Art & Literature Festival 2022
The Most awaited time of the academic year is here at AIS! Our campuses are bustling with excitement as the teachers and students prepare for the Art & Literature Festival 2022. This year’s theme is
Introduction
Muslim Ummah, as we know, is engulfed in multiple problems and complex challenges. Most of such problems are self-inflicted due to divergence from our religion Islam.
Answers to all such issues lie in the last sermon of our beloved Prophet Muhammad صلي الله عليه وسلم. He gave this comprehensive sermon at A’rafah on the ninth of Dhul hijjah, tenth year of Hijrah; wherein he affirmed the just rulings of Islam.
The Prophet Muhammad’s صلي الله عليه وسلم final sermon was arranged in the most beautiful way that encompasses the whole structure of life. The following summarizes the key messages of this exceptional yet impactful sermon:
- Intentions & actions are the key to success
- As Muslims, we must show love, care & respect to one another
- It emphasizes that women & men complement each other. Promoting a harmonious living environment as a basic unit of a society
- Treating women with kindness was stressed upon
- Islam does not promote the superiority of one’s race or lineage over another
It is of utmost importance that one should inculcate self-accountability (mohasba-e-nafs) and become Aakhirah oriented. Only then the sanctity of other Muslims can be maintained. We should not only focus on our rights but should also be well aware of our obligations to others and to Allah سبحانه و تعالى .
The two manuals, that is, Qur’an & Sunnah should be our guiding principles to follow the pillars of Islam and to keep us away from the tricks of Shaytan till our last breath.
Let us reflect on ourselves, take a step back and revive the core teachings of our beloved Prophet Muhammad صلي الله عليه وسلم in achieving an ethical & moral society. May Allah سبحانه و تعالى grant us strength to become true Muslims; better human beings & role models for humanity. اٰمين
1. The Sanctity of a Muslim
The Sanctity of a Muslim is placed at the utmost level in Islam. Whoever respects other human beings (irrespective of race, color, status in society etc.) in the appropriate manner can only understand how to give due honor and respect to Allah (SWT). This is clearly evident from the demeanor of the beloved Sahaba رضى الله عنهـم when they attended the Majalis of the Prophet صلي الله عليه وسلم and also the way they conducted their daily affairs.
2. Aakhirah-Oriented
Today as an Ummah, we are lagging behind even in worldly life just owing to our lack of direction and clarity when it comes to understanding our real reason for existence in this life. Sweetness of Iman can only be achieved if one is Aakhirah-oriented in whatever he /she is doing till the last breath.
3. Protection against Economic Exploitation
Riba/interest is the root cause of economic inequality. Islam promotes compassion & consideration and not injustice & exploitation. Our beloved Prophet (explicitly forbade interest and led from the front by waiving off interest of his own uncle ‘Abbas رضى الله عنه. Golden principle taught by Prophet Muhammad صلي الله عليه وسلم was, you will neither inflict nor suffer any inequity. We need to be well aware of the difference between trade & interest.
4. Tricks of Shaytan
Shaytan is a shrewd enemy. He’d never say disobey الله سبحانه و تعالى rather he’d play tricks with our nafs in disobeying الله سبحانه و تعالى. So, how to fight with such an unseen enemy? By giving out sadaqah, we learn, it breaks the jaws of seventy (70) devils, doing one sajadah to الله سبحانه و تعالى makes him cry so on and so forth. We need to keep a check on friendly competition vs. jealousy, love for Allah Vs. love for other than Allah, inspiring gratitude Vs. boasting & reliance upon Allah Vs. laziness. Only then can we save ourselves from the tricks of shaytan.
5. Role of husband & wife in Islam
It’s really amazing that how in a big gathering of hundred thousand plus people our beloved Prophet صلي الله عليه وسلم emphasized and talked about only one relationship, i.e., of a husband & wife. SubhanAllah! His patience, love & consideration with his wife Ayesha during this hajj journey is simply mind boggling. An example to be followed by our men. To be on its track, the Muslim Ummah really needs to give utmost importance to family; family matters.
Our men have forgotten their role as a result our women have gone to extremes, total devastation of children, and our next generation. A wake-up call for the entire Ummah.
6. Pillars of Islam
Worshipping Allah سبحانه و تعالى by recognizing Him through His beautiful names & sifaat (attributes), performing our salah five times a day with khushoo, asking Allah سبحانه و تعالى to make it the coolness of our eyes. Also, performing haj (if we have the means), giving zakah (if capable) and fasting during Ramadan.
7. Self-Accountability
We must be mindful of Allah سبحانه و تعالى and analyse on a daily basis what we have invested for our tomorrow. One day I have to meet Allah سبحانه و تعالى alone; what’d I reply when He is going to ask me, what did you do with all your blessings? A prudent person is the one who takes his own account before it’s taken. Improving ourselves with time, effort & istaghfaar/ repentance is the key.
8. The Two Manuals: Qur'an & Sunnah
If we hold on to Qur’an & Sunnah as an Ummah, in sha Allah we will never be divided and misguided. Showing respect to Allah is through giving respect to His Kalaam(Qur’an) & symbols(ka’ba, masjid, beard, hijab etc.). While, showing respect to the Prophet Muhammad صلي الله عليه وسلم is through following his teachings, implementing his sunnahs in our daily routine life. Following the Sunnah will eradicate Bid’ah from our society.
– Parents, Let’s Watch this Orientation Video to Understand the theme a little bit more! –
Incase you want to take notes, Download the Presentation here!