Answered by: Maulana Naieem Mohammad
Question
I am facing a big issue. I want to live completely according to Deen. However, I am not able to do so because of society and the Fitan and Fasad around me. Also, I am a weak person. I am not that bold or emotionally strong. It is extremely difficult for me to bear the opposition that occurs when I try to keep many laws of Deen.
Despite my weaknesses, I have been trying to boldly live according to the Deen. I have been sacrificing my worldly resources for the sake of living according to the Deen. However, because of this, I have reached a very low state in a worldly sense. I lost my source of wealth and income. I’m struggling a lot. People look down on me. I am like a mad person to them. I’m alone.
I have reached such a low state that I don’t think I can bear anymore. However, I also hate to break the laws of Deen. Hence, I am in this conflict. I don’t know how to balance Deeni and Dunyawi life.
My brain says that I should break some rules so that I can have a settled life in society. It says it’s okay because of the evil of these times and that Allah will forgive. However, my heart breaks when I think of breaking the rules of Deen. It is unbearable for me.
Because of this conflict, I am not able to come to a conclusion. I am a weak-hearted person. I am getting so sad that I just wish to die quickly. I get thoughts of suicide but I’m not doing suicide because it is haram. I feel like I want to run away from society, away from all this evil. However, I can’t find a place to run away to. I don’t know what to do.
What should I do?
I have already lost everything sacrificing Dunya for Deen. I don’t think I can bear more losses. I’m afraid that if I get more worldly losses, I might lose control and do suicide, which is the worst thing that could happen. At the same time, I can’t get the strength to break our rules and sin. I’m wasting away because I cannot come to a conclusion on this. I can’t do anything. I am just wasting all my time thinking about this.
Please, please help me. What should I do? How should I balance Deen and surviving in a society full of evil?
Is it okay if I break some rules when following those rules unbearable hardships are expected to fall on me? Will Allah forgive me?
My brain is saying that I should concentrate on getting a good income and settling down in society and becoming a respected person, even if I am forced to do some sins in the process. After I achieve that, it will be easier for me to live and work for Deen because I will not have to depend on anyone, and because people will respect and support me.
Is this a good plan?
But my heart just wants to leave everything else and fully live according to rules of Deen. I am not able to control this urge. I get so much grief when I see the evil that is unbearable for me. I am afraid that because of this I will get great worldly losses till it becomes utterly unbearable for me. I am afraid that I will really become a mad person if I keep following my heart. I am also afraid that I might end up doing suicide if the hardships are beyond my ability.
How do I control and subdue my heart? Is there a way to reduce the grief that I feel when I see evil or do sins? I can’t handle the grief that I currently feel.
Please help me somehow. I don’t know what to do. Please also make dua for me.
بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمنِ الرَّحِيْم
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
Answer:
Never lose hope in the mercy of Allah.
From your statements above, we have understood that:
- Your sole aim is to please Allah
- Your desire is to practice Islam in entirety
- You are afraid of falling into sins if you make more effort to increase your livelihood
- You are being overwhelmed by confusing emotions
- You are searching for a balance between Deen and Dunya
May Allah accept your enthusiasm and increase you in Taqwa. We advise you, our dear brother, that Islam is a religion that was given to human beings by the creator of mankind. Allah acknowledges our weaknesses and our human needs. He has therefore included in our Deen such avenues where a person fulfills all their needs in a way that is also pleasing to Allah. This Deen is, without a doubt, a simple one and enhances the natural way of life.
The Prophet (s.a.w) has advised us, ”The Deen is easy to practice, and whoever makes the religion difficult/rigorous, it will overpower him. So, follow a middle course (in worship), or do something near to it and give glad tidings and seek help (from Allah) at early morning and at dusk and some part of the night.”[1]
Please consider the following advice:
- Deen was never intended to make our life difficult.
It will be possible to live in society despite the ills of mankind and still win the pleasure of Allah. In light of the quoted hadith, if you are practicing Deen and life becomes difficult, then change your approach in dealing with Deeni matters, it may be possible that you are enforcing on yourself such practices which are optional and leaving them off from time to time will not be sinful.
- Earning Halal wealth is part of worshipping Allah. Ponder on the following Hadith.
Amr bin Aas (r.a.) said that the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w) sent for me, he said: “ Take your clothes and your weapons, then come to me.”
I went to him and found him performing ablution, He (s.a.w) took a long gaze at me from head to toe then said,” I intend to send you in charge of an army, and Allah will save you and make you wealthy, and I desire that you earn a lot of pure wealth.”I remarked, Oh Messenger of Allah (s.a.w), I did not accept Islam because of desire for wealth, rather I accepted Islam for the sake of Allah and that I may be in the company of the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w).
He (s.a.w) said,” Oh Amr, how good is pure wealth in the hands of the righteous (men)!”[2]
- In addition to the two above advice, it will be beneficial if you would search for the company of the righteous scholars in your locality and take solace from their advice. If this is not possible, then spend time in the masjid after fardh salaat and engage yourself in duas.
May Allah grant us his pardon on all matters.
Only Allah knows best
Written by Maulana Naieem Mohammad
Checked and approved by Mufti Mohammed Tosir Miah
Darul Ifta Birmingham