Islam Means Surrender

Paula Stout

The roots of the word islam literally mean peace and surrender.Spiritual surrender can be thought of as the essence of Islam and of allreligious paths.

Submission in a spiritual context has nothing to do with defeat. It is givingup small ways of thinking and controlling, in realization of our connectionto and dependence on the source of existence. Getting out of our own way,it is easier to make room for the compassion, truth, and strength that isAllah.

Abdullah, meaning 'servant of God', is a popular name in the Muslim world.To be a servant of God is to be free of all other kinds of servitude. Money,status, or worldly ambitions of any kind cannot dominate the lives of thosewho are centered in the One. An attitude of humility and gratitude is expressedthrough bowing in prayer or chanting the name of Allah.

Trust is the quality most needed for surrender and moving in accord withthe whole not drawing conclusions, as in
narrow beliefs and judgements, but having faith and a sense of connectedness.

Mystics tell us that we are already one with the Infinitethat it is possibleto become aware of this, not by acquiring anything, but by letting go ofattachments. Through meditation and attention we can know the completeimperturbability of our original nature.

In seeking this dimension, indigenous peoples sent the most intuitive amongthem on a 'vision quest'. Through dreams or communion with the natural world,a revelation was solemnly awaited.

Zen Buddhists say that studying the Buddha Way is studying oneself. Studyingoneself is forgetting oneself. Forgetting oneself is being enlightened byall things. Be like a hollow bamboo that existence can pass through.

In Christianity, the cross is, of course, the great symbol of surrender andloving sacrifice. A crisis of self-surrender is of ten the turning pointin one's religious life.

Psychology and religion both recognize that there are forces which seem totranscend the personality. How they are dealt with determines one's psychologicalhealth and spiritual maturity.

There is a Sufi story about Mulla Nasruddin, who was listening as a holyman prayed loudly:

"May the will of Allah be done."

"It always is, anyway," said Nasruddin.

The holy man heard the comment and opened his eyes.

"How can you be sure of that, Mulla?" he asked.

"Well, if it weren't true, don't you think I would get my way justonce?" replied Nasruddin.

There is a case to be made for 'embracing what is' simply because we haveno other choice. Spiritual surrender differs from
resignation because of faith that, ultimately, there is meaning - even ifwe have no idea what it is.

In terms of everyday living, there is a theme of lightness. Every situationis taken as grist for the mill, an opportunity for growth, whether it seemsto be positive or negative. Joy can be found in very simple things.

The demands of the ego are unceasing and distracting. Keeping vigilant inour practice is a way of remaining centered and making an offering of ourenergy. Embracing the will of Allah, we make a commitment to be attentive;then everything you see and experience is extraordinary. Everywhere you turnis the face of God.