Discover Why Islam Is a Complete Way of Life (Part 1)

Why Islam?

Islam is a Complete Way of Life (Part 1)

Head of Dawat-e-Islami’s Central Executive Committee, Mawlana Muhammad Imran Attari

To live a successful life, a person needs guidance from someone who is already successful. It has been proven through observation and experience that people tend to follow those who have achieved success. In the court of Allah Almighty, His Prophets are the most successful. Among the Prophets عَـلَـيْـهِمُ الـصَّلٰوةُ وَالـسَّـلَام, the one whose message is most superior and exalted, easiest to practise, simplest to follow, and provides complete guidance in every aspect of life, is the message of the final Prophet صَلَّى الـلّٰـهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم, our Islam. Islam provides guidance in all aspects of life, and no other religion in the world can compare to it.

If we look at a few sayings of the beloved Prophet صَلَّى الـلّٰـهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم, their depth and comprehensiveness are such that the expression ‘an ocean in a drop’ applies to them perfectly. With regards to the Hadith ‘actions are judged by their intentions’, Imām al-ShāfiꜤī رَحْمَةُ الـلّٰـهِ عَـلَيْه said, “This Hadith plays a role in seventy chapters of Islamic jurisprudence.” Imām Aḥmad b. Ḥanbal رَحْمَةُ الـلّٰـهِ عَـلَيْه said, “The foundations of Islam are based on these three narrations:

1. اَلْاَعْمَالُ بِالنِّيَّةِ (Actions are judged by their intentions).

2. الحَلَال بَيِّن، وَالحرَام بَيِّن (The lawful is clear, and the unlawful is clear).

3. مَن اَحدَثَ فِي اَمْرنَا مَا لَيْسَ فِيهِ فَهُوَ رَدّ (Whoever introduces something new into our religion that has no basis in it, then it will be rejected).”

Imām Abū Dāwūd رَحْمَةُ الـلّٰـهِ عَـلَيْه said, “The science of Fiqh revolves around five narrations:

1. اَلْاَعْمَال بِالنِّيَّاتِ

2. الحَلَال بَيِّن

3. مَا نَهَيْتُكُمْ عَنْهُ فَاجْتَنِبُوهُ، وَمَا أَمَرتُكُم بِهِ فَأتُوا مِنْهُ مَا اسْتَطَعْتُم

4. لَا ضَرَر وَلَا ضِرَار

5. [1]الدّين النَّصِيحَة

After reading the words of the great scholars of Hadith, the heart is compelled to say that truly, “Only Islam is the complete way of life”. 

The meaning of “a complete code of life”

The only religion beloved to Allah Almighty is Islam. Since it is pleasing to Allah Almighty, He has blessed it with comprehensiveness and perfection, which are unique to Islam. Its rulings apply to every era, region, and time, highlighting how it is a complete system of life. It is as evident as the sun in the sky that only Islam is the complete way of life. The concept of Islam being a complete system of life can be understood by these simple terms: “system” refers to a constitution, code of law , or order, and “life” means existence or living. So, “system of life” means a set of principle, rules, and laws for living one’s life. It can also be referred to as a guiding framework or life manual. Wherever and whenever life exists, the teachings of Islam will also be present.   

Remember, Islam is not just about performing prayers in the masjid, performing Hajj, or fasting during Ramadan. Rather, it is a complete way of life, a comprehensive plan for living that serves as a guide in every aspect of our lives. A person’s life begins with their arrival in this world and ends when they are buried in their grave. During this entire span, there is not a single moment or situation that arises which Islam does not provide a solution or guidance for.

One of the reasons for Islam’s completeness is that it not only provides comprehensive teachings and practical rulings, but also offers a living example in the life of the beloved Prophet صَلَّى الـلّٰـهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم. Through this, the importance and utility of this theory become even more refined and apparent, showing that our Prophet صَلَّى الـلّٰـهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم also accomplished this work (i.e., demonstrated this theory) in this manner. In this manner, a person can adorn and refine their life by following Islam’s teachings and its practical example, gaining proximity to Allah Almighty and His Messenger.

