Having doubts for the first time.

[whitedove]

I'm finding it extremely difficult. I've always had faith in my religion, through the worst and lowest times of my life, proud of every aspect of it, even when I haven't been practising and even when my Iman has been low to non existence I always felt strongly about Islam, protective of it, vocal against any criticisms towards it. I loved my religion. But due to some personal experiences I can't help but think there are some individuals who harm others, who go out of the way to cause them alot of suffering, pain and affect them in crippling ways, with no remorse towards their actions, and then what they read the quran during Ramadan and suddenly their sins are forgiven and they get the best Muslim award due to some things they done (outwardly things like praying, fasting and reading quran) but hey it's ok what they previously done without feeling bad in the slightest and continuing their ways after ? It just doesn't sit well with me. Is that what my religion stands for ? Surely this can't be it. I feel pretty upset at what this person has done. And I see non muslims who have done amazing selfless things, who help out of the goodness of their hearts, true pure inner character within them. And yet this monster I know who can hurt people and inflict trauma without any issue or thought to it, will be getting rewarded during the month of Ramadan because every letter of the quran he reads will be x 10 rewarded. Is this right or fair ?

[taha_]

I'm finding it extremely difficult. I've always had faith in my religion, through the worst and lowest times of my life, proud of every aspect of it, even when I haven't been practising and even when my Iman has been low to non existence I always felt strongly about Islam, protective of it, vocal against any criticisms towards it. I loved my religion. But due to some personal experiences I can't help but think there are some individuals who harm others, who go out of the way to cause them alot of suffering, pain and affect them in crippling ways, with no remorse towards their actions, and then what they read the quran during Ramadan and suddenly their sins are forgiven and they get the best Muslim award due to some things they done (outwardly things like praying, fasting and reading quran) but hey it's ok what they previously done without feeling bad in the slightest and continuing their ways after ? It just doesn't sit well with me. Is that what my religion stands for ? Surely this can't be it. I feel pretty upset at what this person has done. And I see non muslims who have done amazing selfless things, who help out of the goodness of their hearts, true pure inner character within them. And yet this monster I know who can hurt people and inflict trauma without any issue or thought to it, will be getting rewarded during the month of Ramadan because every letter of the quran he reads will be x 10 rewarded. Is this right or fair ?

Assalam o alaikum rahmatullahi wa Barakatuhu

Allah is Al Adl. The Just.

He is aware of all things including good and evil actions that all humans do and will in future.

We dont know anyone's heart and intention. So that person you mentioned should be left to be judged by Allah.

Repentance is not like saying "oh Allah forgive me" without any feeling and then ends up commiting same sins intentionally.

It needs to be sincere, you need to feel bad and you must make promise that you will never commit same sin.

Just remember hazrat omar who planned to kill prophet peace be upon him then became 2nd best companion and was buried next to prophet peace be upon him.

Dont judge islam because of muslims. Read prophet peace be upon him biography. Read about his behaviour, how he behaved with people. He was loving, and caring, patient, gentle, beautiful mannered. Allah praised him in Quran for his character.


JazakAllah khair.

[MazharShafiq]

Assalam o alaikum rahmatullahi wa Barakatuhu

Allah is Al Adl. The Just.

He is aware of all things including good and evil actions that all humans do and will in future.

We dont know anyone's heart and intention. So that person you mentioned should be left to be judged by Allah.

Repentance is not like saying "oh Allah forgive me" without any feeling and then ends up commiting same sins intentionally.

It needs to be sincere, you need to feel bad and you must make promise that you will never commit same sin.

Just remember hazrat omar who planned to kill prophet peace be upon him then became 2nd best companion and was buried next to prophet peace be upon him.

Dont judge islam because of muslims. Read prophet peace be upon him biography. Read about his behaviour, how he behaved with people. He was loving, and caring, patient, gentle, beautiful mannered. Allah praised him in Quran for his character.


JazakAllah khair.

w slam totally agreed.

