The Straight Path: A Muslim with No Sect

Is Mykhailo Mudryk a Muslim?

Is Jamal Musiala A Muslim?

Jamal Musiala playing for Bayern Munich

Jamal Musiala is an incipient but fecund German football player who plays as a midfielder and attacker. He currently plays for Bayern Munich and Die Mannschaft (German national team) and has become a name to conjure with in the sport.

Going to the point at issue, seeing or hearing the name ‘Jamal’ will engender one feeling in most people; ‘that’s a Muslim’. The name, Jamal, is an Islamic name which means ‘Beauty’. It can also take the form, Jamal Uddin, which means ‘Beauty of Religion’. 

However, neither Jamal nor his parents have ever practiced Islam; they will most likely be designated-Christians as they very openly and gladly celebrate Christmas. This would be different from the case of Leroy Sane, whose father, Sulayman Sane, is a Muslim.

Is Leroy Sane A Muslim?

Jamal’s father, Daniel Richard, is a Nigerian born Briton and his mother, Carolin Musiala, is German. Obviously, for some reason; Jamal answers to his mother’s surname and not his father’s. Jamal Musiala was born in Germany on 26th February 2003 but was raised in England from the age of seven. After representing both Germany and England at youth level, he eventually swore allegiance to Die Mannschaft in February 2021.

A number of practicing Muslims have played for Die Mannschaft. Popular mentions are Ilkay Gundogan, Antonio Rudiger, Youssoufa Moukoko, Karim Adeyemi (all still playing), Mesut Ozil, Shkodran Mustafi, Sami Khedira and Emre Can.

The Dos and Don't of Laylatul Qadr

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The last ten days of Ramadan are blessed with unique virtues. 

Among such virtues is Laylatul Qadr (the Night of Decree). Allah 

sent down the Qur’an on this Night.

Let’s shed a little light on the significance of Laylatul Qadr.

Significance of Laylatul Qadr

Abdullah Ibn Abbas said, “Allah sent down the Qur’an at one time 

from Al-Lawh Al-Mahfooth (the Preserved Tablet in the Seventh 

Heaven) to Bayt Al-‘Izzah (House of Pride) in the first Heaven, then 

it was revealed to the Messenger of Allah (SAW) in stages according 

to events over 23 years.”

About this Night, Allah, The Most Exalted, says in Suratul Dukhan 

(44:1-6)

“Ha, Meem.

By the clear Book,

Indeed, We sent it down during a blessed night. Indeed, We were 

to warn mankind.

On that night is made distinct every precise matter -

Every matter proceeding from Us. Indeed, We were to send [a 

messenger]

As mercy from your Lord. Indeed, He is the Hearing, the 

Knowing”.

The statement, “On that night is made distinct every precise 

matter” has been interpreted to mean that on this night, the destiny 

of all creatures for the coming year is decreed. On this night, it is 

written who will live, who will die, who will be destined for 

Paradise, who will be destined for Hell, who will be honoured, who 

will be humiliated, where and when disasters will occur, and 

everything else that Allah wills in that year.

To further show its significance, Allah (SWT) Himself described 

Laylatul Qadr in clear terms in Suratul Qadr.

“Indeed, We sent the Qur'an down during the Night of Decree.

And what can make you know what is the Night of Decree?

The Night of Decree is better than a thousand months.

The angels and the Spirit descend therein by permission of their 

Lord for every matter.

Peace it is until the emergence of dawn”.  

Suratul Qadr (97:1-5)

This night is described as peace, i.e., it is safe, for the devils cannot 

do any evil or cause any harm on this night.

Dos for Laylatul Qadr

Muslims are urged to increase worship in last ten days of Ramadhan.

Aisha reported: “With the start of the last ten days of Ramadan, the Prophet used to tighten his waist belt (i.e. work harder) and used to pray the whole night, and used to keep his family awake for the prayers.” [Bukhari]

Observing Nawafil

The most traditional practice in the last ten days of Ramadhan is the 

observance of the night prayers (tahajjud or qiyammul layl) and 

rightly so.

