Are you a Hindu because you are born in a Hindu family?
Are you a Muslim because you are born in a Muslim family?
Are you a Christian because you are born in a Christian family?
For many of us, the answer will be “Yes” to the question above. The answer is not surprising because most of us inherit faith from our parents. For many of us, following a religion has become an aspect of culture. Religion today has little or no moral influence on us as it is reduced to few customs and rituals related to birth, marriage, inheritance, funeral etc. You may ask “What is the issue with this”? Let’s think.
Man and his pursuit of excellence
It is in our nature to look for things that are better – a better job, better house, better clothes etc. Even as a society, we constantly look for better things and that is how we have achieved so many advancements. Why this attitude? Because, we believe better things will bring us better benefits. This is why we are rarely satisfied with what we possess. Interestingly, when it comes to religion, our approach is exactly the opposite. We are content and happy to follow what our forefathers followed. Question is why?
A honest look at reality
We think we are in complete control of our life. The truth is, we cannot even control the functions of our own heart, lungs, kidneys, liver etc. They are organs in our body but they are not under our control. Doesn’t it tell you that we do not have complete control? Doesn’t it tell you there is a higher power that controls and commands everything?
We did not come to earth on our own. We did not choose our parents. We do not know when we will die. Shouldn’t we think about why we are here on earth? Who put us here? Who is God? What happens after we die?
Let’s look for answers from the life of one of the greatest human beings – Abraham, a Prophet of God.
Prophet Abraham’s background
Prophet Abraham was born in an influential family. His father was an idol maker and held an important position in the society. Unlike a typical youth who immerse themselves in fun and entertainment, Abraham was a thoughtful young man. He gave a deep thought about the universe and wondered about the purpose of his very existence. He knew that since he did not come to this earth on his own, there must be a higher power. So, he began his search to find God, his creator.
Abraham’s journey to truth
God, in the Glorious Quran, captures Abraham’s journey to truth.
When the night grew dark, he (Abraham) saw a star and said, “This is my God!” But when it disappeared, he said, “I do not love things that disappear.
Quran Chapter 6: Verse 76
And when he saw the moon rising he said, ‘This is my God,’ but when it too disappeared, he said, ‘If my God does not guide me, I shall be one of those who are misguided.
Quran Chapter 6: Verse 77
Then he saw the sun rising and exclaimed, ‘This is my God! This is greater.’ But when the sun set, he said, ‘My people, I disown all that you worship beside God.
Quran Chapter 6: Verse 78
Abraham realised that everything present in the Universe like the star, sun, moon, idols etc. are temporary and one day will cease to exist. He understood that something that is temporary can never be God, who is eternal. So he arrived at the conclusion that only the one who created the grand universe must be God.
I have turned my face as a true believer towards the God who created the entire universe. I am not one of those who worship things other than God
Quran Chapter 6: Verse 79
Abraham questioning his people about what they worship
God, in the Glorious Quran, mentions that:
Narrate to them the story of Abraham, when he questioned his father and his people, “What is that you worship?” They replied, “We worship idols, to which we are fully devoted.” Abraham asked, “Can they hear you when you call upon them? Or can they benefit or harm you?” They replied, “No! But we found our ancestors doing the same.” Abraham responded, “Have you really thought about what you and your ancestors have been worshipping?”
Quran Chapter 26: Verses 69-76
Abraham teaching his people about God
God is the One Who created me, and guides me. He is the one who gives me food and drink. He is the one who cures me when I am sick. He is the one who will cause me to die and bring me back to life. He is the one, I hope will forgive my mistakes on the day of Judgement.
Chapter 26: Verses 78-82.
From the verses above, we learn that:
- Abraham recognized that God is his creator and only God alone can guide him.
- Abraham understood that God is extremely loving & caring and God expresses His love by giving sustenance and by giving cure when sick.
- Abraham realises that he cannot live in this world the way he wants to because He will be brought back to life after death and will be questioned by God about his actions.
This is the inspiring journey of Abraham to discover the truth. What about your journey?