[whitedove]

Yes however there is more emphasis on the outwardly actions it seems than intention and being a good person. If there was more reward for being a good person, would that make Muslims actually care about how they behave ? Instead there is emphasis on every single letter you read the reward being x 10 more so you get individuals who treat people so awfully thinking that means more than their actual character and that they can continue being bad, as long ad they read quran at the end of the day. I understand of not judging the religion in the way that Muslims behave but if you look at other religions such as the Jewish community they help each other, irrespective and that is why their people thrive. We don't. And again I'm finding it hard and sad to absorb why there doesn't seem to be as much reward stressed and encouraged as being good to one another, instead just the outside actions as I mentioned.

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[Good brother]

Judge people by Islam. Don't judge Islam by people.

http://www.gbv.de/dms/mpib-toc/501786732.pdf

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[whitedove]

Honestly I say the same thing each and everytime I defend Muslims, that same line. And I would never say the above to non Muslims but I can't help but really notice it so massively in our face and it just left me with a sour feeling. Again I understand that yes the character of a good Muslim is outlined but the debate here, is that there is more reward for the outside actions than there is for good deeds towards each other and being a sincere person. Anyway Eid Mubarak everyone. Hope you all have an amazing Eid inchallah.

[soheil1]

I'm finding it extremely difficult. I've always had faith in my religion, through the worst and lowest times of my life, proud of every aspect of it, even when I haven't been practising and even when my Iman has been low to non existence I always felt strongly about Islam, protective of it, vocal against any criticisms towards it. I loved my religion. But due to some personal experiences I can't help but think there are some individuals who harm others, who go out of the way to cause them alot of suffering, pain and affect them in crippling ways, with no remorse towards their actions, and then what they read the quran during Ramadan and suddenly their sins are forgiven and they get the best Muslim award due to some things they done (outwardly things like praying, fasting and reading quran) but hey it's ok what they previously done without feeling bad in the slightest and continuing their ways after ? It just doesn't sit well with me. Is that what my religion stands for ? Surely this can't be it. I feel pretty upset at what this person has done. And I see non muslims who have done amazing selfless things, who help out of the goodness of their hearts, true pure inner character within them. And yet this monster I know who can hurt people and inflict trauma without any issue or thought to it, will be getting rewarded during the month of Ramadan because every letter of the quran he reads will be x 10 rewarded. Is this right or fair ?

Who says?
If the religion were this simple, no judgement day would be needed
You are accountable for every word you speak, every deed you do with your hands, every place you go , etc.

[soheil1]

Honestly I say the same thing each and everytime I defend Muslims, that same line. And I would never say the above to non Muslims but I can't help but really notice it so massively in our face and it just left me with a sour feeling. Again I understand that yes the character of a good Muslim is outlined but the debate here, is that there is more reward for the outside actions than there is for good deeds towards each other and being a sincere person. Anyway Eid Mubarak everyone. Hope you all have an amazing Eid inchallah.

Imam Ali ibn Hussain (PBUH) was asked about all thhe rulings of Islam, to which he replied: speaking the truth, fair judgement, and keeping the promise

[whitedove]

Thankyou for your responses. But again you all do what I do, getting defensive and you are getting defensive without responding directly to the point. I understand we are all accountable but the question is, is there more emphasis on MORE reward and higher urgency for the OUTWARDLY actions. Go back to my example. Every letter you read of the quran in Arabic you get 10 times more reward in Ramadan. I haven't yet heard about 10 times more reward for treating people nicely ? For being good to one another ? So when I see certain Muslims not necessarily be very kind individuals but doing things like reading quran, I ask myself why do they feel importance to read quran because every letter is reward 10 times more but not bother to be as much of a good person, or they find it easier to be nasty to others without thinking twice about it ? Because one holds more reward ? Instead of getting defensive I think it is good to question why this happens in our community because it does. As Muslims do more lectures and seminars and Ramadan revolve around the outwardly things. If you can give an example where being a good person equally holds that same value as something as specific as ( each letter you read 10 times more reward than usual ) ?

