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We can Become Better as an Ummah, Here’s How

Assia — Fri, 30 Sep 2022 00:00:00 +0000

How I've been building self confidence

We can Become Better as an Ummah, Here’s How

September 30, 2022

One of the most beautiful things the account showed me is how Islam transcends everything: wherever you are in the world, whatever your ethnicity is, as long as you truly love your deen and understand it, you’ll always connect with people and see them as your brothers and sisters.

Unfortunately, many of us have fallen into the trap of individualism, largely influenced by the western world which too often declares Islam is outdated, but also, into the influence of social media where many share their own version of what Islam is about.

I’m a firm believer that as much as we will indeed be alone on the Day of Judgement, we should make a conscious effort to come together and strengthen our Ummah. Here are 3 ways to do so:

1. Stop judging or assuming

“See this girl? She slept with a guy who isn’t her husband and calls herself muslim…”, “That person is a fake muslim”… A few examples of things we should not be saying and that are highly condemned in Islam. Backbiting and gossiping are truly diseases of the heart and while we have normalized these practises, it is essential to avoid doing it at all cost.

Keep in mind that we all sin, do not disregard a person based on actions of the lack of it, especially considering we might not know the good deeds they do and don’t show, the guilt they feel, and whether they repented or not.

Likewise, you need to be careful with assuming imams, hijabis, and other people who seem close to their deen are irreproachable: you might take inspiration from them, but do not assume they’re perfect because only our Creator is and it will add pressure on them when they might also struggle with their deen.

"O you who have believed, avoid much [negative] assumption. Indeed, some assumption is sin. And do not spy or backbite each other. Would one of you like to eat the flesh of his brother when dead? You would detest it. And fear Allah; indeed, Allah is Accepting of repentance and Merciful." [49:12]

2. Learn and make kind reminders

When someone exposes a sin, it is your duty as a Muslim to remind them what Allah (swt) expects from us if you are aware of it. However, there is a proper way to do it, which does not involve anger, contempt or guilt, as you should not expect them to obey you.

Be careful with the words you use and make sure to either quote the Quran or what our Prophet (saws) said/would have done. If the person takes it badly anyway or starts to point at your sins and how you shouldn’t be giving lessons, tell them you’re open to improvement and learning too, and that it is up to them to accept the advice or not. Again, we were created as failing creatures, we all sin – but it doesn’t mean we aren’t aware of the Right Path and able to remind the people we care about.

Being kind and caring towards each other as well as making sure we educate ourselves and others is key to be better muslims.

"The Prophet (saws) said: The believer is the believer's mirror, and the believer is the believer's brother who guards him against loss and protects him when he is absent." Abu Dawud

3. Support and make duas

If you see or hear about a Muslim being in need, feeling lost or lonely, offer your help, advice or at least make a du’a for them.

It is in these moments that one may lose sight of what Islam is about and stop trusting Allah (swt). Knowing that you are not alone, that others have been through similar hardships and motivating each other to learn more will ultimately lead you to grow closer to your deen, constantly wanting to improve and rebuild the Ummah our beloved Prophet (saws) expected from us!

We might sometimes be disappointed by the behavior of some, disagree with their approach to Islam, but it is so important to stick together and remember that Allah (swt) does not want us to be divided or navigating this life all by ourselves. That’s probably why He insisted so much on taking care of our parents, finding righteous partners, educating kids and helping others: we go fast on our own, but we go further together.

Hold firmly to the rope of Allah all together and do not become divided. Remember the favor of Allah upon you, when you were enemies and he brought your hearts together and you became brothers by his favor. [3:103]

The post We can Become Better as an Ummah, Here’s How first appeared on The Mizaan.

What does being Successful as a Muslim mean?

Assia — Tue, 19 Apr 2022 17:40:57 +0000

Being Successful: a Muslim's Perspective

April 19, 2022

You know what’s one thing I love most about our deen? It is all the personal development that comes from it, how when you learn about it with the right intentions, it all makes sense and allows you to become a better person everyday. Subhan’Allah.

Grades, wealth, fame, might be the first thing coming to one’s mind when thinking about success, with the influence of culture and past generations’ being undeniable: Wait, you’re not a doctor, a lawyer or an engineer? Your business doesn’t allow you to earn a 6 figure yearly income? You’re 30 and not married? You’re struggling to get pregnant? You’re not well known in your field? Well, you don’t qualify for the ‘successful’ label yet.

What is particularly interesting about this is how success is measured by how much people praise you and congratulate your life journey at a certain point instead of what matters to YOU.

Before diving into the Islamic approach of this topic, let’s take a moment to think about how we generally define success.

1. What is success?

Here is an unbiaised definition: success is simply a positive and beneficial outcome, the accomplishment of a purpose.

Let’s say you build an Ikea furniture: if it holds perfectly, looks like it is supposed to, and serves its purpose, then it is a success. It will be more gratifying if you don’t use the notice because we naturally thrive from witnessing the wonders of our brains and seeing the fruits of our hard work, but regardless, the outcome is positive and is beneficial to you.

Therefore, being successful means knowing what makes you happy and satisfied, working towards that goal and reaching it – meaning there isn’t one single way or only one right way to define it.

Success is simply a positive and beneficial outcome,
the accomplishment of a purpose.

2. Okay, but what about success in Islam?

What is astonishing about Islam is that Allah (swt) gave us all the keys to not only find success in this dunya (called Al Falah), but also in the Akhirah (called Al Fawz), something that the common definition of success does not include whatsoever. So why settle for that one if you can guarantee yourself eternal success?

By following the commands of our Creator, you are building success in ALL aspect of your life. But while you should make sure your definition of success does not translate into solely getting others’ validation, The All Mighty also shouldn’t take others’ “successes” as and example: “So let not their wealth or their children impress you.” [9:55]. Why? Because being successful as a Muslim is more than that.

By following the commands of our Creator, you are building success in ALL aspect of your life.

3. So… Shouldn’t I be successful in this dunya?

Contrarywise to common belief, the Quran does not forbid you to seek knowledge through studies, to search for love nor to aim for financial comfort at all. Allah (swt) praises hard work and efforts even more than the actual result. He also blesses people differently and did give some of us generous wealth to start with, ease through the best universities or in finding a partner.

But none of this is worth anything if your intentions aren’t pure, if you do not show righteousness and if you do not remember Him at all times. In addition, positivity attracts positivity and so the more you are showing wise, selfless and kind behavior for His sake, the more He will give you. If you’re not but He is still giving you, then my friend, you might be failing your test.

4. How can I be a successful Muslim?

Think of a modest divorced stay-at-home mom and a multi billion-dollar oil company owner. Many will see the second one as more successful, right? But do you genuinely believe that is just how Allah (swt) sees it and how we as Muslims should see it? Isn’t that a bit reductive?

Islam is not a religion of extremes, but rather, is all about Al Wasatiyyah (the Middle Path, the Moderation) and Al Ihsan. As a result, to be successful here and after, you need to refocus on your spiritual journey, on nurturing your soul, on having steadfast tawakkul, on helping those that weren’t given the same chances in this world, and on remembering this: “And whoever obeys Allah and His Messenger and fears Allah and is conscious of Him – it is those who are the successful ones.” [24:52]

And whoever obeys Allah and His Messenger and fears Allah and is conscious of Him - it is those who are the successful ones.
[24:52]

The post What does being Successful as a Muslim mean? first appeared on The Mizaan.