Abu Hurayrah relates that the Prophet (SAW) said, “Whoever stands 

(in the voluntary night prayer of) Ramadan out of faith and in the 

hope of reward, his previous sins will be forgiven. And whoever 

spends the night of Lailat Al-Qadr in prayer out of faith and in the 

hope of reward, his previous sins will be forgiven.”

Recitation of Qur’an

We are urged to do whatever we can to earn as much reward as 

possible. Among the most rewarding acts is the recitation of the 

Qur’an.

The Prophet (SAW) said: “Verily the one who recites the Quran 

beautifully, smoothly, and precisely, he will be in the company of the 

noble and obedient angels. And as for the one who recites with 

difficulty, stammering or stumbling through its verses, then he will 

have twice that reward.”

Making Dhikr

This is a nice time for us to dust our books of supplication, a good 

one is Hisnul Muslim (Fortress of a believer).

The Prophet (SAW) recommended a du’a for Laylatul Qadr.

Aishah narrated that she asked the Prophet (SAW), “O Messenger of 

Allah, what do you think I should say in my supplication, if I come 

upon Laylatul-Qadr?” He said: “Say: ‘Allahumma innaka ‘afuwwun 

tuhibbul-‘afwa, fa’fu ‘anni (O Allah, You are Forgiving and love 

forgiveness, so forgive me).’

 

Don’t for Laylatul Qadr

Some Muslims tend to get overzealous in this period. This pushes 

them to do a number of irrational things in their bid to please Allah.

Reciting Over the Loud speakers

A community will likely be made up of Muslims and non-Muslims. 

Even in a community with a 100% Muslim population, people will 

choose different times to observe tahajjud (night prayer). It is wrong 

to recite over the loud speakers in the middle of the night. Not 

everyone will be willing to observe tahajjud at the exact same time 

as you and your congregation; be considerate.

Making it compulsory to complete recite the whole of the 

Qur’an in Tahajjud

There is no evidence to show that Muslims in the time of 

Muhammad (SAW) compelled themselves to recite the whole of the 

Qur’an either in tarawih or tahajjud. We should not torture ourselves 

and others for reasons that have no basis. 

Insisting on reciting the whole of the Qur’an in tarawih or tahajjud 

has led to the bastardization of Qur’an recitation.

In order to meet the target, imams recite the Qur’an with so much 

pace that make the recitation more or less useless because no one is 

able to make any sense of what is being recited.

However, for those who are more comfortable with Salah for 

Tahajjud, we could increase the number of raka'at and reduce the 

number of ayat recited in each raka'a.

Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyah said: "The people disputed as to 

whether it is better to stand for a long time or to do a lot of bowing 

and prostrating, or are they both equal? There are three views, the 

soundest of which is that they are both equal."

May Allah make us among those who obtain maximum benefits from

this Glorious month.

Demonic Possession: Things An Exorcist Should Know

Demon image

The Siccin movie series is a franchise I would  personally advise Muslims and those who believe in the existence and potency of witchcraft and are aware of the existence of spirits to watch.

For those who have watched the Turkish movie series, Siccin, this brief lecture by a characters will not be new.

Below is a brief admonition given by the character, Celal Hoca, to the exorcist, Orhan.

Pay keen attention.

"Evil beings use weak and powerless minds to open a door, a gate for themselves. But, even in those innocent bodies they can become stronger and more dangerous than you think. They can hurt the body they possess and those that are near it. And exploit the body they possess until it is completely empty. If they have possessed the body of an innocent, then this is a harbinger of a great evil, a great sin in that body that makes them stronger.

There are no coincidences in the universe, there is conformity, and conformity shows that everything happens in line with a divine will and that there is no coincidence in the universe. It symbolizes believing and surrendering. Loyalty to the divine power is of the essence.

But don’t forget, miracles are hidden in conformity. Upon being damned and losing Allah’s grace, the devil lost his angel image and let out a terrific scream. All screams till the end of days come from him. 

You cannot deal with demons you don’t understand. In order to cope with evil beings, you have to understand the darkness. If you try to make sense of what they do with human reasoning and sentiments, you will fall weak. Evil is their mystery, and that makes these beings strong.