[whitedove]

Above was in response to Soheil.

[whitedove]

Question isn't whether being good is mentioned, we know it is. But the debate is whether the other seems to hold so much more value.

[soheil1]

God describes himself as being compassionate. so follow suite, and don't be distracted by others

[whitedove]

I say this kindly but if you are going to respond please refer to the question. See my last response. Telling me not to get distracted when I am questioning and seeking answers is a fine example of not giving the right direction. If I were a non Muslim, that would not be helpful and it seems you are diverting. Would appreciate anyone with knowledge to answer in a way that can clarify the points mentioned inchallah. I like to understand my religion so this has nothing to do with distraction. I am sorry to say but this is a problem within the Muslim community and it's never addressed.

[whitedove]

P.s I love Allah. But I'm allowed to question and seek answers. Thankyou and Jazakallah khayr in taking time to reply.

[soheil1]

I say this kindly but if you are going to respond please refer to the question. See my last response. Telling me not to get distracted when I am questioning and seeking answers is a fine example of not giving the right direction. If I were a non Muslim, that would not be helpful and it seems you are diverting. Would appreciate anyone with knowledge to answer in a way that can clarify the points mentioned inchallah. I like to understand my religion so this has nothing to do with distraction. I am sorry to say but this is a problem within the Muslim community and it's never addressed.

Where was the mere "reading" of Quran given reward at all??
Whenever Iman is mentioned, good deeds is mentioned in quran.
Having good morale iman:
اکمل المؤمنین ایمانا احسنهم خلقا

[whitedove]

Example : I was reading Quran in English because I like to understand it and wanted to read all of it in Ramadan. I was then passed on lecture ( I can check, speaker at Brixton Mosque) for every letter you read in Arabic u get 10 times more reward during Ramadan). When I memorize Quran I use transliteration (Arabic spelt in English) along with the recitor to get pronunciation and tajweed correct) however I can't read Arabic itself fluently, I would read a sentence like a dyslexic, making effort to join the letters). Anyhow during Ramadan I thought maybe more important for me to understand and increase my iman via knowing what I'm reading, but after hearing the talk, I checked with others and you don't get the same reward for reading in english. ( a little unfair but apparently you are rewarded more for effort in how difficult it is for you). So this is an example of the reward scale being very specific. Is this from Quran or Hadith ? So people are more motivated and as a general Muslims in practise certainly are more focused on the outside actions ( which yes I understand are important) but then are they so much more important and honourable then actually being a good person, because sometimes (alot of the time) these same people and muslims can behave very badly, or not be kind, can behave without caring out the bad impact or effect their actions have left another person in. Why ? Because there isn't enough emphasis on if you are good to someone you get ( x 10 reward ). This is both for London and also in the Arabic country I am from ( it's always the outside that counts). And I have had this criticism given before by non muslims and believe me i have defended it. However I'm just noticing it more recently is all.

[whitedove]

You keep saying good deeds are mentioned. I know this. Read my replies properly. We are talking in comparison and the fact that the reward isn't as specific as the outwardly things hence why is it less seen as not essential or forefront. If everything is judged by intention then why isn't being a good person x 20 reward. Why are muslims just so fixated on outside actions ( things that can be seen) then actually bothering to be good to one another, helping one another and actually not being nasty. I'm just trying to understand and get to the root of why this happens. Are there rewards that are not talked about or do they have no specific reward. This is why if someone has proper knowledge would be better.

