Understanding Submission (Islam): A Cornerstone of Faith
Have you ever wondered what it truly means to submit to God? In Islam, submission, known as Islam itself, is a fundamental concept that forms the very foundation of our faith. It’s not just about blindly following rules; it’s a journey of complete devotion, inner peace, and living a life aligned with Allah’s will.
Here at our Islamic charity, we believe in fostering a deeper understanding of our faith. Today, let’s delve into the beautiful concept of submission, exploring its dimensions, the wisdom behind it, and how it connects to other core Islamic principles.
Islam(submission) is one of the three core dimensions of Islam, alongside Ihsan(excellence) and Iman(faith). We have talked about the importance of Ihsan in Islam in another article, which you can read here.
Dimensions of Submission
Submission in Islam isn’t a one-dimensional concept. It encompasses various aspects that guide us towards a fulfilling and righteous life:
- Submission of the Heart (Qalb): This involves believing wholeheartedly in Allah’s oneness (Tawhid), His attributes, and His messengers. It’s about accepting His divine plan for our lives with complete trust and love.
- Submission of the Tongue (Lisaan): This translates to using our words for good – uttering words of truth, kindness, and remembrance of Allah. We should refrain from gossip, negativity, and anything that may harm ourselves or others.
- Submission of the Body (Jasad): This means living our lives according to Allah’s guidance, fulfilling our religious obligations like prayer and fasting, and engaging in good deeds that benefit humanity.
By integrating these dimensions into our daily lives, we find true harmony and purpose. Submission isn’t a burden; it’s a source of liberation that frees us from anxieties and allows us to focus on what truly matters – serving Allah and living a life of righteousness.
Submission in the Light of Verses and Hadiths
The Quran and the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) are filled with guidance on submission. Here are some powerful verses and hadiths that illuminate its importance:
Quran (2:131-132): “When his Lord said to him, “Submit”, he said “I have submitted [in Islam] to the Lord of the worlds.” And Abraham instructed his sons [to do the same] and [so did] Jacob, [saying], “O my sons, indeed Allah has chosen for you this religion, so do not die except while you are Muslims.”
Hadith (Sahih Bukhari): “Islam is built upon five pillars: the declaration of faith, establishing prayer, giving charity, fasting Ramadan, and pilgrimage for those who can afford it.”
These examples showcase how submission manifests in action. From declaring our faith to fulfilling our religious duties, submission is the driving force that shapes our lives as Muslims.
Submission and the Importance of Taslim (Acceptance)
Submission in Islam goes hand in hand with another important concept: Taslim, which translates to acceptance. It’s about accepting Allah’s decrees, both the good and the challenging ones, with faith and patience.
Why is checking for the presence of Taslim important? Here’s how it connects with submission:
- True Submission Requires Acceptance: When we submit to Allah, we accept that He knows what’s best for us, even when things don’t go according to our plans. Taslim allows us to trust in His wisdom and find peace in His will.
- Submission Leads to Inner Peace: Struggling against what is destined to be can be incredibly draining. By practicing Taslim, we find the strength to accept challenges and navigate difficult situations with grace and resilience.
- Submission Strengthens Our Faith: When we accept life’s experiences with faith, it strengthens our belief in Allah’s ultimate plan. We find gratitude in our blessings and learn valuable lessons from hardships.
Remember, submission isn’t about blind obedience; it’s about surrendering to a loving and all-knowing Creator. By integrating submission and acceptance into our lives, we cultivate inner peace, strengthen our faith, and live with a sense of purpose that guides us on the path to Allah.
This is just the beginning of our exploration of submission in Islam. As we continue on this journey together, we’ll delve deeper into its practical applications and how it empowers us to live a life that pleases Allah and benefits humanity.
