Author: Shukran Ahmadi
Inquiries on the Science of the Objectives of Sharia (Part 37)
B: Means of Preserving the Soul
The religion of Islam has paid special attention to protecting the lives of innocent people from two aspects: the positive aspect and the negative aspect. In the following, we will examine the means of preserving the soul from the positive aspect.
1. Means of Preserving the Soul from the Positive Aspect
A) Preservation of the Soul Before Its Existence
Allah Almighty has established laws so that human children can have a happy life free from problems. Among them, He has legitimized marriage and encouraged it so that the human generation can continue. Also, the father is obligated to take care of the child and provide for the mother’s maintenance, even if she is divorced. Allah the Most High says about this: «وَإِن كُنَّ أَوْلَاتِ حَمْلٍ فَأَنفِقُوا عَلَيْهِنَّ حَتَّى يَضَعْنَ حَمْلَهُنَّ فَإِنْ أَرْضَعْنَ لَكُمْ فَآتُوهُنَّ أُجُورَهُنَّ وَأتَمِرُوا بَيْنَكُم بِمَعْرُوفٍ وَإِن تَعَاسَرْتُمْ فَسَتُرْضِعُ لَهُ أُخرى.» Translation: “If they are pregnant, pay their expenses until they conceive. If they agree to nurse your child after divorce, pay them their wages in full and consult with each other in a good and pleasant manner. If you cannot reach an agreement, a nurse will nurse the child.”
It is also obligatory for the father to provide for the child’s maintenance and care until he is able to earn a living. It is narrated in a hadith that Hind bint Utbah said: “O Messenger of Allah, indeed Abu Sufyan is a stingy man, and he does not give me enough to support me and my child unless I take some of his wealth without his permission. Do I have such a right?” The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “Take from his wealth what is sufficient for you and your child, within reasonable limits.”
The legislation of these rules was made to lay the groundwork for the existence and protection of the human soul.
B) Taking Advantage of the Blessings of Allah
It is obligatory to protect the soul, and it is also obligatory to take advantage of the blessings of Allah to the extent that the health of the soul is guaranteed. Allah Almighty has commanded man to make use of the blessings on earth: «هُوَ الَّذِي جَعَلَ لَكُمُ الْأَرْضَ ذَلُولًا فَامْشُوا فِي مَنَاكِبِهَا وَكُلُوا مِن رِّزْقِهِ.» Translation: “He is the One who has made the earth subservient to you. Walk in its folds and eat of its provision.”
Islamic law has made it obligatory to use food, drink, clothing, and shelter, which ensure the health of the soul, and has prohibited refusing the bare minimum. Even if someone exaggerates in worship and distances himself from his family and relatives to the point of becoming physically weak or suffering from illness, such an act is not pleasing to Allah. Nafl prayer should not result in the loss of the obligatory or recommended rights of others.
This balance in the teachings of Islam shows that Sharia not only attaches importance to worship and servitude but also considers ensuring health and a decent life for humans as one of its important pillars.
Abu Juhayfah Wahb bin Abdullah (MAPH) narrated: Salman (MAPH) went to see Abu Darda (MAPH) and saw that his wife, Umm Darda (may Allah be pleased with her), was wearing old clothes. Salman asked, “Why is that?” Umm Darda replied, “Because your brother Abu Darda has no desire for women.” At that time, Abu Darda (MAPH) came and prepared food for Salman (MAPH) and said, “Eat, because I am fasting.” Salman said, “I will not eat until you eat.” Then they both ate. At night, Abu Darda (MAPH) wanted to pray the night prayer. Salman told him, “Sleep.” Abu Darda tried to get up several times, but Salman invited him to rest. Finally, late at night, Salman said, “Now get up and pray.” They both got up and prayed the night prayer. Salman said to him, “Indeed, your Lord has a right over you, and your soul has a right over you, and your family has a right over you, so give to everyone who has a right over you.” Abu Darda’ (MAPH) reported this to the Prophet (PBUH), and the Prophet (PBUH) said, “Salman has said the truth.”
