01-27-2005, 06:59 AM
I have seen American Muslims looking to the rich Arabs and Pakistani's and reviling them because they not SEE them giving money to those in need, yet none of us knows what is secretly done by them. We have to stop being so self - righteous. We, as Muslims, are consistently seeking ways to alienate each other, when we should be seeking to help one another Allah says:
<b>"... help one another in goodness and piety, and do not help one another in sin and aggression; and be careful of (your duty to) Allah; surely Allah is severe in requiting (evil)."</b>
[5: 2]
When we are harsh with one another, when we look down on one another, we may be pushing the weaker of us to commit more sin.
Think about it. Would you accept advice from one that looks down on you or insults you? Of course not. We must respect and like someone to take advice from him or her. No matter how bad the actions of the Muslim seem to us, we must never think we are so much better that we have the right to insult or even look down upon anyone. Look to the example of our merciful Prophet:
<b>A Bedouin came and passed urine in one corner of the mosque. The people shouted at him but the Prophet stopped them till he finished urinating. The Prophet ordered them to spill a bucket of water over that place and they did so.</b>
[sahih al-Bukhari; 1; 4 #221].
The Muslims shouted at him, they were abusive, but the Prophet (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) in his great mercy and wisdom, knew that this is not the way to teach.
My old teacher, Ghassan Al Baraqawi, once told me, "Teach, do not preach for the people like explanation, not confrontation." These are wise words. We need to think about what we think and say so that we can actually help each other, not tear each other down. There is none amongst us who can claim to be perfect. There is none amongst us who can guarantee that he/she will enter Jannah with no trial or punishment. We must not try to usurp the role of Allah by passing judgement on one another.
Pride is dangerous. Look to the caution of rasul-Allah. We have to avoid feeling proud, even of our Islam.
Muhammad (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) said,
<b>"Allah will not look on the Day of Judgment at him who drags his robe (behind him) out of pride." Abu Bakr said "One side of my robe slacks down unless I get very cautious about it." Allah's Apostle said, "But you do not do that with a pride." </b>
[sahih al-Bukhari; 5, 57 #17].
Pride and arrogance are the tools of Shaytan. When he was told to prostrate to Adam, and he refused, it became his undoing. Allah (awj) says,
<b>"And behold, We said to the angels: "Bow down to Adam" and they bowed down. Not so Iblis: he refused and was haughty: He was of those who reject Faith." </b>
[2: 34]
Also, if you see this in you, beware of trying to justify yourself. Look to the example of Shaytan and his justifications when Allah questioned him about his refusal to prostrate
He (Allah) said:
<b>"What hindered you so that you did not prostrate when I commanded you? He said: I am better than he: You have created me of fire, while him You create of dust. He said: Then get forth from this (state), for it does not befit you to behave proudly therein. Go forth, therefore, surely you are of those degraded."</b>
[7: 12-13]
We can not allow ourselves to fall into this horrible trap from Shaytan. We can not allow ourselves to think we are better, for the sin of pride is great. Allah says,
<b>"And when it is said to him, guard against (the punishment of) Allah; pride carries him off to sin, therefore hell is sufficient for him; and certainly it is an evil resting place."</b>
[2: 206]
So, brothers and sisters: Next time you see someone who is doing wrong, either in appearance or action, think twice before you think you are better.
Go to the person, if you can, with friendship and gentleness. Advise. Do not assume the worst. Give him or her seventy excuses for the sin, and try to help him/her to understand the evil involved. Do not expect a change. Just advise. Leave any changes to Allah. The person may get angry or try to dispute with you. Do not fall to this trick of Shaytan. Just leave him/her with the evidences from Allah's book and the authentic sunnah, and let it be. It is for them to accept or reject, and your job will be done. But do not leave them thinking yourself superior.
Also, next time you see someone from another culture or background, do not judge them based on your preconceived notions about that group. See the individual. Talk to him/her. It may be that they will have some advice that will benefit you. It may be that while you may dress more Islamicly, they have better Islamic manners than you do.
Do not assume that because you look more like a Muslim that you are the better Muslim. This pride and haughtiness you feel, may be your undoing. Fear Allah, brothers and sisters. Fear Allah, and give each Muslim his due. As I have said many times before, the most evil and wretched amongst us is better than the best of the non-Muslims, and it is our job to advise each other to bring each other up from the darkness and filth of sin to the light and cleanliness of obeying Allah.
<b>O Allah make us love one another. </b>
O Allah, make us help one another.
O Allah prevent us from hurting one another.
O Allah make us truly brothers and sisters.
Make us one body, one heart.
Ameen.