How do we know if we measure up to the standard that Allah has set for our lives? ‘Isa al Masih (pbuh) teaches about Allah’s righteous standard in this story from the Holy Injil (al-kitab.org) beginning in Matthew 5:17. Before you read this story, take a moment to think about how you would describe a righteous person.

Matthew 5:17-20

¹⁷“Do not think that I came to abrogate the Taurat or the Prophets. I did not come to abrogate, but to fulfill. ¹⁸For most assuredly, I tell you, until heaven and earth pass away, not even the smallest letter [iota] or one tiny pen stroke [serif] shall in any way pass away from the Taurat, until all things are accomplished. ¹⁹Whoever, therefore, shall break one of its least commandments, and teach others to do so, shall be called least in the Kingdom of Heaven; but whoever shall do and teach them shall be called great in the Kingdom of Heaven. ²⁰For I tell you that unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, there is no way you will enter into the Kingdom of Heaven.”

Study the Story

Do you have a friend with you now?  If so, then tell each other this message in your own words and help each other remember the complete teaching.  If you are alone, then please take a moment to retell the message to yourself in your own words.  Also, think of a friend you can share this teaching with later on.

As you study this message, what does it teach you about ‘Isa al Masih (pbuh)?  (Think about this before reading more.)

Key Points

The first thing I notice in this teaching is that Allah’s righteous standard is unchanging. Every command, every expectation that Allah gave to bani Israel in the Taurat in the 15th Century BCE remains as his standard of righteousness for us today. He does not change his standard based on the time, the place, or the person. Allah is holy and his standard does not change.

The second thing I notice is that it is impossible for us to live up to the standard of Allah. ‘Isa al Masih (pbuh) taught that if we break even the least commandment, we will be called the least in the Kingdom of Heaven. Haven’t we all broken at least one commandment? Furthermore, ‘Isa (pbuh) added, “I tell you that unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, there is no way you will enter into the Kingdom of Heaven.” The “scribes and Pharisees” were the religious leaders of bani Israel, like imams and mullahs today. Even their righteousness falls short of Allah’s standard. What hope do we have? How can we enter the Kingdom of Heaven?

Finally, I see that ‘Isa al Masih (pbuh) reveals part of the purpose of his life. He says that he has come to fulfill the commands of Allah and not to change them. He claims that he will fulfill what no other human has ever been able to fulfill. What does that mean for us that ‘Isa (pbuh) fulfills the commands of Allah? Certainly it means he should be an example we follow. Could it possibly mean something more?

Dua

Whenever I am confronted with the truth that I fall far short of Allah’s righteous standard, all I can do is cry out for mercy. If you would like to, join me in this dua.

Oh Allah, you are most merciful and compassionate. I praise you because you are unchanging. I acknowledge that I fall far short of your righteous standard. My only plea before you is MERCY. Have mercy on me. Show me how I can obtain your mercy. Help me to live a more righteous life. I can not do it on my own. I need your help.