Opportunity cost of being Religious??

June 25, 2006
Opportunity cost of being Religious?

I just came across a wonderful and thought provoking Hadith today, and would like to share it along with my views on it. The 6th vicigerent of the Holy Prophet (SAWW), Imam Ja'afar as Sadiq (AS) has said "If your worldly demands are attainable, you should check your religion."

My understanding of these beautiful words of wisdom is that even though sometimes we think we should life in 'moderation' - this moderation doesnt apply to be religious out of convenience.. i.e. to wear hijaab some places where the majority wears it, and take it off where its not socially acceptable..to refrain from muharramaat (haraam acts) like listening to music during Ramadhan, and then getting down to everything again once the Holy month is over....to pray Salaat, but if the football match is coming then just delay salaat and pray it after the match is over regardless of whether its Qadha or not (because you're convincing Allah that atleast you didnt miss out on your prayer!!!)....etc etc

the list of examples will never end......
this cannot be referred to 'moderation' - this just means to be practising religion at convenience..
A true Muslim needs to realise that his practice of Islam truely requires Moderation - but moderation means balancing his Religious obligations and at the same time, meeting his rights and duties towards the people around him (in this world).

Extremist approach would be of those like the Sufi's who seclude themselves from the World and indulge in just themselves and their meditation.

The other side of extremism would be to just disregard Religion and live for the World and everything the world offers...
but we Muslims need to create that balance... This balance means meeting all the criteria set by Islam and then seek Worldly pleasures, thus coming back to the Hadith and its true essence - that the day you feel your list of achievements in the Worldly sense are never-ending, and you're achieveing almost everything you dream of....then check your religion.. you must surely be lacking on quite some aspects of Faith..

Because life in this World is a challenge - Religion states what is right and what is wrong, .
(with reference to Surah Al Baqarah in the verses of the throne (Ayatul Kursiyy): There is no compulsion in religion; truly the right way has become clearly distinct from error; therefore, whoever disbelieves in the Shaitan and believes in Allah he indeed has laid hold on the firmest handle, which shall not break off, and Allah is Hearing, Knowing. )
We thus have to build that will power to choose the right; and focus on the ultimate outcome 'Our Aakhirah', than the mere thrills of this temporary world..

For some, it all comes down to weighing the opportunity costs of being religious....but for many true believers, theres no opportunity cost..because the opportunities that come about by being True believers and followers of Islam just opens ways of more and more in both, this World and the Hereafter..

It is but, a matter of will power and broader vision; and the acceptance of the fact that indulgence in this World doesnt completely complement the outcome of our Aakhirah. We should cherish our Religion for being so so practical and applicable for all ages and all times and era's.

Inshallah this approach should thus be able to offer us the contentment in everything we do..
Iltemase du'a! sadaf zahra