Self Rectification

- "I'm happy the way I am. I don't need to change."
- "My life is going well, I want it to stay like that"
- "If you see something you don't like, get over it"

The mottos of today. Pretty prevalent I must say. It is completely abnormal for an individual to actually contemplate over their life or personality and ponder over what may be a faulty trait within themselves, to try and mould it for the betterment of their characters. Rather, it is believed that it's fine for them to carry on the way they are. Taking into consideration nothing but their own individual whims and desires.

Since so called New Year's Eve has passed us by, many people come out with the "New year, new me" line- however does it really have any impact whatsoever? The same lifestyle is being played out all over again, it's a vicious, never ending cycle. Binging, nightclubbing, dating, lying, backstabbing, slandering..the list could go on.

These idealistic values have seeped it's way into the mind's of Muslims. Whereby, we live life going through the motions. Doing whatever we like, whenever like, however we like. Not really taking into account whether it's beneficial in terms of our character as well as towards the Deen. We're not actually thinking about the tomorrow in a broader sense. "Will I aim to be more pleasant towards my siblings", "am I going to control my temper next time"-  simple thoughts like these are non existent. Instead, picking at others is what we pride in. What's the latest gossip, who's the talk of the day? It's kinda ironic how it's the 'popular' lot that are being swarmed around when the norm is to do everything Islam negates.

Whereas, the true standard of a Muslim, is that part of our daily routine is to constantly rectify our behaviours. We think about how to improve the way we carry out certain actions, deal with situations and circumstances and interact with the people in our lives. We play back the day thoroughly and deeply think about what what we may have done that's not too great to develop a better stance and so on.

Prophet Muhammed Sallallahu 'alayhi wasallam said: 'The best amongst you are those who have the best manners and character.' [Sahih Bukhari, Volume 4, Book 56, Number 759]

Now, it is only natural that many of us find it extremely difficult to remind ourselves to scrutinise the characteristics within ourselves, pin point what could be the reason we feel and act how we do, and attempt to change our own thought process that has caused us to perceive things in a specific way. For the very society we live in contradicts that ideal. What was normal for all Muslims to carry out on a regular basis has become something so irrelevant and unimportant. If it's not effecting me right now, then I don't really need to think about it. That's how most of us have become. We don't look beyond the present, just for the moment in time.

Additionally, if a person advises with true sincerity in their heart they are told to get lost and mind their own business or are known as 'the police'. It is just not in the nature of the western lifestyle. It's all about "me, me, me"- don't like me, turn around and get out of my life".

Thus, self rectification has become as hard as it is to refrain from free mixing in such a 'free, liberal' country. Everything that we are surrounded by reinforces the expressions: "live life to the max", "YOLO".

We think that we are perfect the way we are. When in fact we are far from it. To even have that thought is just so arrogant, egotistical and self conceited. How can we believe that for even a second? It's absolutely ridiculous.

"And indeed We created man (Adam) out of an extract of clay (water and earth)."
[Surat Al-Mu'minun:12]

Striving to become the best of people is a goal that we can continuously work towards for as long as we live. Holding the mentality that we don't need to actively examine ourselves is a fundamental flaw within a Muslim's mind. We need to acknowledge that we are imperfect beings in need of improvement and progression.

The Prophet  Sallallahu 'alayhi wasallam said: “No deed that will be placed on the scale of deeds [on the Day of Judgement] will be heavier than good character. Indeed, a person with good character will attain the rank of those with a good record of voluntary fasts and prayers.” [Sunan At-Tirmidhee: 2003]

By A.I