Islam and Kind Rebirths – Rebirth and Renewal through Surrender

Part III

When I think about the impressive religion of Islam, I immediately think of discipline, honor, and tradition. Heavily driven and determined by the concept of Tawbah, a rebirth acknowledges many similarities. Tawbah speaks to the act of seeking forgiveness from Allah at any time by using the steps provided through the important revered and sacred scriptures in the Qur’an. Specifically, it advises that to seek repentance, one must admit and accept regret for actions or behaviors that have violated the moral ethics of life. Next, one must abstain from the sin immediately. Thirdly, refrain from conducting the sin again. Fourth, it is important to make restitution by making amends with the people impacted by the discretion. After these are completed, you must pray and ask Allah directly and humbly for his forgiveness with the internal understanding that it is not to be repeated.

Pardon the fact that this blog post is not more inclusive of the Islamic faith. I anticipate more will come with time. But for this moment, please bear with me while I focus on this topic chiefly. With that being said, the fundamental understanding to be gained here is that humbling oneself through accountability is instrumental in order to turn back to Allah. With divine mercy, it is instructed that Allah, recognizing the conviction and dedication of change, is prepared to offer mercy upon us after we have fallen short. A Kind Rebirth, synonymously (and with profound respect), is committed to share a similar language of mercy and benevolence. A rebirth seeks in you the ability to humble yourself to your past transgressions or just plain bad choices you’ve made in life and choose a different path moving forward. If there are things in your past that cause you pain or cause pain to others, consider stopping what you’ve been doing and surrender to a path that’s more considerate and beneficial available to you at any moment.

Let’s take a small step back. Despite what some might believe, Tawbah, as it is said, is not about punishment or penance. Rather it’s ultimately about transforming life into one filled with virtue and integrity. Allah, in his omnipotent wisdom, “loves those who turn to Him in repentance” (Q. 2:222, pardon if this is formatted incorrectly). And it is at this turn that I have seen semblance at its highest levels with a kind rebirth. This turn is a deliberate and conscious shifted act of renewal. So, it’s okay that we have made mistakes, but when it’s time to make our amends and to atone for our actions, we, like in Islam, must acknowledge our shortcomings, let go of the shame and guilt, and then begin again with humility.

A kind rebirth is available at any and every given moment. Followers of the Islam faith make salat multiple times a day in which they reflect and find purity within their lives. When we practice mindfulness, we too find functionality. Like the daily routine of making salat, in mindfulness, we are summoned to find pause, to focus on breath, and to reconnect with the divinity of things around us.

Let’s consider learning to appreciate any of the world’s religion for its intent. Islam, for example, teaches renewal through surrender – surrendering to love and surrendering to a reestablished connection with divinity. The changes we make in our lives are not limited to one-time occasions. It is a commitment to always striving for better outcomes despite the circumstances by eliminating paths that take us down unrighteous roads.

Stay mindful…

Rebirth