Wolf in a Sheep's skin.....

“Every person is defined by the communities she belongs to.” 
― Orson Scott Card“

            Just the other day, I was talking to someone who commented, “I have been to ‘X’ country in which majority of the people are non Muslims but I saw Islam there but here in Malaysia, I see Muslims but not Islam”.

            When I heard that statement, I was taken aback but at the same time, I understood what the person meant.

            Islam is ‘supposed’ to be the way of life for Muslims. Islam is not just a religion that is being practiced in the masjid or during festive periods. Islam is not just about fasting or reading the Quran or praying 5 times a day. Islam is much more than that.

            What does Islam teaches? Islam teaches us about being kind and nice to all living beings even animals.

“A good deed done to an animal is like a good deed done to a human being, while an act of cruelty to an animal is as bad as cruelty to a human being." Hadith

            Islam teaches us about courtesy and respecting the elder. The last time you were in a train, did you see anyone giving up their seats for a pregnant lady or an elderly person?

            Islam teaches us about love, compassion and unity but why are we  spreading message of hate and dividing people? Islam is about cleanliness and hygiene but why is it Islamic countries has the worst public toilets in the world?

Islam teaches us about tolerance and respecting our neighbors regardless of race or religion. Tell me, when was the last time you greeted your non Muslim neighbor?

Islam teaches us the positive things about life and manner but then why are we exhibiting the negative attributes?

I have come to realized that a non Muslim can possess all the Islamic qualities but a Muslim will not necessarily be Islamic in conduct. The question is, if we agree that Islam is a way of life, then why are we not emulating it? The Wise Owl once said to me, “Sister, to be identified as a Muslim should not by self-declaration but by depicting all the qualities that a Muslim should have. The best example is our beloved Prophet Muhammad SAW”.

Hence, we need to ask ourselves, why are some non Muslim people, are more Islamic than the Muslims, in character and conduct? As Muslims, we need to ask ourselves where did we go wrong?.......

Narrated Abdullah ibn Mas'ud: Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him) said, "Allah Most High has allotted you your characters just as He has allotted you your provisions. Allah Most High gives worldly things to those whom He loves and those whom He does not love, but He gives religion only to those whom He loves, so he who is given religion by Allah has been loved by Him. By Him in Whose hand my soul is, a man is not a Muslim till his heart and tongue are submissive, and he is not a believer till his neighbour is safe from injurious behaviour on his part." Ahmad and Bayhaqi, in Shu'ab al-Iman transmitted it. - Al-Tirmidhi, Number 1292

Narrated Masruq: Abdullah bin ‘Amr mentioned Allah’s Apostle saying that he was neither a Fahish nor a Mutafahish. Abdullah bin ‘Amr added, “Allah’s Apostle said, ‘The best among you are those who have the best manners and character.’ ”
Sahih Al-Bukhari – Book 56 Hadith 759