Understanding oneself

In a small village resting quietly at the foot of a majestic mountain range lived a young man named Ahmad. He grew up in a close-knit community where everyone knew one another, yet within his heart stirred questions that no one around him seemed to ask aloud. Ahmad was known for his thoughtful nature, often gazing beyond what was visible, yearning to understand the deeper meaning of life.

As he approached adulthood, those questions grew heavier. Why am I here? What is the purpose of my existence? What happens after death? Though surrounded by people, Ahmad felt an emptiness within himself—like a leaf carried by the wind, moving without direction. His body worked, his days passed, but his soul felt unsettled.

One evening, after a long day tending the fields, Ahmad sat alone by the riverside. The water flowed steadily, whispering secrets of time and movement. Above him, the stars scattered across the night sky, silent witnesses to the vastness of creation. In that stillness, Ahmad felt small—and yet deeply significant. His heart trembled with uncertainty, and a quiet question rose within him: What should I do?

At that moment, he remembered his grandmother’s gentle voice. She often reminded him that knowledge was a light and that faith gave meaning to life. “When the heart feels lost,” she used to say, “return to the One who created it.”

The next morning, driven by a sincere longing for answers, Ahmad walked toward the village mosque. Inside, he found the Imam—an elderly man with kind eyes and a calm presence—sitting on a wooden stool, reciting the Qur’an. Ahmad approached him with humility and said softly,
“Imam, my heart is restless. I want to understand salvation in Islam. What does it truly mean to be saved?”

The Imam looked up and smiled warmly. “Ahmad,” he said, “salvation is a deep and beautiful concept. But it begins with knowing who you are—and recognizing who your Creator is.”

He explained that in Islam, salvation starts with faith in Allah, the One and Only, the Creator of everything seen and unseen. It is rooted in Tawhid, the oneness of God, and in believing in the Prophethood of Muhammad ﷺ. “Salvation,” the Imam said, “is not only about the Hereafter. It is about how you live this life—with purpose, sincerity, and awareness of Allah.”

Ahmad listened attentively as the Imam continued. “Faith must be accompanied by righteous deeds. The Five Pillars of Islam guide us: the declaration of faith, prayer, charity, fasting, and pilgrimage. Yet remember—actions without sincere intention are empty. Allah looks not only at what we do, but at why we do it.”

Ahmad then asked, “Is there hope for someone who has made mistakes or strayed from the path?”

The Imam nodded gently. “There is always hope. Allah’s mercy is greater than our sins. As long as a person turns back to Him sincerely through Tawbah—repentance—Allah forgives. Life itself is a test, and no one is perfect. What matters is striving, seeking guidance, and never losing hope.”

From that day onward, Ahmad committed himself to learning. He attended study circles at the mosque, reflected upon the Qur’an, and slowly began to apply its teachings to his daily life. He learned that Islam teaches a balance—between fear of accountability and hope in divine mercy.

One day, during a group discussion, Ahmad shared his thoughts.
“We are not angels,” he said, “but we are not abandoned either. We fall, but Allah gives us guidance to stand again. Understanding ourselves means recognizing our weaknesses and turning to God for strength.”

The Imam smiled, pleased with Ahmad’s growth. “That awareness,” he said, “is the beginning of wisdom.”

Over time, Ahmad’s inner transformation became visible. He grew patient, compassionate, and mindful of others. His faith was no longer just words—it reflected in his character and actions. He understood that salvation was not merely a destination, but a journey shaped by sincerity, humility, and service to humanity.

Years later, Ahmad found himself once again by the riverside. The same stars shone above him, but his heart was no longer restless. He felt at peace, knowing that understanding oneself had led him closer to understanding Allah.

In the quiet of the night, Ahmad whispered a prayer of gratitude—thankful for guidance, for growth, and for the lifelong journey of faith that had given his life meaning.

Reflection

Why does understanding oneself matter in Islam?

Many people search for meaning outside themselves—through success, possessions, relationships, or recognition—yet still feel an emptiness within. Islam teaches that true guidance begins from within. Before understanding the world, before correcting others, a person must first understand themselves.

Understanding oneself means recognizing one’s limitations, needs, and purpose. It is the awareness that human beings are not self-sufficient and that the heart naturally longs for its Creator. When a person understands who they are, they are led to the most important realization: the need for Allah’s guidance.

Why do people feel lost even when life appears stable?

Feeling lost is not a sign of failure; it is often a sign of awareness. Islam explains that the human soul (fitrah) is created with a natural inclination toward Allah. When this inclination is neglected, the heart becomes restless.

A person may have comfort, success, or social acceptance, yet still feel uneasy. This inner discomfort often appears when life lacks spiritual direction. Islam teaches that the heart finds true peace only through remembrance of Allah and living according to His guidance.