How to serve Islam?
I want to serve my religion, what
should I do?
Praise be to Allaah.
1 - You can serve Islam by
having a correct resolve and sincere intention, for Allaah blesses
an action that is done sincerely for His sake alone, even if it is
little. Sincere devotion, if it becomes a constant feature of acts
of worship and obedience, even if they are small or simple in the
sight of the one who does them, makes them great in the sight of
Allaah, so Allaah will forgive him for major sins because of that,
as it says in the hadeeth about the piece of paper on which is
written La ilaaha ill-Allaah.
2 - You can serve Islam by
knowing the right way and following it. The Straight Path means
following the way of our Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of
Allaah be upon him) with regard to the principles, ways and means
of da'wah and being patient in adhering to that, whilst treating
people with kindness and compassion, because they are suffering
from the disease of sin.
3 - You can serve Islam by
making the most of all available means and circumstances. This is a
great blessing, for all means are permissible except those which
have been forbidden by Allaah. So we call people to Allaah by all
means prescribed in sharee'ah, whilst paying attention to the
evidence of sharee'ah and correct etiquette.
4 - You can serve Islam by
giving precedence to that which is in the interests of Islam over
your own whims and desires. Serving this religion means giving what
is most precious of your money, effort, time, thought, etc. Have
you not seen those who love sport (football or soccer) for example,
how they devote their efforts, time and money to their beloved
sport? But more is expected of you than that.
5 - You can serve Islam by
following in the footsteps of the scholars, daa'iyahs and
reformers, having patience as your companion and putting up with
tiredness and exhaustion. For you are doing a great act of worship
which is the mission of the Prophets and Messengers and those who
follow in their footsteps.
6 - You can serve Islam by
shunning laziness, weakness and apathy, for this religion is the
religion of resolve, ambition and courage, and its call is only
harmed by laziness or reckless ignorance.
7 - You can serve Islam by
connecting your heart to Allaah and reciting a lot of du'aa' and
prayers for forgiveness, and persisting in reading Qur'aan. There
is nothing that is more effective in cleansing the heart and
refreshing the soul, and making it active and energetic so that it
will not get tired or bored, than remembering Allaah much and
drawing nearer to Him by means of obeying Him and doing naafil
(supererogatory) acts of worship.
8 - You can serve Islam by
forming bonds with scholars who practise what they preach, those
who are known to be sincere and who are well established in jihad
and supporting this religion. Marching under their banner and
following their lead is very good and beneficial.
9 - You can serve Islam by
organizing your time on a daily, weekly and monthly basis. There
are actions which should be done every day, others which should be
done every week, and others which should be done every month or
every year.
For example, you should make da'wah to those whom you see every day
and to those whom you see once a week. You may have a family
gathering once a month, and there may be annual conferences, or
journeys for Hajj or 'Umrah once a year, and so on.
10 - You can serve Islam by
paying it some attention and giving it some of your time, thoughts
and money, and making it your main concern. So when you stand up,
it is for Islam; when you walk, it is for Islam; when you think, it
is for Islam; when you give, it is for Islam; when you sit, it is
for Islam.
11 - you can serve Islam by
hastening to contribute every time you find an opportunity to do
good. Do not hesitate or delay or put it off.
From Kayfa akhdim al-Islam by 'Abd
al-Malik al-Qaasim, p. 18.
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