Page 28 - Islam: The Religion of Ease

ISLAM: THE RELIGION OF EASE

atory it is the responsibility of each individual to carry it out as
his obligation to Allah. In return for this, he may hope for
Allah's approval, mercy, and Heaven. Allah's making the oblig-
atory forms of worship easy is an indicator of His mercy and
compassion. Those who do not, in spite of this, abide by Allah's
commands will not be able to say they didn't have enough
strength, or that it was hard for them to pray, as an excuse.
(Except those mentioned by Allah in the Qur'an as not having
any responsibilities).
For example, to perform ablutions has been made very
straightforward. In fact, in case a person cannot find any water
to wash himself with, Allah has given tayammum — the substitu-
tion of sand, stone, or snow for water—as an alternative, and
tayammum can be easily done in any type of situation. For those
who cannot find water, Allah informs us in one of His verses
how to perform tayammum:
... If you are in a state of major impurity, then purify
yourselves. But if you are ill or on a journey, or have
come from the lavatory, or have touched women, and
cannot find any water, then do tayammum with pure
sand, and wipe your faces and your hands with it. Allah
does not want to make things difficult for you, but He
does want to purify you and to perfect His blessing upon
you so that hopefully you will be thankful. (Surat al-
Ma'ida: 6)
As Allah tells us in His verse, He does not want to make
things demanding for people. Allah has simplified all the things
stated in the Qur'an. The acts of worship Allah has commanded
are extremely easy for those who have faith. Allah, in His mercy
and compassion, has commanded the easiest and most wonder-

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