Islam is not only a religion; it is a way of life. Renowned scholar, Dr Abdul Karim Awad focuses on how Islam does not only comprise religious acts but also serves as a comprehensive guide for every other aspect of life. In “Al-Islam Religion & Life,” Dr. Awad elaborates on the profound teachings of Islam, actually enlightening the reader on how faith begins and ultimately gets intertwined with the existence of daily life.
Actually, the nitty-gritty of Islam lies in its submission to the will of Allah, which becomes a beacon of guidance in regard to how it should live. From private life to relations with society, Islam, despite being a structured path, makes sure this path stays very flexible, gaining spiritual fulfillment and societal harmony.
The Basic Concepts of Islam: Tawheed, Risalah, and Akhirah
Dr. Awad teaches three central principles of Islam: Tawheed, Risalah, and Akhirah. The themes of Tawheed, Risalah, and Akhirah are considered as an abiding foundation for faith for a Muslim and broadly shape his or her outlook on life.
Tawheed: The Core of Belief in Islam
Tawheed or the belief in Oneness is, as a matter of fact, the core of Islam. The idea postulates that Allah is the real deity and the creator of the universe and should not be worshipped except by Him. That belief reflects the way a Muslim conceives and worships the world exclusively to Allah.
God is declared to be sovereign; men submit to His will. Such a belief holds sway in the mind and character of every person from the character of the way he prays to the way he acts about people. The Tawheed reminds one of this fact that everything which exists has been given a purpose at the behest of the Creator.
Risalah : Role of Prophets in Islam
Risalah is believing in the prophets and messengers Allah has entrusted to humanity for guidance. Prophet Muhammad is the final messenger of Allah, and his teachings are summarized by both the Quran and the Hadith. As per Dr. Awad, a Muslim acknowledges the role of prophets. This helps in the right interpretation of the path an individual must take.
It is indeed the life of Prophet Muhammad that represents a practical example for Muslims. Every action, decision, and teaching presents a combined guide to living a life according to tenets in Islam. For Dr. Awad, it’s not just the spiritual leadership represented by prophethood but actually practical solutions when it comes to challenges of the everyday world.
Akhirah: The Afterlife and Accountability
The belief in afterlife is reflected by the concept of Akhirah. According to Dr. Awad, Muslims believe that death marks the beginning of their judgment for their deeds in the Hereafter. “The results of this judgment will lead to either eternal reward in paradise or punishment in hell.”.
This belief of accountability bases the moral perspective of a Muslim to live an ethically good life, and hence, to make decisions that tend towards the correct according to the belief. It is a reminder that the aim of human life goes beyond just this world and can gain more success in the hereafter.
The Five Pillars of Islam: Practical Foundations of Faith
Dr. Awad expounds at length about the Five Pillars of Islam, which become the framework of a Muslim’s practice of faith. These five acts are fundamental in Islam and form the practical manifestation of a Muslim’s belief.
Shahada: Declaration of Faith
The Shahada, or testimony of faith, is the first of the Five Pillars. It’s a declaration which states there is no god but Allah, and Muhammad (PBUH) is his final messenger. This testimony was at the base of Islam and every Muslim says it during prayer, or as a personal reminder of faith.
Becoming a Shahada, Muslims profess the fundamentals of Islam, taking onboard two strands: spiritual submissiveness and responsibility to follow the prophetic guidance. It shapes every action, thought, and decision, ensuring that everything in life is oriented towards Allah.
Salah: The Daily Prayer
The practice or the performance of salah is well considered the second pillar of Islam. It is one form of direct worship by which a person may communicate with God five times every day. According to Dr. Awad, “Salah” is not only an exercise that is spiritual but an opportunity also to seek guidance and strength in daily life.
Every prayer is a time for reflection as it reminded them what is expected of them and not to forget to remain modest before Allah. In Salah, the Muslim gets close to his/her creator; He awaits His mercy and blessings.
Zakat: Charity Importance in Islam
The Zakat, or almsgiving, is the third and most detailed pillar of Islam. Zakat, as observed by Dr. Awad, directly relates to social justice because it obligates Muslims to offer a portion of their wealth to those in need. Such charity, in turn, cleanses one’s wealth and helps in reducing poverty levels within the community.
Zakat refers to something more than charity; it is the giving out of the blessings of Allah. The act of Muslims donating wealth to the poor has led to the progress of society, stimulating solidarity and brotherhood.
Sawm: The Fast of Ramadan
Fasting, or sawm, occurs during the month of Ramadan. According to Dr. Awad, fasting teaches a person to be self-disciplined, patient, and sympathetic to those in need. It’s a good time for spiritual reflection, commitment, and purification.
Fasting allows individuals to appreciate this closeness with God, de-emphasizing dependence on all else but Him. Furthermore, it enhances a greater social consciousness because through fasting, Muslims empathize with the pains of the underprivileged and look for ways to help them.
Hajj: The Spiritual Pilgrimage to Mecca
Hajj, or a pilgrimage to Mecca, is the fifth pillar of Islam. According to Dr. Awad, performing Hajj is an act of spiritual journey which helps bring a Muslim closer to Allah. According to Islamic teachings, Muslims must perform Hajj once in their lifetime if they can afford it, as it is an obligatory act of worship.
While performing Hajj, the assembly of Muslims achieves a holistic bonding with the global Muslim community. It just reminds one that all believers are equal before Allah and pilgrimage is a symbol of ultimate surrender unto His will.
Islamic Ethics: The Good Life and the Righteous Society
Dr. Awad postulates that Islam is not merely a system of rituals but covers all aspects of life. Therefore, Islamic behavior focuses on righteousness and morality. Ethical behavior as inspired by the Quran and the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) entails behaviors related to both personal relationships and social responsibilities.
The primary teachings of Islam tell Muslims to work towards justice, respect others, and to always act in integrity and justice. In this view, from Dr. Awad, the ethical framework of Islam guides the realization of just and harmonious societies. Since Islam’s foundation of teachings helps enhance the well-being of humanity. Muslims ensure that all their actions meet the high standards set before them by Allah.
Islam and Society: Building a Balanced Community
Such work by Dr. Awad goes beyond individual practices to the broader implications of Islam in society at large. He calls attention to the centrality of community in Islam, for it promotes collaboration and teamwork toward bettering all. Charitable works or social justice pursuits, Islam offers a rounded model on developing a balanced and thriving community.
The culture bred by Islam encourages the values of cooperation, mutual support, and respect. From family dynamics to business ethics, the teachings of Islam are lessons to the followers to strive. The betterment of the society through proper justice, peace, and prosperity for all.
Conclusion: Embracing Islam as a Complete Way of Life
Dr. Abdul Karim Awad’s teaching in “Al-Islam Religion & Life” offers a deep understanding of Islam, the full way of life. From the foundational concepts of Tawheed, Risalah, and Akhirah to the practical aspects of the Five Pillars. Islam provides clear guidance on how believers should live. Therefore, embracing the spirit and socio-conscious nature of Islam allows Muslims to truly live purposeful, ethical, and fulfilling lives.
Read more: Branches of Faith By Dr Abdul Karim Awad
