Allah obliges us to reflect on the primary purpose of our lives and our accountability to the Creator

'Ibaadah

We are reminded in the Qur'an [Q 51:56] that human beings have been created for the primary purpose of 'ibaadah. Though the term 'ibaadah is usually translated as "worship" which in turn is assumed to be ritual religious acts; in reality 'ibaadah refers to the expression of the will to obey the Creator and encompasses far more than ritual acts of worship. The Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) himself alluded to the fact that even salaah (daily ritual prayer) is accepted by Allah only if the worshipper recognizes the majesty of Allah, abides by the limits set by Allah, feeds the hungry and clothe the unclothed. Moulana Altaf Husayn Hali captured the Prophet's sentiments in his Musaddas when he wrote; "This is 'ibaadah, this is religion and this is faith; that human beings be of benefit to others."

Intention, Purpose and Action

Every action has an ethical value which in turn is determined by ...

• the intention preceding it (niyyah = reason why you are doing)
• the rationale (maqsad = purpose for doing)
• the performance (adaa-ul 'amal = method of doing)

'Ibaadah thus refers to ...

• all actions done in obedience to Allah -- fi taa'at Allah
• encompassing all good and beneficial deeds -- a'amaal us salih
• done sincerely -- ikhlaas un niyyah
• with propriety -- ihsaan

Since every action has an ethical value, ensure that all actions meet with the highest ethical standards.
Imam Idries Ash-Shaf'i said:
"All human beings are 'dead' except those who have knowledge; and all those who have knowledge are 'asleep' except those who do good deeds; and all those who do good deeds are deceived except those who are sincere."

_______________________

By: Imam Sadullah Khan

See Learning Bridge for Published Lectures, Friday Sermon, Audio & Video Lectures  

Friday Sermon