The life of a Mu’min – ABDULWAREES SOLANKE

A Muslim takes part in a special morning prayer to start Eid-al-Fitr festival, marking the end of their holy fasting month of Ramadan, at a mosque in Silver Spring, Maryland, on August 19, 2012. Muslims in the US joined millions of others around the world to celebrate Eid-al-Fitr to mark the end of Ramadan with traditional day-long family festivities and feasting. AFP PHOTO/Jewel SAMAD (Photo credit should read JEWEL SAMAD/AFP/GettyImages)

So, what is the life of a believer, without gender bias? The life of a mumin is one of submission to Allah, of peace and tranquility (saqiinah), of fulfillment and joy. It is a life of independence from man but of munificence in Allah, a life of contentment. It is a balanced life, a life of hope and reliance on Allah, Tawaqqul. It is a life of increase and progress beyond the material life. But it is also a life of constant struggle, jihad-u-nafs, against the whisperings of Shaitaan, a life of awareness of Allah’s might which restrains from iniquities and vanities, so always doing taubah or repentance. It is a life of productive efforts with certainty of reward from Allah even if not in tangible measures. It is a life of altruism and sincerity, ikhlaas, solely for Allah. Indeed, the life of a Mumin is a life of strength, courage, and voluntarism. Ultimately, the life of a mumin is a life of patience and gratitude, sabr wa shukr.

The life of a mumin is one of unquestioning obedience and loyalty to Allah. It is life of complete trust in Him. It is life of material freedom, yet of richness of soul and patience in tribulation. It is a life devoted to dhikr, Allah’s remembrance, a life that thirsts for knowledge of Him and Love of Him. But it is also a life that conquers the fear of death. After all, death is the beginning of transition to meeting Allah.

If a man loves Allah, he is no longer afraid of the path that leads to the presence of his Beloved. When a man is granted this life, he enjoys ease of worship, protection from dangers. He is armored against ibliis and his hosts from among the jinn and mankind. He becomes a slave of Allah. He abhors sins, ever turning to Allah in repentance. He is assured of forgiveness and mercy from above.  He attains success in all dimensions.   How sweet is the life a muumin! How wholesome!!How Rich!!!