They are skilled in using your sins against you. Even the smallest sins, even sins you didn’t commit but just thought of can be used against you and make you weak. Every light you lit in the dark will cast a shadow. If you don’t want to see the shadow that darkens your heart, you have to turn towards the light. When you turn away from your sin, it will be as if you never committed it.

When you sin, you will get a black spot in your heart. When you repent and turn away from your sin, your heart gets pure. But when you insist on your sins, that black spot will grow bigger and finally cover all your heart."

Never underestimate demonic possession; thousands have lost their lives and souls to it.

COVID-19: Perfect Time For Pastors To Show Their Worth

Top Nigerian Pastors

Major cities and countries across the world have  been placed under lock down and thousands of isolation centers have been created to battle the dreaded corona virus. 

Celebrities, politicians, business moguls and known philanthropists have made charity a pillar of humanity to assist local and foreign governments in their struggle to save lives and ease suffering.

Philanthropists have been making donations to augment the purchase of medical supplies, aid the establishment of isolation centers and provide welfare packages for to health workers. Countries in the developed world have also channeled these donations to the provision of periodic food supplies to homes to help families cope with the lock down.

Religion has become such a lucrative enterprise in the modern era that religious figures now appear on Forbes magazine yearly. 

Since the turn of the 21st century, Nigerian pastors have continued to break grounds  in this venture, Nigerian Pastor, David Oyedepo, the General Overseer of Living Faith Church Worldwide (Winners’ Chapel), is currently the richest pastor in the world with a net worth of $150 million according to the 2020 edition of Forbes magazine. This wealth is primarily gotten from monthly tithes and businesses established from tithes. 

There are four other Nigerian men of God who always grace Forbes magazine editions, they are:

• Pastor Chris Oyakhilome of Christ Embassy (No. 3 with $50 million)

• Pastor Enoch Adeboye of Redeem Christian Church of God (No. 5 with $39 million)

• Prophet T. B. Joshua of The Synagogue Church of All Nations (No. 9 with $10-15 million)

Another millionaire pastor from Nigeria not captured in Forbes list for 2020 is Matthew Ashimolowo of Kingsway International Christian Center with an estimated net worth of $16 million.

Until yesterday (Monday 30^th March), we were yet to hear any of these men of God coming forward to offer assistance of any kind even if it were exclusively for their church members.

The Redeem Christian Church of God headed by Pastor Enoch Adeboye (5^th Richest pastor) donated medical supplies which included 8, 000 hand sanitizers, 8, 000 face masks and 200, 000 hand gloves to the Lagos state government. 

Some have questioned, what happens to the church members in other states? It was not clear if the donations came from church coffers or the private pocket of the Pastor Adeboye.

In the midst of all these cries of sickness and financial hardship, the Church of the richest pastor in the world, Living Faith Church Worldwide (Winners’ Chapel), announced this month the introduction of USSD (Unstructured Supplementary Service Data) so that members can still pay their tithes despite the closure of banks; he came under heavy fire.

The lock down has also birthed economic hardship which has majorly affected the plebeian population which includes market traders, artisans, and other members of the low class who depend on daily incomes to survive. 

The vast majority of Christians who follow these men of God are from this class of people, when will it ever be time for them to reap the benefits of their loyalty to ‘God and His men on earth’?

An argument our men of God might bring forth is that the government of Nigeria is wealthy enough to tackle the issue and financial donations will only provide the government excuses to neglect its duties.

This argument is logical in a way however, it still does not justify the deafening silence from our men of God.

Nigerian pastors became popular and influential after several years of them displaying spiritual abilities to heal the sick from all kinds of diseases. Some of them have even been said to raise the dead. 

Shouldn’t we be seeing our men of God traversing the country and the world healing the corona virus patients and bringing the pandemic to an end once and for all? Isn’t that what the Lord Jesus would have done?

Corona virus cases in Nigeria currently stand at 132 with two fatalities even though thousands are still at risk of contracting the virus. Researchers and thinkers have forecast that the virus could kill as many as 10 million people in Africa

What Do We Do With Our Non-Sunnah Sisters?

