Chapter One: The Muslim & his Lord

Obedient to the commands of his Lord

It has been almost a month since my last post, with my exams and Ramadhan, it's difficult to find the right time to compose another writing. However, Alhamdulillah today is the Independence Day of Malaysia, and I have all the time to write.

The first chapter in the book continues about being an obedient servant. This sentence aptly describes this subtopic:

"He never transgresses the limits, and he follows Allah's commands and guidance even when they are contrary to his own desires and the test of the Muslim faith lies in the following of the commands of Allah and His Messenger(pbuh) in all matters; great and small, with no hesitation or reservation.

Surah An-Nisa ayat 65;

"But no, by the Lord, they can have no (real) faith, until they make you judge in all disputes between them, and find in their souls no resistance against your decisions, but accept them with the fullest conviction" 

Thus the ideal Muslim is obedient, he/she will never give any excuses or object any of Allah's and the Prophet's (pbuh) commands. It is a matter of absolute submission and complete obedience. Without both of these, there is no faith and no Islam.

This topic reminds me of the term "moderate" Muslims. The recent issue of building an Islamic centre about two blocks away from Ground Zero is still under huge debate. In order to win the hearts of Americans, Imam Feisal used to word "moderate" to water down the American's prejudice towards Islam. Below is an excerpt from Associated Press:

"The center's leaders, Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf, and his wife, Daisy Khan, have a long record of interfaith outreach in New York and beyond. They insist the center will be a voice for moderate Islam and will welcome people of all religions."

I do not oppose his good intentions, I support 100% the building of an Islamic centre in New York. He needed to use the  word "moderate Islam" in order to dissociate himself from the so called Muslim "extremists" that blew up the World Trade Centre. However, I totally do not agree with the word "moderate".
Can you have a "light Muslim"?, an "intermediate muslim"?, or even an "extreme Muslim"?

The correct word should be "true Muslim". He should be promoting the real Islam, the true Islam that follows the Quran and Sunnah. That Islam that is not only a religion, but Islam that is a way of life(Ad-deen).

"Moderate" Islam is a confusing term. What is a moderate Muslim? Can she choose not to wear the Hijab, but still pray 5 times a day? or Is a moderate Muslim someone who is a Muslim but do not look like one?
It is a very subjective term, thus there should never be many "classes" of Muslims, there must be only one, the true, or ideal Muslim.

The ones that chooses which commands to obey, and hesitates to fulfill Allah's commands are not true Muslims. The ones that promote violence and kills civilians are not true Muslims.

We must revert and relearn what Islam really want us to be. Iqra'(read), that is the Prophet's first revelation from Allah. Read and be knowledgeable, may Allah opens up your heart to His Blessings and grows your Faith day by day.

Wallahu'alam, Assalamualikum.