Allow me to steal a line from one of my favorite musicals, Rent: How do you measure the life of a woman or a man? In daylights, in sunsets, in midnights, in cups of coffee? In inches, in miles, in laughter, in strife?
How do you measure life?
A little over a year ago, a friend gave his explanation of the purpose of life (as a Muslim): To earn your way to jennah (heaven). Of course, we spoke at length, but nothing stood out more than this statement. What I have taken away from that conversation is that life is simply an obstacle course; a test of faith that ultimately determines our station in the akhira (hereafter).
Now that’s an incredible thought. Life is just a test of faith. So the stronger your faith, the easier life becomes? I suppose we each have to answer that for ourselves. But, allow me to interject my personal belief: YES!
When you operate from a place of faith, then the world and its complexities become so simplified! Even the tough stuff becomes minor league. Eventually, every frustration becomes an opportunity to express patience; every adversity an opportunity to deepen your faith and express forgiveness. We actually become blessed with 524,600 minutes every year to be thankful. But is that realistic!? Hmmmm…therein lies the TEST!
The truth is, we all struggle at some point to find our balance, to see and seek the good in ourselves and the world around us. If we place Allah in the center of this struggle, what we really have is a personal jihad (striving). And isn’t this the goal?
Our beautiful Koran, and the example of our beloved Prophet (PBUH), expound on all the ways to overcome life’s difficulties. Reliance on Allah, turning to Allah, and praising Allah are surely the answer. And yet, our test is in believing, and then practicing.
It amazes me how wrapped up we can become in the day to day of living. We are all guilty of allowing the guy who cut us off on the highway to agitate us for hours instead of thanking God that we didn’t have an accident. We give so much importance to the people around us and the commodities we obtain, that we actually allow ourselves to live for them. But our parents don’t earn our deeds, and no asten marten will drive to heaven. And inasmuch, we are all in need of engaging in our own personal jihad.
When Allah is at the center of life, our struggles become opportunities, our accomplishments are blessings, and every day is truly a gift. It is amazing what happens to the world around us when we strive to live it as the test it really is.
So, I dare you to strive a little, take up your own personal jihad, and see how life transforms. Who knows, you may just find your way to heaven!
Jihad has many purposes in Islam. This is one aspect. I am not a religious scholar, and I have no desire to argue the tenets of jihad in its various forms. Thank you J
Well said I loved the article
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