Day 7

By Shofi Ahmed 

The Path Of Balance

At the heart of the loop in Surah Fathiha lies the concept of Siratum Mustaqim, besides its immense religious meanings it’s the straight path or the path of balance. This path of balance is the middle path, the golden portion, the path that continues, and the recurring prayer of worshipers is to hook into this ongoing path. The concept is subject matter of the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), who emphasised the importance of balance in all aspects of life. For example the Prophet (PBUH) said to pick the easier option over the difficult ones.

The recurring theme in Surah Fathiha serves as a reminder to align ourselves with this straight path and to seek balance in all aspects of our lives. Believers are encouraged to maintain a balanced and harmonious relationship with ourselves, our families, our communities, and our environment. This path of balance is the key to achieving inner peace and harmony, and it is also the path to salvation.

In addition to its spiritual significance, the loop in Surah Fathiha also has scientific and artistic dimensions. The repetition of the prayer creates a rhythm that is calming and soothing to the mind and soul. This rhythm has been found to have therapeutic benefits, reducing stress and anxiety, and improving mental health. The repetition of the prayer also reinforces the message of the Surah and makes it more memorable.

In brief, the loop in Surah Fathiha is a profound religious, spiritual, scientific, and artistic reality. It is a reminder to align ourselves with the straight path and seek balance in all aspects of our lives.

A practical example of the concept of Siratum Mustaqim could be maintaining a balanced approach to work and personal life. On one hand, overworking and not taking enough breaks can lead to exhaustion, stress, and negatively affect one’s physical and mental health. On the other hand, not putting in enough effort at work can lead to poor job performance and missed opportunities. The path of balance in this case would be to manage work responsibilities and personal well-being, setting achievable goals, and taking regular breaks to recharge. This balance can lead to improved job performance, better physical and mental health, and a more fulfilling personal life.