Traditional Islam

Its the weekend now. Time have move too fast and now we are almost in the middle of the year, meaning half of the year is gone within split seconds. You just have the feeling, its moving too fast right now. And those whoever wasted their time, surely regret towards the end. Allah said in the Quran (Surah Asr') (the Token of) Time (through the ages), Verily Man is in loss, Except such as have Faith, and do righteous deeds, and (join together) in the mutual teaching of Truth, and of Patience and Constancy. So we have to plan our time for us not to waste anytime. When we looked back we tend to regret not to fufill our time accordingly to our need. So much time wasted that we know lots of positive things can be done.

Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. said "Among the Signs of the Last Day as disclosed He s.a.w. said is that “time would move faster - so that a whole year would pass like a month, a month would pass like a week, a week like a day, a day like an hour, and an hour like the amount of time it takes to kindle a fire.” Its happening right now with the ageing world facing major troubles in the frontier such as enviromental issues, economic issues, violence, and many more. Human being losing its spiritual domain due to the vast technology influence and power. Humanity is facing its worst crisis ever in history since the world war 2. So what are we suppose to do? There are Tariqah saying this is the sign of Imam Mehdi coming closer to our age. So be prepare for its arrival. On the other side, there is a call shouting loud for Dinar and dirham to be our monetary icons. The list goes on and on.

One would be sitting down and ponder to the reaction of many different sections and realize then the important subject which matter the most. The questions that we need to address ourselves which we often failed is Who are we? What are we? Rational thinking is needed but critical point of views will make things clearer.This trigger me into remembering a book which was highly recommended to me by my renowed guru on books Sidi Ibrahim from Wardah books. The book title is Islam in the Modern World by Seyyed Hossein Nasr. His review on the book was enough to capture my attention. When I was at his shop, i flip through the book and read certain part of it. I find it amazing on Seyyed Hossein Nasr explaining how Traditional Islam is very important in such a simple writing. I think this is an old book title Traditional Islam with revised version and some additional add. Its a thick hard cover book nevertheless the content will make you understand not only the important values of traditional islam but also on the critical aspect on the contribution of Traditional Islam on the development society over the years.

It also stated the history of Tariqah reformist movement that happened in the 18th century such as Shadhiliyah Darqawi and Tijaniyah. The author explain why the reformed happen from the prespective of history and also engage on his views to such issues which I really find it very interesting and intriguing. This is the book I believe most of us as Muslims should read and analyze it. From the wonder years of Islamic civilization, we realize and understand how Traditional Islam have always been playing a major role in development of society progession. Many of the Traditional Islamic Scholars in the past such as Imam Ghazali r.h.a, Ibn Arabi, r.h.a, Imam Jalaludin Suyuti r.a.h and many more are more than just being a scholars, they were philosphers, doctors, Jurists and mainly they hold some important position to serve the people during that period of time. It was the vast golden age of Islamic cilization from the holy cities of Mekkah and Medinah to Baghdad, Damascus, Istanbul, Andalusia. Islam was spreading like a light of hope and love across the ocean of humanity to serve the people with knoweldge, adab and wisdom. Spiritual antities was the the symbol of progression.

Today, many including some Muslims have this idea and narrow minded thinking on the connotation of the word Tradition means backwards, diluted with negative stance on it. Its a whole complete misunderstanding of the reality and values of the word Tradtional Islam and its purpose. Reflecting upon the achievement of the Sufis thinker and Traditional Scholars, one really need to take a hard look on how we can recapture the secret in developing the progression of our society till then we will always be in the mist of greater confusion. I might be wrong on giving such opinions but nevertheless history success speak for itself alone.