THIRD REMINDER. Yaumu Al-Sabt, 14th day of RAJAB 15th day of RAJAB ( Saturday, 31st March). Let's CONCLUDE on our lessons on suuratul Faatihah. BismilLaahir Rahmaanir Raheem. The Comprehensiveness of Islam: Every group, methodology, and ideology will have some method or idea which it sees as the primary driver of Islamic reform for the individual and the community. Some groups oriented around Tasawwuf (self-improvement) will focus on spiritual purification. Others focused around societal change will focus on activism in the community – both social and political. Other organizations will focus on righteous deeds and worship. Yet others will focus on knowledge. However we see that when Allah (swt) describes the people who have His Grace, they represent ALL of these various interests and agendas. They are according to Qur’an, 4:69: Nabiyeen/Prophets: The bearers of the Message of Allah, the deliverers of Knowledge from Allah to humanity, and the providers of the religious foundation for generation to come and all the groups that follow below. Siddiqeen/the Sincere and Truthful: Those whose hearts are purified and are sincere in their reverence for Allah and in their actions amongst people. Truthfulness emanates not only in their speech but in their actions, because their intentions are pure and for Allah alone. Shuhadaa/Witnesses: Those who actively strive to witness to the Truth under extraordinary circumstances, whether under threat of loss of life or wealth. They testify to Islam and call to goodness and benefit and may eventually find themselves giving all they have in order to defend innocent people and protect the lives of others. Swaaliheen/the Righteous: Those who dedicate extraordinary amounts of time to the doing of good deeds. Prayer, fasting, giving charity, visiting the sick, helping the orphan, remembering the name of Allah, reciting the Qur’an, and doing their utmost to have their limbs always in the worship of the Creator and in the service of His Creation. It is amazing that in describing the people of the Straight path, the Qur’an mentions all of the various goals and methods, the seeking of knowledge, the purification of the soul, activism, and the doing of good deeds. Yet another testament to the fact that Islam is comprehensive, and calls for balance in the various priorities on the Straight path. The Social Nature of the Islamic Message. By highlighting a set of people, instead of a list of to-dos, the Qur’an has pointed us towards a religion that is not individualistic, but is based around being part of a community. It is asking us to seek out people from whom we can learn, and good company with whom we can be. As the Prophet said, “A person is upon the religion of his/her friends.” The most intimate companions of a person will often affect his/her faith and will influence the direction of his/her life. But if we know that we should seeking the knowledge and stay within the framework provided by the Prophet, strive to be with people who show purity and sincerity as best as we can notice, spend time in circles of activism and call to good things, and work hard to do righteous actions and be in groups that do righteous actions, the Qur’an is telling us that while in that company, we are on the Straight Path – in shaa Allah (God-willing). May Allah keep guiding us all and protect us from any satanic influences. Aameen.