Change Our Concerns

The Prophet (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) said: “The excellence of a person’s Islam includes leaving what does not concern him.” [Tirmidhi]

“The fullness and perfection of a person’s Islam and his submission to its rules includes leaving that which is not connected with what is important to one, be it in word or deed. The matters that concern a person are those connected with the necessities of life in gaining a livelihood and having a safe return in the afterlife. These do not amount to much in comparison with what does not concern one.” [al-Jawahir al-lu’lu’iyya fi Sharh al-Arba’in al-Nawawiyya]

If we leave what does not concern matters of livelihood and securing Jannah, life becomes streamlined, simple and peaceful. Quarrels, hassles and much stress is avoided. Does it mean a less juicy, less spicy existence? Maybe so. But then when was the purpose of life to enjoy it to the fullest? Jannah is the place for that. This life is only to secure a good place for ourselves in eternity.

Many of our daily activities involve frivolous interests of no lasting significance while we pay no attention to huge issues concerning our Deen. Our concerns in life are not for our Akhirah but for enjoying this life.

Unfortunately, we tend to worry mostly about ourselves and not others, while he who does not care about the Ummah has effectively left Islam. Not only is this the meaning of several ahadith but common sense as well. Suppose your brother or sister were going through a crisis. Instead of sharing in their sorrows and helping to ease their difficulties you tried to get as far away from them as possible. What relationship would be left between you? What of family ties would be left?

When we look at the issues confronting the Ummah, and when we think about how to make it through the Day of Judgement, the worries normally consuming us pale into insignificance.

As a big fish eats small fish, big worries overcome small worries. We need to change our concerns.