living islam _ Islamic tradition

http://www.masjidulquds.com/lec67.htm

by Sheikh Muhammad Murat

There exists great wisdom in each law that Allah has ordered man to obey. Our acts of Ibadah are thus not only an act of obedience but also a means of perfecting ones character. The Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) advised the believers to serve Allah wherever one may find oneself and to follow a bad deed with good deed so that it may erase the bad deed and to deal with people on the best possible manner. Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) also said that the believer will achieve through his character and conduct the status of the one that perpetually fast and prays.

Islam ordains its followers to develop a good conduct for the essence of Islamic Law is to perpetuate good character. Aisha (R.A) was asked about the character of the Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W). She replied that his (S.A.W)'s character was that of the Quran. All acts which are principles are disciplinary exercise for one to become a person with good conduct no matter what the circumstance may be.

We are informed in the Holy Quran that the underlying wisdom of the performance of Sollah is the protection from lewdness and evil behaviour. The essence of Sollah is thus to shun evil and to purify the inner self as well as the manner in which speaks and treats others.

The giving of Zakah is and obligation imposed on the believers not only as a tax. In conjunction to the giving of a tangible item for the payment of Zakah, Allah has also made compulsory Allah the feeling of love and compassion within oneself.

The payment of Zakah is described of a means of cleansing. It is the cleansing of ones inner self from the feelings of greed and selfishness. It is the heart that is being purified when ones gives the Zakah. When closely examining every act of worship we see that the underlying wisdom is that of self- purification and character building. A character trait of boastfulness and conceit etc is an indication that we have not achieved the true meaning and objective of our acts of worship.

The Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) informed us that he was sent for no other reason other than to perfect human character. The acts of worship is thus a means of attaining this objective.

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