THE GREATEST IDENTITY
The Muslim identity is second to none. That does not mean Muslims believe they are choicer than anyone.
The message at the advent of Islam in seventh-century Arabia was not new. God’s unveiling to Muhammad contained the same fundamental message as was revealed to Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jesus, and all of God’s chosen Prophets, peace upon them all, since the beginning: “In matters of faith, He has laid down for you [people] the same commandment that He gave Noah, which We have revealed to you [Muhammad] and which We enjoined on Abraham and Moses and Jesus” [42:13].
God proclaimed to the Prophet (s) that the central message is: “Say (O, Muhammad), ‘What is revealed to me is that your God is One God–will you (be a Muslim) submit to Him?'” [21:108].
This foundational declaration, too, is central in the TNKH (pronounced Tanakh), the Hebrew Bible: ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one’ [Deuteronomy, 6:4].
Allah revealed that Prophet Moses (as) challenged the Muslimness of the Children of Israel: “O, my people, if you believe in God, then put your trust in Him, if you are true submitters (Muslims)” [10:84].
After receiving the greatest declaration, one must become a Muslim, that is, fully submit to the Will of God.
The Quranic verses quoted prove that the Muslim identity spanned aeons and that God inspired humanity to assume it. Here are a couple more: “Abraham was not a Jew nor yet a Christian, but he was (a Muslim) true in faith, and bowed his will to Allah’s” [3:67]. And God revealed to us about Jesus’ disciples: ”And behold! I inspired the disciples to have faith in Me and Mine Messenger: they said, ‘We have faith, and do thou bear witness that we bow to Allah as Muslims'” [5:111].
The driving force that kept people aligned with God through the ages was not the noun part of being a Muslim, but the verb aspect, the state of surrendering and devoting oneself wholly to the Divine Will.
Psychology confirms that the gold standard for behaviour change is identity change. Thus, it stands to reason that God set the Muslim identity as the Divine standard for all communities. When we align with God, we activate our best selves, our natural states.
Muslims are fortunate that they already have the right identity. All they need to do is believe and submit to it, for a day will come when every soul will wish that they had submitted to God. [15:2]
We Love Ramadan
by: Zaahied Sallie, Nurah Tape-Sallie,
We Love Ramadan is a delightful tale about how the spirit of Ramadan captures the hearts of three siblings and sets them on a Ramadan adventure until the special day of Eid arrives!
RESIST POWERFULLY, YET GENTLY
The Prophetic mantle is the thorniest.
Every noble cause will meet resistance. Whether it is spreading God’s message, fighting injustice and oppression, or bettering oneself.
It is normal for one to feel the pressure of the tide. Thus, God, understanding human weakness, encouraged the Prophet (s) and humanity by extension, not to be sad. Remember, God’s plan is flawless. [15:88]
So, go out, and never mince your words. Be bold and brave when addressing evil. And when speaking truth to power, do it gently, in the hope that they may take heed, just as Allah instructed Moses when he went to address Pharaoh. [20:44]
Allah wants us to be wedded to His book and has set Iqra (read) as the dowry.
Until next week, InshaAllah
P.S. Remember to write weekly to the President
Zaahied Sallie
Author of The Beloved Prophet – An Illustrated Biography in Rhyme
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