Western dressed sisters

The word 'Sunnah' is an Arabic word meaning "tradition" or "way." For Muslims, Sunnah means the way of the Prophet (SAW). The Sunnah is made up of the words and actions of Muhammad (SAW). 

A Sunnah brother or sister will ergo be a Muslim who holds on firmly to the Islam with strong reverence for the instructions of Muhammad (SAW). 

Those affected by the scourge of feminism might ask, ‘What about the non-Sunnah brothers?’ We will discuss that on another day. Non-Sunnah sisters are basically girls who want to identify as Muslims and at the same time, enjoy the ‘freedom’ of atheism. Some describe them as people sitting on the fence between Islam and atheism. They bear Muslim names and usually have on themselves something that physically differentiates them from disbelievers like a headscarf or at least; a head covering. Behaviorally, they are very alike with disbelievers; they shake hands with males, hug males, engage in the same vain and vulgar conversations, have boyfriends, and go to parties, might fornicate, e.t.c. The question now is, as a Muslim community not having Islamic laws, what do we do about it?

There are two options on the table and each option has two sides to it.

Option X: Boycott Them

Side A

Side A of Option X basically means alienating them from Muslim circles. It involves not greeting them with Salam and doing the damnedest to avoid proximity with them. It also means brothers never consider them for marriage. This is in attempt to make them realize their flaws. 

This opinion can be backed by the verse of the Qur'an that says, "The fornicator does not marry except a [female] fornicator or polytheist, and none marries her except a fornicator or a polytheist, and that has been made unlawful to the believers." Suratul Nur (24:3)

Side B

If ‘Side A’ is implemented, the Ummah could be pushed into a survival of the fittest scenario where those who were not fortunate to have Islamic backgrounds but still want to be Muslim are kicked out. There is no scriptural or historic evidence to show that Muhammad (SAW) would have been a vanguard of this option. Moreover, we are talking about the female gender that has been described as being both physically and mentally weak. 

Looking at a bigger picture, boycotting non-Sunnah sisters will give non-Sunnah brothers a free hand to do as they please. If non-Sunnah sisters marry non-Sunnah brothers we will only have a growing population of non-Sunnah individuals and this cannot be good for Islam.

Option Y: Integrate them

Side A

A Hadith that can back up Option Y is the one narrated by Abu Huraira. Muhammad (SAW) said, “A strong believer is better and is more lovable to Allah than a weak believer, and there is good in everyone, (but) cherish that which gives you benefit (in the Hereafter) and seek help from Allah and do not lose heart, and if anything (in the form of trouble) comes to you, don't say: If I had not done that, it would not have happened so and so, but say: Allah did that what He had ordained to do and your" if" opens the (gate) for the Satan.” [Sahih Muslim]

This Hadith reiterates the fact that all Muslims (strong or weak) are of benefit to the Ummah, we just have to come up with the wisdom to accommodate all.

This option involves sympathizing with them and making the sacrifice of trying to pull them towards the light. As Muhammad (SAW) said, “None of you will have faith until he loves for his brother what he loves for himself.” [Bukhari and Muslim]

In another narration, the Prophet said, “Until he loves for his neighbor what he loves for himself.”

If we were the ones in the dark, we would be glad to have others caring enough to guide us, right? To go by this option means identifying with them privately and publicly to provide them with an alternative company.  

To go by this option also means brothers will be willing to marry them with the aim of showing them that Islam-inclined men are more loving and compassionate than they ever imagined hence, their phobia for Islamic principles is misplaced. 

Since the man heads the house and is aware of the state of his wife’s faith, with time, the non-Sunnah sister will embrace the Sunnah in sha Allah. 

Caution should however be taken in places where polygyny is legal. Brothers should do well to see that the non-Sunnah sister is not the first wife. She should be going into a house where Islam is already rooted; the ‘Sunnanization’ process would hence be much easier as it would be a combined effort of the husband and the first wife.

