the writers nook

In the darkness of night, a sense of peace descends upon the world, and the whispers of the faithful rise like a gentle breeze. A compassionate light illuminating a path to safety and assurance, and offering tranquillity in the face of cruelty.

It is a beauty that descended upon the mundane, a radiance that penetrate the soul. As the veil of darkness lifts, the majesty of a timeless wisdom is revealed, a treasure of Spiritual blessings that has captivated the hearts of billions. And at its core, a message of unity, grace, mercy, honesty, compassion, and surrender echoes, a call to embrace the divine.

This incandescent radiance has elevated humanity from the depths of ignorance and illiteracy, illuminating the path to knowledge and understanding. The gentle touch of its wisdom has awakened minds, inspired innovation, and nurtured some of the most remarkable advancements in human history. It is the beauty of one religion and one religion only, which is the supreme authority and a message sent down from the hands of the Divine Authority through his Messenger, Prophet Mohammed (PBUH). It is ISLAM, a religion that speaks and breathes love and compassion, peace and unity, faith and truth.

Islam, a faith of over 1.8 billion followers worldwide, is a timeless and universal religion built on teachings of peace, love, and compassion. Yet, its beauty is often obscured by misconception and misrepresentation, fuelled by the actions of a small minority of extremists who distort the true nature of this wisdom-filled religion.

The foreign-controlled media groups and popular culture often perpetuate a distorted narrative, associating Islam with terrorism, violence, and intolerance. It is astounding to note that, despite the fact that THE BOOK (Quran) contains no content that can be construed as extremist, the so-called literati of our planet fail to see this in broad daylight.

In this article, we will embark on a journey to explore the very essence of Islam through the basic moral teachings mainly of the Quran and to further strengthening the cord with the Hadith wherever is necessary.

GRACE (FAADHIL)

In Islam, grace (Faadhil) is a radiant quality that illuminates the human soul with elegance and refinement, casting a warm glow on the path to spiritual growth. It is a sublime quality that adorns the heart with compassion, kindness, and generosity, reflecting the grandeur of spiritual wisdom. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and his companions personified grace in every aspect, inspiring others with their flawless character, gentle demeanour, and unwavering compassion. By embracing grace, individuals from all walks of life can transform their lives into a masterpiece of inner beauty, creativity, and selflessness, becoming beacons of inspiration that illuminate the world with hope, love, and peace.

In the Divine Words of Almighty reflected in Surah Al-Furqan, verse 63-64: “And the servants of the Most Merciful are those who walk upon the earth easily, and when the ignorant address them [harshly], they say [words of] peace. And those who spend [part of] the night to their Lord prostrating and standing [in prayer].”

MERCY (RAHIMA)

Mercy (Rahima) is one of the fundamental pillars of Islam. It places great emphasis on the value of leniency, encouraging believers to embody this virtue in their interactions with all living beings. The entirety of humanity is inspired by the Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) exemplary mercy, which is also reflected in the compassionate lives of his Companions, such as Abu Bakr (PBUH) and Umar Farooq (PBUH) Throughout history, various Muslim heroes like Salahuddin Ayyubi and Omar Mukhtar have demonstrated remarkable mercy, even towards their enemies, leaving a lasting legacy. By treating others with kindness and compassion, we not only reflect Allah’s mercy towards us but also become a testament to the beauty of Islam, fostering a more harmonious world. Being merciful towards others makes us the human we are meant to be. As the Quran (49:10) emphasizes, “Show mercy to one another, for you are all guilty before Allah”

HONESTY (SIDQ)

Another wonderful virtue taught by Islam is Honesty (Sidq). Honesty is one the most strongest pillars of one’s character emphasizing truthfulness and integrity in all aspects of life. The Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) also stressed upon the value of honesty saying “Truthfulness leads to righteousness, and righteousness leads to Paradise” (Bukhari). The close and sincere companions of the Prophet like Abu Bakr, Usman Ghani, and Umar, exemplified their trait in their lives. Besides Islamic teaching, every other religion highlights the importance of being honest with one and another, as it is the basic characteristic of a human being, upon which the foundation of trust and respect stands tall. As the Quran states in Surah Al-Imran, verse 152 – “Allah loves those who are truthfully”

FORGIVENESS (GHUFRAN)

Forgiveness (Ghufran) is a incisive virtue in Islam, deeply ingrained in the Quranic teachings of mercy and pardon. Allah’s infinite mercy and willingness to forgive serve as a guiding light for believers. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) also exemplified forgiveness, demonstrating remarkable mercy even towards his enemies. Right after the conquest of Macca, the Prophet Mohammed (PBHU) in his sermon announced that instead of avenging He is forgiving everyone regardless of the level of enmity and shower mercy towards everyone. He taught, “The merciful will be shown mercy by Ar-Rahman (Allah). Be merciful to those on earth, and He Who is in heaven will be merciful to you” (Tirmidhi). Forgiveness is liberating, freeing us from the burdens of grudges and resentment. By seeking forgiveness and pardoning others, we reflect Allah’s mercy and cultivate a more compassionate society. As the Quran (42:40) states, “And whoever forgives and makes reconciliation – his reward is with Allah”

