There are so many religions, so many sects. Which one is the true religion.
With the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Ever Merciful,
What do you think you would have believed in had you been born into a Christian, Muslim or a Jewish home…? Most definitely most of us, if not all, would have remained Christians, Muslims or Jews in spite of the fact that others told us that we are wrong. The proof of this is that there are so many people that are born into Christian homes and they remain Christians in spite of others trying to convince them otherwise.
The Prophet (SAW) has said that every child is born pure but his parents make him into a Jew, a Christian or Migraine. Sahih Muslim 4:46:6:2658.
So, because we born into Muslim homes, we are Muslims by birth and not Muslims by choice. There is a great difference between both, as the one is a Muslim that may go through all the external motions without really understanding or caring, while the other is the one who studies his religion and consciously practices his religion with deep conviction to make a difference to his life and the people around him. During the time of the Prophet (SAW) there were also both these types of Muslims.
“Do you hold the giving of drink to the Pilgrims and keeping the Holy Mosque in a good and flourishing state as equal to (the deeds of) him who believes in Allah and the Last Day and strives hard in the cause of Allah? They are not equal in the sight of Allah. Allah guides not to ultimate success the people who have no sense of proportion.” Al Quran 9:19
To complicate matters further we also have to deal with sects in religion.
The Prophet (SAW) has said: “that Christianity will be divided into 72 sects and Islam would be divided into 73 sects of which only one is the true path..” Abu Dawud 3:35:1677:4580.
This is already happening and as Muslims we face yet another dilemma. Are we certain that we are following that one true path out of seventy three? Perhaps, here again, we are just following what our parents taught us.
Even if we just stick to praying to God, we could still face a problem.
There is a tradition of the Prophet SAW) that says that a martyr will go to hell because he wanted to be a known as a hero and a man that gave plenty in charity will go to hell because he wanted to be known as a charitable man and a man that prayed all his prayers will go to hell because he wants to be known as a pious person. Ihya Uloom –id-deen. Chapter- show also Al Hadis 1:4:8:114.
To reinforce this he has said that “our actions would be judged by our intentions”. Al Hadis 1:1:1:1. Are we sincere in our prayers or are we doing it like everything else to impress others or to pacify our consciousness?
We might be certain that we are doing good deeds sincerely and not for show but think again for the Prophet SAW) has said that the greatest of what I fear for my followers is “ria” or show off piety and secret greed.
It is more secretive than the movement of black ants on a smooth rock in the darkest night. Ihya Uloom-id-din. Chapter: Love of power and show.
Can we see such ants? We must therefore take it that we are doing good deeds for show so that we would be more cautious. Once, some companions were talking about Dajjal (the anti-Christ) when the Prophet (SAW) came up to them, he told them that he fears
“Secret polytheism more for them than Dajjal which is that a man will stand up and pray and then prolong his prayers so that others might see him.” Al Hadis 1:4:9:134
So finding the true path, being humble and being true to ourselves is extremely difficult. How then are we supposed to pass through all these hurdles? Come, let us read further to find out.
Peace and salutations be upon Allah’s Messengers who are responsible for guiding humanity throughout time. Ameen.
Published by Anjuman e Waris e Mohammedi. Author: Mohammed Hassan Gaffoor (WhatsApp +27849101486)