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Why Islam? The Beauty & Benefits of Islam
- Are all religions the same? How do I know which is correct? Why should I choose Islam?
This article aims to discuss some of the beauties, benefits and unique aspects of Islam as compared to other beliefs and religions.
1. Close Relationship with the Creator
Central to Islam is the emphasis on the personal connection between individuals and their Creator, God. It encourages believers to maintain constant awareness of God's presence, which is fundamental to experiencing long-lasting happiness.
Islam teaches that true peace originates from God. By prioritizing this vital relationship and adhering to God's guidance, believers can attain inner peace and serenity. Pursuing lasting happiness through other avenues, such as pursuing personal desires or amassing material wealth, will never truly satisfy our inner void. This void can only be filled by cultivating a deep consciousness of God's presence.
Real peace and contentment can be found by recognizing and obeying the Creator. As it is mentioned in the Quran, "Truly, in remembering God do hearts find rest." (Quran 13:28)
One of the main reasons for this close relationship is that Muslims have a direct connection with their Creator. They don't need to go through any intermediaries or pray to others in order to worship God. Muslims can communicate directly with God, which strengthens their bond and brings them peace.
2. Positive Outlook on Life
Islam provides individuals with a clear understanding of the events that occur in their lives, whether they are positive or negative. It teaches that these events are actually tests from God. Islam encourages people to interpret these events within the broader context of life's purpose, which is to recognize and obey God. Humans were created with intelligence and free will to be tested on their conscious decision to follow God's guidance. This life serves as the ultimate testing ground. While we cannot control everything that happens to us, we have control over our reactions. Islam emphasizes focusing on what we can control, expressing gratitude to God for blessings, and exercising patience during difficult times. By practicing patience and gratitude, one can lead a fulfilling and contented life.
Islam teaches that it's important to find a middle ground between excessive worldly happiness and extreme sadness. By not becoming too attached to material possessions and desires, Muslims can better handle difficult times without losing hope. This balanced approach allows them to navigate challenges and remain steadfast in their faith. Moreover, Islam encourages believers to be generous and helpful to others, contributing positively to society. This outlook leads to a more optimistic and contented life.
3. Pure and Clear Concept of God
Unlike other religions, Islam is not named after its founder or the community it originated from. Instead, Islam is a term that signifies obedience to God, the Creator of the Universe. One of the remarkable aspects of Islam is its recognition of God's absolute perfection, greatness, and uniqueness without any concessions. This is evident in the pure teachings of Islam that describe the attributes of God.
God is One and Unique:
God has no partners, no equals and no rivals.
God has no father, mother, sons, daughters or wives.
God alone is worthy of all worship.
God is the All-Powerful:
God has full authority and power over all things.
Obedience to God does not increase His Power, nor does disobedience decrease His power.
God is the Most High:
There is nothing above or comparable to God.
The attributes of God do not resemble that of His creation.
No part of God is present in anyone or anything.
God is Perfect:
God does not have any human limitations, such as resting on the seventh day after He created the universe.
God always maintains attributes of perfection and does not do anything to compromise this perfection such as "becoming a man" as claimed by other religions. God does not do ungodly acts, so if God became man and took on human attributes, he would, necessarily, no longer be God.
4. Emphasises Both Evidence and Faith
Islam is a religion that offers clear evidence for its beliefs. It encourages people to use their God-given intelligence to think and reflect on their lives and the world. Even though life is a test, God has given enough signs and guidance for those who are open-minded and sincere to recognize the truth.
"We (God) have certainly sent down Signs that make things clear: and God guides whom He wills to the straight path."Quran 24:46
Unlike other religions, there are many clear proofs, signs and miracles that the book of Islam, The Quran, is from God.
The Quran:
- Is free from mistakes or contradictions, even though it took 23 years to reveal.
- Has been preserved exactly as it was revealed in the Arabic language, unlike other scriptures that have been changed or lost.
- Carries a simple, pure, and universal message that deeply impacts those sincerely seeking truth.
- Possesses a unique and unmatched style of language that is considered the highest form of Arabic eloquence and beauty.
- Presents remarkable scientific facts that were only discovered recently, despite being revealed more than 1400 years ago.
The most logical reason for the extraordinary and miraculous aspects of the Quran is that it can only come from God.
5. Forgiveness of Sins
Islam promotes a balanced approach that combines hope in God's mercy and fear of His punishment. Both elements are necessary for leading a positive and humble life.