RESPECT (IHSAN)

Respect (Ihsan) is another basic principle of Islam, encompassing the treatment of parents, elders, children, and everyone in general, as well as the etiquettes of speech and behavior. It emphasizes the value of humility and self-control, teaching individuals to conduct themselves with dignity and compassion. In Islam, respect is a two-way street, where individuals are encouraged to show reverence to their fellow beings, while also earning respect through their character and actions. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) himself showed us through His conduct of daily life how to implement this aspect in our lives setting a firm example to follow. By embracing the virtue of respect, individuals can foster a culture of kindness, empathy, and understanding, leading to stronger family bonds, healthier relationships, and a more harmonious society. As the Quran states in Surah Al-Baqrah “And speak to people good words”

GRATITUDE (SHUKR)

Gratitude (Shukr) is another essential Islamic value that resonates throughout the Quran and the lives of Muslim role models, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and appreciating the blessings and favours bestowed by Allah. Despite the intensity of hardship faced by the Great Prophet Mohammed (PBHU) in spreading the message of the Almighty, he never complained, instead he always remained thankful to His Lord. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) would often pray, “Allahumma lakal-hamdu kathiran taiyiban mubarakan fih” (“O Allah, all praise is due to You, abundant, good, and blessed”) (Bukhari). Abu Bakr (RA), the first caliph, was known for his gratitude and would often say, “Alhamdu lillah” (“Praise be to Allah”) (Tirmidhi). Recognizing blessings and expressing thanks have immense value in Islam, it strengthens faith, encourages humility, fosters a positive mind set and develops a sense of appreciation for life’s blessings. As the mighty Book, the Quran says in Surah Al-Mu’minun (Quran 23:78) – “Indeed, Allah is the One who has given you the hearing, the sight, and the intellect, and yet most people are not grateful.”

HOSPITALITY (DIWAN)

Hospitality (Diwan) holds a sacred place in Islam, emphasizing the importance of welcoming guests with warmth, generosity, and kindness. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) set a high standard for hospitality, often going beyond his means to ensure his guests felt comforted and honoured. The Ansar (RA), the Companions of the Prophet in Madinah, demonstrated remarkable hospitality by sharing their homes, food, and resources with the migrant Companions from Makkah. Islamic cultures have perpetuated this tradition, greeting guests with a warm welcome, offering refreshments, and treating them with respect and kindness. Hospitality is considered a way of earning Allah’s pleasure and reward, reflecting one’s faith and character. The Prophet’s encounter with a weary traveller who sought refuge in His mosque, and the Prophet’s subsequent care of the traveller, exemplifies the essence of Islamic teaching of hospitality. The story Abu Talha’s (RA), who generously offered his most valuable possessions to a guest, illustrates the importance of selflessness in hospitality. In the eyes of Allah, guests are considered a Blessing from Allah. A Quranic verse about hospitality in Surah Al-Insan  (Quran 76:8-9) worded like this – “...And they give food, despite their love for it, to the needy, the orphan, and the prisoner. [Saying], ‘We feed you only for the sake of Allah, and we desire not from you any reward or gratitude.’”

COMPASSION (RAHMA)

Compassion (Rahma) is considered a basic character building virtue in Islam, encapsulating the value of love and empathy towards all creation. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) exemplified compassion in his words and actions, teaching his followers to treat all beings with gentleness and care. He would often visit the sick, comfort the grieving, and provide for the needy. He even showed kindness to animals, including a thirsty dog, and taught his followers to do the same. He forgave his enemies and showed mercy to those who wronged him. The Hadith highlights the significance of compassion, with the Prophet saying, “A man is not a believer who fills his stomach while his neighbour is hungry” (Bukhari) and “Show compassion to those on earth, and the One in heaven will show compassion to you” (Tirmidhi). By embracing compassion, we can become a source of comfort, hope, and mercy for those around us, just as the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was. Quranic verse to perfectly encapsulate this concept is  (Quran 12:177-178) – “And the righteous ones are those who believe in Allah and the Last Day, and do good deeds, and enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong, and are patient and persevering. And they are those who are compassionate and kind to all creatures, which include animals, out of Allah’s mercy. And Allah loves the doers of good deeds.”

