Science. The most groundbreaking and intriguing field, in my humble opinion.

It holds the answers to many of our questions, yet it leaves us awe-struck… and at times, completely lost. Science, I believe, not only facilitates our understanding of the deen, but rather allows us to appreciate the workings of the Artist, the Shaper of Beauty — Al Musawir. The intricate pathways of a g-protein complex working with its mechanisms or just the functioning of the human systems should be enough to prove that there is, indeed, a higher being who runs this universal phenomenon. The one who sets these things in motion. The one who created this.

Coincidentally, as I rummaged through my Chemistry II binder from last year — hands down the best and worst class ever — I came upon a rather tattered piece of crumpled paper. The title said — Le Chatelier’s Principle.

Know what that Principle states? No..? Let me enlighten you, mates..

Le Chatelier, a grand genius of his time, claimed that if a dynamic equilibrium is disturbed by changing the conditions, the position of equilibrium moves to counteract the change.

Your thinking… WHAT. DOES. THAT. MEAN..? well lucky for you… I’m here to explain, eh?

In simplicity, if something is added to one side… another element must be added to the other remaining side, in order to get a balance. an equilibrium.. got it? Good.

In terms, this chemical enigma, as many of you see it as, is a doctrine that I believe should be observed in our daily lives. It calls for a balance between different components, and pressures one to find the middle path in between. the route of moderation.

Essentially, this holds as a MAJOR concept in terms of Islam in the twenty-first century. You must admit, dear friend, that many extremes are portrayed in religion today.. especially in Islam.. we see the hardcore religious “fanatics”, if you may allow me to label them, who are strict to such a degree that it defeats the purpose of living life and enjoying the small moments of happiness.. Allah tells us to excel in the dunya and make use of it — you’re not supposed to enter seclusion and live a life without halal worldly enjoyment and pleasure..

Contrarily, we have our folks who be hittin’ up them clubs up in hurrr.. and then after dancing the night away.. missing fajr, zuhr, asr, maghrib, isha.. oh woops — there go all your prayers..

What’s funny is the fact that Islam came as a refinement for the religions that Allah sent down before.. those religions had gone to an extreme.. they deviated from the norm, thus Islam was sent as …moderation.

Do you ever sense that..? I DO. All the time.. you know, I bet you’ve felt those moments as a crazy shock of IMAN RUSH amplifies your mind and soul.. it keeps coming and you got that khushoo goin’ on.. and your full of love in your heart for Allah.. or when you come out of some amazing lecture… or Al Maghrib.. or even after having a conversation with someone about a heated topic in Islam.. you feel the inspiration. the feeling. the zeal. and you’re planning all your life goals out and you decide “Today, I’m going to start being a better Muslim…”

And then.. slowly, yet surely… it all dies down. You return back to your previous ways, and another shock of Iman doesn’t hit you again until go through that cycle again..

What’s my point? Good question. My point is — We need momentum, instead of motivation. Motivation is a feeling that heightens our views and passions about certain things.. but it’s just an emotion. It’s bound to die down, just as all feelings do. But, MOMENTUM… momentum stays with you.. it is the consistency that prevails and leads to the betterment. The two may dwell symbiotically, but the one with a greater benefit is, indeed, momentum. It is the core to fulfilling.. to achieving.

All in all, we shouldn’t be fooled by our emotions.. and surges of Islamic epiphany that only last while they can. Though they are good to an extent.. the temporary nature is vulnerable to die down. Instead, to maintain those epiphanies and the rush of Imaan, the careful maintenance of parity and harmony is necessary.

Ideally, we are searching for a path of balance. of equilibrium. of moderation. In essence, of the Siraat-al-Mustaqeem.

Peace and Blessings.

Sincerely,

ROSENCRANTZ..