February 26, 2015
Once, when Ibraahiim, son of Adham, was king, he galloped in the track of a deer he was hunting, until he became entirely separated from his soldiers, leaving them far behind. His horse was weary and covered with sweat, but still he chased on. After passing far into the desert wilderness, the deer suddenly stopped, turned back its face and said, “You were not created for this. Beingness was not brought forth from not-being for you to hunt me. Even if you catch me, what will you have accomplished?”
When Ibrahim heard these words, he cried aloud and flung himself from the horse. There was no one in that desert except a shepherd. Ibraahiim said to him, “Take my royal robes encrusted with jewels, my arms and my horse, and give me your gown of coarse cloth. And please tell no one, not even a hint to anyone, what has become of me.” He put on the rough gown and set out on his way.
Now consider what his intention was, and yet what his true objective turned out to be! He wanted to catch a deer, but Allaah caught him by means of that deer. Therefore, realize that in this world things happen as Allaah wills. Allaah’s is the design, and all purpose comes from Allaah.
(adapted from Fihi Ma Fihi,
translated by A. J. Arberry, p. 290 - 291)
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Let’s continue with the deer’s message. As the story states: the deer suddenly stopped, turned back its face and said, “You were not created for this. Beingness was not brought forth from not-being for you to hunt me. Even if you catch me, what will you have accomplished?” There is much within this short phrase to contemplate but we’ll just focus on one point. Note that the deer places Ibraahiim’s intent and actions squarely in the context of creation: for what purpose have you been created? And are you fulfilling or serving that with your present action(s)? The Qur’aan speaks to this first question directly:
{56} I [Allaah] created the jinn and humankind only that they might worship Me. {57} I seek no livelihood from them, nor do I ask that they should feed [or provide for] Me. {58} Lo! Allaah! The Beloved it is Who giveth livelihood, the Lord of Unbreakable Might.
-- Surah 51 Al-Thaariyaat (The Winnowing Winds), Verses 56 - 58
It may be helpful to explore how worship is viewed in the context of traditional Islam. What one worships dictates how one lives: what one does (and refrains from doing) is performed in service of or with approval from that which one worships. Such action includes mental engagement: not the random thoughts that might occur and pass on their own accord, but the thoughts we actively engage and attach to, even if unconsciously -- particularly since these often determine the scope of our physical actions. The perfection of worship is to have every single action fall within the framework of what one worships.
In today’s society, money (including material possessions) illustrates the dynamic of worship. Despite what some may profess, most people worship money. Money, as most pursue (serve) it through a job, dictates the schedule of their lives: if their job schedule is from 9:00am to 5:00pm weekdays, that is what they will be doing at those times. Even if they want to do other things, they plan such around their job schedule. The salary one receives usually dictates where one lives and one’s lifestyle. It is amazing how many people’s lifestyle will change if they get a job paying a noticeably different (usually higher) salary: their residence often changes, their clothes, friends and associates, spending habits, diet, social activities, etc. -- and even their mannerisms may change. Other common “idols of worship” include family (esp. one’s familial role, such as being a spouse, parent, grandparent, etc.), social status and reputation (such as politicians, celebrities, recognized leaders, etc.), and even religion -- when approached merely as a set of rites and customs, not a path opening one to the realization of the Absolute.
Islam is explicit in stating that the only “thing” that should be worshiped is Allaah, the Absolute. Islam also emphasizes a “straight path” (direct route) of worship, forbidding intermediaries and partners to the Absolute. For example, one should not allow Allaah and money to dictate one’s life, only the Absolute. There is a practical reason for this. Consider why people worship money (among other things): because they feel they can control (dictate) the whole or key parts of their lives with money. The Beloved allows this to play out to a certain extent but the ultimate determining force of all is the Absolute:
Lo! your Lord is Allaah Who created the heavens and the earth in