Introduction of Islam: Faith and Obedience

Introduction of Islam

Section Two “Faith and Obedience”

Background

Introduction of Islam: Faith and Obedience, we live in an age marked by anxiety and restlessness, as a subtle transformation sweeps across the globe. The old order is gradually disintegrating, and a new one is on the horizon. History shows that such periods of upheaval often give birth to fresh movements and cultures. Today, the world is saturated with tension, yet there is also an eager anticipation of a renaissance—a revival of humanity in the twentieth century.

Genuine faith can only be demonstrated by obedient action. If we truly trust in God and His Word and promises, then we will fully obey Him. Anyone can say they have faith, but the people who actually live by faith will act in obedience to God no matter where God leads them. Noah’s faith led him to obey God—even in a task that seemed overwhelming and perplexing.https://au.ltw.org/read/my-devotional/faith-that-leads-to-obedience/

A distinctive hallmark of our era is the widespread revival of Islam. After a long period of dormancy, the Islamic world is awakening from its slumber. A renewed consciousness is emerging, invigorating the global Muslim community in every corner of the world and carrying the potential to usher in a new age.

However, for this Islamic revival to herald a genuinely transformative era, it must be accompanied by an intellectual revolution—a comprehensive reassessment of Islam’s rich intellectual and cultural heritage, presented in language and ideas that resonate with contemporary thought.

Islam is not merely a collection of beliefs; it is a complete way of life that offers guidance for every aspect of human existence—spiritual, moral, social, and legal. This publication is designed to explore the foundational concepts of Islam in a structured and accessible manner, guiding readers step by step through its key principles.

 The complete Series

The series is divided into seven sections, each inquiring into a critical aspect of Islam to provide a deep understanding of its fundamental teachings and practical applications. These sections include:

• • Section One: The Meaning of Islam – Explores the essence of submission to God and lays the foundation for further study.
  • Section Two: Faith and Obedience – Examines the intrinsic link between belief and action. (You are here)
  • Section Three: The Prophethood – Highlights the role and significance of the Prophets as divine messengers.
  • Section Four: The Articles of Faith– Details the core tenets of Islamic belief and the practices that express them.
  •  Section Five: Prayer and Worship – Outlines the practices that express the core tenets of Islamic belief.
  • Section Six: Din and Shari’ah – Explores how faith and divine law interact to guide personal and societal conduct.
  • Section Seven: The Principles of Shari’ah – Outlines the legal, ethical, and social frameworks that define Islam’s moral code.

Each section will be published separately, with links provided to previous chapters and glimpse for upcoming topics to ensure smooth continuity. At the end of each section, you’ll find a brief summary of what has been covered so far, followed by an introduction to the next topic—allowing you to follow a logical progression in your journey to understand Islam.

This series invites you to explore Islam comprehensively, from its core meaning to its extensive legal and ethical framework. Whether you are new to the subject or seeking to deepen your understanding, each installment builds upon the last, guiding you closer to the timeless wisdom and practical relevance of Islam.

• Summary of “The Meaning of Islam” (Section One of Introduction of Islam)

So far, we have studied the core definition of Islam, understanding that it is a way of submission to God that encompasses every aspect of life. We have explored how Islam provides both spiritual fulfillment and practical guidance, ensuring a balanced and purposeful existence.

Faith and Obedience

Having established the fundamental meaning of Islam, we now turn to Faith and Obedience. This section will examine what it truly means to believe in God and how faith translates into a system of obedience, guiding individuals toward righteousness.

Introduction

Faith in Islam is not merely an abstract concept—it demands complete submission and obedience to God’s will. This section examines the relationship between faith and obedience, explaining why belief in God necessitates adherence to divine commands. We will explore the nature of obedience, its purpose, and its role in shaping moral character and social harmony.

Fundamentals

Islam is fundamentally about obedience to God. However, this obedience can only be fully realized when a person possesses a deep understanding of certain essential truths and holds unwavering faith in them. What are these fundamental truths? What knowledge must one acquire to shape their life according to the Divine Way? This section explores these crucial aspects.

• Belief in God
  • Existence of God

The first and foremost requirement is an unshakable belief in the existence of God. Without firm faith in His existence, obedience to Him becomes meaningless.

• • Attributes of God

Additionally, one must understand God’s attributes. This knowledge enables a person to cultivate noble qualities and live a life of virtue and righteousness. If one does not recognize that God is the sole Creator, Ruler, and Sustainer of the universe, they may fall into the trap of false deities, seeking favor from them. However, understanding the concept of tawhid (the oneness of God) eliminates any possibility of such illusions.

