“In my view, happiness is possible only if people are free to grow with and into God. However, when submission becomes a formulaic relationship based not on knowledge, grace, and love, but on generalized stereotypes about history, societies, and people—indeed, when submission becomes a relationship based on a stereotyped understanding of one’s self dealing with a stereotypical understanding of an omnipotent but inaccessible God, unhappiness will become the norm.” ~ Kh. Abou El Fadl
The Nature of Submission
At first glance, submission to God may appear to be a straightforward notion of obedience—following divine commandments, adhering to religious rituals, and accepting what is considered as God’s will without question. However, as Abou El Fadl argues, this view is overly simplistic. True submission is not merely about compliance; it is about a transformative journey that aligns one’s soul with the essence of God. This process requires an active engagement with one’s own identity and spirituality, fostering a relationship that is characterized by love, grace, and mutual growth.
In many religious traditions, especially in their traditionalist and fundamentalist strains, the idea of submission is often framed within the context of power dynamics—God as an omnipotent ruler and humans as subservient beings. Yet, this portrayal leads to a distorted understanding of both God and ourselves. If we perceive submission as obedience, we risk creating a transactional relationship with the divine, one devoid of true emotional and spiritual connection. This transactional view can foster feelings of alienation and dissatisfaction, ultimately leading to unhappiness.
The Quest for Self-Knowledge
Abou El Fadl emphasises that the key to unlocking a deeper relationship with God lies in self-knowledge. Understanding oneself is not merely an intellectual exercise but a profound spiritual journey. It involves recognizing our strengths and weaknesses, our desires and fears, and the ways in which we relate to the world around us. This self-awareness is crucial for nurturing a genuine relationship with God.
In many ways, the journey of self-discovery mirrors the journey toward understanding God. As we delve into our own identities, we begin to unravel the complexities of our existence—our motivations, our biases, and the societal stereotypes that often cloud our perceptions. Engaging in this introspective work enables us to approach God not as a distant, abstract figure, but as a source of love and guidance intimately connected to our lived experiences. Moreover, self-knowledge empowers us to seek authenticity in our spiritual lives. When we understand our own values and beliefs, we can engage with religious teachings in a way that resonates with our true selves. This alignment fosters a sense of purpose and fulfilment, allowing us to experience God’s love more fully. Conversely, a lack of self-awareness can lead to a superficial understanding of spirituality, one that is heavily influenced by external expectations and stereotypes.
Understanding Others
In addition to self-knowledge, Abou El Fadl highlights the importance of understanding others. Our relationships with those around us significantly shape our spiritual journeys. Engaging with diverse perspectives allows us to broaden our understanding of humanity and, by extension, of God. This engagement is essential for fostering empathy and compassion, which are foundational to a meaningful spiritual life.
When we view others through the lens of stereotypes, we risk reducing them to one-dimensional caricatures. Such a perspective not only limits our understanding of their experiences but also hinders our ability to connect with the divine. Recognizing the unique stories and struggles of others enriches our spiritual lives, enabling us to see the divine in the diversity of human experience. This interconnectedness is a vital aspect of submission to God; it reflects our commitment to love and serve others as an expression of our devotion.
The Pursuit of Godliness
Ultimately, the journey of submission, self-knowledge, and understanding others leads to what Abou El Fadl describes as a state of Godliness. This aspiration is not about achieving perfection but about striving to embody the qualities that reflect God’s love and goodness. It involves liberating oneself from a state of godlessness—marked by ignorance, prejudice, and disconnection—and embracing a life that is open to growth, grace, and understanding.
This pursuit of Godliness is deeply intertwined with our quest for happiness. As Abou El Fadl posits, happiness is possible only when individuals are free to grow with and into God. This freedom is not about the absence of challenges or suffering; rather, it is about cultivating a resilient spirit that seeks to find meaning and purpose even in difficult times. When we engage in this transformative process, we discover a happiness that transcends external circumstances, rooted in our relationship with the divine and our authentic selves.
The Dangers of Formulaic Submission
In contrast to the rich, dynamic understanding of submission that Abou El Fadl advocates, many individuals find themselves trapped in a formulaic approach to spirituality. This often stems from rigid interpretations of religious teachings that prioritize obedience over understanding. When submission becomes a checklist of rules and regulations, it leads to an impoverished spiritual life, one that lacks depth and genuine connection.
Such a formulaic approach fosters unhappiness, as individuals grapple with feelings of inadequacy and disconnection from the divine. When submission is based on stereotypes—both of oneself and of God—individuals may feel alienated from their faith, struggling to reconcile their experiences with the expectations imposed by religious orthodoxies. This disconnect can breed resentment and despair, ultimately undermining the very essence of spirituality.
Reimagining Submission
To break free from this cycle of unhappiness, we must reimagine submission as an active, dynamic process. This requires a shift in perspective—one that embraces the complexity of our spiritual journeys and acknowledges the role of self-knowledge and mutual understanding. By fostering a relationship with God that is rooted in love and beauty , we create the conditions for genuine fulfilment and happiness.
Engaging in this process involves cultivating practices that promote self-reflection and connection with others. This could include contemplative prayer, engaging in dialogue with diverse communities, and seeking mentorship from those who inspire us on our spiritual journeys. These practices can help us develop a deeper understanding of ourselves, others, and the divine, ultimately enriching our lives and enhancing our capacity for joy.
Abou El Fadl’s insightschallenge us to reconsider our understanding of submission to God. Rather than viewing it as an obligation, we are invited to explore its deeper dimensions—self-knowledge, understanding of others, and the pursuit of Godliness. In doing so, we can unlock the potential for genuine happiness, transcending the limitations of formulaic spirituality.
Dr. Adis Duderija is an Associate Professor in the study of Islam and Society at Griffith University in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. He has been publishing extensively for almost two decades on various aspects of the Islamic intellectual tradition, especially progressive Islam. Dr Adis Duderija is an accredited observer at the National Executive of Religions for Peace Australia.