Insults reveal a profound truth by Aisha

On August 24, the Telegraph.co.uk published a short piece of entitled “Insults are better taken lying down.” Apparently, research shows, “that those who took personal insults while upright exhibited brain activity linked to attacking, but this urge disappeared when they took the same insults lying down.” Any Muslim reading this would immediately think of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) advising his followers to lie down when they became angry.

In a tradition related to us from Imam Ahmad, we learn that the companion Abu Dharr was involved in an altercation at watering trough. In the midst of the argument, Abu Darr sat down, and then he lay down. Someone asked him why, he replied, “The Messenger of God advised us, if one of you becomes angry and he is standing, let him sit down so his anger will go away, if it down not go away, let him lie down”.

Al Khattabi, renowned Islamic scholar of the 10th century C.E., commented, “One who is standing is in a position to strike and destroy, while the one who is sitting is less likely to do that, and the one who is lying down can do neither”. Now, in the 21st century, scientists at the Texas A&M University have made this awesome discovery by conducting extensive research into insults and body position.

Muslims, however, know with certainly that the advice given to them by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was correct, and appropriate. When Muslims read about such discoveries, they smile enigmatically and go about their daily lives secure in the knowledge that Islam is a way of life, not merely a religion.

On the other hand, coverts to Islam react in a slightly different way. For many, their journey to Islam has been a series of epiphanies and revelations. Coverts, or reverts, as many like to be called, often tell amazing stories of discovering the truth of Islam.

Therefore, small articles in dusty journals or snippets or information in the health, science, or technology sections of new papers and magazines reinforce their feelings of discovering a great universal truth. Reading a newspaper article takes on a whole new meaning when it confirms a profound reality.

For Muslims, worship is life and life is worship. Knowing how to please God is a profound reality itself. The month of Ramadan and God ordered Muslims to fast. In the month of Ramadan, spiritual batteries are being charged and Muslim s all over the world is reaping the benefits of decreasing their food intake and increasing their worship and generosity.

At the same times scientists across the globe, are studying the benefits of fasting; in mice and rats, in monkeys, and in humans, and the benefits become increasingly obvious. An article on Serendip (Bryn Mawr College website) states that the most apparent benefit of fasting is a sense of rejuvenation and a longer life expectancy. This comes about due to a slower metabolic rate, more efficient protein production, an improved of hormones.

Every day, in a myriad or ways, the truth of Islam becomes visible and palpable. Those born to Islam accept this universal truth with grace and elegance, while converts to Islam each new revelation with a twinkling of the eye reminiscent of a child opening an Eid gift. Islam does not need scientific discoveries to confirm its legitimacy. However, modern discoveries add to the sense of wonder that accompanies real submission to God.

*Aisha Stacey is an Australia convert to Islam. She spent from 20034 until 2007 working as a writer/researcher/da’eh at tge Fanar Islamic Cultural Centre in Doha Qatar. Aisha recently returned to Australia, and completed her Bachelor of Arts, specialising in Terrorism, Security and Counterterrorism. Aisha writes a weekly column for www.islamreligion.com