Side B

Going by Option Y could in a way legitimize the nonchalance of this group such that even teenagers could lose their guard against bad habits. We could have a society where there would be no stigma for immorality. It could turn out to be like pouring milk in water; the milk becomes diluted but the water sizes to be water. 

On brothers marrying non-Sunnah sisters, a great evil is likely to be born out of it. The practice could discourage devout sisters from the Sunnah and make the non-Sunnah sisters feel comfortable with their habits. 

It could make devout sisters reason, ‘Brothers are attracted to non-Sunnah sisters, why then should we care to practice the Sunnah?’ 

Others could opine, ‘Non-Sunnah sisters mess around and yet have smooth family lives, why don’t we ‘enjoy ourselves’ too?’ 

To these, some people might allege that the devout sisters are not sincere in their practice of the Sunnah but, the truth is that the physical could often have an enormous influence on the spiritual. 

Muslims are not supposed to do things that could have a dampening effect on the faith of other Muslims.

Each option has its pros and cons, the implementation of any could vary with individuals, regions and circumstances.

May Allah strengthen His servants, Ameen.

Muhammad (SAW) Was The First To Fight FGM

Syahiera Atika (Center) and her friends

The rise of activism and advocacy in the world which started in the  20^th century and has attained its apogee in the 21^st century has brought about an ever expanding meaning of violence against women. 

Courage and Reliance on Allah

Courage photo

The word courage has a number of synonyms some of which are bravery and fortitude. To avoid getting our wires crossed, let us work with a generally accepted definition of the word 'courage'.

Definition of courage: Mental or moral strength to venture, persevere, and withstand danger, fear, or difficulty.

We live in an era where cowardice has been decorated as the new courage. The courageous ones are being demonized by their own brothers who prefer the life of this world over service to Allah.

‘Reliance on Allah’ will be discussed in-depth in another piece in sha Allah.

There will always be times you will face powerful enemies. Sometimes, your friends, brothers and those who are supposed to stand by you will desert you; times when you will have no choice but to stand alone.

Courage is a desirable quality; it was a basic feature of all Prophets and Messengers of Allah from Ibrahim to Musa down to Muhammad (SAW).

Abu Huraira reported Allah's Messenger (SAW) as saying: “A strong believer is better and is more lovable to Allah than a weak believer, and there is good in everyone, (but) cherish that which gives you benefit (in the Hereafter) and seek help from Allah and do not lose heart, and if anything (in the form of trouble) comes to you, don't say: If I had not done that, it would not have happened so and so, but say: Allah did that what He had ordained to do and your" if" opens the (gate) for the Satan.”

It should be noted that being firm on evil is not courage, it is rebellion. Courage could be futile if Allah is taken out of the equation; conversely, a courageous person operates within the boundaries of reasoning as indicated by Allah Himself.

“Fight in the way of Allah those who fight you, but do not transgress. Verily, Allah does not love transgressors.” Suratul Baqarah (2:190)

Times to Show Courage

Just a few will be touched here.

1. Standing for justice

A community where injustice prevails is the one in which courageous people are scanty. Several statements of Muhammad (SAW) teach that a Muslim is not a trouble seeker albeit, always ready to fight for justice.

“O people, do not desire to meet the enemy, but rather ask Allah for safety. If you meet your enemy in battle, be patient and know that Paradise is under the shade of swords.” (Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī)

“Do not wish to meet the enemy, but if you meet them, be steadfast.” (Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī)

“Verily, after me there will be conflicts or affairs, so if you are able to end them in peace, then do so.” (Musnad Aḥmad)

2. Facing oppression

It was narrated from Tariq bin Shihab that: a man asked the Prophet (SAW), when he had put his leg in the stirrup (ready to proceed for battle), “Which kind of Jihad is best?” He (SAW) said: “a word of truth spoken before an unjust rulers.”

Muhammad (SAW) said, "The master of martyrs (sayyid al-shuhada) is Hamza, and a man who stands up to a tyrant ruler and gives him advice. And so the ruler kills him".

