DR. KIRMANI’S CORNER
This section is developed through the weekly reflections of Dr. Sayed Shabbir Kirmani, our respected resident scholar. Each week, Dr. Kirmani will share his thoughts on faith, current affairs, and community matters, offering valuable insights on how Islamic teachings relate to both global and local events.
In the Name of Allah, the Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful
Practical Islamic Guidance for Excellence in Life
In Tafsir al-Mīzān, ‘Allāmah Ṭabāṭabā’ī presents the Qur’an as a complete program for human perfection, guiding believers from mere survival to true excellence (ihsān). Excellence in life, in this vision, is not limited to achievement or status; it is to live as a servant of Allah in a state of inward balance, outward responsibility, and constant growth.
Excellence Begins with Intention
A central theme in al-Mīzān is that value lies in the quality of deeds, not just their number. Verses such as “that He may test you as to which of you is best in deed” (67:2) are explained as pointing to sincerity (ikhlās) and correctness, not outward
impressiveness.
Practically, this means that every action—studying, working, caring for family, community service—can become a step toward excellence if two conditions are met: it is done purely for Allah, and it follows His guidance. Before starting the day, a believer
renews intention: “I seek Allah’s pleasure in all I will do today.” This transforms ordinary routines into acts of worship.
Balancing Dunya and Ākhirah
In al-Mīzān’s treatment of the supplication, “Our Lord, give us good in this world and good in the Hereafter…” (2:201), excellence is shown as a balanced pursuit of both realms. “Good in this world” includes lawful provision, health, knowledge, stable families, and dignified work; “good in the Hereafter” is nearness to Allah and salvation.
From this perspective, neglecting worldly responsibilities in the name of piety is as imbalanced as chasing worldly success while forgetting the Hereafter. The practical path is to let the Hereafter set the direction, while effort and discipline shape one’s worldly life: excelling at work, seeking beneficial knowledge, and serving others, all with the conscious aim of pleasing Allah.
Continuous Self‑Purification
Tafsir al-Mīzān repeatedly returns to tazkiyah (self‑purification) as the engine of real progress. The Qur’an’s praise of the one who “purifies” the soul and its warning against the one who “corrupts” it (91:9–10) is read as an ongoing, lifelong struggle.
‘Allāmah’s spiritual method can be summarized in two daily practices:
● Morning resolve: Begin the day with a firm covenant not to disobey Allah and to seek His pleasure in every action.
● Nightly accountability: Before sleep, review the day. Thank Allah for obedience, seek forgiveness for slips, and decide one concrete improvement for tomorrow.
This simple cycle of muraqabah (watchfulness) and muḥāsabah (self‑accounting) gradually refines character and anchors a person in excellence.
Living Excellence in Society
Al-Mīzān emphasizes that faith is incomplete without justice, compassion, and service. The Qur’anic image of mīzān (the Balance) in creation and judgment calls believers to fairness in dealings, honesty in trade, fulfilling trusts, and standing for the oppressed.
Thus, excellence is not a private spiritual state alone; it appears in how one speaks, keeps promises, manages money, treats co‑workers, and responds to family. A believer inspired by al-Mīzān asks in every situation: “What is the most truthful, just, and merciful action here—seeking Allah’s face alone?”
By purifying intention, balancing the two worlds, persevering in self‑discipline, and embodying justice and mercy, a Muslim walks the path of excellence that Tafsir al-Mīzān draws from the Qur’an: a life that is productive on earth and luminous before Allah.
May we have the ability to receive the Divine Mercy and extend it to others!
With Duas,
Dr. Kirmani