Fiqh al Quloob Reflection: Fish out of Water

Today’s, Fiqh al Qulub فقه الإيمان باالله pages 737, class started with a reminder to be actively learning the Deen. 

I remember when I was in elementary school, everyday started with the national anthem. Rain or shine, snow or storm, we stand “O Canada!” each and everyday in English and in French. I didn’t question this regime then but it makes sense to me now. With the singing of the anthem, teachers, the school board, and the government at large, wants students to realize their identity and and role as good Canadian citizens, well-equipped to contribute positively to our community. Each day, the anthem reminded us of our values and the fundamental actions which were expected from us. 

Now that I am all grown up, I understand and appreciate the value of this repetition. As human beings, we need to be in a constant journey to learning. Without a daily reminder of our beliefs and values, we loose direction and sincerity in our tasks. 

Islam is not something we declare on our passport as our choice of religion, or order on a menu when we go out to eat. It is our way of life and our worldview. We carry our faith with us everywhere, even when we are going to bed. To properly engage with our faith, I feel that we need to be inspired everyday. The truth is, our religious integrity and our commitment to our principles wear off. It is one thing to know the dogma, academically and another thing to actively engage with it, with all our senses, thoughts, feelings and imagination, everyday. We want to be in a stat where we are cognizant of what our faith is and how we are going to to apply it. 

Consciously being part of a learning group like Fiqh al Quloob class makes us mindful of our faith. It also helps us develop a moment-by-moment awareness of our emaan and apply it to all our life’s endeavours and relationships. I feel like a fish out of water when I am not listening to some faith based lecture. It is not only therapeutic but also invigorating. It renews my purpose for the whole day and how I look at my day. 

• Who am I? Why am I doing this? 

• What does Allah want to teach me in this moment?

• How can I appreciate Allah in this situation and show Him importance? 

• How might I serve Allah today today? 

This is especially important when we are surrounded by a godless society which is assaulting our religious values. It is important that we are connected with a faith-based learning community to maintain our Islam with grave, wisdom and good cheer.