I gain the impression that many of us refuse to seriously engage with the actual teachings of our faith because they stand against us, and would require us to change.
Maybe we don’t want to hear that even in the case of divorce, our Book tells us to be gracious and kind to one another. Perhaps we don’t like the idea that we should aspire to be forgiving rather than vengeful.
But change is at the heart of our faith. We are required to reform our actions and purify our intentions. We are called to be just, and to overcome the worst parts of ourselves. Indeed the Quran censures even the outwardly religious who refuse to bring their faith to life with good deeds.
Have you seen the one who denies the Recompense?
Quran 107
For that is the one who drives away the orphan.
And does not encourage the feeding of the poor.
So woe to those who pray,
but are heedless of their prayer.
Those who make show of their deeds
And withhold simple assistance.
The living heart of our faith is reform. We are called to reform both our actions and our souls, continuously, for as long as we have breath in our lungs. “He is indeed successful who purifies it, and he indeed a failure who neglects it.”
May we be of those who bring our faith to life in our lives, and change for the better.
Last modified: 4 November 2022
