May I Call This Globe A HOME?

Part 2

With the will of Allah, we meet again through this platform, Alhamdulillah. We stopped at a question, “Are we living like that?” in the previous article. “Are we living under circumstances where we all feel like like emergency-room physicians, perpetually on-call, and obliged to heal ourselves but unable to find our prescriptions amid all the data at our desk?” as Ico Piyer put it?

Yes, I was like that, even though I am a Muslim, was raised as a Muslim and live in a Muslim country. After more than two decades – from my early 20’s to late 30’s – I needed to pause. I needed to redefine the status and understanding of the four quintessential aspects of being a Muslim – Islam, Iman, Ihsan and al-Akhirah – in order to feel as if this globe can be as a home.

"A home is full of warmth, acceptance and love, despite differences as all of us are unique beings."
“A home is full of warmth, acceptance and love, despite differences as all of us are unique beings.”

It has been several years since then and the dots of knowledge and understanding are being brought into fruition. The meanings arrive one after another and are connected to one another. The process of connecting the dots is still happening and the most important framework to aid the connection is Tawhid and Aqidah.

What is the most “tragic” incident that could happen to a Muslim? It is none other than losing the embodiment of Islam, Iman, Ihsan and al-Akhirah. Our faith will be tested, and our love for Rasulullah (SAW) will be tested. There are numerous of ayah in al-Qur’an where we are being reminded about this. One of the easy references I make is to The Meaning of The Holy Qur’an – Text, Translation and Commentary by ‘Abdullah Yusuf ‘Ali, may Allah be pleased with Him and accept his deeds. When you refer to the end of the book, there’s an Index section. For example, if I’d like to read all of the ayah that touch on the word patient – I look for “patient” in the index section. The list of corresponding ayah are listed next to the word.

Islam is a religion that is based on knowledge, 'ilm that is illumined by two sources -- al-Qur'an and Sunnah of Rasulullah SAW.
Islam is a religion that is based on knowledge, ‘ilm that is illumined by two sources — al-Qur’an and Sunnah of Rasulullah SAW.

Learn vigorously! Look for learned teachers and subject matter experts to learn from. Invoke Allah (SWT) by offering the du’a Rasulullah (SAW) was commanded to make which reads, “Say: O my Lord, increase me in knowledge” – Surah Taha 20:114

Learn whole-heartedly, learn together with the family and see what that learning process does to your state of being. It is part of purification that can be applied in addition to azkar (remembrance of Allah).

I was like you: saddened and shocked, again, with thoughts about all of the issues going on in the world. The incident that occurred in France recently served as a pinnacle. Going through all of these processes, after days and days of contemplation, reflection and observation, I wrote an entry on Facebook upon achieving the state of acceptance. I trust that the message that exists between the lines can be understood:

Grande de Mosqueé, Paris
Grande de Mosqueé, Paris

Dear Charlie Hebdo Editorial Staff,

I begin with mentioning the name of Allah, the Entirely Merciful and Always All Merciful,

With all due respect, you may announce your corporate value and principles as anti-establishment or non-conformist.

Please know that I am happy being a Muslim, that I am learning to be a good Muslim and that I am not my religion.
Islam is pure, dignified, authentic, peaceful and loving. However, my embodiment of Islam is a work in progress until the time when I return to my (our) Creator. All of us, mankind — are His creation , as are all creations besides human beings, and we are all  accorded with His blessings and mercy.

Allah, Subhanahu waTa’ala,  also mentioned that the Prophet Muhammad, Rasulullah, peace and blessings be upon him (SAW), His messenger and servant is a blessing to these worlds — encompassing all creation.

I do not detest you, neither do I condone the recent incident in Paris nor the act of killing or oppressing any human being.
You shall not have my rage nor shall I carry a grudges as I am surrounded with unconditional Love from Him and through His creations.

I have neither time nor space to hate, as I am busy loving and learning to be a better Muslim – to be closer to Allah (SWT) and to be as loving as Rasulullah (SAW).

None of my family here in Vienna are Muslims but again, we are too busy loving one another. I have these wonderful, loving, tolerant, respectful family members and friends, as well as samaritans, wherever I am. They make me feel at home. Shall we do that, collectively?

Your fellow traveller and world citizen in Malaysia,
– Wardah Abdullah

ps. It is liberating to love and to respect boundaries.

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