| Answer: As far as the five basic tenets
of Islam and the injunctions about Harām food are concerned, there can be no
compromise in any situation except as and when allowed by Islam itself; for
example reduced prayer in travel and Harām food in unbearable hunger. Similarly,
big sins as fornication, theft and murder are to be avoided in all situations.
In other matters, try to avoid evil as much as possible without putting so much
burden on yourself that you be ultimately bound to commit a greater sin. In
these areas, Islam gives a lot of allowance in case of an evil that has pervaded
the society. Moving gradually towards the ideal is more natural here.
In ethics and social responsibility, ask
yourself: What would the Prophet (sws) have done in this matter? It is he who is
our ideal in morality and ethics. Although we can never reach his level, we can
use the example of his life to chart out the course of our own. Blessings of
Allah be upon him.
I know, in a far off land, practising
your religion poses immense difficulties and you are bound to feel lonely. Learn
to talk to God. His hotline is Tahajjud – when the world sleeps, wake whenever
conveniently possible to open your heart to Him. Learn how to speak to Him
through the prayers of the Prophet (sws).Train
you ear to listen to Him as He speaks through the Qur’ān. Then, you’ll hear Him
talking to you.
Seek His refuge in your prayer and in
your perseverance, in occasional fasting,
and in the study and the propagation of religion.
Let your prayer and perseverance be your strength, your fasting your shield and
the knowledge and propagation of your religion your sword. With these, you shall
prevail. Inshā‘Allah.
|