We see real life courage from non Prophets. The one I have falling in love with is the story of Abdullah bin Hudhaifa on what happened when he was captured by the Byzantine forces.

The Byzantine emperor Heraclius looked at Abdullah for a long time. Suddenly he said, "I shall make a proposal to you. I suggest that you join our faith. If you do this, you will be set free and I shall grant you a safe refuge." Abdullah replied him, "Death is preferable to me a thousand times to what you ask me to do." The emperor said, "I see that you are a bold man. However, if you respond positively to what I propose to you, I will give you a share in my authority and swear you in as my aide." The prisoner, Abdullah, shackled in his chains, smiled and said, "By Allah, if you give me all that you possess and all that the Arabs have in exchange for giving up the religion of Muhammad, I shall not do so." The emperor said, "Then I shall kill you" and Abdullah followed up, “Do what you want".

3. In difficult situations

There have been stories of people, young and old, turning to suicide when things go awry. ‘Reasons’ range from failed exams, to heart breaks to financial hardship. Consciousness of Allah’s might takes away such thoughts from the heart of a servant. No surprise, of all groups of people on earth, Muslims have the lowest rate of suicide.

“And We will surely test you with something of fear and hunger and a loss of wealth and lives and fruits, but give good tidings to the patient. Who, when disaster strikes them, say, "Indeed we belong to Allah, and indeed to Him we will return." Suratul Baqarah (2:155-156)

4. Commanding justice at home

This is a topic that needs to be discussed at length. Acts of injustice take place in homes right under the noses of heads of families; the men. We have wives being maltreated by other wives in the home, younger children being bullied by older siblings and mothers oppressing their step-children. These happen in homes where the head lacks the courage to uphold justice. Should these continue unabated, members of the family could turn to sinful acts in search of justice. Wives could resort to witchcraft and young children to gang violence destroying their lives in this world and the next.

This could be the reason Allah (SWT) says in the Glorious Qur’an:

“O you who have believed, protect yourselves and your families from a Fire whose fuel is people and stones, over which are [appointed] angels, harsh and severe; they do not disobey Allah in what He commands them but do what they are commanded.” Suratul Tahreem (66:6)

Reliance on Allah

Allah is with the righteous

The evil ones might have the numbers, connections and superior military might but, victory lies with Allah and He has promised this to the believers.

“Indeed, Allah is with those who fear Him and those who are doers of good.” 

Suratul Nahl (16:128)

Allah first

Do not seek strength from men, do not seek the approval of men and do not be deterred by the calumny of men. In the time of Muhammad (SAW), the hypocrites tried to weaken the resolve of Muslims but the deep faith of the Muslims gave them immunity against the ploys.

Those to whom hypocrites said, "Indeed, the people have gathered against you, so fear them." But it [merely] increased them in faith, and they said, "Sufficient for us is Allah, and [He is] the best Disposer of affairs." Suratul Ali Imran (3:173)

Supplicate to Allah

Muhammad (SAW) taught the believers words to say to derive courage and keep cowardice at bay.

Du’a against cowardice: “O Allah, I take refuge in You from anxiety and sorrow, weakness and laziness, miserliness and cowardice, the burden of debts and from being over powered by men.”

This du'a can be found in Hisnul Muslim (Fortress of a Believer)

May Allah make the reader understand this piece better than I have said it and take cowardice away from the hearts of the believers.

Procrastination: The Evil Companion

Procrastination file photo

The English writer Edward Young, is famous for having coined the  saying, "Procrastination is the thief of time".

Before we commence the discussion, it would be nice to properly understand what this word means to avoid any confusion.

Definition: Procrastination is the avoidance of doing a task that needs to be accomplished by a certain deadline. It could be further stated as a habitual or intentional delay of starting or finishing a task despite knowing it might have negative consequences.

Many at times we put important things off because we feel they are not so pertinent, this is a tell-tale sign of laziness. It is a chain reaction, the more we procrastinate, the lazier we become.

An example if when some people cling to the Ayat and Ahadith about Allah's Forgiveness and Mercy, and regard it as an excuse for abandoning the obligatory acts and doing the prohibited ones. They use this to procrastinate on doing the right thing. They might mischievously claim that they do that out of their thinking positively about Allah or that Allah considers only the hearts of people.

