TAQLEEDI:
LIVING TODAY LIKE THE ANCIENT PAST,
HOW CAN YOU TRANSFORM THE FUTURE?
Following
Islamic cultural traditions is quite okay; however, to follow these
traditions to the detriment of improving our lives is not okay. Some of the
cultural traditions are not religious in origin, but based on the habits of various cultures of
that time. We should not blindly follow in mimicry the orthodox reasoning and rites current religious mythology depends.
Allah's messenger, Prophet Mohammad, PBUH, and came as the "seal" of the
Prophets. In adoration, worldwide, some Muslims believe this exactitude of physical
performance is appropriate to show religious piety. In actuality, if the symbolism is not fully understood, it can easily become misplaced adoration of
the Messenger and turning away from worshiping Allah. We need only look to the Quran and the story of Abraheem to understand how humans can make associations with Allah.
Allah created all human beings to have
variation in our outer appearance and in our inner dimensions. This variation appears on so many different levels, we should not think of ourselves as
people to be "molded-into-shape". Furthermore, Muslims must understand and learn to appreciate that Allah did not want all human behavior to emulate
some pristine image of Prophet Mohammad--particularly one that is not representative in his true image
as a human being, who lived a life like most humans, but who was also our Messenger and Prophet.
Being Allah's vicegerents refers to the People of the Book. As believers, we must look to Allah's
diversity in all things, and we must accept that this diversity of Allah's creation is boundless. As human beings, we are not required to accept the limitations of "generation-after-generation thinking--it quickly binds our hands and smothers our free will.
Believers of Allah in earlier centuries had to push beyond the accepted
limitations of their knowledge of their times. It was their ability to dream and think, use their free will, personal initiative and drive to improve their lives. As our knowledge of our world has grown and expanded in
depth and breadth. Our knowledge today is improving our lives and also transforming our thinking as we reform Islam for today.
Reform has been consistent since the beginning of the nascent Muslim
community in Mecca, and over the whole time of revelations, more adjusts and reforms were instituted in Medina during the Prophet's time.
Even after the Prophet's death, the Ummah continued to transform over and over again throughout its history. Thus, it is inevitable, every believer learns to accept changes that
improves the quality of living, whether individually and collectively.
We should not be fearful that some do not agree that reform is necessary. We must remain cognizant and acknowledge that multiple changes that comes with each new tomorrow will
also amaze and dazzle--a process that will continue until the end of
times.
