I am an engineer and I had a deep interest in my field (actually I still do) however the state of this ummat grieves me so much that I do not feel like doing anything. In an ideal world I would have liked to have done research for the benifit of the ummat. I am not one of those people who just studied froma ‘western’ point of view. I have always made an effort to acquire knowledge of the deen and to spread it to others. Yet in both the matters of technological science and Quranic memorization and Fiqh I am still just average. I am also planning to get married, insha Allah. Should my emphasis be more on Deen or service of the ummat through acquiring further scientific knowledge or like at present both? Secondly, I have a severe concentration problem especially in Salat. Doctors prescribe medicine but it just makes me sick and I am afraid of it’s side effects. This makes me very unmotivated and depressed. What should I do? Jazak Allah Khair.
It is necessary for the Muslim Ummah to have their own engineers, doctors,
etc. Therefore, one may attain any type of knowledge as long as it is in
conformity to the Shari’ah, and with the intention of aiding the Muslim
Ummah and freeing them from slavery of the west. If we do not have our own
engineers, doctors, etc. then, we will be compelled to go to the Kuffaar for
our needs. However, always keep this in mind that I am first a Muslim, then
an engineer, etc. (If the Muslim scientist of Pakistan did not create their
own nuclear weapons then .)
Regarding concentrating in Salaat, one should note that Allah Ta’ala has
made each person responsible to concentrate according to his capability.
Therefore, one should not resort to medication or other srastic measures, in
order to attain total concentration. Yes, one should endervour to keep one’s
mind in Salaat as far as possin;e. a simple method which would help one to
attain concerntation in Salaat, is that one should firstly pause for a few
seconds before Salaat, and ask oneself, ‘Who am I standing in from of and
what am I about to perform?’. Then begin and concentrate on your postures.
Look at how you feet are positioned, how have you tied your hands, etc. then
concentrate on your recitation. Listen to yourself as if you are listening
to someone else. And read with this thought in mind that Allah Ta’ala has
requested you to recite the noble Qur’aan to him. If you are following an
Imaam, then follow his recitation attentively. Secondly, time permitting,
you may perform daily 4 – 8 Rakaats of Nafl Salaat consecutively. In the
first 2 Rakaats, you may find your mind wavering after 1 ½ a Rakaat, in the
second two Rakaats after 1 Rakaats, and so on. Continue till you train
yourself to concentrate for a full 4 Rakaat Salaat.
and Allah Ta’ala Knows Best
Mufti Ebrahim Desai
FATWA DEPT.