• • God Cautiousness

Similarly, knowing that God is omnipresent and omniscient—that He sees, hears, and knows everything, including our unspoken thoughts—instills a sense of accountability. A person who is aware of these attributes will strive to live righteously, knowing they are under constant divine observation. Conversely, ignorance of these attributes may lead one astray, causing them to disobey God unknowingly.

• Knowledge of Divine Law

  • Understanding

To live in accordance with God’s will, one must understand His likes and dislikes. Without knowledge of the Divine Law, how can one follow it? Thus, learning the revealed code of life is essential.

• • Conviction

Mere knowledge is not enough. A person must have full confidence and conviction that this law is divinely ordained and that their salvation depends on following it. Without this certainty, they may falter and lose their way in the darkness of disobedience.

• Consequences of Belief and Disbelief

  • Knowledge

A person must also be aware of the consequences of faith and obedience, as well as those of disbelief and rebellion. They should understand the blessings that await those who choose God’s path and lead a life of purity and virtue. Likewise, they must recognize the suffering and turmoil that result from disobedience and defiance.

• • Life after Death

Belief in life after death is crucial in this regard. One must firmly accept that death is not the end but rather a transition to the next phase of existence. There will be resurrection, and every individual will stand before the highest court of justice, presided over by God Himself.

• • Day of Judgement

On the Day of Judgment, complete justice will prevail—good deeds will be rewarded, and misdeeds will be punished. No one will escape accountability.

• The Importance of Accountability

  • Belief

A person who lacks belief in the afterlife may view obedience and disobedience as inconsequential, assuming that both the righteous and the wicked will meet the same fate—returning to dust after death. With such a mindset, they may struggle to endure the challenges of a life devoted to righteousness and may not see the need to avoid sins that seemingly bring no immediate harm.

• • Temptations

Without firm belief in the Divine Court of Judgment, one may waver in the face of temptation, unable to remain steadfast in the turbulent waters of life. Doubt weakens resolve, while certainty strengthens it. A person can only remain committed to a path if they are convinced of its benefits and aware of the consequences of straying from it.

• • Steadfastness

Thus, profound knowledge of the outcomes of belief and disbelief, as well as an unwavering faith in life after death, is essential for channeling one’s life toward obedience to God.

These fundamental truths form the foundation of a life devoted to God’s obedience—this is Islam.

Faith: What Does It Mean?

Faith, known in Arabic as Imaan, encompasses knowledge, belief, and unwavering conviction. The term Imaan literally means “to know,” “to believe,” and “to be convinced beyond any doubt.” True faith arises from deep understanding and certainty, leading a person to embrace the unity of God, His attributes, His divine law, and the revealed guidance. A person who possesses this firm belief is called a Mo’min (faithful), and their faith naturally leads them to a life of obedience and submission to God’s will. One who lives this life of submission is known as a Muslim.

• The Relationship Between Faith and Islam

Faith (Imaan) is the foundation of Islam. Without it, one cannot truly be a Muslim. Just as a tree cannot grow without a seed, Islam cannot exist without faith. However, just as a seed may fail to sprout due to various conditions, a person may possess faith but struggle to fully embody the principles of Islam due to weaknesses in willpower, poor guidance, or negative influences.

Thus, while faith is the starting point, its strength and application determine the depth of a person’s submission to God. Some may have faith but fail to live as true Muslims due to personal shortcomings.

• Categories of People Based on Faith and Practice

Humanity can be classified into four groups based on their faith and adherence to divine guidance:

• • The True Believers

These individuals possess unwavering faith and wholeheartedly submit to God. They dedicate themselves to seeking His pleasure, following His commands, and avoiding what He forbids. Their devotion surpasses worldly pursuits, making them true Muslims.

• • The Defaulters

These individuals believe in God, His law, and the Day of Judgment, but their faith lacks depth and strength. While they acknowledge divine authority, they struggle with obedience and commit wrongdoings. They remain Muslims but deserve accountability for their shortcomings.

• • The Rebels

These individuals reject faith entirely, refusing to acknowledge God’s sovereignty. Even if their actions appear good, their rebellion against divine authority renders their deeds insignificant in the grand scheme of faith.

• • The Wrongdoers

These individuals neither possess faith nor engage in righteous deeds. They spread corruption, violence, and oppression, making them the worst among people. They are both rebels and criminals.

• The Importance of Faith in Achieving Salvation

The ultimate success and salvation of a person are rooted in Imaan. Islam originates from faith, serving as its foundation, and while one’s adherence to Islamic practices may fluctuate, faith remains the bedrock of true devotion. Without Imaan, Islam cannot exist. Where faith is absent, disbelief (Kufr) inevitably takes its place, regardless of its form. Thus, faith is the gateway to a life of genuine and complete submission to God.

