Islam is a complete lifestyle. The teachings of Islam do not separate the spiritual and worldly aspects of an individual’s life; it states laws which cover lives from all angles. The beautiful religion of Islam never stresses on hardships or giving up on social life; rather a balanced life is encouraged and taught.
“….Allah intends for you ease and does not intend for you hardship…..” [Qur’an, 2:185]
Spiritual life:
We are blessed with a religion which teaches us spirituality in such a beautiful way that helps us stay close to our Creator. Apart from the five prayers, a month’s fasting, annual charity, and once in a lifetime hajj, you may offer nafl worships, too. These nafl are dear to Allah and the rewards are huge.
But, balance is more important. One is not supposed to leave his home or ignore his health or family in order to perform nafl worships. It is, in fact, encouraged to have a healthy social and family life. An example of this can be seen in the following hadith:
Prophet (P.B.U.H) once asked one of His companion Abdullah ibn ‘Amr” R.A
“Have I heard right that you fast every day and stand in prayer all night?
Abdullah replied:
“Yes, O Messenger of God (P.B.U.H)”
The Prophet (P.B.U.H) said:
“Do not do that. Fast, as well as, eat and drink. Stand in prayer, as well as, sleep. This is because your body has a right upon you, your eyes have a right upon you, your wife has a right upon you, and your guest has a right upon you.” [Bokhari]
Secular Life:
It is common that we transgress in our worldly affairs. At times, we get so immersed in our social lives that we neglect our relationship with Allah. We need to keep a check on this. Islam encourages us to keep a balance and not lose ourselves in this temporary world.
“But seek, with that (wealth) which Allah has bestowed on you, the home of the hereafter, and forget not your portion of lawful enjoyment in this world; and do good as Allah has been good to you, and seek not mischief in the land. Verily, Allah likes not the Mufsidun (those who commit great crimes and sins, oppressors, tyrants, mischief-makers, corrupters)” [Qur’an, 28: 77]
Islam does not forbid us from enjoying our life; it only asks us to remember our ultimate goal, that is, the success in akhirah. Believers can have wealth and luxuries but they must not show off. Also, we should not waste the blessings of Allah or be spendthrifts.
“O children of Adam! Wear your beautiful apparel at every time and place of prayer: Eat and drink but waste not by excess, for Allah loveth not the wasters. Say: ‘who hath forbidden the beautiful gifts of Allah which He hath produced for His servants and the things clean and pure (which He hath provided) for sustenance? Say: They are in the life of this world, for those who believe, (and) purely for them on the Day of Judgment. Thus do We explain the signs in detail for those who understand.” [Qur’an, 7:31-32]
Moderation is the key to success. A true Muslim lives in this world harmonising the spiritual and secular aspects of his life and keeping a balance between them well.
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