Peace, one and all…
To be a Muslim is to be given a licence to strive. It is to strive to do good, in and through myself – to think good thoughts, to speak good words and to do good deeds, as far as I am able. To be a Muslim is to be a disciple and a student of God and all that is good, by the hand of His beloved Messenger (alaihi al-salatu wa al-salam). It is to become a traveller, a neophyte upon love’s ancient inward road.
But, I must not confuse my unfolding discipleship with the end of that journey. I have merely fallen onto the path. I have not yet walked along its vast and ever-flowing expanse. I have come to the house of striving, that I too might strive – fully aware that long years lie ahead, as God wills.
In all truth, I am merely a ’son of the way’ and I do but strive to follow the path of those who went before me.
And what a truly liberating thought that is.
Ma’as salama,
Abdur Rahman
June 26, 2008 at 7:06 pm
Salaam aleikum Abdur
You know? I really enjoyed reading this – I think we are all a little inclined to expect the easy life, whether it is spiritual or material these days. Your writing reminds me that the things we obtain easily do not have the same value as those that we have to strive for; a timely reminder.
Best of all is that you view the path ahead of you with relish rather than dread, and that should be an example to us all.
Blessings, Sarah
June 27, 2008 at 9:58 am
Wa alaikum salaam Mereth,
Thank you for your kind thoughts. I am honoured by them. God bless you always.
This is the path of my life, one given to me by God – and God is not a capricious Giver.
Abdur Rahman