[whitedove]

I understand that the prophet Muhammed (pbu) was of the best character. Even to his enemies who threw rocks at him, wanted to kill him, he didn't seek out to destroy them whilst they made his life a living hell. Instead he prayed for them. I mean look at us, someone overtakes us in traffic and we are cursing them under our breath lol. Our prophet is the best example of how we should be and I am aware of the depths of this. But going back to this current time and why I am really very puzzled and started to doubt things, why are so many things all revolved around higher reward for what you do in physical actions. If being good actually matters so much why isn't reward on equal scale or aligning with that so that Muslims actually maybe put some input into how they behave. Or praying 5 times a day, going to the mosque, reading quran makes you a star Muslim but hey there's no big deal about not being a twit to your other Muslim brothers and sisters, about being honest, about not being rude, deceitful, maybe helping one another, not looking down at one another based on judgement, about good deeds etc. I mean honestly there are so many non muslims who naturally are just much more sincere people and that's without knowledge of Islam. Yet we as Muslims seem to not quite always be there in that department which is odd considering " everything is judged by our intention and sincerity ".

[soheil1]

You keep saying good deeds are mentioned. I know this. Read my replies properly. We are talking in comparison and the fact that the reward isn't as specific as the outwardly things hence why is it less seen as not essential or forefront. If everything is judged by intention then why isn't being a good person x 20 reward. Why are muslims just so fixated on outside actions ( things that can be seen) then actually bothering to be good to one another, helping one another and actually not being nasty. I'm just trying to understand and get to the root of why this happens. Are there rewards that are not talked about or do they have no specific reward. This is why if someone has proper knowledge would be better.

You are saying some people harm others and still are called good Muslims?
A "Muslim" wanted to plant a tree at the door of a christian in Madina. The christian complained to the prophet (PBUH), upon which the prophet (PBUH) called the "muslim", telling him to plant the tree somewhere else, and even promising him ten times reward in paradise, and the "muslim" still rejected the offer. (I might have forgotten some details of the story). The prophet (PBUH) eventually said "You are a harming individual and no harm and no harming is in Islam" [انت شخص مضار و لا ضرر و لا ضرار فی الاسلام] and sent some people to uproot the tree completely. This is a fundamental principle when giving verdicts, called "no harm " principle

[whitedove]

Yes that part was sarcasm, "them being seen as good Muslims" by others because " it's all about the outside. Truth is, Muslims can be malicious towards one another, they don't really care how they treat each other be it on a personal level, a business level ; we are talking about attitude and kindness. I mean I haven't heard if every Muslim does one kind selfless act towards his neighbour then you get x 5 times more hasana (reward). Why ? Our focus is always solely on ( just seen a post on sunnah for Eid) and there is a list. The only one emphasis I have really seen is give to charity ( which is good hamdollilah) we should try and do this all year round and I love that about Ramadan, our reminded and importance on charity. But I just feel if more importance was out on nice things we could be doing for each other (whether it's to family members, to neighbours, a good deed we can do to non muslims which represents us in a good light) ( I remember going to a seminar and the speaker, great guy, him and his wife used to cook and always offer food to their english neighbours and tbh alot of the stuff he covered was refreshing for a change on these small yet big things we should be doing ). As a whole though just not as highly admired and encouraged than other acts such as praying all night ( which yes is admirable) but surely better when coupled with encouragement to actively be motivated to not have ugly personalities toward other people.

[whitedove]

Thankyou for sharing that story by the way Soheil. A nice story mashallah :)

[whitedove]

Another difficult concept for me lately, non Muslims who go through life doing so much good, have sincere hearts, you know someone who is pure and you can feel the warmth and positive energy when you are with them, when you are in trouble you can call them and they will be there for you irrespective of the circumstance, kind people who stand by you no matter what, make sacrifices to help you, speak the truth, don't talk badly about others. That they will end up going to Hell. And then there are Muslims who did pray, did fast but other than that they did not have good characters, they lied, manipulated for self interest and self benefit, did not blink an eyelid if they screwed you over, happy to ask for help or use you or only contact you if something is needed, but then should you require a favour yourself they will disappoint. And yet they will eventually end up in Jannah *even if they suffer first in Hell *. I have a couple friends I feel sad for, they are one of the best people I have met and they have all the characteristics of what a true muslim should be except they are Christian for example. And it feels like such a waste.

