Typically, this question is aimed at non-Muslims encouraging them to question their purpose of existence.
Unfortunately, this is a question for Muslims to ponder over. Sure, you could answer, ‘To worship Allah’, although; but does that transcend into pursuing a higher goal and actualising a vision? Sadly, for many, it doesn’t.
Whilst we have many unsung heroes within the Ummah (even today), many of us fall well short when it comes to giving back.
And, ‘giving back’ has been given robust limitations. If one drops £10 or $10 into the Mosque donation box, that’s the limit of contribution we want to make; this satisfies our conscience and enough for us to ‘down tools’.
For a vast majority of us, religious ambition is just not there. No desire to learn or revisit our level of Arabic, to study the Seerah, Jurisprudence, Islamic history, and the list goes on. Instead, there’s a fixation on ‘keeping up with the Jones’s’. Attempting migration to a western country for the sole purpose of capital gain, or hustling to try and improve your living standards if you’re currently within a western part of the world.
Lives that are immersed in luxury with a desire to invite more luxury – a stark contrast from the humble life of the Messenger (peace be upon him).
As our everyday existence surrounds adopting a slob-like persona, consuming hours of Football, Ertugrul, or whatever drivel Netflix conjures up. Rather, we should strive, do Jihad, (yes, Jihad) and discover our passion – that which doesn’t involve increasing your bank balance and self-gratification, but that which brings value to others and enriches them.
As we’re advised in the Qur’an…
“So hasten towards all that is good”. (2:148)
“And march forth in the way (which leads to) forgiveness from your Rubb, and for Jannah as wide as are the heavens and the earth, prepared for Al Muttaqun (the pious)”. (3:133)
It’s high time that we re-evaluated our own contributions to our book of deeds as well as the lessons we teach our children. Wanting the best for our children is commendable but that shouldn’t be assumed as mere physical items. Divine guidance and inspiration from the best of creation – Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), is what we should be striving to accumulate – to give the next generation knowledge we didn’t have access to. That is where honour lies – not in adding a few letters to our name.
As Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) put it,
“Verily, we were a disgraceful people and Allah honoured us with Islam. If we seek honour from anything besides that with which Allah honoured us, Allah will disgrace us.”
It’s high time we stop drooling over the latest SUV surfacing on the market, but look to invest in worthy causes around the world. Humanitarian aid, Da’wah projects, Sponsorship of a Qur’an student are to mention just a few. But better than that; give your time. Donate some of your time for the sake of the Almighty and instil a worldview of giving back within those around you. It’s high time we re-evaluate. Re-evaluate what we’re doing in this world and our contribution to the creation. Are we focused on that with a limited shelf-life, or do we have wider aspirations? If the answer is the former, let’s use the precious month of Ramadan to wake up.
Help for Reverts is providing that opportunity to give back. Alhamdulillah, we have reverts from over 50 cities around the world that require mentoring.
It’s commonly mentioned that Islam is the fastest growing religion in the world, and it is. At the same time, it’s massively depleting with a large number of new converts/reverts that leave the religion – something that most of us are unaware of.
Your friendly message could brighten the day of a revert and provide hope, at a time they may be thinking of leaving Islam.
The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “Do not belittle any good deed, even meeting your brother (Muslim) with a cheerful face”. (Muslim)
Join Help for Reverts as a volunteer.
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