Lowering the Bar

  • Islam is a religion that is open to all regardless of race, age, gender or previous beliefs. We all believe in the oneness of Allah (SWT), Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) as the final messenger sent to mankind, all other Prophets (PBUT) which have come previously, the Qur’an and other Holy Scriptures, the Five Pillars, the Angels, Shaytan and the Day of Judgement. These are common beliefs that we share. But of course, man being the obnoxious, self-obsessed creature that he is and thinks he knows better cannot ignore the differences that lie between us. I, then ask you to turn your attention to one verse:

    “And We gave them clear commandments in (religious) affairs, but they did not differ until after knowledge had come to them, through rivalry among themselves; surely your Lord will judge between them on the Day of Resurrection concerning that wherein they differ.”

    Even with this verse, there were several interpretations yet having read all them, I found that they all conveyed the same message. The most striking part of the verse in my opinion is that the people differed because of the rivalry amongst themselves and not because they were arguing about what is fundamentally right or wrong. Rivalry is what is destroying us today: the act of competing with each other in the attempt of proving who is more superior. But it begs the question, in whose eyes are you recognised as being superior?

    Having some knowledge of the Deen, a few surahs memorised, a collection of hadiths and that one particular wise saying from a ‘top’ scholar which happens to be at the tip of your tongue does not make an individual more superior than others. Nor does it grant them a place on a pedestal with the rest of the community worshipping and constantly praising them. You only need to have absolute faith in Allah (SWT) to recognise that in fact this is incorrect. A person of such knowledge is blessed and should he act upon it accordingly, then he is better in the eyes of Allah (SWT). But the decision lies with Allah (SWT) because He is most fair in His judgement.

    A fair judgement can only be reached by the one who has all the information at his disposal. When you see a sister who is not wearing a hijjab, you lack both the knowledge and understanding of her struggles to comply with Allah’s (SWT) orders. In the same token, when a sister is seen speaking to a brother (publicly), why are we all too quick to form judgements about them? Whatever happened to the middle ground?! A place in time where all you would see is two people talking to each other and leaving it at that rather than creating a story to be told to another.

    As a community, we have formed an unhealthy fixation on appearances and should anyone not fulfil the criteria, they will be seen as outcasts. It is almost as if we have an endless list of names and by our own judgement, we choose whom we strike off. I cannot help but think that should man be in a position to select who enters Heaven, he would leave Paradise a very empty abode.

    As cliché as it may sound but you know that appearances can be deceiving (and skin deep). Ever picked up a novel expecting so much more only to be left dissatisfied?! The decision to read the book was formed primarily by what you saw on the front cover – not the wisest way to make a choice but it is just a book therefore little harm can occur. However the same example can be extrapolated to everything else in our lives and suddenly the danger is overwhelming. Maybe it is wise to contemplate over the dangers which put you at risk. But at the same time, give a thought to the vulnerability of others whereby you are the individual casting an unjust verdict. There is little you can do where the actions of others are concerned but a great deal can be done with yourself. Always begin with yourself and the rest should be left to Allah (SWT).

    Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: “Whoever wishes to be saved from Hell and admitted into Paradise as desired, they should believe in Allah and the Last Day and treat other people the way they themselves would like to be treated.” (Sahih Muslim)

    You believe in the oneness of Allah (SWT), the existence of two destinations – Heaven and Hell and that one day, there shall come a day when the entire of mankind will be gathered, waiting for the final judgement. So why not adhere to the entire saying of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) rather than picking and choosing the bits you wish to. It is hardly surprising that your treatment of others will reflect upon how others treat you. If you show respect, kindness and humility to those around you, not only will the same individuals have a positive opinion of you but they are more inclined to show respect towards you and others alike. Through your actions, peace can be established and maintained.

    So to bring this to a close, there is one thing I request from you – to lower the bar for those individuals who may not be as ‘practising’ as you are. Open the doors of warmth and kindness to them so that one day, by the grace of Allah (SWT), they may choose to follow the straight path, the path that Allah (SWT) has favoured. Allow brothers/sisters to come to you rather than forming an invisible barrier (which has now become a solid fence) and thus preventing any good from being attained. This is not the type of segregation that is required nor is it helpful to the progression of unity. We are one Ummah. Maybe it is time our actions showed this, first and foremost by leaving the differences between us to Allah (SWT) to judge accordingly.

    Rabiah Mirza


    March 4th, 2011 | admin | No Comments |

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