Many of us many a time tend to be extreme in our thinking, in our expressions as well as in actions. Many knowledgeable people will tell you that Islam is a religion or way of life which stresses on moderation in all walks of life.
People keep on enquiring whether someone is observing an optional fast or late night prayers, etc., while neglecting to remind those who do not pay poor due or perform pilgrimage in spite of their being fully eligible.
Observing optional prayers or fasts will add quality to the quantity once we stress first things first by observing obligatory prayers, fasts, charity and pilgrimage suitably.
Many politicians nowadays are as nervous about elections as students about exams and results, whereas we should do our best and leave the rest to Allah the Almighty.
Arvind Kejriwal, for example, when asked at the end of an interview before the last elections as to what he will do in case of losing, replied ‘God will show us the way’. Recently once again on the eve of ensuing Delhi elections, in an interview to Rajdeep Sardesai on Aaj Tak in answer to what he will do if he loses he once again stressed that he entered politics sacrificing his all to serve the people of his country under all circumstances till his last breath. These two answers, both of them in their right earnest, suggest again that for people committed to principles, it is the effort in the correct direction rather than the result that ultimately matters; because Allah helps those who help themselves.
The majority today don’t fully acknowledge existence of one God as their guide for one reason or the other thinking that it is whimsical to believe in any consequences to their actions or any accountability in the life after death. Allah says “…leave alone those who take their religion to be mere play and amusement, and are deceived by the life of this world.” (6:70)
There are others who consider everything as guided by destiny and think no one can do anything about it.
While guidance to the straightway of Islam is entirely in the hands of Allah, we Muslims should desire and preach to others what we consider correct and in the interest of our own good selves. Prayers with sincerity, as per our Prophet, can change even the destiny.
Islamic manners stress that our body as also our family have their rights, which can’t be violated by straining them with performance of non-obligatory prayers, fasting and charity beyond limits.
“They ask you how much they are to spend; Say: ‘What is beyond your needs’.” (2:219)
“…but squander not (your wealth) like a spendthrift.” (17:26)
Even during the days of our beloved prophet it was not possible to make everyone in society comply with Islamic belief. But it is a fact that the Islamic state that existed under the leadership of the Holy Prophet and the four Rightly Guided Caliphs is a real model of pluralism for any true democratic, just and tolerant welfare state without any comparison.