Islam Dharm Me Karm Ka Swarup - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary in English of the Jain text "Islam Dharm me Karm ka Swarup" by Nizamuddin:

This article, "The Nature of Karma in Islam," by Dr. Nizamuddin, explores the concept of karma within the Islamic faith. It asserts that Islam is not a religion of renunciation or escapism; rather, it is a path that emphasizes action, disciplined living, and a balanced focus on both this world and the hereafter, with a priority given to the afterlife.

Key Principles of Karma in Islam:

Human Free Will and Accountability: Islam teaches that humans are entirely free in their actions. They are destined to experience the consequences of their deeds and will be held accountable for them before Allah on the "Day of Judgment" (Roz-e-Mehshar).
"As You Sow, So Shall You Reap": The principle of "like action, like fruit" is fundamental. The rewards of heaven (Jannat) and the punishment of hell (Jahannum) are determined by an individual's actions. Dr. Iqbal's quote, "Life is made by actions, both heaven and hell; this earthly being is in its nature, neither pure light nor fire," encapsulates this.
Intention is Paramount: The true value of an action is dictated by the intention behind it. The Prophet of Islam stated, "The reward for actions depends on the intention, and every person will receive what they intended."
Allah's Omniscience: Allah is aware of every deed, no matter how small. The Quran states, "So whoever does an atom's weight of good, he will see it, and whoever does an atom's weight of evil, he will see it."
The Importance of Good Deeds and Devotion: The Quran and Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) repeatedly command the performance of good deeds. The most esteemed person in the eyes of Allah is the one who is most pious and disciplined ("Inna akramakum indallahi atqakum"). Leading a disciplined life is a core tenet of Islam.
Belief and Good Conduct: The faith of a Muslim is best demonstrated through their conduct and behavior, including their treatment of their family. Islam condemns those who spread disorder and strife, as Allah dislikes "mufsidun" (those who spread corruption).
No Compulsion in Religion: The principle of "La ikraha fid-deen" (no compulsion in religion) signifies that Islam does not endorse unnecessary violence. It is a religion of peace, and the word "Islam" itself means peace and security.
Universal Guidance: Islam provides guidance for all of humanity, transcending any specific race or community. Emphasis is placed on good deeds and piety (Taqwa), with no discrimination based on color or lineage.
The True Nature of Goodness: The Quran defines goodness not merely by facing a particular direction (East or West) but by sincere belief in Allah, the Day of Judgment, angels, divine scriptures, and prophets. It also includes spending wealth on relatives, the needy, orphans, beggars, and freeing slaves, establishing prayer, and paying Zakat. True goodness also involves fulfilling vows and exercising patience during hardship and conflict.
Understanding Taqwa (Piety/Self-Discipline): Those who are pious believe in the unseen, establish prayer, spend from what Allah has provided, and believe in the Quran and previous scriptures. They are on the right path and are the successful ones. The Quran further elaborates that those who spend in times of ease and hardship, control their anger, forgive others, and seek Allah's forgiveness for their wrongdoings are beloved by Allah and will be rewarded with eternal paradise.

Two Aspects of Action in Islam:

Worldly (Laukik) Actions: These pertain to social interactions and behavior towards fellow human beings.
Spiritual (Adhyatmik) Actions: These include rituals like prayer (Namaz), fasting (Roza), pilgrimage (Hajj), and charity (Zakat). The core principle here is "Tawhid" – the absolute oneness of Allah and the belief that only Allah is worthy of worship, with Muhammad (PBUH) being His messenger. This is encapsulated in the Kalimah: "La ilaha illallah Muhammadur Rasulullah."

Specific Social Commands:

The article lists several social commandments that are considered divine orders:

Treat parents with utmost respect and kindness.
Give rights to relatives, the needy, and orphans.
Be moderate in spending and avoid extravagance.
Do not approach adultery; it is an evil path.
Do not tamper with the property of orphans until they reach maturity.
Fulfill promises and commitments.
Walk with humility and avoid arrogance.
Maintain a balanced approach in spending and earning.
Do not kill your children due to fear of poverty.
Do not kill unjustly.
Do not follow what you have no knowledge of, as all senses and faculties will be questioned.
Pay laborers their wages before their sweat dries.
Treat servants with equality, providing them with the same food and clothing as oneself.
Give full measure when measuring and use accurate scales.
Do not betray trusts (Amanat).

The Five Pillars of Islam and Their Significance:

The article highlights the five pillars of Islam:

Namaz (Prayer): Performed five times daily, it strengthens faith in Allah's existence and attributes, keeps faith alive, fosters character development, purifies the heart, enhances intellect, awakens the inner conscience, and brings peace.
Roza (Fasting): Observed during Ramadan, it cultivates love for Allah, fosters nearness to Him, purifies the soul, teaches balanced living, instills patience and selflessness, helps control desires, generates empathy for the less fortunate through hunger and thirst, promotes discipline, and fosters social consciousness.
Zakat (Charity): A purification of wealth, it involves donating at least 2.5% of one's annual income to the needy. It is an act of divine love and moral obligation, given voluntarily. Orphans and the disabled should be prioritized.
Hajj (Pilgrimage): Obligatory for those who are financially and physically able, it is considered the greatest international conference of peace and brotherhood, showcasing Islam's universal nature. It also serves as a remembrance of historical figures like Abraham and Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

Conclusion:

Islam emphasizes that individuals are free to act but must adhere to divine guidance found in the Quran and the life of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). They will be rewarded or punished according to their deeds. Allah is merciful and forgives those who repent. The best person is one with excellent deeds and superior conduct, as Allah does not change a people's condition until they change themselves from within. Ultimately, actions guided by faith are essential for salvation in Islam.