As human beings, we are born without sin, but we have the freedom to make choices and may sometimes commit sins. God, as our Creator, understands our imperfections and our tendency to make mistakes. However, what truly matters is how we respond when we realize our faults.
"Do not despair of God's mercy; He will forgive you of all your sins."Quran 39:53
Islam teaches that God is the Most Merciful and will forgive and pardon those who sincerely want to repent. The beautiful steps for repentance include being sincere, remorseful, refraining from committing the sin as well as having the intention not to repeat it. Islam encourages a continuous process of self-development and self-purification. This process happens directly between the individual and God - there is no need for sins to be shared or "confessed" to a righteous person/priest. Furthermore, God does not need to sacrifice himself to forgive sins, nor is anyone "born into sin".
6. Accountability and Ultimate Justice
Islam teaches that God is extremely fair and just. On the Day of Judgement, every individual will be answerable for their own deeds. Each person has been given the gift of free will and intelligence to distinguish between what is right and wrong.
In Islam, there is a strong emphasis on personal accountability. No one can escape the consequences of their actions. Each individual will be judged based on their intentions, choices, and deeds. This belief serves as a reminder to act responsibly and with integrity, knowing that our actions have consequences in both this life and the hereafter.
Islam teaches that in the end, we will be held accountable for how we fulfilled our duties and made use of our freedom to choose. Our judgment will be in the hands of God, who possesses complete knowledge and wisdom, and who is aware of all our actions. This belief promotes the establishment of a more peaceful and balanced society, as individuals strive to fulfill their responsibilities and live with integrity. It also provides solace and reassurance, knowing that justice will ultimately prevail and that God's judgment is based on perfect knowledge and wisdom.
7. Practical and Balanced Way of Life
Islam is a religion that combines faith and action to lead a balanced life. It provides guidance for every aspect of life and offers practical ways to worship and connect with God. Islam recognizes and addresses our spiritual, physical, emotional, and social needs. By following its teachings and engaging in its practices, we can find fulfillment and harmony in our daily lives. It's a practical and comprehensive way of life that helps us navigate through life's challenges and live a meaningful existence.
Examples of practical acts of worship that have numerous benefits include:
The five daily prayers - They nourish the soul by allowing regular communication with God, even in today's busy world. They promote humility by bowing and prostrating before God. They eliminate barriers and promote unity among believers who pray together. They serve as a reminder to avoid sins as one stands before God regularly.
The obligatory charity - It purifies individuals from selfishness and encourages compassion for the less fortunate. It reminds us of God's blessings and helps alleviate poverty. It bridges the gap between the rich and the poor.
The fasting in Ramadan - It fosters spiritual purification, self-control, and personal growth. It has scientifically proven health benefits. It promotes empathy and awareness of the struggles faced by those who are less fortunate. It helps individuals develop the habit of obeying God's commands.
The pilgrimage - It unites people from diverse backgrounds, races, and nationalities. Pilgrims dress humbly and engage in acts of kindness and worship together, fostering a sense of equality and brotherhood among all participants.
Since Islam is a divine religion, every command it contains is ultimately for the good and benefit of individuals and society when followed correctly. The Quran provides examples such as being honest, forgiving, truthful, kind to one's spouse, patient, fair, moderate, modest, sincere, and showing respect to parents, family, and the elderly. Moreover, Islam includes principles that can prevent or alleviate many of the individual and social problems that exist in the world today.
8. Universal and Timeless Message
Islam carries a universal message that is relevant to all individuals throughout history, from the time of Adam until the Day of Judgement. It remains applicable in the present, just as it has always been.
God's accessibility extends to everyone, and individuals can distinguish themselves and earn God's favor through their belief and righteous actions alone. One's race, wealth, gender, nationality, or social class does not determine their proximity to God or their worth in His sight.
Conclusion
The timeless and profound message of Islam aligns with the messages of all the Prophets, such as Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jesus, and Muhammad (peace be upon them all). They all invited their respective communities to "Submit to the One True God," which, in Arabic, means embracing the path of a "Muslim." This submission to God allows individuals to fulfill the ultimate purpose of their existence by recognizing the greatness of God and wholeheartedly worshiping Him alone. By embracing Islam, one can experience the numerous blessings and advantages mentioned earlier. - For more information WhatsApp us.
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