By Abdulbasit Mahmood Adewole Esq.
Embracing a life devoted solely to that which our Creator, Allah, has deemed lawful and permissible reveals a deep and inherent beauty that only the conscious and wise servant of Allah can appreciate. Despite the myriad temptations and challenges that may tug us towards forbidden and unlawful paths, it is imperative to remember that every prohibition set by Allah is inherently for our well-being and protection.
As beings intricately fashioned by Allah, He possesses an intimate understanding of our nature, guiding us towards what is ultimately beneficial, even when our comprehension falters. It is true that, as human beings, centering our existence around that which is lawful according to the dictates of Islam, demands perseverance and patience, yet the bountiful rewards and blessings that follow make every trial and sacrifice worthwhile.
Indeed, the commitment to a halāl (lawful) lifestyle serves as a testimony of wisdom and consciousness for individuals devoted to Allah. The Qur’an reminds us of the all-encompassing knowledge and kindness of our Creator. In Surah Al-Mulk, Verse 14:
أَلَا يَعْلَمُ مَنْ خَلَقَ وَهُوَ اللَّطِيفُ الْخَبِيرُ
“Should not He Who has created know? And He is the Most Kind and Courteous, All-Aware.”
The relevance of following the guidance outlined in the Qur’an and Sunnah is emphasized in different verses of the Qur’an where conscious Muslims are encouraged to understand, practice, and uphold these teachings diligently. These are the best reactions of the believers as contained in Surah al-Baqarah, verse 285 thus:
…وَقَالُوا سَمِعْنَا وَأَطَعْنَا غُفْرَانَكَ رَبَّنَا وَإِلَيْكَ الْمَصِيرُ
“We hear and obey, our Lord! Thy forgiveness (do we crave), and to Thee is the eventual course.”
Furthermore, the severity of deviating from the Qur’an and Sunnah is sternly addressed in other verses of the Qur’an with more strong terms. This serves as a reminder to remain steadfast in adherence to the divine principles set forth by Islam. In Surah Al-Ahzab, Verse 36, Allah says:
وَمَا كَانَ لِمُؤْمِنٍ وَلَا مُؤْمِنَةٍ إِذَا قَضَى اللَّهُ وَرَسُولُهُ أَمْرًا أَن يَكُونَ لَهُمُ الْخِيَرَةُ مِنْ أَمْرِهِمْ وَمَن يَعْصِ اللَّهَ وَرَسُولَهُ فَقَدْ ضَلَّ ضَلَالًا مُّبِينًا
“It is not for a believer, man or woman, when Allah and His Messenger have decreed a matter that they should have any option in their decision. And whoever disobeys Allah and His Messenger, he has indeed strayed into a plain error.”
The scholars have explained that, this above verse is general in meaning and applies to all matters, i.e., if Allah and His Messenger decreed a matter, no one has the right to go against that, and no one has any choice or room for personal opinion in this case.
Islam, in its wisdom, entrusts the authority to define what is lawful and unlawful solely to the domain of Allah, transcending the judgments of all beings; regardless of their religious and worldly position, and reserving it for Allah alone. This, He does either through the Qur’an or through the guidance of His beloved Messenger, who does not speak of desire except what Allah has revealed to him.
We beseech Allah to instill in our hearts a deep love for all that is lawful, grant us the strength to resist the allure of unlawful temptations, and in His mercy, forgive us for our transgressions.