[whitedove]

Last post everyone. Someone I know who practises is so hung up on every detail of Islam apart from character ( my opening argument) he used to play an instrument but gave that up when he wanted to practise the deen properly . He has full knowledge on many aspects and can quote exact accurate hadiths or quotes from quran. Ok that's good ( he is taking it seriously). This is a big thing to him to try and do all the outwardly things we spoke about. This same person ( cheats on his wife casually and consistently, lies like it's second nature, manipulates, is not a very nice person to people, has a very selfish persona, isn't appreciate generally towards people, and as a whole doesn't feel any remorse as an emotion. You are going to say this is one person. The problem it isn't. I have seen it even in Arabic countries, practising men, who treat women terribly, treat their sisters attrociously, deal with Islamic matters in a very aggressive dictatorship kind of way ( is this how we encourage others to practise ? It's the worst way to get your point across ), they pray every prayer on time, etc ( the outwardly things etc). Now you said earlier don't get distracted but this is stuff that affects me because I see it, I experience it or I witness it amongst others. And we can say judge Islam by the religion not the people all day long, but unless we actually admit that it's an issue how can we change it and try make our community better and more United , how can we be conscious of it that it's something we need to do. Having said that I will end on a good note, I have equally met the most amazing practising Muslims in the mosque and in everyday life , who are such lovely people like a light is shining on them, so welcoming to the religion, selfless and people I will never ever forget. Inchallah there can be more like this. EID MUBARAK EVERYONE. HAVE AN AMAZING EID :)

[moinudin]

Asalaam alaikum

I skimmed the answers, so please forgive me if I missed and am repeating anything.

The reward multiplier is for all good deeds. Reading the Quaran is something who's reward can easily be quantified, but only Allah knows how the reward for goodness like you mentions compares. There is the example of a prostitute who saw a cat, put here shoe in a well to get water for it to drink. Through the mercy she showed the cat, even as a prostitute, Allah granted her jennah.

Reading the Quaran is one thing, but what really matters is whether it affects your heart. Some might read it with no or little effect. If you're so immersed in sin, it's going to take a lot to recover that hard heart, but at least they've been motivated to try, الحمد لله.

As for disbelievers, some are very soft hearted. Just think of Abu Talib, the Prophet's صلى الله عليه وسلم uncle. He treated him so well, yet he died a disbeliever so it is said he is going to hell. The Quaran repeatedly says إن الزين أمنو و عملو صالحات, i.e. you need faith for good deeds to count. We should still be good to theses disbelievers, and try call them towards Islam. Those good of heart are likely the closest to accepting.

May Allah guide those causing harm towards goodness, and guide the disbelievers to the truth. May Allah bless you with the ability to guide the disbelievers, and see the goodness in even the worst of people so that you might amplify that part of them so that it overwhelms their bad.

[whitedove]

Wa alaykum salam, Jazakallah khayran, you mentioned some good points :) Inchallah I will reply properly this evening, would appreciate you having a look later on, wanted to refer to some things you highlighted with couple questions also. Peace out :)

[Umm Malik]

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[Hamza Asadullah]

Assalamu Alaikum,

My dear sister Islam is not only about outward actions but in fact the state of our hearts and the inner self is of huge importance:

The Prophet (Sallalahu alaihi Wasallam) said: The faith of a servant is not upright until his heart is upright, and his heart is not upright until his tongue is upright. A man will not enter Paradise if his neighbor is not secure from his evil.(Ahmed)

Every single one of our good actions will be judged due to the intentions behind them and whether or not we did them sincerely for the sole pleasure of Allah or whether we did them to "show off" and to please other people so people can look up to us and praise us. We will all be asked on the day of judgement regarding our actions and the intentions behind them and whether we did them sincerely for his pleasure or not:

The Prophet (Sallalahu alaihi Wasallam) said: Verily, the people will be raised for judgment only according to their intentions.(Ibn Majah)

