The scenario above happens more and more. People accept Islam, but fight so hard not to follow it. They lash out at anyone who tries to help them, all the while spewing venom and hatred towards those who do submit. They would rather make up their own rules that fit their desires than follow the pure guidance of Allah and his Messenger.
You are in a cage that you have trapped yourself in. You rattle the bars violently, screaming at your captors that you have created in your mind. As your anger grows, you begin hurling yourself against the walls of the cage... over and over again... you fall to the floor from exhaustion, drawing ragged breaths while the sweat drips from your forehead to splash on the concrete below. Moments later you are back up, and slamming against the bars once more. People on the outside of your self imposed cage watch you with concern, wincing each time you slam into the bars. Someone comes to comfort you and offer you a cool drink of water, but you slap it out of their hand and snarl like a wounded animal.
The cage.....its in your head. Your violent reactions are self imposed. Its all because you refuse to submit the religion you claim to follow.
When Allah perfected this deen, he didn't put loop holes, footnotes or clauses at the end.... he made it perfect for then, for now, for all time. Can anyone dare to say that Allah didn't know how the world would change when he gave us his guidance to follow? Who are we to decide to change that guidance? And worse yet, to tell others to change it too?
Islam means submission. And if you truly submit, the cage will disappear. The hatred and rage in your heart will dissolve and you will be at peace with yourself and others. Ask Allah to give you this peace. Ask him to show you the path, and if you are sincere, he will give it to you.
18 comments:
Salaam alaikum,
I generally agree with this post. But would you mind clarifying what you mean when you say that people are trying to change Islam? Do you mean things like giving up salat because it doesn't fit into one's schedule and not having to refrain from all food and drink during Ramadan? If so, then I totally agree. These things are crystal clear in the Qur'an and sunnah, and saying that they don't apply anymore is not right. But do you also mean things like different tafsirs or interpretations of hadiths? Since Arabic words can have so many different meanings, I think it is entirely possible for an ayah to have several meanings based on the words in them. I believe that ALLAH chose to use certain words with several meanings for a reason.
Sorry if this sounds stand-offish, I'm just curious as to what you mean.
Asalamu Alaikum Anne
You are right on with what you are thinking that I am thinking (does that make sense?). There are some that really just don't want to do those clear things. Pray, fast, wear hijab etc... It just seems to me that they are fighting sooooo hard to not submit that they lose track of what Islam really is...
That really made sense to me Jamila..you made some really good points. Thank you.
Salam aleikum,
I really agree with your thoughts. I cannot say that I'm perfect with my practising of islam but at least I have accepted its message and head towards becoming better. May Allah help me with that.
Greetings,
Great post. Though, myself, am not Muslim, one thing I have admired about Islam is it does not mold to fit. It is what it is, and is not ever changing to fit society. Though, I believe those that do not live in majority Muslim countries do find it harder to maintain their religions traditions and laws. But, and I hope you don't take this as me trying to find a hole in your statements, it is just a mere observation; but, in your post you claim that Islam is perfect, that Allah has made it for then, now, and for all time.... then how do you have traditional views as your profile states? If Islam fits to the now, what views of yours are traditional? Should they not be just views? And trust me, I am in no way trying to say you do not follow your religion the best you can, or to say that Islam has loop holes. I laugh at most Christians who think as long as they are nice to people, give to charities and have a good heart that they are going to Heaven, they do not know the first thing as to what is written in the Bible. So I am just curious to what traditional views are, if you've posted about this already, please point me in the direction of that post, I'd love to read it. Look forward to future post by you. :)
T
I fight this fight and am starting to get very tired. (I never spew venom against anyone but for sure am at constant war with myself because I know who is in the right).
jamilah i do understand what you mean. but please think back to me...and so many of us when we become reverts, none of us (well a very precious few)submit 100% initially. though we may agree with the ideals of islam, there may be some things that we just cant wrap our heads around and it takes a while for us to get it altogether. we progress at different rates and sometimes some of us never get the islamic act together.
i still have SO far to go myself. i just try to keep in mind, that some who dont want to bend completely are having a hard time understanding the meanings and reasonings behind what Allah has willed for us.
until we totally agree with Allah, we havent submitted totally. we still have our nafs to contend with...and probably will til we take our last breath.
Sorry about what you've had to deal with lately.
Sometimes you just have to forgive and let live.
Allah will bring you the true friends who will help you grow in your own faith :-)
I like this post, it makes you think. Submission to Allah's will everyday, in every way can be a challenge at times. Because manking has been given so called "free will" we can sometimes forget that Allah is in control he just allows us to make choices.
Jana.... you know when I wrote this I hoped it would not make anyone upset about it...As for you dear sister, you don't really have this sort of mentality, you don't fight it, you are just striving along to be the best you can be. I really hope that it didn't make you feel bad at all. You are a very good example of someone who love Islam and it shows. Alhamdulilah
Hello Christian and the Quran
Thanks again for reading my posts. As for using the term 'traditional Islam'... it might not be the best choice, but its the closest thing I could think of to what I feel. I try to practice the Islam that the Prophet (saws) and his companions did. That being said, its not an easy task, but that is what I strive for. That does not mean, however, that I don't drive a car or use a computer as some ignorant people would say... those things have nothing to do with religion or practicing it.
I am a firm believer that Islam does not need to change to fit our modern life. Its perfect for all times in History including this one.
I also know what you mean about Christians that will say that as long as they are decent people they will go to heaven.. at one time I was one of those Christians myself.
JazakAllah Khair Stacy
Its not been fun, but It won't make me feel less about my faith or the way I practice it.
Salam Stranded
Just being able to say you fight this fight, is a step in the right direction. Always remember to ask Allah to guide you and protect you. And of course, feel free to ask your sisters for help.
Jamilah
not at all friend!! i just hope that i never stop the good fight!!
Well, I love your blog and I look forward to reading more. I truly am interested, and if I ever ask a question that seems stand offish, I mean no disrespect. I truly wish to learn about Islam and I do respect it greatly. (So much so, that apparently when I comment, people think I am a Muslim posing as a Christian. Makes me giggle) :)
T
That's one amazing post. You really sent a powerful message.
I wrote about something similar, you're welcome to my blog: http://oman-stimulus.blogspot.com/
But really, LOVED your post!!
I just happened to stumble on your blog from a link on another blog.
Loved this post! mashaAllah! And quite a few that I read too. May Allah reward you!
Salam
Your blog is very good mashallah, keep it up :)
-Aasia
www.muslimyouthgirlsassociation.blogspot.com
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