Community submission: Avoiding the Irrelevant

photo by Daniel Y. Go               

by Anna Farhat

As-salaamu alaikum!

It seems as though at one point in time or another we are confronted with conflict. As a matter of fact, life is full of conflict and the very problem may be our actions say we are unaware. I am not addressing any political struggles; I am speaking about our most personal relationships.

We are emotional beings that react to situations, and unfortunately sometimes our choices hurt others. We act out through blogs, Twitter, Myspace, Facebook, emails instant messaging, and many other sources of online socialization. We are ignorant of the impact of our "comments" and thus because of this fall into some of the longest, deepest, darkest places on Earth. Insha'allah, I will make myself clear without leading to any misconceptions about why I chose this topic today. I am not only speaking of the fitnah that breeds on online social networks without proper use; I am merely providing one example.

Assumption is among the worst injustices one can commit on himself, which may result in injuring others. Why do we commit these atrocities towards ourselves and each other? Why do we assume our brothers and sisters are against our successes? Why do we allow these assumptions to manifest into our daily lives and controlling our minds?

Shaytan can only be blamed for so much. It is quite obvious he will be pleased with us when we reverse the orders of Allah Subhana Wa Taala. But ultimately, we must hold ourselves accountable; these are, in essence, choices we make daily and to the minute.

Assumption, doubt, judgment (whether justified or completely unfair), stem from dwelling and speaking about the irrelevant. Engaging in conversations with subjects that don’t matter will not bring one any closer to Jannah. Alhamdulillah, for us as Muslims, sincerity in our actions and acceptance of repentance as a result of the unimaginable mercy of Allah may save us from ourselves. In actuality, this is the only way we will be saved. Therefore, we must take the ills out of our lives to minimize our risk.

Here's an example we should adhere to because is highly recommended by the account of 'Imaran ibne-Hattan Rahimahullah, he narrates: "I went to Abu Dhar (R.A) and found him sitting alone in the masjid, with a black cloak wrapped around. I asked him: O Abu Dhar! Why this solitude? He replied: I heard Rasulullah (S.A.W) saying: Solitude is better than an evil companion; and a good companion is better than solitude. Speaking what is good is better than silence, and silence is better than talking evil." (Baihaqi)

I obviously do not have the ability to do anymore than quote the above narration. I do not have the credentials of a scholar of the magnificent deen of Islam. But I do feel the importance of this authentic hadith, it is bone-chilling. Many of us have without realization been the "evil companion". Many of us keep close contact with an "evil companion”, with knowledge of the dangers apparent, we want to avoid this at all cost to spare ourselves from the fire of Jahannam. Insha'allah.

By removing doubt and assumption, and implementing the good, positive, morals with the complete guidance of Islam, we will achieve success today and in the hereafter, Insha'allah.

I will make myself the example. Before transitioning to an Islamic lifestyle (and even today) I have battled this subject. I have had a terrible bout with assuming what others think and feel. I’ve even challenged whether or not something could be accomplished before attempting the task. This has stood in my way and defeated me repeatedly, yet I never knew what to do to change the outcome. My husband identified the problem by plainly stating: "You assume too much."

What he said was simple, but direct and to the point, which is what I needed so desperately. Assumption leads to irrelevant talk, which leads to backbiting: the main culprit of division among our communities. We have this immense amount knowledge available regarding the root of all problems. We should take heed to the advices prepared for us so delicately and wisdom that surpasses any other on this Earth.

We have to love ourselves and others for the sake of Allah. If we are unsure of what this really means, we must peer further into subjects that will help us gain the appropriate understanding. We should not hold any resentment or discord in our hearts. We must forgive our brothers and sisters even when the stubbornness inside tells us different. We must gain knowledge collectively to improve our communities and the representation of Islam, although Islam speaks for itself whether we do right or wrong. We should not separate ourselves from others, we are the Ummah. We must be proud of this because it is the single greatest gift any of us could receive from Allah! We must make du'a for all Muslims to find guidance until we reach the end. Many among us may never gain this understanding. I continue to make du'a that I increase my knowledge, which is so low in weight, but this still does not inhibit me from asking Allah.

I close by saying, May Allah have mercy on every last one of us and allow the continuance of guidance through ascertaining more knowledge with sincerity in all our actions. (If you agree with the above statement, say aloud: "Ameen")

Anna Farhat can be reached at anna.farhat@gmail.com

Edited by Aiza Malik

Comments

[Fateen Seifullah]

As salam alaykum sis Anna I did not know that your were such a gifted writer, please continue to share your thoughts. Don't be surprised if several points that you made are repeated in a khutbah.

Fateen

[Muslimah]

Great. MshaAllah. I love these reminders because they are ALWAYS relavent.

[AF]

Jazakum Allah Khairn! :)