Islam has the flexibility to maintain originality and relevance to all times and places. Islam coincides with human nature in its rulings. If you study Islamic rulings you will find this characteristic clear and evident in each aspect of the Islamic law. This claim is based on some clear proofs and original evidence. This feature does not exist in many religions of the world.
We find Hindu religion defying human nature in doctrine, worship and social system. Take for example; the caste system that has been mentioned in Hindu scriptures, you will find it a violation of human rights. Similarly, the doctrine of re-birth, we find that it does not distinguish between human soul and animal life. Likewise, the concept of incarnation, we note that it mixes humans with gods and makes god a human being and human being a god. Look into the worship of the male sexual organ and the veneration of vulva in Hinduism.
In this article, we will show some examples in the light of the Glorious Qur’an and blessed Sunnah that explain how Islam coincides with human nature and needs.
1- A Muslim can shorten and join two prayers in some cases, such as when he is sick or traveling, which makes praying easy for him. Allah (Glory be to Him) says:
And when you travel throughout the land, there is no blame upon you for shortening the prayer, [especially] if you fear that those who disbelieve may disrupt [or attack] you. Indeed, the disbelievers are ever to you a clear enemy. (An-Nisaa’ 4:101)
2- During wars or times of fear, Muslims can pray in a very easy way, as Allah (Glory be to Him) has explained. The Glorious Qur’an says:
And when you are among them and lead them in prayer, let a group of them stand [in prayer] with you and let them carry their arms. And when they have prostrated, let them be [in position] behind you and have the other group come forward which has not [yet] prayed and let them pray with you, taking precaution and carrying their arms. Those who disbelieve wish that you would neglect your weapons and your baggage so they could come down upon you in one [single] attack. But there is no blame upon you, if you are troubled by rain or are ill, for putting down your arms, but take precaution. Indeed, Allah has prepared for the disbelievers a humiliating punishment. (An-Nisaa’ 4:102)
3- The poor and the disabled people are exempted from performing the duty of pilgrimage. Allah (Glory be to Him) says:
And [due] to Allah from the people is a pilgrimage to the House – for whoever is able to find thereto a way. But whoever disbelieves – then indeed, Allah is free from need of the worlds. (Aal `Imran 3:97)
The pilgrimage to the Ka`bah in Makkah, at least once in whole life is a religious duty on every Muslim male and female who can afford the expenses and who can bear the hardships of the journey.
4- The sick, travelers, nursing and pregnant women are exempted from fasting until their condition changes and they become able to fast. Allah (Glory be to Him) says:
[Fasting for] a limited number of days. So whoever among you is ill or on a journey [during them] – then an equal number of days [are to be made up]. And upon those who are able [to fast, but with hardship] – a ransom [as substitute] of feeding a poor person [each day]. And whoever volunteers excess – it is better for him. But to fast is best for you, if you only knew. (Al-Baqarah 2:184)
5- Wiping some parts of the body with clean soil or sand is a replacement for ablution at times when water is not available, or there is fear of illness in using water. Allah (Glory be to Him) says:
O you who have believed, do not approach prayer while you are intoxicated until you know what you are saying or in a state of janabah (impurity), except those passing through [a place of prayer], until you have washed [your whole body]. And if you are ill or on a journey or one of you comes from the place of relieving himself or you have contacted women and find no water, then seek clean earth and wipe over your faces and your hands [with it]. Indeed, Allah is ever Pardoning and Forgiving. (An-Nisa’ 4: 43)
6- Poor people who do not have the designated amount of savings for a whole year are exempted from paying alms, even a person who owns the minimum threshold, but he is poor may give and be given alms. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “A charity (Zakah) to be taken from their rich and given to their poor.” (An-Nasa’i)
7- All unlawful foods become lawful at times when a Muslim is starving and in danger of dying, the amount must not be filling his stomach, but just enough to prevent that danger with the exception of human flesh, food or drink which might lead to death. Allah (Glory be to Him) says:
He has only forbidden to you dead animals, blood, the flesh of swine, and that which has been dedicated to other than Allah. But whoever is forced [by necessity], neither desiring [it] nor transgressing [its limit] – then indeed, Allah is Forgiving and Merciful. (An-Nahl 16:115)
8- Shares in inheritance are adapted to the amount which is inherited, so that the quota for each heir is the same as the original.
9- Islam forbids changing the shapes of the body organs, but allows cosmetic operations in case there is a deformation, which causes harm for the person. 10- Islam balances between acts of worship and life’s daily demands.`Abd Allah ibn ‘Amr reported that the Messenger of Allah (peace be on him) said to him: “O `Abdullah! Have I not been informed that you observe fast during the day and offer prayer all the night.” I replied: “Yes, O Messenger of Allah!” Messenger of Allah (peace be on him) said: “Don’t do that; observe fast for few days and then leave off for few days, perform prayers and also sleep at night, as your body has a right upon you, and your eyes have a right upon you; and your wife has a right upon you; your visitors have a right upon you. It is sufficient for you to observe fast three days in a month, as the reward of good deeds is multiplied ten times, so it will be like fasting the whole year.” (Reported by Ibn Hajar in Fat’h Al-Bary).
These are some selected examples that show flexibility in Islamic provisions. In fact, Islam is the only religion of Allah that remained preserved until this day. The Islamic rulings match human nature in all aspects. Sometimes, the wisdom behind these rulings is discovered by free reasoning and serious thought. And sometimes the divine secrets are uncovered through the scientific researches that reveal the advantages of Islamic Shari`ah. The modern medical science has revealed the benefits of fasting, disadvantages of alcohol and the diseases that are caused by adultery and forbidden sexual desire. (For more information on this subject, please, click here.)
We pray Allah the Almighty to guide us to the right path and help us in this world and the Hereafter.
____________________________
Source: Taken from www.ebnmaryam.com with modifications.