by Tahmina Sattar

Created on: July 23, 2009   Last Updated: July 25, 2009

What does it truly mean to be a Muslim? A muslim is one who believes with conviction through ration and logic in the existence of a creator. Once a Muslim accepts that a higher divine being has such power to create not only humans, as well as other living forms, then begins a journey that will last his or her lifetime.

The search for the Creator - A Muslim can feel the limitations of being human, while realising the endless abilties of the One who created the sun, the moon and the stars. This famous quest can be found in the experiences of the prophet Ibrahim who as a young child questioned the popular idolworshipping ways of his forefathers. The young Ibrahim looked to these elements - the sun, the moon and the stars, to ascertain whether these great objects were his creator. To his disappointment he found they had their limits. It became clear to him that the powers of the creator would have to be everlasting and unlimited.

Understanding the Design - The Muslim can use the powers of observation and analysis to discover the beauty of a design, so perfect, in the creations around him. A muslim understands science to be a system of the Creator to organise his Creations. A Muslim can feel that he also is a part of a system that Allah has created.

Finding Purpose in Life - The Muslim can link his observations of his existence to the purpose of life. Allah's system exists throughout creation. Where do human beings fit in this complex system, as the only thinking mammal capable of making choices regarding worship? The Muslim has capacity to sift through history to find the link through the ages of man's continous desire to find a deity, and idol or a higher being to worship. To worship becomes to thank, to be happy to have experience, to have loved, to have hated, to have learned.

Working for the Rewards - Like a parent who guides his child using a behaviour chart, Allah guides the Muslim. The Positive Reward System of our Creator, instructs humans to good actions, encourages social responsibility, discourages actions which He knows in His Infinite Wisdom will harm us without coercion. A Muslim feels endeared to this Creator who is constantly sustaining the miracle of life. A Muslim feels longing to please the Creator, to praise His Absolute power and majestic creativity, to humble himself the All Encompassing. A Muslim may trip, but he feels remorse, and feels relief in the forgiving attribute of his Lord.

Seeking Knowledge - A Muslim takes everything his Creator has given him to seek knowlege about Him, to understand Him and His design for human existence. A Muslim uses the resources given to him by his Creator to progress, not only in his mundane life but to progress in his spiritual life as well.

The Continuing Battle - The life of the Muslim is a constant and turbulent struggle against his Nafs, his desires, that have no rhyme, nor reason but are fed by emotions. A Muslim continues to battle the devils around him, inner and outer, which strive constantly to lure him to some wrong doing, towards oppression of another, towards unneccesary indulgence, to selfish carelessness and countless other crimes of the soul.

Yet, Allah is most Merciful. A Muslim rejoices in the bounty of Allah, in the knowledge of Jannah and an everlasting life. A Muslim undergoes his trials and tribulations on earth patiently determined to pass the test of life to achieve a higher existence, that by far exceeds the present.

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