honour

I recently heard someone express a profound thought about charity that left me reflecting for a while. They said, “You might encounter a wealthy individual and share opportunities for good deeds with them, constantly reminding them of these chances. However, Allah may not intend to use that person to perform these good deeds. This could be due to their money not being pure or for any other reason that prevents them from having that opportunity. On the other hand, Allah might bring forth an unknown individual with very little to their name, yet He grants them the ability (tawfiq) to do good.”

For those involved in community service, this is a common observation. It’s not merely financial resources that inspire people to give; rather, their innate willingness, compassion, and sense of duty drive them to help others. One significant point we often overlook is that Allah, in His Encompassing Knowledge and Wisdom, determines who will do good and who will not.

An example of this is illustrated in Surah At-Tawbah, verses 41-47. In this passage, some Muslims made excuses to avoid participating in the Battle of Tabuk and sought permission from the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) to remain behind. The Prophet allowed them to stay, but Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta’ala) later revealed specific verses addressing this situation.

“No one would ask for exemption except those who have no faith in Allah or the Last Day, and whose hearts are in doubt, so they are torn by their doubts. Had they ˹really˺ intended to march forth, they would have made preparations for it. But Allah disliked that they should go, so He let them lag behind, and it was said ˹to them˺, “Stay with those ˹helpless˺ who remain behind.”

This principle extends beyond charity to all kinds of good actions, such as waking up for tahajjud, performing Hajj or Umrah, memorizing the Qur’an, spreading the message of Islam (da’wah), educating others, bringing happiness, aiding those in need, and being a supportive presence for others. Allah has intentionally selected you for these purposes. Have you considered the honour of that? That, amidst countless people, Allah chose YOU? He found you deserving of that chance to do good and receive the corresponding reward. He loves you, so He facilitates it for you!

The wonderful truth is that we all possess unique gifts and strengths in our faith to do good. Each of us is different in our approach and contributions.

Imam Malik illustrated this concept when he received a letter from a righteous person urging him to focus more on spiritual practices instead of teaching. He replied: “Allah, exalted is He, has distributed people’s actions just as He has distributed their sustenance. Sometimes He grants one person the desire to engage in optional prayers but not in optional fasting, or opens the door for charity but not for fasting, and so on. As for the pursuit of sacred knowledge, it is one of the most virtuous deeds, and I am grateful for what Allah has allowed me to do. I believe both paths are valuable, and I hope we are both striving for goodness.” (Al-Dhahabi, Siyar A‘lam al-Nubala)

This highlights that when Allah provides an opportunity and inspires a person toward a specific good deed, they should embrace that focus wholeheartedly. It’s important to also engage in other good actions without losing sight of what lies at the centre of their devotion.

The key question is: will you embrace the path Allah has set for you, or will you be among those who reject it?

Ultimately, Allah does not require our efforts, nor does He miss out if we fail to take advantage of the opportunities He gives us. He can effortlessly replace us with others to fulfil those same deeds.

Let us keep this in our hearts as a reminder whenever we face moments of lethargy that discourage us from rising for tahajjud, feeling reluctant to give sadaqah or a loan, or feeling fatigued when approached by those in need of our support. While we may feel ordinary, we have been bestowed an extraordinary honour. Consider how many individuals earnestly wish to visit Allah’s house but find themselves unable to do so. Reflect on how many genuinely desire to make a significant impact yet lack the necessary resources. Think of those who long to perform good for their parents but are left with memories, as those loved ones have departed from this world.

The next time an opportunity arises to do something good, I hope your heart overflows with genuine joy and excitement. I hope that you take that chance as if it were the final one you might ever encounter. I hope you don’t hesitate to go above and beyond, putting in the extra effort and dedicating yourself fully to the task at hand. When you take that chance, I hope you carry it proudly, wearing it as a badge of honour that reflects your commitment to making a positive impact on the world.

Dear Reader, take a few moments to engage in thoughtful contemplation about the unique purpose that Allah has set for you. Fully embrace this profound calling with all your heart and dedication, recognizing the significance of your role in the fabric of goodness in this world.

Here is a dua to help you and me continue doing good deeds:

Yahya related to me from Malik that he had heard that the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, used to make dua saying, “O Allah, I ask you for good actions and for leaving what is disapproved of and for love of the poor. And if You wish to try people, then bring me to You without being tried.”

Allahumma inniy asa’luka fala’l-khayrati, wa tarqa’l-munqarati, wa hubba’l-masakin, wa idha aradta fi’n-nasi fitnatan fa’qbithni ilayka ghayra maftun.
اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ فِعْلَ الْخَيْرَاتِ وَتَرْكَ الْمُنْكَرَاتِ وَحُبَّ الْمَسَاكِينِ وَإِذَا أَرَدْتَ فِي النَّاسِ فِتْنَةً فَاقْبِضْنِي إِلَيْكَ غَيْرَ مَفْتُونٍ

May Allah make us a source of goodness for every place we set foot in and every soul we meet, and may we be honoured to be among the agents of kheyr in our lifetime, Ameen.

