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Am I Sinful for Always Being Late Despite Having Asperger’s Syndrome?

Answered as per Shafi'i Fiqh by Seekersguidance.org
Answered by Ustadha Shazia Ahmad

Question

I came across an article that said being late is unbecoming of a Muslim and being “unduly” late is sinful. I am often late, sometimes by a half-hour, for class. Is this sinful? What if I try my best daily to be on time but then slow a bit when I realize I’m going to be late? I and others I know suspect that I have Asperger’s. I took online tests, and they consistently show that I likely have it. I plan to get treatment when able. I struggle with being on time and organized as executive functioning is affected. Is there any leeway if I’m trying my best not to be late?

Answer

Assalamu alaykum,

Thank you for your question. May Allah reward you for your sincerity and for trying hard for the sake of Allah.

Asperger’s Syndrome

This syndrome is considered a higher form of autism and can consist of one, some, or all of the following symptoms:

-Repetitive behaviors

-Inability to understand emotional issues

-First-person focus

-Exaggerated emotional response

-Abnormal response to sensory stimuli

-Social difficulties

-Speech difficulties

-Exceptional verbal skills

-Below-average nonverbal skills

-Lack of eye contact

-Clumsiness

-Obsession

Moral Responsibility

You are not sinful for being late, especially if you are trying your best. Don’t let waswasa get the best of you, and don’t obsess over something that you have very little control over. More important than worrying about your lateness, seek treatment immediately with your doctor or therapist. This will help your condition, physically and mentally.

Trust in Allah Most High

Ask Allah to guide you in every step and help you be the best that you can be. Take solace in this Qur’anic verse, “So be mindful of Allah to the best of your ability, hear and obey, and spend in charity—that will be best for you. And whoever is saved from the selfishness of their own souls, it is they who are ˹truly˺ successful. [Qur’an, 64:16] 

May Allah give you the best of this world and the next.

[Ustadha] Shazia Ahmad  

Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Ustadha Shazia Ahmad lived in Damascus, Syria, for two years, where she studied aqidah, fiqh, tajweed, Tafseer, and Arabic. She then attended the University of Texas at Austin, where she completed her Master’s in Arabic. Afterward, she moved to Amman, Jordan, where she studied fiqh, Arabic, and other sciences. She recently moved back to Mississauga, Canada, where she lives with her family.

 

This answer was collected from Seekersguidance.org. It’s an online learning platform overseen by Sheikh Faraz Rabbani. All courses are free. They also have in-person classes in Canada.

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