Ayesha (may Allah be pleased with her) reported: The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) came to my house, and a woman was with me. He asked, “Who is this woman?” I replied, “So-and-so woman (Al-Hawla, daughter of Tuwat ibn Habib) and I said about her frequent worship, especially the night prayer.” The Prophet (PBUH) said, “Do not do this. You should do what you can. By Allah, Allah does not get tired of the reward of your worship unless you yourself leave it due to fatigue. The most beloved worship in the sight of Allah is the worship that a person is persistent in.”
In another hadith, Ayesha (may Allah be pleased with her) narrated that the Prophet (PBUH) said: “If anyone of you feels tired and sleepy during prayer, he should rest until he recovers, because in a state of sleepiness he may curse himself instead of seeking forgiveness.”
C) Permission to Use Prohibitions When Necessary
Islam has allowed some prohibitions in emergency situations to save life. Allah, (SWT), says: «إِنَّمَا حَرَّمَ عَلَيْكُمُ الْمَيتَةَ وَالدَّمَ وَلَحْمَ الْخِنزِيرِ وَمَا أُهِلَّ بِهِ لِغَيْرِ اللَّهِ فَمَنِ اضْطُرَّ غَيْرَ بَاغٍ وَلَا عَادٍ فَلَا إِثْمَ عَلَيْهِ إِنَّ اللَّهَ غَفُورٌ رَّحِيمٌ.» Translation: “Allah has forbidden you carrion, blood, pork, and anything on which Allah’s name has not been mentioned.” But if someone is forced to do so for the sake of saving his life, then there is no sin on him provided he does not desire it and does not exceed the necessary limit. Indeed, Allah is Forgiving, Most Merciful.”
The jurists have stated that using forbidden things in times of necessity is obligatory. Similarly, worship that causes illness is not permissible. For example, fasting for a sick person is forbidden if it causes harm. Using cold water for bathing is forbidden if it poses a danger to life or serious illness. Allah Almighty has commanded beneficial and constructive actions and has forbidden everything that harms them.
D) Self-Respect in Islam
A person is obliged to maintain his self-respect and dignity. Allah the Almighty says: «وَلِلَّهِ الْعِزَّةُ وَلِرَسُولِهِ وَلِلْمُؤْمِنِينَ وَلَكِنَّ الْمُنَافِقِينَ لَا يَعْلَمُونَ.» Translation: “And to Allah belongs the glory and the might, and to His Messenger, and to the believers; but the hypocrites do not know.”
The Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said: “It is not right for a believer to humiliate himself.” The companions asked, “How is it possible for a believer to humiliate himself?” The Prophet replied, “He exposes himself to trials that are beyond his ability.”
From this hadith, we learn that a person should not do something that is beyond his ability and should avoid any sedition and corruption that leads to destruction.
Continues…
[1]. Surah At-Talaq, Verse 6.
[2]. Sahih al-Bukhari: Book of Expenditures, Chapter on When a Man Does Not Spend, the Woman May Take Without His Knowledge What Is Sufficient for Her and Her Child in a Reasonable Manner: 65/7.
[3]. Surah Al-Mulk, Verse 15.
[4]. Al-Najdi, The Importance of Legal Objectives: 211.
[5]. Sahih al-Bukhari, Book of Fasting, Chapter on Whoever Swears to His Brother to Break His Fast in Voluntary Fasting, and There Is No Obligation on Him If It Is More Suitable for Him: 3/38.
[6]. Sahih al-Bukhari, Book of Faith, Chapter: The Most Beloved Religion to Allah, the Exalted, Is That Which Is Consistent: 17/1.
[7]. Sahih al-Bukhari, Book of Ablution, Chapter on Ablution After Sleep, and for Those Who Do Not See from Drowsiness or Two Drowsinesses, or a Napping, Ablution: 53/1.
[8]. Surah Al-Baqarah, Verse 173.
[9]. Muhammad bin Ali Badreddin al-Ba’li, Abridged Egyptian Fatwas of Ibn Taymiyyah. Egypt: Al-Sunnah Al-Muhammadiyyah Press: 109.
[10]. Surah Al-Munafiqun, Verse 8.
[11]. Sunan al-Tirmidhi, Chapters on Trials from the Messenger of Allah, Peace Be Upon Him, Chapter: 523/4.
