Ramadaan a time to reflect. Not a time to force your views!

With Ramadaan on our doorstep, some people will impose their views on others, claiming it is the Islamic thing to do. This is not only unethical but it’s also counter-productive.

By MUFTI SAYED HAROON AL AZHARI

MOULANA Jalaluddin Rumi reflects by saying: ‘Yesterday I was clever, so I wanted to change the world. Today I am wise, so I am changing myself.’

With Ramadaan on our doorstep, some people will impose their views on others, claiming it is the Islamic thing to do. They go around bullying and policing Muslims into following their views of Islam. This is not only unethical but it’s also counter-productive.

We all consider ourselves moral agents (Khalifas) of Allah on Earth, but before we can educate others we must first be humble and competent.

While the desire to change the world is strong, some have unfortunately abandoned the Quranic approach of being callers to Allah, choosing instead to take on roles of judge, jury, and executioner. This shift is often driven by an inflated ego and a superficial sense of piety.

The question is: how do we fulfil our duty of calling others to virtue and condemning evil?

Allah provides guidance on this in several verses of the Quran. We know that we cannot give from an empty cup, so we must first refine ourselves through education and a genuine connection with Allah. Allah advises us to call others with wisdom, compassion, and gentle encouragement, rather than being harsh, forceful, or hard-hearted. Our invitation should come through our exemplary character, but we should never impose it on others. We must recognise our limited influence and respect others’ boundaries.

Our duty is to convey a clear message. If others are receptive and appreciative, we can continue to educate them, always remembering that our efforts are a means, and the ultimate completion is from Allah. However, if they are not interested, we have no right to force our understanding of Islam upon them. It’s essential to accept that we do not guide people – Allah is the true guide.

This dunya (world) is a place for everyone to act according to their best abilities, regardless of whether we think their actions are right or wrong. The aakhira (hereafter) is where Allah will judge everyone regarding such differences.

Change can only occur if someone finds value in what we are calling them toward. If they do not share our perspective, we have no right to impose our views on them. Rasulullah (SAW) encouraged those with the ability to effect change to do so (Abu Dawood 4339). However, if we lack the ability or influence over someone – whether they reject our views or have their own scholars and evidence – we are not accountable for their actions. It is beyond our responsibility. Their actions belong to them, and our actions belong to us. We will not be questioned about the actions of others.

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Abu Tha’balah asked Rasulullah (SAW) about the verse: ‘Take responsibility for YOURSELVES; the misguidance of others will not harm you if you are guided.’ (Surah Al-Ma’ida, 5:105). He (SAW) replied: ‘You should comply with and command the good, and stay away from and condemn evil. However, when you see greed obeyed, desires followed, and the world preferred, with everyone amazed by their own opinion, you should focus on yourself and leave the matters of the general populace. ‘You will soon experience days where patience will be like holding onto burning coal. The reward for doing righteous deeds in such times is equivalent to the reward of fifty good doers.’ When asked if this reward applied to fifty people from them, he replied: ‘No, rather the reward of fifty men among you (the Sahabah/ companions of the Prophet).’ (Tirmidhi 3058)

In conclusion, you may call others to Allah using compassion and mercy, without forcing your opinions upon them. Humble yourself and remember that guidance comes from Allah Alone. The efforts are from us, but the completion of those efforts lies with Allah Alone.