Since
Islam is the last religion to be revealed by Allah,
it possesses some elements that make it unique. One of these
is its relevance for human beings regardless of place and
time.
This means that Islam
- submission to God - is a comprehensive institution
that includes all the necessary guidelines for all aspects
of life. Therefore, the best way to understand Islam
is to look at it not just as a religion but as a complete
way of life.
In other words, it is a
system that regulates all aspects of life, dealing with all
issues - social, economic, educational, judicial, health,
and even military. Thus, it is suitable for all human beings
and for all times since it is the final religion.
The Islamic laws aim
to achieve five goals for human beings in life:
protecting the religion,
protecting one's self, protecting one's possessions,
protecting one's mind, and protecting one's
offspring.
Therefore, God
(Allah) decided on two main domains of law:
1. If
the domain always requires change and progress,
Allah legislated comprehensive and flexible rules
and gave people the chance to create and develop the
necessary laws to satisfy the specific needs of a certain
period of time.
For example, in the
rule of consultation (Shurah), Allah
decided that it should be the general rule for any
government. However, its forms and styles are left open
for people to choose and decide according to their
needs.
2. If the
domain does not require any change or progress,
Allah legislated fixed and detailed laws that
govern all issues related to a specific area. Therefore,
there is no way for man to change or develop those laws
which are made for the welfare of all mankind.
For example, the area
of worshipping God contains fixed details which
should not be changed at all. These regard prayer,
fasting, making pilgrimage, etc. Another example is in
family matters, such as the laws of marriage, divorce,
and inheritance, which have been legislated in a fixed
and detailed manner.
To show how Islam cares
for the environment, one can cite the number of laws that
protect the environment.
About fourteen hundred
years ago. Prophet Muhammad said:
"The World is green
and beautiful and Allah has appointed you as His
stewards over it. He
sees how you acquit yourselves." Muhammad showed how
important plants and trees are by saying:
"Whoever plants a
tree and looks after it with care until it matures and
becomes productive will be rewarded in the
Hereafter." Even in
the territory of enemies, Islam's care for plants, animals,
and trees is profound. Abu Bakr, the first
Caliph, instructed troops that he was sending into
battle not to cut down trees or kill animals except for
food.
There are just a few
examples of how Islam remains relevant in the modern
world.
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