Day in and day out, you come across all sorts of people with diverse backgrounds. Whether it be cultural, or religious, you are greeted with unfamiliar faces and places many times.
Is there any change however, that you have brought to that specific place or person? Or do you just shrug your shoulders and carry on with an attitude of “who cares?”
Muslim is not just a name tag; in fact, it is a colossal responsibility that one bears on his shoulders. Is this the way of the Prophet (PBUH)? Is this what he wanted for his nation and generations to come-every individual for himself in an individualistic society?
Clearly it is the opposite. There are many negative emotions that plague the nation today. Such as the loss of empathy, and others like jealousy, pride, and being too judgmental towards other human beings.
Over time, people have lost and are losing the characteristic of empathy. Empathy doesn’t mean that you look down on someone or feel sorry for them.
Empathy means to put yourself in that person’s shoes and feel what he or she is going through. Many people nowadays are out in the world fighting their own battle. The world can be a better place. Someone needs to take the first step. Why shouldn’t it be you?
As a Muslim, it is your duty to bring about a good change in your environment. Whether it be smiling at your co-worker or holding the door for someone at the grocery shop, we are the ones who should display great etiquette.
“Let there arise out of you a group of people inviting to all that is good (Islam), enjoining Al-Ma‘roof (i.e., Islamic Monotheism) and all that Islam orders one to do, and forbidding Al-Munkar (polytheism and disbelief and all that Islam has forbidden). And it is they who are successful” (Aal ‘Imraan 3:104)
Be the change
This responsibility starts with yourself. Correcting your behaviour involves first and foremost your family members. Then, as the social circle grows wider with everyone that it engulfs, it is easier said than done. It requires a lot of selflessness and patience.
At the same time the reward is great for committing such acts. You have to be persistent in your work. Start small, but be persistent, as Allah (SWT) loves small deeds done on a regular basis.
It was narrated that ‘Aa’ishah said: The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said:
“O people, you should do whatever good deeds you can, for Allah does not get tired (of giving reward) until you get tired. And the most beloved of good deeds to Allaah is that in which a person persists, even if it is little. If the family of Muhammad (PBUH) started to do something, they would persist in it.” (Al-Bukhaari, 43; Muslim, 782).
Another turmoil affecting people today is that they judge others too hastily. Individuals have no problem with labelling and gossiping. It is easy as pie for one to criticise another person.
For once, let one pause for a moment and think of the punishment that he or she will go through for uttering such grievances. Also, think of the nuisance and the negativity that are spreading in the environment. Folks walk into a gathering and evaluate others by their appearance; not only that, but we have also created social standards!
The Prophet (PBUH) was someone who dined with the poor and the rich in the same place at the same time. Allah (SWT) says,
Pages: 1 2“And turn not your face away from men with pride, nor walk in insolence through the earth. Verily, Allah likes not any arrogant boaster.” (31:18)