The thing I stand for…

Back in 2009, I got the opportunity to join an activity called the circle of courage. This is where participants sit in a circle and share to the group what lies deep within their hearts. The instructor told us that this method can be used to help resolve social conflict, for example between local people and government. By voicing and listening to the problems, opinions, ideas or wishes from each party, it is hoped that a solution could be created. The key is to be truthful and open minded. That’s why it’s called the circle of courage; because you need courage to be both. So, what we did that day was something similar to that, only it was not about settling any conflict but inspiring each other on how we would make the world a better place. “What do you stand for?” asked the instructor. “It’s completely voluntary… so no pressure guys…” she added nicely. “There will also be no turn; you can talk whenever you feel like talking… Let’s start with me………..….”

What do I stand for? I don’t need a second to know what my answer is… the problem is, do I dare to say it out loud? What’s more, making this activity voluntary really messed my mind… now I have the option to just listen and not talk, which is super great, right? But if I do that, wouldn’t that mean I’m a coward? Wouldn’t that also imply that I’m too ashamed to tell the world who I really am? And as my mind battled whether or not I should say anything, three people had already shared their beautiful views. One stood for the sick and the poor… Another one said he stood for the welfare of animals and plants… Of course I wanted to join in. More than anything, I want to be sure that I am proud of what I believe and that it is not something that should be hidden… and stating it out loud is a way to proof it to myself.

I stole a glance around the room; I kept missing my chance. Every time I think nobody was about to volunteer and it should be my turn, somebody else went before me. The clock kept ticking… more and more people spoke up; and there weren’t a lot of us to begin with. I didn’t want to be last so I gathered up all my courage and quickly stood up before nerves failed me again. All eyes were on me… I felt very nervous and shaky, but no going back now. With the last bit of courage I had, I finally said, “My name is Gray. I am from Indonesia and I stand for the one true religion which I believe is Islam”…

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That was a story back from when I was younger. Now, almost seven years has passed and I am glad to say that I still stand for the very same thing. Why? Well, when people stand for something it is because they believe that something is worth fighting for. No way would they dedicate their life to support a cause if they don’t believe anything good will come out of it… be it for them or for something bigger; like the world. In my eyes, Islam is both.

For me, standing for Islam means to fight for a world where gender, race, blood, wealth and power do not give someone any superior status over another¹. Whether you’re a man, a woman, an Asian, a European, the member of a royal family, a CEO, a housekeeper… Everyone is simply Allah’s servant. Thus, no one should feel they’re above or below anyone else for the best person is he who is the most sincere in devotion to Him; and who could know that except Allah Himself?

Standing for Islam also means to fight for a just world and a world full of compassion². 

Standing for Islam also means to fight for a prosperous world full of blessings from the heaven and the earth³.

And lastly, standing for Islam is the key for me to be among those approved by Him⁴. Only by fighting for Islam would I be able to say in the end: My life has not been for naught...

Now, how do I know that the cause I’m supporting is not a bogus? How can I be sure that Islam is the real deal? Long story short, it all comes down to my belief in Allah. Why Him in particular? 

Because He is Allah;

The one and only…

The eternal, Absolute… 

Who beget not nor is begotten…

 and none is like Him.

That is one example of how Allah describes His nature in the Quran (Q.S 112:1-4). This description fits perfectly the image of a god, a supreme being that should not be matched by any other thing. It highlights His greatness and superiority very nicely that other descriptions of god I have come across so far look pale in comparison.

With that being said, all you people can say that all roads lead to Rome… but roads leading to a better world we all dream about⁵, there is none other than Islam.

Gray

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¹Human equality is mention in several verses in the Qur’an, some of them are: Q.S 16:97 “Whoever works righteousness, man or woman, and has faith, verily, to him will we give a new life and life that is good and pure, and we will bestow on such their reward according to the best of their actions” and Q.S 49:13 “O mankind! We created you from a single (pair) of a male and a female and made you into Nations and tribes, that ye may know each other (Not that ye may despise each other). Verily the most honored of you in the sight of Allah is (he who is) the most Righteous of you. And Allah has full knowledge and is well-acquainted (with all things).

² Q.S 16:90 “Allah commands justice, the doing of good and liberality to kith and kin, and He forbids all shameful deeds, and injustice and rebellion: He instructs you, that ye may receive admonition.”

³ Q.S 7:96 “If the people of the towns had but believed and feared Allah, we should indeed have opened out to them (all kinds of) blessings from heaven and earth; But they rejected (the truth), and We brought them to book for their misdeeds.”

⁴ Q.S 3:85 “If anyone desire a religion other than Islam (submission to Allah), never will it be accepted of Him; and in the Hereafter He will be in the ranks of those who have lost (All spiritual good)."

⁵ Well, our standard of a better world is very likely to differ...  but I hope you get the idea...