(Part 43)
The Eighth Topic
The Importance of Imitation
The Fifth Speech:
Spreading Doubts Against Religion
The Prophet (peace be upon him) was sent as a role model and mercy to humanity. Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) said:
«مَا خيِّرَ النَّبِيّ اللَي اللَيهِ وَسَلَّمَ بَينَ أَمرَينِ لَّا ختَارَ أَيسَرَهمَا مَا لَم يَأثَم» (البخاری شریف).
“Whenever the Prophet was given a choice between two matters, he would choose the easier of the two, so long as it was not sinful.” (Bukhari 1422, 8/160).
Islam is a call to righteous deeds. The Qur’an never calls to faith without simultaneously emphasizing good actions. Allah invites all people to compete in doing good.
Islam encourages learning, reflection, and contemplation. The first revealed verses of the Qur’an call for learning. Most Qur’anic verses urge the use of reason and praise believers who remember Allah in all states and contemplate His creation:
«الَّذِينَ يَذْكُرُونَ اللَّهَ قِيَامًا وَقُعُودًا وَعَلَى جُنُوبِهِمْ وَيَتَفَكَّرُونَ فِي خَلْقِ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضِ رَبَّنَا مَا خَلَقْتَ هَذَا بَاطِلًا سُبْحَانَكَ فَقِنَا عَذَابَ النَّارِ» (آل عمران، 191).
“Those who remember Allah while standing, sitting, and lying on their sides, and reflect on the creation of the heavens and the earth: ‘Our Lord, you did not create this in vain; glory be to You, so protect us from the punishment of the Fire.’” [Aal Imran: 191] The Qur’an criticizes disbelievers for failing to reflect upon its verses.
Pure Islam calls toward cleanliness, both outward and inward. This faith cultivates high morals and discourages even minor sins, preparing humankind for the noble mission of vicegerency on earth. Numerous Qur’anic verses speak of good character:
«وَعِبَادُ الرَّحْمَنِ الَّذِينَ يَمْشُونَ عَلَى الْأَرْضِ هَوْنًا وَإِذَا خَاطَبَهُمُ الْجَاهِلُونَ قَالُوا سَلَامًا» (الفرقان، 63).
“And the servants of the Most Merciful are those who walk upon the earth humbly, and when the ignorant address them, they respond with peace.” [Al-Furqan: 63] When asked by his companions about the best deeds, the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “The best of deeds is good character.” The grand mission of Islam cannot be achieved without struggling against the ego, sins, and Satan’s deception. Islam is a religion of mercy, love, and wisdom. Allah wants to elevate humans to the highest ranks, so He sent prophets and revealed divine books to fill hearts with light, compassion, and guidance.
Imitation in The Present Age
