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Mankind first true home was Paradise : a land that is both perfect and eternal. The yearning for that type of life is part of our being ( fitrah ). Dunya, on the other hand is a place of fleeting moments and temporary attachments. Thus, this world is all about seeking that kind of happiness, fulfilment and security everywhere else. Some of us seek in our careers, some seek in wealth, some in status, some seek in relationships with people.
“..some people find it in this and some people find it in that, and some people just don’t find it al all” As explained by a contemporary Muslim poet, Brother Boonaa Mohamed.
The concept of Tawhid helps us to shift our focus and be a constant reminder for us to strive for something better for happiness, fulfilment and security. Something better than wealth, status, love and relationships. Something more sublime than all other standards.
Our worth, our honor, our salvation and our completion lie not in the slave.
But, in the Lord of the slave.
“Those who have believed and whose hearts are assured by the remembrance of Allah . Unquestionably, by the remembrance of Allah hearts are assured." (13:28)
In conclusion, the foundation of Islam is Tawhid (Oneness). Tawhid is not just about saying God is One. It is so much deeper. It is about the Oneness of purpose, of fear, of worship, of ultimate love for God. It is the Oneness of vision and focus. It is to direct one’s sight on one singular point, allowing everything else to fall into place.
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