AFTER ALL, ARE WE ‘SO BAD’? by A.G.A.Barrie, P.Eng.

The burning question in our mind today is ” Why are we, ‘the Muslims’ treated so badly by others?”. I am certain; everyone of us has different answers to this most disheartening question.

Some of the answers I have heard are:

• West have a hidden agenda against Muslims
• Jews are after Muslims
• Muslims are terrorists
• Hatred is created because ‘Islam is the fastest growing religion’
• Oil is in ‘Muslim countries’ and they are controlling the world economy
• and many more

Unfortunately, these answers are from us, the ‘Muslims’. If we are to confront Non Muslims their view is different.

• I have heard the following from Non Muslims:
• Muslims are very disciplined
• Muslims are hard working
• Muslims practice their religion more
• It is the media which is not fair
• Arabs are wealthy
• Etc

In my opinion we the Muslims have to assess them self before we pass the blame to others. Insha Allah I have prepared a self assessment table which will establish that we are either ‘good’ above grade or ‘bad’ below grade. If we come out ‘good’ we should not be worried about what other ‘Muslims’ say about us. If we come out ‘bad’ then we have a problem and we should acknowledge we are ‘bad’ and change our approach to be good.

You could prepare your own assessment table and establish your own standard too, but it should be done under the three headings selected to establish our standing as a Muslim.

Rating for each question should be from 0 to 10, for each category. If your assessment is less than 5,7 or 9 depending on your age,( under thirty, thirty one to sixty and sixty one and above,),in each category, then you are ‘bad’ If it is more, you are good.

Please assess yourself.

The table has three headings.

1. How you deal with Allah
2. How you deal with yourself , the body
3. How you deal with others, both people and enviroment.

How you deal with Allah

Dealing with Allah is very personal. You and Allah know about it. Here the assessment will be based on your age as the nearness and commitment increases with age but don’t forget one of the seven who will have shade from Allah when no other shade available is a youth who live in the path of Allah.

1. Regular with Thahajuth prayers
2. Praying Fajr at the Masjid for men and at home in time for ladies
3. Remembering Allah most of the time and commencing all actions in the name of Allah
4. Spend in the path of Allah with your savings after paying the Zakaat
5. Live by Islam basically loving Allah and His messenger more than yourself

How you deal with yourself , the body

1. Regular in eating habits and follow one third theory
2. Regular in physical activities and exercises
3. Maintain the sleeping theme ‘Early to bed early to rise’
4. Regular medical check ups
5. Keeping away from prohibited items

How you deal with others, both people and environment

1. Treating others the way you want to be treated by giving others their right.
2. Follow the rules of the country to the letter, such as: Crossing the road at specified pedestrian crossings, Parking at specified places Etc.
3. Avoid littering the streets and environment
4. Greet people with smile and Salaam
5. Feeling happy at others success
6. Steps to be taken if you are good
7. Maintain the good work
8. Draw a program to improve yourself.
9. Monitor the progress daily
10. Never be contended in improving yourself
11. Always do things to please Allah

Steps to be taken if you are below required level

1. Thank yourself and Allah for the honest assessment
2. Assess the reasons why you are below the required level
3. Take steps to improve your weak areas starting with the easy ones
4. Be conscious of your aim and goals
5. Monitor the progress daily, Insha Allah HE will help you to be above grade