ISLAMIC CULTURE

Islam is not merely a set of beliefs nor is our blessed religion confined to certain acts of worship but rather, it is a complete code of life. A Muslim is guided through every aspect of his life; Islam has its unique ‘culture’ which defines the identity of each and every believer. The yardstick for acceptance in the Divine Court of Allah Ta’ala جل جلاله is identifying with the blessed personality of Sayyiduna Rasoolullah صلى الله عليه وسلم; he is the ONLY role model.

The values of Muslims are the values propagated by Islam. Our way of life whether in dressing, behaviour, social interaction, monetary dealings, character and every sphere of our existence revolves around the blessed example of Sayyiduna Rasoolullah صلى الله عليه وسلم. We, as Muslims, understand that eternal success can only be achieved through emulating the noble lifestyle of Sayyiduna Rasoolullah صلى الله عليه وسلم. Our lives cannot be diluted by identifying with the methods or lifestyles of those who oppose the personality of Sayyiduna Rasoolullah صلى الله عليه وسلم. The outstanding trait of the Muslim is that he will not sacrifice his Islamic identity. As believers, we have absolute conviction that our Islamic values cannot be compromised and we will be prepared to sacrifice our lives rather than abandon the way of Islam.

On the occasion of Hudaibiyah, Sayyiduna Rasoolullah صلى الله عليه وسلم sent Hazrat Uthmān رضي الله عنه to Makkah Mukarramah as his representative to explain to the Quraish that the Muslims had only come to perform Umrah. Hazrat Uthmān رضي الله عنه entered Makkah Mukarramah dressed in the Islamic code of dress with his garments between his ankles and knees whereas the disbelievers regarded wearing their garments below the ankles to be a mark of dignity. Hence, his cousin Abaan bin Saeed asked; “What is the matter? Why are you dressed in this inappropriate and undignified manner?” Hazrat Uthmān رضي الله عنه replied; “This is how Rasoolullah صلى الله عليه وسلم wears his lower garment.”

Today, we offer feeble excuses to ‘go with the flow’ and not ‘against the grain’ – we are taught that ‘when in Rome, do as the Romans do.’ However, Hazrat Uthmān رضي الله عنه has shown by example that irrespective of the circumstances, we remain committed to Sayyiduna Rasoolullah صلى الله عليه وسلم and offer our allegiance to his blessed personality.

(Information sourced from Al-Haadi Vol 25/Issue 3 – Sha’baan 1439)