantly blessed.

DR. RAZAQ BOLAWAYE UTHMAN,

Imam Ansar-Ud-Deen Society Ipaja Branch, Lagos State.

- Nigeria