Voice of British Muslim Women

Arfa Yassir, Swindon

Let’s rewind a few thousand years, to the time of Prophet Adam and Eve (peace be on them). Their story is mentioned in the Holy Qur’an quite a few times, which shows its significance, for among other things, with references to the times to come.

Satan misled them to eat the fruit forbidden for them by God Almighty, hence they lost the abode of peace. They instantly realised their mistake and turned to God Almighty for forgiveness.

The Holy Qur’an is a glorious book, each and every word can open a door to new horizons. The word used to describe the act of Prophet Adam in The Holy Qur’an does not denote a deliberate wrong, but an act borne of forgetfulness which God Almighty alludes to in Surah Taha verse 116 in the words:

‘…but he forgot, and We found in him no determination to disobey.’

The Arabic word used here is فَنَسِیَ (but he forgot) from the root نسی meaning forgetfulness, ignorance, negligence [i]. In English the word ‘oblivion’ may also be used for such forgetfulness.

Oblivion is a state of unconsciousness viz the surroundings or being unaware of what is going on around us. Prophet Adam (peace be on him) was of course oblivious and unaware of the real motives of Satan’s evil whisper, inciting him to eat the forbidden fruit.

What a glorious book it is which we hold in our hands, one that is able remain so relevant even through centuries of material progress. Today we are witnessing a state of forgetfulness and oblivion of the highest order. If we introspect about everything that has come to pass, we find utter spiritual darkness . Humanity has forgotten God Almighty, there is a dark and dangerous oblivion created in the world around us.

In this oblivion anyone can create their own version of right and wrong, because God has been forgotten and they are their own god. They can even go on to craft religious legitimacy for whatever suits them and their lifestyle.

On one side is the oblivion created by powers which has resulted in dangerous injustices, wars and disorder. The powerful are blindfolded by the lust of authority and influence oblivious to the fact that there is a supremacy beyond the supremacy of worldly power; the ultimate supremacy of God Almighty.

In personal lives, material pursuits and mutual rivalry are driving life decisions, rather than the love of God Almighty. Carnal pleasures have also created an oblivion, forgetting the duties towards God and His creation, people are instead pushed towards alcohol and drugs.

The evil whispers of social media are actively sexualising children who are endlessly scrolling through various platforms, un-noticed tucked into their beds or snuggled up on sofas. The vile content exposes them to a spectrum of psychological issues from body image to low self-esteem and gender identity crisis.

Given all this, when darkness peaks, the light shines even brighter. This oblivion is a proof yet again that the world needs a God, the God of Islam. The consequences of forgetting God Almighty are visible in personal lives as well as in communities and nations.

Whether it be power, wealth or carnal pleasures. Everyone is looking for the best for themselves, described by the Arabic word خیر. [ii]

Humanity needs go back to the state of Prophet Adam and Eve trying to cover themselves after realising their lapse. But how do we get there, to that realisation?

How to save ourselves and the next generation from the forbidden fruit and evil whispers of this day and age? Where is the real خیر, (good) which brings lasting peace, for us and the generations to come? It lies in a living connection with God Almighty only possible through the beautiful teachings of Islam. The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community under the blessed Khilafat gives us everything we could ask for. Sound teachings of Islam by the Imam of the age, a living relationship with a Living God, community to strengthen ourselves on a day-to-day basis, constant guidance and prayers of our Khalifa. There is so much more to it which is hard to encapsulate in limited words but to be precise it is truly an abode of peace in an uncertain, unjust world. Our Khalifa is constantly highlighting the dangers of the oblivion of this day and guiding us to ways to protect ourselves.

The Ahmadiyya Khilafat an undeniable, indispensable dome of خیر for humanity, anyone and everyone can just walk in under its shelter!

[i] http://www.alislam.org/library/books/Dictionary-Quran.pdf p 776

[2] http://www.alislam.org/library/books/Dictionary-Quran.pdf p 256