Baraka Blue
Why is service sacred to you?
We often think that we will attain happiness when more and more of our wants and needs are met. But if we take the path of self-gratification we find this not to lead us to happiness. I think most people find that they feel most fulfilled when they are serving something greater than themselves. This is a paradox, you are less fulfilled the more selfish you are and become more fulfilled the more self-less you become.
The word Islam itself means to surrender oneself in service of Allah, the Greatest. And the root s-l-m also carries the meaning of wholeness, flawlessness, and perfect peace. So the Muslim is the one who surrenders one’s entire being to sacred service of the Creator and thereby attains peace. One who has attained this reality of Islam is one who will naturally be in selfless service to all beings.
Why is this area of service sacred to you?
Teaching is sacred service because it is through sacred knowledge that we come to experience the fullness of our human potential; the key to liberate us from the cage of the ego so that the spirit can soar to the divine presence; that ascension is only through realizing that our one and only purpose is service to our Creator. This is sacred service. Allah says, “How can those who know be equal to those who do not know? Only those who have understanding will take heed.” {39:9}. The call to knowledge is at the heart of the Quranic message. The root word for knowledge (‘ilm), in its various forms, appears in the Quran more than almost any other word—some 854 times.
The Prophet equated sacred knowledge with prophetic inheritance itself, and told us that this knowledge is that which puts us in harmony with the very nature of things, on earth and in heaven, “Verily, the angels lower their wings for the seeker of knowledge. The inhabitants of the heavens and earth, even the fish in the depths of the water, seek forgiveness for the scholar. The virtue of the scholar over the worshiper is like the superiority of the moon over the stars. The scholars are the inheritors of the Prophets. They do not leave behind gold or silver coins, but rather they leave behind knowledge. Whoever has taken hold of it has been given an abundant share.”
Imam al-Ghazali said, “After prophecy, the noblest occupation is to convey knowledge and to train people’s souls away from destructive character traits and to guide them to praiseworthy character traits which brings ultimate happiness; and this is what is meant by knowledge.” True knowledge is that which allows us to purify our hearts in order to reflect the Names and Attributes of Allah, which is what we were created to do.
The Prophet told us that he came “only as a teacher.” He came to teach us a way of being; a way to align our words, actions and intentions with the Truth; he taught us a method to realize what is most true, most beautiful, and most virtuous by surrendering ourselves to Divine Unity, and thereby attaining a state of peace and trust in Him. This method has been put into practice and conveyed by those who attained realization of its realities through an unbroken chain of transmission back to the Prophet himself, peace and blessings be upon him. I can think of no more sacred service than to devote one’s life to learning, practicing, and conveying the ineffable beauty of this prophetic inheritance.
What does Wasat mean to you and how do you feel Wasat embodies sacred service?
Wasat is a community that seeks to grow, learn, study, and ultimately serve Allah, together.
