Module 6E-01 The Role of Shari’ah in Tazkiyah

The Role of the Shari‘ah in Tazkiyah

Our main purpose in creation is to become closer to Allah, and Allah sent the anbiya and a’immah (a) to help us in this process. This is one of the points that the ayah in the beginning of the lesson mentions. They also taught us the way to become closer to Allah is through the shari‘ah. This is what is absolutely necessary as it helps us to purify ourselves. However, we want to become closer to Allah in the best way possible, and that means that we can go above and beyond the basic requirements that the shari‘ah might draw out for us. There is a spirit behind some of these laws that we can learn from and that can help us in the purification process. For example:

Wudhu, ghusl, and taharah: These teach us the importance of physical cleanliness and more importantly, they are reminders for us to keep our souls clean.

Halal food: Eating halal food and teaching ourselves to control ourselves from eating everything that we want helps our souls listen to the divine, instead of our own personal desires.

Salah: Teaches us humbleness, punctuality, and discipline. More importantly, it reminds us of our Creator five times a day!

Sawm: Teaches us how to develop self-control and will-power.

Hajj: Teaches us the power of brotherhood and sisterhood.

Zakah: Teaches us to think about our brothers and sisters, and to be thankful for all that we have.