Untitled subway drawing of the Nativity, Keith Haring, c1983.
The magi were outside Jesus’ religious tradition. James Newman-Shah offers reflections from Islam
‘God illuminates the path and we must reflect on what that means for our light within.’
‘Bismillah ar-Rahman, ar-Rameen. In the name of God, the compassionate, the merciful.’ This is the line that opens the Quran and is said by me and my fellow Muslims multiple times daily. Every Surah recited starts with a reflection on God’s compassion and mercy. It has been said that the entire Quran can be summed up in this single line. It is on the lips of Muslims before we eat in the morning, and when we head to sleep.
Muslims reflect upon what is called the ninety-nine names of God so that we may witness his gift to us on earth in a state of constant God-consciousness, knowing that: ‘Unto God belong the Most Beautiful Names; so call Him by them, and leave those who deviate with regard to His Names’ (7:180 – all quotes from The Study Quran).
God is Al-Wahhab: the giver of gifts. The gift of Islam now dominates my life and leads me on the path to peace, to justice and equality. This gift has led us on the same path to know God and worship in this collective brotherhood. During every prayer we recite Surah Fatiha which asks God to: ‘Guide us upon the straight path, the path of those whom Thou hast blessed, not of those who incur wrath, nor of those who are astray’(1:6-7).
God is Ar-Razzaq: the provider. When I fast during Ramadan I am reminded of how much I take for granted, how easy it is to access food and water. As the sun sets and I can break my fast, I am grateful for what God has provided as nourishment but also what God has provided me by the action of fasting, to open my eyes to those who do not have that of which I am blessed to have. It is why the Zakat, the giving to charity, is an obligation in Islam, and not an option: ‘They ask thee what they should spend, Say: “Let whatever of your wealth you spend be for parents, kinsfolk, orphans, the indigent, and the traveler. Whatever good you do, truly God knows it”’ (2:215).
God is An-Nur: the light. God illuminates the path and we must reflect on what that means for our light within, and how we can share it through love and charity. ‘God is the light of the heavens and the earth. His light may be compared to a niche containing a lamp; the lamp within a glass, the glass like a radiant star; lit from a blessed tree – an olive tree that is neither of the east nor or the west. Its very oil would almost give light even though no fire has touched it. Light upon light! God guides to his light him that wills’ (24:35).
God is As-Salam – Peace. Muslims greet each other with a small prayer of peace. This simple act is to humble us, and to encourage us to bring forth this offer of peace wherever we travel. To all readers I say ‘Salaam Alaikum’. Peace be with you during the Christmas season. God is not limited to the ninety-nine names, but by meditating on just some of them we find common ground among faiths. Knowledge is encouraged throughout the Quran, and just as I have furthered my knowledge in your faith through my time as the Quaker Centre manager, I hope I have gifted you with some further knowledge in mine.
James attends Khutbah, online through the pandemic, at Lewisham mosque. See www.lewishamislamiccentre.com.