These are thoughts manufactured by shaitan. Hoping and thinking positively of Allah should be accompanied by exerting efforts and working hard to please Him.

Allah says: Say, "I am only a man like you, to whom has been revealed that your god is one God. So whoever would hope for the meeting with his Lord - let him do righteous work and not associate in the worship of his Lord anyone." Suratul Kahf (18:110)

Yahya ibn Mu`adh said: “As for me, the greatest form of delusion is persisting in committing sins hoping for forgiveness without repentance, expecting being closer to Allah without performing acts of obedience, waiting for the rewards of Paradise while planting the seeds of sins in Hellfire, seeking Paradise by committing sins, waiting for rewards without working, hoping for Allah's reward without abiding by Allah's Commands.”

The Evil of Procrastination

The Qur'an mentions repeatedly the danger of procrastination:

“Until, when death comes to one of them, he says: “My Lord! Send me back so that I may do good in that which I have left behind” Suratul Muminun (23:99-100).

Ibn Abbas reported: The Messenger of Allah (SAW) said, “Take advantage of five before five: your youth before your old age, your health before your illness, your riches before your poverty, your free time before your work, and your life before your death.” Source: Shu’ab al-Imān 9575

The scholars and pious predecessors warned Muslims vehemently against procrastination.

Ibn Rajab said: "The believer should embark on doing good deeds before being unable to do them due to illness or death. Also, they may be afflicted with anything with which no good deed is accepted." (Jami` Al-`Ulum wal Hikam)

Ibn Mubarak narrated: "We were informed that the majority of the inhabitants of Hellfire say: How much procrastination is awful!"

What Causes Procrastination?

A number of things could cause this mental disease; some of them will be discussed.

1. Being engrossed with worldly pleasures

Allah in His infinite Wisdom warned Muslims concerning distractions in worldly life. When we get so comfortable with the worldly life, it often leads to complacency which then ends in procrastination.

“O you who have believed, let not your wealth and your children divert you from remembrance of Allah. And whoever does that - then those are the losers.” Suratul Munafiqun (69:9)

2. Forgetfulness

Some people often have bright ideas on ways to please Allah, but the human weakness of forgetfulness frequently defeats them. Forgetfulness is not a desirable quality.

Abu Huraira reported: I said, “O Messenger of Allah, I hear many traditions from you and I forget them.” The Prophet said, “Spread open your garment.” I spread it and then he placed something from his hand into it, saying, “Wrap it.” I wrapped it around me and I never forgot a tradition ever again. Source: Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī 3448

If there was nothing wrong with being forgetful, Muhammad (SAW) would not have made a way out for Abu Huraira.

3. Being out of touch with reality

This is similar to the first cause but a bit different. Some people have little knowledge of things happening across the world especially to Muslims. They don’t know about the Uighur Muslims in China, the Rohingya Muslims in Burma, the Palestinians, the Muslims of Central African Republic, the several famines affecting Muslims across the globe, the number of Muslims getting killed on a daily basis and so many other calamities that don’t bear repeating. 

People like this feel so comfortable with their condition that they see no urgency in striving to make the world a better place. A Muslim should always want to know the condition of his brothers and sisters wherever they might be.

Al-Nu’man ibn Bashir reported: The Messenger of Allah (SAW) said, “The parable of the believers in their affection, mercy, and compassion for each other is that of a body. When any limb aches, the whole body reacts with sleeplessness and fever.”

Source: Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī 5665, Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim 2586

What are the Effects of Procrastination?

1. Laziness

Laziness is a mental disease that prevents the mind from reflecting and contemplating on the greatness of everything created by Allah and His graces. It also stops an individual from considering the matters that improve the stance of mankind in the life and the Hereafter. 

Laziness leads to slackening in performing the acts of obedience and the acts of worship in the way prescribed by Shari`ah. Laziness leads to bad consequences as it hiders the person from carrying out their ambitions, prevents them from performing their missions, and inhibits the beneficial deeds, fruitful thinking, and good endeavor. 

