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Madinat al-Muslimeen Islamic Message Board
| The Balance Between Activism and Sprituality |
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| Intellectual |
| 07/07/03 at 13:05:35 |
| As Salamu Alaikum, brothers and sisters, There has been an issue that I have recently been thinking much about. That issue is the balance between spirituality and activism. I have worked with the MSA for two years now. (Go Temple MSA!) Throughout these two years, I have met Muslims of all kinds. I have met Muslims who focus much on Islamic activism and I have also met Muslims who focus much on Islamic education and spiritual enhancement. Those brothers and sisters who are active are not extremely knowledgable in matters of deen (most of them). On the other hand, those brothers and sisters who have focused much on Islamic education and on enhancing the state of their souls and hearts are not necessarily active (most of them). Where is the balance, then? Do we spiritually enhance ourselves first, then become active? or do both at the same time? Also, there was a scholar in America who made this comment: Activism takes you away from Allah (SWT). What do you think about that? Waqar Abdur Rahman |
| Re: The Balance Between Activism and Sprituality |
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| deenb4dunya |
| 07/07/03 at 16:12:30 |
| Assalamu Alaikum, This isn't necessarily the answer you're looking for, but something a Shaikh once said is that having the knowledge to worship Allaah and cleansing your heart is waajib (mandatory on every individual), while activism and da'wah are fard kifaayah (only mandatory on the community. If one group of people do it it is sufficient, but if no one does it we are all to blame). Therefore, working on yourself undoubtebly takes precedence if you are faced with a choice. However, if you can do both at the same time, then other things need to be considered. Wallaahu Ta'ala 'Alam, Wassalamu Alaikum, Deen :-) |
| Re: The Balance Between Activism and Sprituality |
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| Intellectual |
| 07/07/03 at 16:14:51 |
| Excellent reply. I never thought about it like that. Also, I made a mistake by putting this post in this sisters' section. Can the moderator please move this post to the Bebzi Stand or the Naseeha Corner. Jazak Allah Khair. |
| Re: The Balance Between Activism and Sprituality |
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| AyeshaZ |
| 07/08/03 at 00:10:08 |
Waliakum assalam, JazakAllah khair deen :-X This reminds me of something one of our teacher's always tells us is that, if you helped out at an event all night long and missed your fajr the next morning then you have to reevaluate your priorities. We sure need more activists who have trained their souls!! On the other hand many people feel closer to Allah(swt) by doing all the work and thus their spirituality is increased, however, if there isn't a balance btw your spirituality and activism then problems will surely arise. Also, one thing that i have learned this past year with MSA is that if you feel spiritually drained after organizing an event, (Physically exhausted is another thing :P, lol crying will come under physical exhaustion) you NEED to step aside for a while... One piece of advice that i received from a dear sister of mine is that prioritize things in your life, you don't have to be involved in every possible thing!! Wallahu 'Alam :) |
| 07/08/03 at 00:13:27 |
| AyeshaZ |
| Re: The Balance Between Activism and Sprituality |
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| jaihoon |
| 07/08/03 at 04:22:03 |
| [slm] really appreciate bringin this topic to light. something which i always wanted to clear jazak Allah khair |
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