Prof. Bigelow Layla and Majnun

Krysten Plahm

CC208

Prof. Bigelow

Layla and Majnun

A simple four letter word can change everything within a blink of an eye. It can be a roller coaster like experience that can impact two individuals’ lives forever. Without this word, there would be no emotion to life. This word is Love. It has had a huge impact on the Islamic world today. It began with a simple story of Layla and Majnun and the realization that true love does exist. This story is a controversial topic for the Muslim community because it is at odds with the traditional values that they have. The story of Layla and Majnun demonstrate these values in various ways that are looked down upon in the Islamic society. Some of these values consist of arranged marriages, good deeds to the less fortunate, and fasting practices.

Arranged marriages are highly recommended within the Muslim community. This tradition has been carried on throughout many Muslim families for many years. In the story of Layla and Majnun, the couple faces an obstacle pertaining to Ibn Salam. Ibn Salam came from a noble family and impressed Layla’s father immediately. Both Ibn and Layal were to be married as soon as possible. It was very difficult for her to remain faithful to her husband because of Majnun. Her heart and soul was solely devoted to Majnun. Her mind was made up and there was no one else to replace him. This would be unacceptable in the Muslim community because infidelity is discouraged in a marriage. Being able to be completely devoted to a significant other is important in the Muslim community. This story contradicts these values because even though Layla was married to Ibn, she still had feelings for Majnun. She even went as far as sleeping in a different bed than her husband to show her devotion to Majnun. These actions are not acceptable to the Muslim community when being in a marriage. Unfortunately, this was how Layla truly felt and there was nothing to stop her until she was able to be with Majnun for the rest of her life.

Being able to give to the unfortunate is one of the most rewarding experiences that a person could have. This is one of five important Pillars that Muslims follow today. The act of giving to charities is highly encouraged for Muslims because of the reward that they will receive at the end. In the story of Layla and Majnun, Majnun is willing to give anyone anything in order to be with Layla. While he was in the forest, he ran into a few people who were about to hurt innocent animals. He gave them everything he had in order to save their lives. An example of this is when he ran into a man who was about to kill two gazelles. Majnun was willing to give up his horse in order to save their lives. So he gave it to the man and was left with only some valuables. Once they were gone, Majnun have nothing else to give. All of a sudden, he saw a woman dragging her husband in chains across the forest. Majnun was willing to save the man’s life and sacrifice himself because he was in desperate need of being punished for running his reputation. These good deeds are similar to the pillar of giving, but there was no benefit for Majnun. The only thing on his mind was being able to closer to Layla and there was nothing in his way. He was willing to give up his personal valuables for others but it did not make him feel any better about himself. His love for Layla was so strong that there was no obstacle in his way, and he was willing to sacrifice anything in order to be with her in the end.

Fasting is a very important aspect when it comes to traditional values in the Muslim community. It has been around for many years and is apart of the Muslim culture. Also, it is a way to show the appreciation the Muslims have for God and how he sacrificed himself for them. Fasting has been around for many years and is apart of the Muslim culture. In the story of Layla and Majnun, Majnun went days without eating because of his love for Layla. He was in desperate need to do anything in order to be with her. He became very sick and frail at times but he still lived within the forest on scarce resources. Unfortunately, this is not what the fasting process is like for the Muslim community. Muslims cherish their fasting time and it disrespects their culture when it is not recognized properly within the story. In reality, there are certain rules and regulations that Muslims have to follow while they are fasting. One of these rules is that they have specific hours they are allowed to eat which is usually during the evening. This special time is very valuable to them and being able to go through this process should be cherished. Even though it is not recognized as much in the story, it is still very much apart of the Muslim culture today.

Arranged marriages, good deeds, and fasting are all very important values within the Muslim community. The story of Layla and Majnun demonstrated these values in abstract ways where they were not as noticeable. The reason why this story has been held close to the hearts of Muslim people is because it is resembles an old version of Romeo and Juliet. No matter what comes in the way, love will always conquer. There was no obstacle too high that came in the way for Majnun. His heart and soul was solely devoted to Layla. In the end though, Heaven was able to bring them together. It is the only place where two people in love will finally be at peace for the rest of eternity.