37TH EDITION OF VOICE OF THE MIMBARR: IMAN (FAITH) AND WHAT CAN SPOIL IT- BY DR. RAZAQ BOLAWAYE

30-02-1445 AH/15-09-2023 CE

Bismillah Ar-Rahman Ar-Rahim...

The similitude of Iman (faith) is that of fresh apple fruit in its subject to longevity and spoil depending on its human handling. It can be preserved if proper care is taken of it and it can get rotten in no time if allowed exposure to heat and environmental hazard.

In the earlier editions, we were treated to the concepts of Iman and the antithetical nomenclature of _Kufr_ . That for the readers would compare the values ingrained in the former is worthy and rejecting _Kufr_ (Disbelief) is commendable. This edition treats factors that are capable of diffusing _Iman_ in numerous. Ten of such factors are aa follow: 

i. Ascribing partners with Allah through principalities of worship. The degrees or depth of Shirk notwithstanding, Allah frowns at taking partners with Him. Q4:48 and Q5:72 categorically declares: 'Surely Allah forgives not for a partner to be ascribed unto Him but forgives else for whoever He wills... '.

ii. Placing intermediary between self and Allah for the purpose of intercession and reliance.

iii. Making un-alloyed relationship with unbelievers, doubt of their disbelief or justifying their position.

iv. Giving to argument that there exists salvation in a way other than the way of the Messenger. 

v. Detesting something. out of the message of the Messenger even if he is involved in it.

vi. Mockery of any part of the way of the Messenger (Q9:66).

vii. Magic and Saucery. Engaging in magic of any kind or abbetting it is capable of nullifying faith of the bearer. Q2:102 recalls the case of Prophet Sulayman _(AS)_ who was absorbed of magical inclinations of the Jinn.

viii. Conniving with unbelievers at the expense of a Muslim. To this end,  Allah _(SWT)_ maintains that: 'Whoever relates with them (Unbelievers) is one of them (Q5:5). This is further elaborated in the Hadith of the noble Messenger which says: 'Whoever interns with a people is indeed one of them.'

ix. Convinction that seeking favour elsewhere  then using the benefits therefrom to support the way of Allah. This is seriously unacceptable because it amounts to day-light rubbery of men in favour of Allah! Whereas, Allah is pure and He accepts nothing but what is pure (Hadith).

x. Refusing and denial positions of Allah's way resulting from human capricious and whims. To this end, Allah declares that: 'No one transgresses than one to whom signs of Allah is mentioned the he refused headlong; We (Allah) are avowed retributive of the transgressors (Q32:22). 

The above factors in their unit or collective are  powerful instruments of nullifying Iman. As antithetical to Iman, they thrive in the hands of devil (Shaytan). This forms the basis for outright discouragement of its follower-ship. Qur'an 2:208 categorically declares: "O you who believe enter into the fold of Islam in entirety and follow not the path of Shaytan, for he is to you an unrepentant enemy."

Summarily, engaging in the above-mentioned factors amounts to patteri-linear with Shaytan whose effontries appear to mislead a man. Fellow Muslims, you are therefore enjoined to shun anything capable of rendering your faith useless like engagement in partnership with Allah _(SWT)_.

Till we meet in the next edition, thanks for reading. Ma' as salaamah.

DR. RAZAQ BOLAWAYE UTHMAN,

Imam Ansar-Ud-Deen Society Ipaja Branch, Lagos State.

- Nigeria