Question:
I am currently living with my parents in canada. Wester civilization being corrupt as it is, How can I stay away from commiting shirk? my other problem is I am very much inspired to wear the hijab and be a good muslim and stop listening to music, however my household is keeping me from doing so ..I mean my parents aren't very religious so therefore they don't really force me to pray nor wear hijab How can i be motivated to pratice my religion with my circumstances?
Answer:
The best way to stay away from Shirk and other sins is to learn the Deen and keep the company of pious people, keeping far away from any sinful friends. See if there are any Islamic lectures or courses taking place near where you live and attend them. Your question was a little vague in the way your family is an obstacle to you practicing. If it is, as your question seemed to suggest, that they are not practicing themselves and never really impress upon you the need to practice and abide by the teachings of the Deen, then you should remember the following two points. The first, is that on the Day of Judgement if you failed to act upon the teachings of Islam, and ended up committing sins, only you will be questioned by Allah taala for your failure and then face the dire consequences. Allah taala says:“and guard yourselves against a day when no one shall stand for anyone in anything, nor shall intercession be accepted on anyone’s behalf, nor shall ransom be taken from him, and neither shall any be given support.” (2:48)“On the day when everybody shall find present before him whatever good he did and whatever evil he wrought, he will wish there would have been a wide space between him and that (day). Allah warns you of Himself, and Allah is compassionate to (His) servants.” (3:30)"Lest any human being should say: ’Ah! Woe is to me! In that I fell short in respect of (observing the rights of) Allah, and was but among those who mocked!’” (39:56)The second thing is, a factor that should motivate you to practice more is the thought that there are many people in the World who wish to practice the Deen whose parents may censure them, beat them or disown them if they do. Thus you should consider this a great blessing and opportunity, that, at least in your case, all they do is they do not motivate you and you are able to practice if you want. If, however, you feel that you are prevented from practicing because of the criticism of family members, then what this really means is that you have more love and respect for your family than you do for Allah taala and His beloved Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him). The true believer is one who loves nothing in this World as much as he loves Allah taala and His noble Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him). In the Holy Qur’an it states: “Say: If it be that your fathers, your sons, your brothers, your mates, or your kindred; the wealth that ye have gained; the commerce in which ye fear a decline: or the dwellings in which ye delight - are dearer to you than God, or His Apostle, or the striving in His cause;- then wait until God brings about His decision: and God guides not the rebellious.” (9:24) The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “None of you believes until he does not love me more than his parents, children and the entirety of mankind,” (Bukhari).Thus we learn the demand of our allegiance and love to Islam is that when it comes to a point that we have to choose between Alllah taala and His Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him), we will not think twice to follow the teachings of our Deen. Hence wearing the Hijab, rejecting bad friends, abandoning music should not be an issue for you. Certainly for the Muslim who has weak Imaan, this may be still difficult, for which case the remedy has been stated at the start of this answer.
Mufti Mohammed Sajjad
Wallahu Aalam bis-sawab
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The answer to this question is the opinion of the scholar and does not reflect the opinion of other scholars of As-Suffa Institute and As-Suffa Institute as an organisation. |
