JUMPING FOR JOY!!

Those who believe (in the Oneness of Allah - Islamic Monotheism), and work righteousness, Tooba (it means all kinds of happiness or name of a tree in Paradise) is for them and a beautiful place of (final) return

(Ar-Rad, Chapter 13:29).

How awesome is the realisation that it is the pleasure of Allah to give us happiness and joy. This verse in the Holy Qur'an reminds me that to a Muslim there is no distinction between believing and doing. It seems clear to me that every religion has its fair share of those who propose to others that they are "believers". These people are the ones who seem to do all the right stuff on the outside. They are DOERS. DOERS are important, but first it is required to be a BELIEVER! All my life I vexed over the ones I knew as a Christian, and I sure have already met the same sort in my very short life as a Muslim. The verse above speaks of those "who believe and work righteousness" , and this makes me realise afresh that it is not so much a matter of looking at others who ostensibly "get it wrong", but rather a matter of asking myself whether I am "getting it right".

There is little purpose (other than indulgence in self-righteousness) in reflecting on my faith-experience by comparing the inherent beauty of Islam to the actions (good or bad) of Muslims. I am not instructed to compare my faith with others' and then to do works of righteousness! I am instructed to BELIEVE and to WORK RIGHTEOUSNESS. Too many people fall by the wayside when they look at the actions of other believers. I have learnt a while back that: ENERGY FLOWS WHERE ATTENTION GOES! My faith-focus should be on Allah, and this focus should be the sole source of my inspiration to do good things that add memorable value to the lives and experiences of others. Insha Allah I shall be able to get it right in my own life, and not worry too much about my sisters and brothers who get it wrong in their lives. This verse reminds me that it is Tooba that awaits me - all kinds of happiness - and I surely am beginning to taste of it already!