THE DUTY OF MUSLIMS TOWARDS ISLAM

From the series of Albaqiyah Heritage Foundation Weekly Webinar, the presenter, Ahmad Rufai Sagagi (@AhmadSagagi) commenced with highlighting the provisions made by Islam for Muslims even before their birth, parents were guided on the category of spouses to choose, the marriage is also being guided with utmost meticulousness, so also raising the child. Not only this, but most obligations in Islam were tailored to create general benefits for Muslims and for humanity at large. This therefore, begs the question of what the duty of a Muslim towards Islam is. 

The word of testimony (kalimatush shahada) is the cardinal principle in Islam and serves as the gatekeeper of the whole Deen. One is therefore expected, as a Muslim, to understand the oneness of Allah and to have a solemn conviction of that, without which, one's islam isn't complete. Whether born as a Muslim or revert, the conviction still applies and it's the ultimate criterion in the first place that proves one's Islam. 

Journeying into other provisions of Islam, such as prayer (Salah), one will also understand, apart from the spiritual connection it facilitates with the Creator, it brings unity among people, breeds familiarity between neighbours through regular gathering of five times a day. It further instills humility, equalizing the haves and haves-not before their Creator and strengthens the bond of brotherhood. So also in Zakat, it ensures love among people, eliminate hatred through sharing from the rich to the poor proportionately, these, would also be understood when we x-ray all other forms of worships in Islam. These provisions and more could only be appreciated if one understands the Deen. Therefore, the first of Muslims duty towards the religion is understanding the Deen properly, speak only when you know, and be quiet when not in the know. 

As a Muslim, promoting Islam through words and character would be a beautiful thing to do; applying knowledge and engaging in discussion that you properly understand. It's part of the duty to provide clarification in the aspects of confusion associated with the Deen, but do that with caution to speak only with knowledge and understanding. And do not engage in any mockery or making fun of anything associated with Islam, else, you may harm your faith. In the same vein, it will be disservice to Islam for a Muslim to exhibit attributes, especially which are categorically forbidden, more especially in the company of non-Muslims. This become grander in a situation that such actions could be perceived as representations of Islam. This might not just de-market Islam but might block others from coming into the fold of Islam. It's therefore one's duty to not become a problem to the promotion of the Deen. 

Endeavour to further stay clear of all prohibitions, for you will not just be closer to your Lord but attract sanity and order to your worldly life. Adultery, alcoholism, interest, stealing, were some of the forbidden engagements and bring nothing but destruction to one's life even for anyone without a faith. The presenter concludes that any person that reads Islam as a Deen, will inevitably understand that it certainly matches with purity of humanity. The presentation ends with thirst for more which called for dedication of next segment to serve as its continuation. Other contributors in the discussion include Mal. Aliyu Usman, Malama Maryam M Umar and Mal. Mahmoud Abubakar.