Let’s Become Guiding Lamps!

Let’s Become Guiding Lamps! The great human prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) lived on this earth for 63 years, and though he preached and established religion for only 23 years, even today, we talk about him because in his way of living, his actions, behavior, thoughts, and ideas, there was no blemish. He shone like a divine light, igniting hundreds of millions of lamps across the world. He left an indelible mark on human history as a great benefactor. We all know this. In our daily religious life, as believers, once we become guiding lamps, the responsibility to enlighten many lives increases upon us.

We should become guiding lamps for those who do not know the path of religion. The lamp of religion should shine in our area, in our surroundings. Friends! Think for a moment — when we were orphans, didn’t Allah provide us shelter? When we were in need, didn’t Allah protect us? When we were lost without knowing the path of religion, didn’t Allah show us the way? When we were poor, didn’t Allah make us wealthy? So, we should consider orphans as our own family and care for them. We should not treat orphans harshly. We must support and help those in need. We must invite those who do not know Allah’s path gently towards it. We should arrange shelters for the poor. Beggars should not be harassed. Along with these, we all should live with a grateful heart, remembering the blessings of Allah, our Lord. As a result, our future will surely be better than the past. Soon, our Lord will grant us great blessings, and we will definitely rejoice in them. However, the most distressing thing is this — those who once feared God and were filled with love for the hereafter, those who lived pure and righteous lives, today, due to environmental influence, greed, desire, arrogance, jealousy, and pride, their minds and words are corrupted. Why? Because the flame of righteousness in their souls has been extinguished. Can a fading lamp shine brighter than before? They forget their past glory. Now, without the light of religion, the sky of their hearts is covered with clouds of sorrow. Darkness has taken control and rules over everything. Today, many Muslims are not shining as beacons of light. Worse, those who do shine are often not tolerated and even face threats that could end their lives. The cause of this pitiable situation is that our Aqeedah (fundamental Islamic belief) is not proper. Our deeds and actions are not correct. That is why there is no light in our homes, families, or neighborhoods. Why did Allah guide us to be believers on the right path? The Quran answers this — among you, there should be a group who call people to good, enjoin what is right, and forbid what is wrong. Such people will surely succeed (in this life and the hereafter). Even after clear instructions, do not divide yourselves into factions and groups. For such people, severe punishment (hell) is prepared. (Al-Imran: 104-105) Why has Allah chosen us to be guiding lamps among people, to shine in our families and surroundings, to spiritually awaken many? Because we want to stop the decline of society, restore values, and lead people towards progress. Our example should be like a lighthouse. Currently, whether village or city, everywhere there is sin — gambling, usury, witchcraft, adultery, murders, a terrifying atmosphere of atrocities and abductions. Previously, these sins were limited to certain areas; now they sit in our very doorsteps. The internet has created many disasters with terrible consequences. Today, sin is increasing rapidly in rural areas because we have forgotten the purpose of creation given to us by Allah. Believers! From now on, you are the best society brought forth to guide and reform people worldwide. You will command good deeds and forbid evil. You will have deep faith in Allah. (Al-Imran: 110) Allah has commanded us to shine, but we are not shining. We are not fulfilling our duties properly. Therefore, crimes and atrocities are increasing in the Muslim community. Girls’ property rights are being denied. Oh believer! Question yourself — do you not have the responsibility to protect your area and people? Do you not have the grave responsibility to save them from hell and guide them to heaven? Believers! Protect yourselves, your wives, and children from hell. There, stones and firewood will be used for punishment. There are strong and harsh angels appointed as hell’s wardens who never disobey God’s commands. (At-Tahrim: 6) On the Day of Judgment, when we must answer to Allah, the burden and responsibility are ours. If my people are sinking deep in sin, isn’t it your responsibility to reform them? To fill their lives with the light of knowledge? What will your excuse be when Allah questions you? If we ourselves are fading lamps, how can we be guiding lamps for others? Think about it!