How to Attain Knowledge of God?

A fundamental question arises: How can one cultivate understanding and belief in God, His attributes, His divine law, and the reality of the Day of Judgment?

• Recognizing God’s Signs in Creation

The universe and our very existence are filled with countless signs of God’s presence. Every facet of creation reflects His wisdom, omnipotence, mercy, and sustaining power. His attributes manifest in the intricate order of the cosmos, yet human intellect has often struggled to fully recognize them.

Throughout history, these divine signs have been misinterpreted, leading to various misconceptions. Some have embraced the belief in multiple gods, others have fallen into polytheism or nature worship. Despite the undeniable clarity of divine manifestations, human reasoning has frequently faltered, resulting in confusion and misguided beliefs.

• Understanding Life After Death

Similarly, misconceptions about life after death have persisted. Some believe that death marks the absolute end, while others hold that the soul undergoes continuous cycles of rebirth and regeneration. These notions, however, stray from the truth revealed by God.

• The Challenge of Defining a Code of Life

Attempting to formulate a complete and balanced way of life solely through human intellect is an immense challenge. Even the most knowledgeable and experienced individuals struggle to establish a flawless moral and ethical framework. Without divine guidance, uncertainty remains, and confidence in discovering the absolute truth is elusive.

• Divine Guidance

  • Prophets

In His mercy, God did not leave humanity to navigate this journey alone. Instead, He sent messengers—prophets chosen from among mankind—to impart true knowledge of His attributes, His law, and the purpose of life. Through divine revelation (wahy), these prophets conveyed the correct path to success and eternal bliss.

• • Scriptures

The scriptures revealed to Prophets—the Word of God—serve as the ultimate source of wisdom and guidance. The true test of human intellect lies in recognizing these messengers, studying their teachings, and acknowledging their purity and righteousness.

• The Test of Wisdom and Faith

  • Recognizing Divine Truth

A person with sound judgment and wisdom will perceive the truth in the teachings of God’s messengers. Accepting their guidance reflects an understanding of righteousness, while rejecting them signifies a failure to grasp the truth.

• • The Consequences of Denial

Denying divine revelation leads to ignorance, preventing one from discovering the reality of God, His law, and the life after death. Thus, acquiring knowledge of God requires sincere reflection, recognition of divine signs, and acceptance of the guidance provided through His chosen messengers.

• Faith in the Unknown

In everyday life, when faced with uncertainty, we naturally seek guidance from those who possess knowledge. For example:

• • If we fall ill, we trust a qualified doctor’s expertise and follow their instructions without hesitation.
  • In legal matters, we rely on the advice of legal professionals.
  • In education, we accept the teachings of instructors and mentors.
  • When navigating unfamiliar places, we ask for directions and follow them.

This reliance on knowledgeable individuals is a fundamental aspect of human reasoning. We carefully select the right person and place our trust in their guidance. This form of belief—trusting in what we do not personally know—is called faith in the unknown (Iman-bil-ghaib).

• Understanding Iman-bil-ghaib

Iman-bil-ghaib refers to acquiring knowledge of the unseen from those who possess it. For example:

• • We do not directly perceive God or His attributes.
  • We are unaware of the angels who govern the universe under His command.
  • We lack firsthand knowledge of the divine way of life that leads to His pleasure.
  • We are in the dark about the reality of life after death.

The knowledge of these matters is conveyed to us by the prophets—chosen individuals who had direct contact with the Divine Authority. Their sincerity, integrity, and purity of character serve as undeniable proof of their truthfulness. The wisdom and clarity of their message compel us to acknowledge their teachings as authentic and worthy of belief.

• The Role of Faith in Obedience

This conviction—Iman-bil-ghaib—is essential for obedience to God. Without divine guidance, human intellect alone cannot fully comprehend the unseen realities of existence. The prophets serve as the medium through which we attain true knowledge, enabling us to walk the path of Islam with certainty and purpose.

In This Section

We examined what it truly means to believe in God and how faith translates into a system of obedience, guiding individuals toward righteousness, explaining why belief in God necessitates adherence to divine commands. We explored the nature of obedience, its purpose, and its role in shaping moral character and social harmony.

In the next section, “The Prophethood”

Faith in God is deeply intertwined with belief in His Messengers, who conveyed divine guidance to humanity. In the next section, The Prophethood, we will explore the significance of Prophets in Islam, their role in delivering God’s message, and how their teachings serve as models for humanity.