The Prophet (Sallalahu alaihi Wasallam) also said: "Deeds are but by intentions and every person shall have what he intended. Thus, whose migration was for the sake of Allah and His Messenger, then his migration was for Allah and His Messenger. And whose migration was for the sake of some worldly benefit or marrying some woman, then his migration was for what he migrated." (Al-Bukhari)

Throughout the Qur'an you will come across references towards the hypocrites who are those whom they claim to have true faith and show people that they do good actions and they speak very elequontly but they have corrupted hearts and they do not truly believe and behind closed doors they plan and plot against the Muslims and befriend the enemies of Islam. Therefore Allah sees all that we do by action as well as what our hearts intend by it and whether we are sincere:

Allah said: And We shall turn to the deeds they have done and scatter them like dust.(Qur'an 25;23)

Regarding good manners, character and behaviour then this has huge significance in our lives as the Prophet (Sallalahu alaihi Wasallam) came to us to perfect our characters:

The Prophet (Sallalahu alaihi Wasallam) said: Verily, I have only been sent to perfect righteous character. (Aḥmad)

The Prophet (Sallalahu alaihi Wasallam) said: “Nothing is heavier upon the scale of the believer on the Day of Resurrection than good character. Verily, Allah hates the vulgar, obscene person.” (Al-Tirmidhi)

The Prophet (Sallalahu alaihi Wasallam) said: "The Muslim is the one from whose tongue and hand the people are safe, and the believer is the one people trust with their lives and wealth. (Al Nasai)

Having good character and manners surpasses others in good actions:

Ibn al-Qayyim (Ra) writes: The religion itself is entirely good character, so whoever surpasses you in character has surpassed you in religion. (Madārij al-Sālikīn 2/294)

So we must leave it to Allah to judge the state of a person's heart and inner self and know that he is the most just. He will never wrong any soul to even a single atoms worth of injustice. If anyone wronged has us then he is fully aware of it and justice will be done if not in this world then the next or even both. Of course it is far better to forgive as Allah is especially towards those who forgive others:

“. . . and let them pardon and overlook. Would you not like that Allah should forgive you? And Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.” [Quran 24:22]

If our disputes with one another are not resolved in this world then they will surely be resolved in the next.

A typical objection shaythan gives us regarding those non Muslims who seemingly have good hearts and actions is that why would Allah make them burn in Hell forever? However firstly it is not our decision to make who goes to Hell and who goes to Paradise. Secondly we do not know the state of anyone's heart nor do we know what they do in private. Our criterion is based on a snippet of another person's life and on our emotions. However our knowledge is very narrow, limited and finite whereas Allah's knowledge is all encompassing and infinite.

Therefore we leave the decision of the fate of every single soul to the one who created us and who knows our inwardly and outwardly actions from the beginning of our lives to the very end. So we must worry for ourselves and our families and the state of our Ummah rather than to condemn others to Hell or give glad tidings to people of Paradise which is not within our knowledge and authority to do so. Instead we must focus on fulfilling our obligations unto Allah and continuously improving ourselves, correcting our hearts, characters and manners.

When it comes to Non believers then we should be good examples to them so that they may become attracted to our Deen and we should invite them to the truth with wisdom and tact and know that guidance is not in our hards. Whatever the outcome will be on the day of Judgement then know that Allah is the best Judge and the most just and he will never wrong any soul:

Allah said: Indeed, Allah does not wrong the people at all, but it is the people who are wronging themselves.(Qur'an 10;44)

[whitedove]

Jazakallah Khayran. I have just re read your reply, the last response and mashallah it was an amazing answer. Thankyou so much for taking the time to write that and everything you said rings true to being authentic Islam. The real Islam. I have been meaning to respond to the previous entry, prior to the last. I believe however you worded everything beautifully. And inchallah may Allah make us stronger in imam, make our hearts and intention pure always, make us not give attention to those individuals who seek to wrong us or harm us, and through becoming closer to God may it gives us all clarity between right and wrong.