Have you ever looked at the house help at home and thought, ‘Did he/she ever have a dream to become something in life? Or do they still want to become that thing? What is their story? Do they have a family? If something happened to them, do we know their next of kin? Do we know where they live? Whether they ate yesterday evening? Did they have an education? Or did they start school then dropped out because of finances? If they were given a chance to be whoever they want to be, what would they choose? What do they feel about their current job? About working for you? About spending time with your children?’

What about your garbage collector? Or the man who fixes your sink? Or the lady who babysits your children? Ever thought about their feelings, their goals in life, their thinking? If roles were reversed, would you be satisfied having a boss like you? Would you be happy with the pay you receive? With the workload given to you? With the treatment given? Would you be okay about the leftover or almost rotten food given to you alone while they feast on the table with all kinds of fresh, tasty food? Would you feel discriminated, underestimated, unappreciated?

Most of us never think about that. We never take a minute to just think about these people who work and toil for us. Sometimes we openly mistreat them or insult them or be so harsh with them for humanly mistakes. Sometimes we publicly show them that they are not in the same league/class with us. Sometimes we don’t even treat them like human beings. Sometimes we think, we worked hard to be where we are in life and they didn’t. They didn’t work hard enough, or they were just lazy or unambitious. Sometimes we forget that it is but a blessing to be this comfortable with our lives. Sometimes, or most times, we never think about them entirely?

So let’s take a moment to think about all the manual labourers that work for us or with us or those come across. If roles were reversed, would you want to be treated the way we or you treat them? Would we want to be paid the same amount we pay them (sometimes despite having more than enough for ourselves)? Would we want to be given another type of food while everyone else is eating special meals? Would we want to be ignored like we ignore them until we have a need? Would we want to be shouted upon for every humanly mistake we make?

Do we respect them? Do we honour them? Do we listen to what they have to say? All these people with low-paying jobs, do we ever appreciate them?

Manual labour is considered noble in Islam. Abu Hurairah RA reported: The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “No food is better to man than that which he earns through his manual work. Dawud (alayhi sallam), the Prophet of Allah, ate only out of his earnings from his manual work.” (Bukhari)

We have a perfect example of how the prophet peace be upon him mingled with the slaves and the poor people. Here’s an excerpt from http://www.reviewofreligions.org/2876/the-life-character-of-the-seal-of-the-prophetssaw-part-4/ on the prophet and his slave, Zaid bin Harith.

“Hakim bin Hizam, the nephew of Hadhrat Khadijah(ra), was a merchant who constantly moved about with various trade caravans. Once he purchased a few slaves during a trade expedition and gave one of them as a gift to Hadhrat Khadijah(ra). The name of the slave gifted to Hadhrat Khadijah(ra) was Zaid bin Harithah(ra). In actuality, Zaid(ra) belonged to a free family, but during a plunder he was taken captive and was forcefully enslaved. Khadijah(ra) found Zaid(ra) to be wise and intelligent, so she entrusted him to Muhammad(saw).

It was always the practice of the Holy Prophet(saw) that he would treat his servants and slaves with immense love, like his own kith and kin. Hence, Muhammad(saw) was affectionate to Zaid(ra). Since Zaid(ra) possessed a sincere heart, he also developed love for Muhammad(saw). Meanwhile, Zaid(ra)’s father Harith and paternal uncle Ka‘b came to Makkah whilst looking for him. Both of them presented themselves before the Holy Prophet(saw), and with great humility requested the freedom of Zaid(ra), so that he may return home with them. Muhammad(saw) responded; “Absolutely! If Zaid wishes to leave with you, I delightedly give him permission to do so.” At this, Zaid was called upon and was asked by Muhammad(saw), “Zaid, Do you recognise these people?” “Yes,” responded Zaid(ra), “they are my father and paternal uncle.” Muhammad(saw) said, “They have come to take you. If you wish to leave with them, I gladly give you permission to do so.” “I shall not leave you on any account,” answered Zaid(ra), “To me, you are far dearer than my own uncle or father.” Zaid(ra)’s father reacted with great anger and grief, “What? Do you give preference to a life of slavery over that of freedom?” “Yes,” responded Zaid(ra), “for I have witnessed such virtues in him that I can now give preference to none above him.”

When Muhammad(saw) heard this response he immediately stood up and took Zaid(ra) to the Ka‘bah. There he announced in a loud voice, “O People! Be witness to the fact that as of this day I free Zaid(ra) and make him my son. He shall be my heir and I shall be his.” When Zaid(ra)’s uncle and father observed this sight, they were astounded. They happily left Zaid with Muhammad(saw). Since then, Zaid bin Harithah(ra) became known as Zaid bin Muhammad(ra).1 However, after the Hijrah, God revealed a commandment that it was unlawful to take an adopted child as an actual son.2 Upon this, Zaid(ra) was once again given his original name, Zaid bin Harithah. Nonetheless, the loving conduct of the ever-loyal Muhammad(saw) remained unaltered with this ever-sincere servant…”

Imagine a slave loving their master to the extent they wouldn’t want to go back to their family. How amazingly well do you think the prophet peace be upon him to make Zaid may peace be upon him, cherish him that much.

So here’s food for thought for all of us…if roles were reversed, would you be pleased working under YOU?

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THE CHOSEN ONES

IF ROLES WERE REVERSED