Answer
Short Answer: You are following the truth, and you should always walk on the path of truth even if you’re alone – this is wisdom and courage. You should be proud that Allah chose you for this and that He knows you are capable enough to stand your grounds in such tough circumstances.
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Salam alaykum Brother,
I’m very happy to hear that you’re trying to be a good Muslim. May Allah ease your affairs for you, support you, descend peace and tranquility upon your heart and make you among the rightly guided in this world and the next. Ameen.
I’m certain that Allah will reward you beyond your imagination for your faith and steadfastness and every moment of difficulty you go through. I’d like to give you the glad tidings of eternal paradise wherein you’re going to have much more than you ever imagined or have ever worked for in this very short temporary world. This is the promise of Allah, and the promise of Allah is the only Truth.
“And give good tidings to those who believe and do righteous deeds that they will have gardens [in Paradise] beneath which rivers flow. Whenever they are provided with a provision of fruit therefrom, they will say, “This is what we were provided with before.” And it is given to them in likeness. And they will have therein purified spouses, and they will abide therein eternally.” (Qur’an 2: 25)
Now, let’s attend to your comments and queries one by one.
“Why shouldn’t I enjoy this world?”
Why shouldn’t you? Who gave you the wrong idea that you’re completely and purposelessly forbidden from all enjoyment in this world?
As a matter of fact, Allah says:
“Say, “Who has forbidden the adornment of Allah which He has produced for His servants and the good [lawful] things of provision?” Say, “They are for those who believe during the worldly life [but] exclusively for them on the Day of Resurrection.” Thus do We detail the verses for a people who know.” (Quran 7: 32)
Read the verse again.
Allah says that the lawful pure adornment of this world is for the believers, and more exclusively so for them in the hereafter.
So, by all means, open your eyes and enjoy the multitude of halal (lawful) pure opportunities that Allah is providing us in this world.
You want to have nice drinks?
Allah has given us plenty of choices: orange, mango, strawberry, raspberry, blueberry, blackberry, guava, lemon, watermelon, honey, milk, apricot, chocolate, tea, mint, kiwi, pomegranate, apple…. And the list goes on and on with natural, colorful, healthy, delicious drinks that Allah has prepared for us to nourish and refresh and energize our bodies.
The one thing Allah has prohibited is alcohol as it makes you less dignified, covers your mind that Allah has blessed you with above all creations. That’s in addition to it being harmful to you spiritually, physically, mentally and socially. Even beyond religion, do you know how much alcohol is safe to drink? ABSOLUTELY NONE, Major Study Says!
So we’re going to overlook all the generosity and choices and focus on the few limited harmful ones?
What else… You want to eat? Allah has given us endless choices: all types of vegetables and grains, and nuts, and meats (rabbits, ducks, cows, sheep, camels…etc.) and the list goes on and on with healthy, delicious food.
The very limited prohibited kind like pork for example, and even scientists have elaborated on how much it is dangerous to your health.
So again, why overlook all the variety of healthy, delicious choices and fixate on few harmful things?
What else…You want to love?
Go ahead and love. But marry so you give the woman you love her rights as a respectable dignified person, instead of selfishly enjoying and ditching other human beings after taking advantage of their time, energy and body freely with no strings attached.
This is a matter of dignity and respect.
So, eat and drink what’s pure and not harmful and marry someone you love. Isn’t this the enjoyment of this world? What’s limiting you?
Allah is permitting you to marry even up to 4 ladies if you can be just and give each their due rights.
Are you alluding to pre-marital intercourse instead as an easier ‘fun’ option? Well, read this, and judge for yourself. This is not a means of happiness; this is a means of humiliating fulfillment of desires in a way that deprives human beings of their basic dignified rights.
Do you know what an inhumane result of these unhealthy practices is? Abortion! And it is reported that abortion was the number one cause of death worldwide in 2018, murdering over 41 MILLION children. Can you imagine!
Is this fun?
This – at least partly- is what happens when there is no purpose, no mindfulness/fear of Allah or value to human life. It is selfishness and absorption in enjoying “the self” and not wanting to take real responsibility.
You want to be completely care-free? Well, even those who were care free and got everything in this life didn’t find happiness until they actualized their purpose in life which is to deeply know Allah. Watch Ali Banat’s inspirational story and powerful heartfelt message before he dies.
Don’t think that the enjoyment of this world is the answer or solution to people’s problems. Why do you think celebrities who have everything you describe as fun and enjoyment in this world (like Robin Williams, Whitney Houston, Amy Winehouse, Philip Seymour Hoffman and others) commit suicide?
Material wealth, luxury or worldly successes are not the purpose of this life, or the reason for inner peace and happiness.
True peace and happiness are not by materials gains; rather they’re pure blessings of Allah that He descends upon the hearts of the believers.
“Those who have believed and whose hearts are assured by the remembrance of Allah. Unquestionably, by the remembrance of Allah hearts are assured.” (Quran 13:28)
Muslim in a non-Muslim school & referred to as weird
You are following the truth, and you should always walk on the path of truth even if you’re alone – this is wisdom and courage.
You should be proud that Allah chose you for this and that He knows you are capable enough to stand your grounds in such tough circumstances.
This is a sign of your strength, so hold on to your strength. Allah put you in charge of this situation, and “Allah does not charge a soul except [with that within] its capacity.” [Quran 2: 155–157]
[Read here also why are tough challenges given to the best believers.]
Additionally, in regards to your parents’ situation, first thing that occurred to me is that even Prophets like Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him) also had the most difficult disbelieving father that tried to kill him repeatedly.
This doesn’t mean that Ibrahim is weak, humiliated or not loved and supported by Allah. It means the exact opposite, actually.
Allah knew Ibrahim (AS) was strong enough to handle his situation and be a beacon of light and role model for others.
So, be a role model!
The role model is unique. Don’t be weakened wanting to follow the crowd. Stand out and stand strong upon righteousness.
We don’t have to be in easy circumstances to be strong, successful believers. Your patience in regards to your situation could be extremely heavy on your scale and could be your path to Jannah.
“Indeed, the patient will be given their reward without account.”(Quran 39:10)
(Note: we cannot tell from your comment what you mean by a ‘tyrant’ parent. If you’re facing abuse, please refer to Ask the Counselor to know how best to deal more professionally with issues of abuse, if this is the case.)
And Allah knows best.
I hope this helps answer your question.
Salam and please keep in touch.
Please continue feeding your curiosity, and find more info in the following links:
https://aboutislam.net/spirituality/ways-to-enjoy-this-life-while-vying-for-the-next/