Balancing Life & Faith
Balance has always been the cornerstone of faith, anything done in excess leads a person towards exhaustion; and when anything is left out, it leaves a person wanting.
The Prophet contextualized this further saying that “The deeds loved most by God are those which are done regularly, even if they are little.”
A true celebration is about balance, something understood best by the words from another classical scholar, Ibn Rajab, who said, “Love is better than fear. While fear checks us from sinning, it is love which makes us do what is prescribed for us with an open heart.”
So whether you celebrate Prophet Muhammad’s birthday or not, consider the notion of manners. Ask yourself, “What can I do to improve who I am, both for myself and for those around me?”
My closing advice is from the Prophet Muhammad in these two statements of his: “God says that if you seek kindness from Me, then be kind to God’s creation (not just people, but animals, etc),” and, “A person will gain with good character, the same reward as someone who fasts all day and prays all night.”
He lived his life trying to teach us all decency and good manners. On the occasion of his birthday, may he and all of us–all of humanity–find success in the next life, amen.
This article was first published on December 11, 2016.
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