PATIENCE (SABR)

Patience (Sabr) is considered as a vital sign in Islam, Sabr connotes perseverance, endurance, and steadfastness in the face of adversity, enabling believers to navigate life’s challenges with faith and resilience. There is no better example of a patient human being than Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). There are so many other Prophets who throughout their lives face distinct sorts of hardship but remain steadfast for the blessings of the Almighty. Importance of Patience is that it helps Develop trust in Allah’s plan, fosters inner strength, enhances faith and cultivates empathy leading to ultimate victory and reward. As the Quran says in Surah Al-Baqra (2:155) – “And indeed, We will test you with something of fear and hunger, and a loss of wealth and lives and fruits, but give good tidings to the patient.”

JUSTICE (ADL)

Justice (Adl) is a basic tenet in Islam, emphasizing fairness, equality, and righteousness. Islamic teachings stress the importance of justice in all aspects of life, as a moral obligation and a means to achieve a harmonious society. Importance of Adl is upholding justice is a collective responsibility, ensures individual and societal well-being, reflects faith and moral character and it's essential for a just and harmonious society. Our beloved Prophet Mohammed (PBHU) set the tone for a society that holds accountability without considering the status of individuals. Hazrat Umar Farooq's Justice was something of a huge magnitude in his era, where he held himself and his governors accountable for their actions, setting a solid example for others to follow. In the words of the Quran in Surah An-Nisa (Quran 4:135) -  "O you who believe! Stand out firmly for justice, as witnesses to Allah, even if it be against yourselves, or your parents, or your kin."

EDUCATION (TA’LIM)

Last but not the least, Education (Ta’lim) is a cherished value in Islam, recognizing the power of knowledge and learning to transform individuals and societies. Islamic teachings emphasize the pursuit of knowledge as a lifelong journey, essential for personal growth, intellectual development, and the betterment of humanity. In the words of the most beloved humans of all, Prophet Mohammed (PBHU) “Knowledge is the wing wherewith one flies to paradise.” Seeking Knowledge set the path for Personal growth, intellectual curiosity, social progress, empowerment and self-improvement. To quote the names of few Muslim Scholars and their intellectual achievements, Imam Al-Ghazali (RA) – renowned theologian, philosopher, and mystic. Ibn Sina (RA) – Polymath and father of modern medicine. Ibn Rushd (RA) – Philosopher and jurist. Al-Khwarizmi (RA) – Mathematician and astronomer. There are other non Muslims and many unknown individuals spent their lives in seeking and gaining knowledge to further themselves and to create a world where humanity can stand tall. As the Quran states in Surah Taha (Quran 20:114) , “And say: ‘My Lord, increase me in knowledge.’”

CONCLUSION (THE BEGINNING OF IMPROVED VISION)

The cardinal values necessary for any individual to be qualified as a Human mentioned above are just a few of the many inscribed by Allah Azwajjal in the Quran. These are merely few of the basic character attributes required by Allah upon which a Believer will be evaluated on the Day of Judgement. A deep study of the Quran and Sunnah reveals multiple merits that form the foundation of one's character, which makes a person the kind of human Allah intended to create.

Over a vast period of time, Allah sent down many Messengers (PBHU) all with the same purpose of spreading His message. His message is one, his message is of love, kindness, humanity, justice, patience, and compassion. These traits were also the attributes of the character of all the Messengers descended upon earth.

In light of the above, I, like many Muslims worldwide, am perplexed as to why the world around us associates inhumane acts of violence, extremism, and destruction with the beautiful and graceful religion of Islam. When the message sent down by the Lord is nothing but of pure love and compassion, not only towards human beings, but also animals and every other living thing, then why have the literati of today lost sight of what is and what is not?

Through this article, I pose a question to every reader: When school shootings occur in the USA, do we link the extremists’ religion to Christianity? Should we Muslims then label terrorists as Christians? No, because we have been taught by all our Prophets to always take the high road. Terrorists and extremists are heartless individuals. No religion, regardless of its sacred worshipping principles, can be associated with such heartless acts. Because we believe that basic moral principles are the same, no matter which religion you follow or which god you bow your head to.

Let us not forget: terrorists have no religion, no moral foundation, and lack basic human decency. They are not even qualified to be called human.

This piece is the ultimate effort to convey that terrorists are not even human, let alone Muslims. Islam and it's true believers reject terrorism in all its forms, recognizing the humanity and compassion that bind us all together. Because our faith’s core teaches us that one day we will return to our Lord, where we will be rewarded with endless goodness for our humane gestures in the afterlife.

CALL TO ACTION

I invite everyone to share their thoughts on this article and comment if you think my narrative isn't impactful enough to effectively dispel the misconception that terrorists have any religion. I am confident that I have made a compelling case worthy of changing your views on the Graceful Religion of ISLAM.