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The Islamic Bulletin
Volume XX No. 26
Page 3
There are many, many Muslim brothers and sisters throughout
the world who, due to various negative influences and bad
elements, find themselves ‘de-railed’ from
Deen
(Religion).
Many others sit on the fence, wanting to enjoy or benefit from
both sides of the fence – engaging in sins as well as being
practical on certain teachings of Deen. However, deep in their
hearts is the desire to get back on track, and once again
become good, practical Muslims; to jump off the fence and
enjoy the green pastures of Islam.
A standard prescription that I give as a reply is as follows.
Alhamdulillah, many who followed through with the
prescription have found a whole new life – of peace,
happiness, blessings and mercy. Once a believer tastes the
sweetness that comes with obedience, there is no desire to
return to any form of disobedience. As Muslims, we should:
•Abstain from committing sins, out of love for Allah SWT.
He has granted us so much – He has granted us everything and
it is the nature of human beings that we love whosoever is kind
and generous to us. Then what of Allah SWT who has provided
us with everything? The sight, hearing, speech, the organs that
are functioning in such an amazing manner, the limbs - all in our
service – for eating, drinking, walking, sitting, etc. The gifts of
wealth: the clothing, shelter, transport, food, drink, and so
many other comforts. We use them all, but do we keep in
mind, the Generous Benefactor? Do we give thanks for these
bounties or show any appreciation to the Giver?
•Develop the conscious awareness that Allah SWT is
always with us: He watches us, He hears us and He knows all
and everything about us. We cannot hide from Him and we
cannot conceal our actions from Him. Then should we not feel
ashamed that in His Presence, we are disobeying Him? Are we
not showing ingratitude to the Benefactor, when engaging in
sins in His very Presence?
•Ponder over the fact that Allah SWT has blessed us with
the gift of sight, hearing, health, wealth, etc. However, what
He gives, He can also take away and stated that ingratitude for
His Gifts will draw very severe punishment.
•Keep in mind that the angels are also witnesses to all
our actions; that the earth is recording our behavior and it is
documented in our books of deeds. On the Day of Judgment
we will all be held accountable to Allah SWT for the actions and
deeds that that we have committed.
•
Muraqabah
is meditating on the actions that we have
engaged in during the day: We should reflect over our deeds for
the day and seek forgiveness for shortcomings and resolve not to
take part in reenacting the same bad deeds. We will develop
shame and modesty which will make it easy to restrain from
Haraam
(forbidden) things. We should also express gratitude on
good deeds and make dua to Allah SWT that we continue to do
take part in carrying out those actions.
•Ponder over the fact that the Angel of Death does not
give respite. How would it be if while one were obeying the
nafs (self, ego)
in sinful pleasure, the Angel of Death visits and
makes the departure not only a disgrace, but returns the human
being to Allah SWT at a time when He is extremely angry. May
Allah SWT protect us all from death in a state of transgression.
•Death is inevitable – and often, unexpected. No true
Muslim would want to be seized by the Angel of Death when
Allah SWT is displeased. So many things on the market are
instant (instant coffee, tea, noodles, etc.) very much like death.
So any sin is too much of a risk in the face of the reality of
death. The Hadith is explicit: We will be resurrected on the Day
of Judgment as we have died and we will die as we have lived.
Would any Muslim want to rise up on the Day of Judgment in
sin, for all of mankind to witness what kind of life he led?
Contemplating on the consequences of sinful behavior
and putting a little bit of
Mujahada
(effort), which entails ‘not
doing’, will Inshallah result in having our sicknesses are cured.
Together with this:
-Attend the talks of the learned Scholars of Islam
whenever possible, and/or listen to recordings of their talks and
read their books to benefit from pious, righteous company.
-Make the effort to pray punctually. Men should make
every effort to make their Salaah in
Jamaat
(congregation).
-Read good, Islamic literature. Abstain from magazines or
books that have filthy and indecent contents and pictures.
-Give up television viewing. …90% of the content is
Haraam
(forbidden). If a person offers a full glass of clean and
pure water, and mentions that there is just one drop of urine,
would any sensible person, drink it? Then when the major
content of television is
Haraam
, what should then say? When the
gaze, heart and mind are consuming and digesting so much of
Haraam viewing, what else would be the end result except
indulgence in the same
Haraam
.
-Lower the gaze from the opposite sex.
-Dress as a Muslim should – A person with this
appearance will think a hundred times before engaging in an
open sin, when he is being recognized as someone who must be
very pious. So this attire and appearance will offer a protection,
Inshallah.
By doing these few things, you have won more than half
the battle. And it is not as difficult as Shaytaan and
nafs
whisper
and try to pull you off of the right path. A little courage, a little
effort and a little sacrifice are all that is required.
May Allah SWT grant us His Love, such that it becomes
easy to give up all sins and submit to His Obedience. May
He protect us all from the mischief of Nafs and Shaytaan.
May He fill our hearts with Love for this beautiful Deen and
inspire us in being a practical and good Muslims and be true
role-models to our community.
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