As I was surfing the internet last weekend I came across an excerpt of a talk by brother Nouman Ali Khan. I have always held brother Nouman in the highest regard, his analysis of the Quran through linguistics and tafseer is refreshing and very relevant to our world nowadays.
In it, he made a simple analysis on Suratul Fatihah, the first surah. Suratul Fatihah is in fact a prayer to Allah, so that we may be guided towards the straight path. Brother Nouman explained clearly that this can only be achieved by combining two elements, knowledge and action. Siratul mustakim, the straight path is only attainable through this combination.
Though the analysis is simple, it struck a chord in me. The examples of failure to adhere to this guideline is strewn throughout the Muslim world.
On one side, we have the “Modern, Moderate, More-Money-Than-You” Muslims, who have been blessed with great and knowledgeable minds leading to their success in the Dunya. Yet they have been led to believe that worldly success is the be-all, end-all to their lives. All efforts towards Allah, including the 5 pillars have been pushed behind for their retirement years. If you asked them about why we make salat, why we have to tawwaf 7 times around the Qa’bah, they can answer accurately without breaking a sweat. They can easily discredit an Ustadz or Da’ie, even Ulama’, using smart words and sarcasm. Maghdhoobi’alaihim, the people whom Allah’s wrath is brought upon. These are the people who possess knowledge but take no action as slaves to Allah.
And on the other side are the All-action Muslims, who live and die by the sword or ak-47, yearning for Syaheed. They believe that through prayers, fasting and fighting fire with fire, it will lead to another glorious age for Islam. For them, Islam has become a set of rules and rituals according to which madhab they follow. These people strut around with a holier-than-thou attitude wherever they may be, either online or in the real world. Everyone else, is wrong. These people are the ones who are most vocal when Islam is challenged, but do it for glory instead of taqwa. A quick reminder, there is no shortcut to jannah. Waladdaalleen, these are the people who have been led astray.
You might think that I hold a bleak and negative perception of Muslims. That in my mind, there are only two types of Muslims. The fact is I do not. I believe that a lot of Muslims want success both here and in the hereafter. I believe that all Muslims are connected to our inner voice reminding us to stay on the straight path. I believe that many of us are in the middle, neither arrogant with knowledge, nor left mindless performing rituals upon rituals. But sometimes, we forget Allah, and in an effort to make it up to Him, in our excitement to be in Allah’s grace, we fall. Into the depths of these two paradigms. That is why brother Nouman’s analysis resounded within me. To better myself through gaining knowledge and complementing it with the wajib and sunnah actions. It is my message to everyone too, those that read this, or whomever who wishes to engage in a discussion with me about our blessed Islam, so that we can be on the straight path, together. Together.
