Akber Hameer
(Dar es Salaam, Tanzania)
MUSLIMEEN: Submitters
Simply someone who submits to Allah (SWT) alone and does good in life.
Submitting to Allah Alone.
“Who can utter better words than one who: calls to God, and does good work, and says: ‘I am one of the Submitters (Muslimeen)?” (41:33)
“Who is better in his religion than one who a) submits himself to God, b) while he does good, according to the creed of Abraham: GOD has chosen Abraham as a beloved friend.” (4:125)
“…Anyone who believes in GOD and does good work, He will remit his sins, and will admit him into gardens with flowing streams. They abide therein forever. This is the greatest triumph.” (64:9)
“Anyone who believes in God and does good work, He will admit him into gardens with flowing streams; they abide therein forever. God will generously reward him.” (65:11)
Doing Good
“Say, “Come let me tell you what your Lord has really prohibited for you:
You shall not set up idols besides Him.
You shall honour your parents.
You shall not kill your unborn children from fear of poverty-We provide for you and for them.
You shall not commit gross sins, publicly or privately.
You shall not kill – God has made life sacred – except in the course of justice. These are His commandments to you, which you may understand.
You shall not touch the orphans’ money except in the most righteous manner, until they reach maturity.
You shall give full weight and full measure when you trade, equitably. We do not burden any soul beyond its means.
You shall be absolutely just when you bear witness, even against your relatives.
You shall fulfill your oaths to God. These are His commandments to you, that you may take heed.” (6:151-152)
MU’UMINEEN: Believers
“Mu’meens (believers) are those who: Believe in God and His messenger…” (49:15)
This is similar to what the ‘Submitter/Muslim’ would have accepted, except that believing in GOD’s messenger brings on the responsibility of accepting the HOLY QUR’AN.
They attain the status of having no doubt:
“…and Attain the status of having no doubt whatsoever…” (49:15)
They are believers in what has been revealed, and its words only grant them more faith.
They Strive with their money and lives:
“…and Strive with their money and their lives in the cause of God. These are the truthful ones.” (49:15)
Believing is just the ‘1st-step’ to their journey…they are ones who strive towards God with their money and lives. Their Hearts tremble when God is mentioned:
“The true believers are those whose hearts tremble when GOD is mentioned…” (8:2)
Their faith is strengthened by hearing God’s revelations:
“…and when His revelations are recited to them, their faith is strengthened…” (8:2)
They trust in their Lord:
“…and they trust in their Lord.” (8:2)
They observe the Obligatory Salaat:
“They observe the Contact Prayers (Salat)…” (8:3)
Due to the journey that these people have undertaken, more spiritual linking with God is required through the method of establishing the ‘Salaat’ and constantly reciting the words and commands of the Lord.
They give to charity:
“…and from our provisions to them, they give to charity.” (8:3)
They are also givers to charity in order to attain the ‘purification/Zakat’ that can cleanse the soul and perfect the journey towards God.
“Such are TRULY THE BELIEVERS. They attain high ranks at their Lord, as well as forgiveness and a generous provision.” (8:4)
MUTTAQEEN : Righteous
“Righteousness is not turning your faces towards the east or the west. Righteous are those whobelieve in GOD, and the Last Day, and the angels, and the scripture, and the prophets; and they give the money, cheerfully, to the relatives, the orphans, the needy, the travelling alien, the beggars, and to free the slaves; and they observe the Contact Prayers (Salat) and give the obligatory charity (Zakat); and they keep their word whenever they make a promise; and they steadfastly persevere in the face of persecution, hardship, and war. These are the truthful; these are the Righteous (Mutaqeen).” (2:177)