Human needs and Islam

Islam provides guidance to its followers regarding all their needs, whether physical or religious. There are extensive details and explanations in Islamic teachings regarding religious needs, and this is quite apparent. If we look at physical needs, consuming a balanced diet, taking care of one’s health, seeking treatment when ill, getting adequate sleep, and maintaining cleanliness are all essential bodily needs. Islam provides guidance on all of them. Take food, for example:

وَّ کُلُوْا وَ اشْرَبُوْا وَ لَا  تُسْرِفُوْا ۚ اِنَّہٗ لَا  یُحِبُّ الْمُسْرِفِیْنَ )۳۱(

and eat and drink, and do not waste. Indeed Allah does not like those who waste.[2]

This verse contains a general principle for the entire discipline of medicine, and for eating and drinking.

In relation to the hair on the head, we have been advised to honour it through oiling.[3] A period of forty days is prescribed for trimming superfluous hair, such as the moustache and armpit hair, so that along with maintaining good character, one takes care of bodily hygiene and a pleasant appearance. This helps a person to stay protected from filth, germs, and their harmful effects. Among the natural needs is answering the call of nature; Islam provides guidance on this too. The Prophet صَلَّى الـلّٰـهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم said, “I am to you like a father to his son, and I teach you. So, when you go to relieve yourselves, neither face the Qiblah nor turn your backs towards it.” He instructed us to use three pebbles, forbade us from using dung and bones, and prohibited us from cleaning ourselves with our right hand.[4]

Sayyidunā Surāqah b. Mālik رَضِىَ اللّٰهُ عَـنْهُ said, “The Prophet صَلَّى الـلّٰـهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم instructed us that while relieving ourselves, we should lean on the left foot and keep the right foot upright.”[5] This is Islam, the way of life that teaches to care for both our spiritual and physical well-being.

The beloved Prophet صَلَّى الـلّٰـهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم said to a Companion who regularly observed voluntary fasts and performed voluntary prayers at night, “Your body has a right over you, and your eyes have a right over you.”[6] In other words, fasting constantly will weaken your body, and not sleeping may cause your eyesight to deteriorate.[7] It is clear that Islam emphasises the protection and care of bodily health, and teaches us not to be negligent in this matter.

Islam does not permit any action that results in the destruction of oneself in this world or in the Hereafter, such as going on a hunger strike, or consuming wealth unlawfully, etc. Sayyidunā ꜤAmr b. al-ꜤĀṣ رَضِىَ اللّٰهُ عَـنْهُ said:

On a cold night during the Battle of Dhāt al-Salāsil, I experienced nocturnal emission (iḥtilām). I was afraid of dying due to the cold if I bathed. So, I performed tayammum and offered Fajr prayer along with my companions. They mentioned this to the Beloved Prophet صَلَّى الـلّٰـهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم, and he asked, “O ꜤAmr, you offered Fajr prayer along with your companions while you were in a state of impurity.” I informed him of the cause which impeded me from washing and said, “I heard that Allah said:

"وَ لَا تَقْتُلُوْۤا اَنْفُسَکُمْ ؕ اِنَّ اللّٰہَ کَانَ بِکُمْ رَحِیْمًا (۲۹)

and do not kill yourselves. Indeed Allah is Most-Merciful to you.[8]

Upon hearing this, the Prophet صَلَّى الـلّٰـهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم smiled and did not say anything.[9]

Societal needs and Islam

Islam neither promises reward nor encourages its followers to retreat into forests, adopt monasticism, or live in caves. Similarly, there is no virtue in begging from others, and no appreciation for becoming a burden on people. In fact, the one who earns with his own hands is called حبیبُ اللہ, a beloved servant of Allah Almighty. Those who earn through their own efforts are not only treated with respect, but they are also given encouragement and motivation.

The beloved Prophet صَلَّى الـلّٰـهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم was sitting with his noble Companions رَضِیَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُم when a young man passed by. Observing his strength, energy, and alertness, the noble Companions رَضِیَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُم said, “If only this young man was upon the path of Allah!” The Prophet صَلَّى الـلّٰـهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم said, “If this man has gone out in search of sustenance for his young children, he is on the path of Allah. If he has gone out to earn for his elderly parents, he is on the path of Allah. If he has gone out to save himself (from begging or consuming the unlawful), he is also on the path of Allah. However, if he has gone out to show off or boast, he is upon the path of the devil.”[10]

Glad tidings of reward have been given to those who fulfil their own financial needs, just as it is mentioned in a Hadith: “Whoever seeks the world through lawful means in order to avoid begging, to provide for his family, and to show kindness to his neighbours, he will meet Allah in such a state that his face will be shining like the full moon.”[11]