There are many different aspects of relationship between Allah and Man.
- It begins with Knowledge of Allah and His attributes which is a cognitive/intellectual relationship.
- After knowing about Him comes belief and submission - that is Imaan (firm belief).
- After knowing and believing in Allah, one begins to establish an emotional - spiritual relationship with Him, like love of Allah, His fear, hope in His mercy, trust and dependency on Him, etc.
- After Imaan, ritualistic worship becomes obligatory on him.
- Relationship with Allah also demands Itaat (non-ritual obedience in all affairs of life).
Itaat is of two types- outer and inner.
The outer itaat is again divided in to individual and collective acts.
Activism (Political, social, etc.) comes under outer collective itaat and is one among many other aspects of Deen, even if it is an important one. Focusing solely on activism at the cost of the other aspects of one's relationship with Allah is a grave mistake and a modern biddah which distorts the understanding and practice of Deen and creates intellectual, spiritual and practical imbalances in the person.
The outer itaat is again divided in to individual and collective acts.
Activism (Political, social, etc.) comes under outer collective itaat and is one among many other aspects of Deen, even if it is an important one. Focusing solely on activism at the cost of the other aspects of one's relationship with Allah is a grave mistake and a modern biddah which distorts the understanding and practice of Deen and creates intellectual, spiritual and practical imbalances in the person.
Such an approach is actually a product of modernity where state and politics dominate all aspects of modern life and society and all focus is on the outward and material manifestations of things.
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