Understanding the Question and the Problem
To solve a problem or answer a test question correctly, you must first understand the question accurately. A student who has studied diligently for a year may still give a wrong answer if they misread the question, even if they know the subject well. The goal of the exam is to answer correctly; the preparation is merely a means to that end.
The Balance Between Purpose and Means in Religion
The same principle applies to religion. If the objectives and tools of religion are confused, our reckoning on the Day of Judgment may not turn out as we hope. In this delicate balance, the influence of Satan should not be overlooked. Satan deceives people with the idea that they are already on the right path and that God's mercy will surely save them. He sanctifies the means and causes people to forget the true ends.
The Goals of Religion
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Equalizing the rich and the poor: Standing side by side in prayer, experiencing hunger through fasting, sharing through zakat and charity. All of these are wealth- and equality-oriented. The Qur’an states: “Indeed, you love wealth with immense love.”
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Truthfulness: Avoiding lies, standing up for the truth.
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Justice: Upholding rights and being fair.
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Equality: Establishing a classless society where everyone is treated equally.
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Protecting the oppressed: Looking after orphans, the poor, workers, the hungry, and the homeless; sharing and supporting them.
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Opposing exploitation: Rejecting usury, unjust gain, corruption, and economic domination. Ensuring the fair and just distribution of wealth.
The Means of Religion
Prayer (Salat):
Its core purpose is to strengthen brotherhood, care for those in need, and address societal problems. When the purpose is forgotten, the form takes over: people focus on how many units to pray, how to raise the hands, whether a turban is worn, and similar details. In the end, it becomes empty rituals—memorized words with no understanding.
Yet, the Prophet would turn to his congregation after prayer and ask, “Does anyone have a need?” This tradition was later forgotten and replaced with silent recitations.
Fasting:
Its aim is to understand the condition of the hungry and develop empathy. In the Qur’an, feeding the hungry is likened to seeking “the Face of Allah” (wajh Allah). But today, Ramadan often becomes a season of extravagant banquets and lavish invitations. Instead of empathy with the poor, it turns into a display.
Pilgrimage (Hajj), Zakat, Sacrifice (Qurban):
All are intended for sharing and social unity. The Qur’an clearly states:
“It is neither their meat nor their blood that reaches Allah, but your piety.” (Hajj 22:37)
Means Are Sanctified, Goals Are Forgotten
As a society, we sanctify the tools and lose sight of the goals:
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We revere fasting itself, not being with the poor.
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We focus on the movements of prayer, not standing up against injustice.
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We emphasize the slaughter in sacrifice, not the unity it’s meant to foster.
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We obsess over avoiding pork, not avoiding excess consumption and greed.
Misunderstanding Leads to Failure
People assume:
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That fasting one month is enough.
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That bowing and prostrating five times a day guarantees salvation.
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That circling the Kaaba seven times is a virtue in itself.
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That slaughtering an animal completes worship.
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That avoiding showing a strand of hair or eating pork makes one the best believer.
But these are only means. Those who do not understand the purpose, yet think fulfilling the rituals alone will save them, are unaware that they are failing the test.
Because from the very beginning,
they do not understand the question—or the problem.
