Islam: A Way of Life

Islam as a Deen, Not just a Religion

Islam is not merely a religion (Mazhab) centred on worship and rituals; rather, it is a complete way of life (Deen) that governs all aspects of human existence. Unlike Mazhab, which allows people to practice rituals freely alongside their occupations, Deen establishes moral, ethical, and legal principles that govern human behaviour in every domain – personal, social, economic, and political.

 

The Quran defines Islam as a Deen rather than a Mazhab: “Indeed, the religion (Deen) in the sight of Allah is Islam.” (Ali-Imran 3: 20)

 

This distinction is essential because Deen ensures that every action aligns with divine principles rather than personal whims or desires. For example, whereas some religions separate faith from governance, Islam integrates spirituality with justice, social responsibility, and legal systems, ensuring that no human activity contradicts divine laws.

Divine Union in Islam

Union with Allah 

The experience of union with Allah, as I have already mentioned in my previous sermon, is profoundly spiritual and transcends human understanding, to the extent that it cannot even be described in words. A person who experiences a connection with Allah will find that the words they (i.e. he or she) use (uses) to describe this experience do not truly capture the depth of what they have lived through spiritually. It is something that the person – the believer – feels and experiences personally, yet cannot fully explain. Only those who have personally gone through this deep connection can truly understand it, and even they struggle to convey the essence of this extraordinary experience to others.

The gift of 'Khair'

 

The Good of this World & the Hereafter

Allah, in His infinite mercy, has kept extraordinary blessings for His believing servants. Even those who have made mistakes and committed sins but later received His forgiveness and mercy are included in these blessings. These rewards exist both in this world (Dunya) and in the next life (Aakhirah). The terms used to describe these blessings are “Khair’ud-Dunya” (the good of this world) and “Khair’ul-Aakhirah” (the good of the afterlife). However, the word “Khair” does not just mean a simple blessing – it refers to a state of true fulfilment and peace for a believer. This peace, enhanced, fortified and deepened by Allah’s mercy, grants a person access to provisions specially kept for them (i.e. him or her) in this world, as well as an even greater reward beyond imagination in the afterlife. But to receive this, they must remain on the right path and die in a state where Allah is pleased with them. This state is called Al-Nafs-Al-Mutmaina (the soul at peace).

 

Every true believer in Allah and His Prophet, Muhammad (pbuh), should aim for this state of inner peace, because it is in this state that one can spiritually connect with Allah. Life on Earth is full of hardships and difficulties, yet, amidst this chaos, Allah grants some people the ability to disconnect from worldly distractions and truly connect with Him. Through Salat (prayer) and Zikr (meditation and remembrance of Allah), a person can reach a level of spirituality where, even though problems may rain down upon them, those troubles feel insignificant – like water dripping off a leaf. They feel deeply at peace, submerged in a connection with Allah, which He Himself has permitted. There is a sense of harmony between the servant and their Creator [be it for a male believer or a female believer], a deep synchronization between Allah and the one He created. This is the real meaning of Khair’ud-Dunya, where the good is not just material, but also spiritual.

'Al-Hayaa' : Modesty in Islam

  

In Islam, Al-Hayaa is a noble quality that represents modesty, humility, and shame in a positive sense of the term. Our beloved Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (pbuh) emphasized its importance, saying: “Faith (Iman) has over seventy branches, and modesty is an essential part of it.” (Bukhari). This virtue is deeply connected to faith, as Hazrat Muhammad (pbuh) also stated: “Modesty and faith are inseparable. If one disappears, the other will also vanish.” (Baihaqi)

 

The Holy Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) was himself a model of modesty. Hazrat Abdullah Ibn Umar (ra) reported that the Prophet (pbuh) never looked at people in an inappropriate way, even during a time when nudity was present, such as during pagan rituals around the Ka’aba. He (pbuh) also taught: “Modesty brings only good.” (Bukhari)

 

In the Holy Quran, Allah commands believers to protect their chastity and lower their gaze: “Tell the believers to lower their gaze and guard their chastity. That is purer for them. Indeed, Allah is fully aware of what they do.” (An-Nur, 24: 31). This verse puts emphasis on the importance of modesty as a way to purify the soul and strengthen faith.

