The ‘Twinship’ of Deen & Dunya

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم

رَبَّنَآ آتِنَا فِي ٱلدُّنْيَا حَسَنَةً وَفِي ٱلآخِرَةِ حَسَنَةً وَقِنَا عَذَابَ ٱلنَّارِ

'O Lord! Grant us the blessings and benefits of this world as well as the hereafter.'

)Surat al-Baqara: 201)

This article was written by Ra'sul Hududil Mayameen Janab Syedi Aziz Bhaisaheb Qutbuddin in 2015.

The Imams and Dais of the Dawoodi Bohra Community have always guided community members to persevere and attain success and prosperity in both Deen (religion) and Duniya (world). Following the Holy Qur’an’s direction: “[Pray] O Lord! Grant us the blessings and benefits of this world as well as the hereafter,” they have counselled community members to work toward a balance in their lives that enables mumineen to achieve success in both deeni and dunyavi aspects of their lives.

To maintain a healthy balance is key so that we may sustain ourselves in this world as well as prepare for the next. In the qasida al-‘aqlu fil insaane a’lal jawhari, Syedna Taher Saifuddin RA encapsulates some of the essential tenets of Fatimid philosophy. In this qasidahe captures the importance of balance between Deen and Dunya by describing them as “twins.” In the next verses, he counsels mumineen that their worldly affairs should be conducted in accordance with their religion, and that religion should in fact be the moral compass that directs their worldly affairs. This is the secret to a fulfilling and comfortable life. This balance helps us stay focused on the road that ensures our salvation, and also this balance encourages a full and happy life in this world.

If our approach to life conforms with our God-given nature
It will keep steady on a pliant path

But if your system goes against your innate instincts
Heaving winds will attack its edifice

Religion and the world are twins
If you look at them with a discerning eye

If the world's affairs were conducted in accord with religion
The world would shine bright like heavenly Jupiter

And God's servants would find the world they inhabit
A fresh flowerbed of comfort and luxury

While the principles of Deen (our religion) are constant, Dunya (this world) is constantly changing. Change is in its very nature. The challenge we face is striking a balance between the two in the ever-shifting contexts of this world. The guidance and direction of Sahibuz-zaman, our guide in this day and age, is vital to help us navigate this challenge. Each Dai directs, guides, and counsels mumineen to enable and encourage this balance in their time.

Syedna Qutbuddin TUS guides us as to how we can achieve this balance by his words and examples. Whether it is guidance about farizat namaaz (see Sijill article 83), zakaat (See Sijill article 21), attending Ashara waaz (See Ashara announcement below), Syedna’s guidance is true to the principles of faith and at the same time enable mumineen to achieve the balance in today’s world.

May Allah Ta’ala grant us the tawfeeq, wisdomand strength to seek, appreciate, and follow the guidance of Syedna. May He enable us to strike a balance between our Deen and Dunya to have a fulfilling and comfortable life in this world while preparing for our eternal life in the hereafter.

Our Mawali Tahereen have instructed us to worship Allah Ta’ala “as if you see Him in front of you; even if you do not see Him, remember that He sees you.”