Allah has described it is one of the attributes of the hypocrites.

Allah says: “Indeed, the hypocrites [think to] deceive Allah, but He is deceiving them. And when they stand for prayer, they stand lazily, showing [themselves to] the people and not remembering Allah except a little” Suratul Nisa (4:142)

Even the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) would often pray, “O Allah! I seek Your protection from anxiety and grief, from incapacity and laziness, from stinginess and cowardice, and from the burden of debt and domination of people.” [Bukhari]

2. Depression

Nothing can come from missing out on opportunities than depression. A student who procrastinates on his studies will likely fail their exams. When they see their colleagues celebrating their bright results, they are drowned in sorrow.

3. Weakness of faith

Procrastination makes a believer postpone acts of worship. The fewer acts of worship you engage in and the more awkwardly you carry them out, the weaker your faith will become. In extreme cases, weakness of faith could leads to apostasy.

4. Betraying the trust of Allah

The health, wealth, abilities, status and other advantages Allah has given you are a trust from Him. We have been given these gifts not to earn us some boasting rights, but to advance the cause of Allah. If we refuse to use our God-given talents for the betterment of mankind because we keep procrastinating then, we would have betrayed the trust of Allah. It is a law of existence, evil wins when the good people do nothing.

“O you who have believed, do not betray Allah and the Messenger or betray your trusts while you know [the consequence]. And know that your properties and your children are but a trial and that Allah has with Him a great reward.” Suratul Anfal (8:27-28)

5. Losing out on the bounties of Allah

A believer postpones reciting the Qur’an, observing nawafils (either salawat or fasting), going for Jihad, visiting a sick friend; he loses the reward for these acts and this will limit his status in the sight of Allah. Al-Harith Al-Muhasiby said: "Procrastination prevents a person from doing good deeds.”

6. Delays repentance

This can be said to be the deadliest effect of procrastination. Some people are perpetual sinners, whenever they are asked, ‘when will you repent?’ they give a reason to delay. Why don’t you observe salah? They reply, I will start on Friday. It’s disheartening.

Ibn Al-Jawzy said: "Postponement in hope is a form of delusion; and there is no attribute worse than it. Except for it, you would not find any negligence. A person may indulge in sins and desires and delay repentance due to postponement in hope."

How to shun Procrastination

Spiritual Steps

1. Meditation: Occasionally seclude and isolate yourself from people.

2. Always remind yourself

• Do you not know that in the morning of every day your lifetime becomes shorter than the previous day.
• I may get up and die at night.

3. Get closer to Allah: The closer you are to Allah the farther away the devil.

4. Make abundant dhikr: Supplication makes things easier. Muhammad (SAW) taught us the du’a for when things seem to be getting difficult.

Allahumma laa sahala illaa maa ja’alta sahlan wa anta taj’alul-huzna itha shitta sahlan

“O Allah there is nothing that is easy except that You made it easy, and You can make this difficulty easy if You so wish to”

Physical Steps

1. Get to know why

It could be that you have genuine doubts about the necessity of the action. Meditating on the issue will help you understand why you are procrastinating on an issue thereby helping you make up your mind.

2. Start easy

Some people want achieve a great height within a rather unrealistic time frame. When you take too many things at a time, your mind will develop some apathy for that activity; procrastination will be the end result.

3. Break it down

This is related to the step above. Break down projects into segments and bits that can be mastered within a reasonable time frame. This gives you the chance to ruminate on one segment at a time.

4. Have to-do list

There are chances that other activities will try to eat into the time you have set aside for your project, having a to-do list help you stick to schedule.

5. Confide in a close friend

It sometimes helps to let a pal or buddy of yours know your battles against procrastination. That way, they will always keep you on your toes by constantly asking for feed backs on your project.

6. Set a few daily compulsory tasks

It is sometimes inevitable to have periods when focusing on your project proves difficult due to other pressing demands. However, if this continues for a long time, you will lose steam on your pursuits. You can beat this by having a few compulsory daily tasks on your project.