 

In today’s world, society faces a decline in moral values, worsened by the influence of the media and Western culture. Pornography, which was once marginal, has become widespread due to the internet and modern technology.

Gazing God in Heaven

The Vision of Allah in the Afterlife

 

Every true believer wishes to see Allah one day, whether they are believers from among the various peoples of the earth, or especially the chosen ones of Allah – the prophets. Allah states in the Quran:

 

“Glory be to Him (Allah)! His greatness surpasses all that they (meaning the people – the disbelievers, the idolaters) describe. He is the Creator of the heavens and the earth from nothing. How then could He have a child when He does not have a spouse? He has created everything and knows all. That is Allah, your Lord. There is no deity besides Him. He is the Creator of all things; therefore, worship Him. He is in charge of everything. The eyes cannot perceive Him, yet He perceives all eyes. He is kind to us and fully aware of everything.” (Al-Anam, 6: 102-105)

 

The human mind’s conception and perception of Allah are very limited. The intellect cannot fathom the true nature of His existence. Allah is Omniscient, and Omnipresent, meaning He is everywhere, and He hears and knows everything. Nothing escapes His knowledge. One may attempt to conceal oneself, but no one can ever hide from Allah.

'Ilhaam' : 14 Shawwal 1446 AH

 

For anyone who is a devout Muslim, willing and able to exercise his spiritual intellect and common sense; the Signs of the times cannot be mistaken.  There is little doubt that the Ummat-e-Muhammdiyya is passing through a time of all-round turbulence and turmoil; there is a dire need today, perhaps more than at any other point in Islamic history,  for social reforms and spiritual renewal through a Divinely-imbued and inspired soul; a time when Islam has been reduced to the bare text of the Qur’an and the books of traditions; even as they followed the symbols and rites of religion, the Muslims have forgotten the substance and spirit of faith: without clear guidance and pure example through a living exemplar. Instead of holding on to the rope of Allah in quest of Divine help and succour, the search for respite has taken the Ummah to the doors of false gods and evil minds that only misguide and deviate them.

 

Against this dismal backdrop of overall spiritual darkness in the world of Islam today, true and devout Muslims ought to embrace the Divine manifestation of our times:  for those who are not yet aware of, Imam- Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam International Hazrat Muhyiuddin Al Khalifatullah Munir Ahmad Azim (aba) of Mauritius is a living Saint in this 15^th century of Islam. Over the last two decades, Allah the Almighty has bestowed upon him several titles of exceptional rank and spiritual distinction, such as ‘Muhyiuddin’, ‘Mujaddid’, ‘Khalifatullah’, Imam Mahdi, ‘Musleh Maoud’, ‘Dhul Qarnayn’, etc. This humble servant of the Islamic Faith, the chosen elect of God in this era, Hazrat Khalifatullah (aba) brings the light of pure guidance with the help of the Roohul Qudus, renewing the spirit of Tawheed and Tawakkul amidst the trials and struggles of life for the illumination of all lost souls. 

On 14 Shawwal 1446 AH~ 14 April 2025, Hazrat Saheb (aba) conveyed to his disciples and followers about a special, mystical experience of sublime spiritual quality that he experienced: indeed this living saint, like so many of the great pious souls who passed away in the Islamic tradition over the centuries, experiences Divine communion and conversations with Allah (swt). Read the Inspired Message Below:   

Noble and Inspiring Traits

The Impact of the Holy Prophet’s Good Character on Society

 

The Holy Prophet (pbuh) was renowned for his exceptional ability to touch people’s hearts by adapting his approach to what suited them best. When he lost his paternal uncle, who had always acted as his protector against the hostility of other members of his tribe – the Quraysh – as well as other tribes, the Quraysh intensified their persecution against him after his uncle’s death. To escape this oppression and in the hope of gaining the support and protection of the Banu Thaqif tribe for his followers, he decided to travel to Ta’if. He also hoped that this tribe would accept Allah’s message, which he had been sent to deliver on behalf of Allah. He thus embarked on this journey alone as a testament to his faith and determination.