"I feel overwhelmed..."

Question: Shaykh, can you please advise me? I listen to so much and read quite a bit and I feel overwhelmed. I simply want to live a peaceful life, but in such a way that I please Allah and am ready to meet Him at any time. What do you recommend?

Answer: First and foremost, let us remember that we do have a primary purpose in this life; to worship Allah. That means, we have to live our lives in a manner that Allah accepts and He has to be at the forefront of our minds at all times. Live to please Allah, not yourself nor those around you. Perhaps we can give a few quick tips or guidelines:

1. Know that Allah is your Creator and He is Ever-Watchful over you. You and I have to answer to Him. He is One and He is unique. He controls absolutely everything and He is All-Powerful; our allegiance is first and foremost to Him. His legislation and laws are significant and matter; all other laws are worthless if they conflict with His laws. If they are in agreement, then they are His law to begin with. He deserves our complete and utter obedience.

2. Never, ever miss a single compulsory (fard) prayer at its prescribed time, there is absolutely no negotiation on this matter. If you are lax with salah, whether that means not praying all five in the day or praying, but delaying some to a time other than that legislated, then know you are on a path leading to destruction. The only way back is to repent and truly establish the salah. Without salah, there is no moving forward. This is what connects us with Allah and keeps us focused on our purpose of life.

3. Earn a halal/lawful living. Strive to earn and be independent of means and contribute toward the well-being of the ummah. But make absolutely certain to take on work which is deemed lawful according to Allah's law. Avoid jobs such as working for banks (in any capacity at all), upholding man-made laws which conflict with the sharee'ah and any work that is deemed questionable by the sharee'ah. Don't shop for fatwas to make an unlawful job lawful; ask someone from the people of knowledge whom you believe you can trust (remembering that this is an amanah/trust...that is, your selection of whom you ask is also an amanah) and act on that. Don't throw away your Hereafter for some worldly gains, no matter how big they may be.

4. Know that work ethics are part of Islam. So, whatever your job (halal of course), strive to do it well and perfect your performance. Be honest, be reliable, be trustworthy and do not take advantage of your employer.

5. Be loyal to Allah, His Messenger, Islam, the believers (Muslims) and disassociate yourself from kufr and its people. This does not mean you are dishonest and unjust toward the disbelievers; rather, treat everyone fairly and be just. Be an example for everyone, Muslim and non-Muslim alike. Living according to Allah's laws means you are an example.

6. Fulfill your obligations toward others before you demand your rights from them.

7. Determine a minimum amount of Quran (which is in Arabic) that you will recite each and every day. Also spend time to learn what Allah is telling us in the Quran; listen to or read reliable works on tafseer. When reciting, recall that this is the Word of Allah and a message to you. Intend earning rewards for the mere recitation and also anticipate reward for learning the meanings. Have a firm resolve to act upon what you learn, for that is the greatest goal of learning.

8. Besides the compulsory zakah (if you meet the conditions), try to give of your wealth regularly to support causes which Allah is pleased with.

9. Abstain from unnecessary arguments and debates. If you do not have knowledge of a certain matter, do not bother getting involved in discussion concerning it.

10. Be cautious whom you listen to, as we are affected, whether we like it or not.

11. Remember that you can die at any moment, so the pleasure of Allah has to be most important to you. What people say or think is quite irrelevant; do what is right, even if all the people are against you. The truth is more important and valuable than anything.

12. Do not compromise on the basics of Islam. Adhere to its teachings and rest assured that Islam is the only truth and the only way to Paradise.

13. Remember Allah often (dhikr).

14. Bend over backwards to avoid anything the sharee'ah considers haram/unlawful.

15. Seek Allah's forgiveness regularly and daily.

16. Do not desire what others have; be content with what Allah has given you.

17. Have good manners with everyone.

18. Silence is a commodity.

19. Be truthful and trustworthy.

20. Fear Allah and not others.

21. Watch your temper.

22. Guard your tongue.

23. Don't do what people and society expect of you, do what Allah and His Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) expect of you.

[By Shaykh Younus Kathrada (hafidhahUllah)]