Self Reformation: A Sincere Believer’s Greatest Concern

• Last Updated on September 4, 2023 @ 12:27 am by Islaminlife Admin

It creates an apprehension to write about the subject that has been intended to write about. The main reason for this is that, although the topic is basic, such momentous topics have been well written in the hands of the elders. Since the best three eras, pious people have written on such topics with their strong faith and sincere actions in practice. People like us write them with only some theoretical knowledge and we have almost no or very little practice of the words.

Even then, the topic is being written and discussed. Maybe the theory will have a good effect in my real life, on my own faith and practice, because of the blessing of the discussion of the correct and true words. Because these words are mainly reflections from the Quran and Sunnah (if Allah Almighty wills it)! Are the repentance and remorse, intention and effort of weak or sinful servants worth less to Allah Taala? It is completely inappropriate to think so. Therefore, we proceed with the effort to write on the topic seeking sincerity and acceptance from Allah Almighty.

Indeed, the discussion hereunder is nothing new! Rather, the Ulama repeatedly discusses them in different ways and on different occasions. This is, therefore, just an attempt to present them simply.

We’re getting into the main discussion. May Allah assist! Aameen.

When an individual is going through some trials, facing difficulties in life or in general situations, there are two aspects or options to think and work on. One is impermissible, if done intentionally, it is a sin. It is not the purpose of the article to discuss this aspect. Rather, the purpose of this article is that whenever a believer is in a general state or in difficulties, how is/should be his thoughts and activities, and how much does he pursue righteous actions on Allah’s path?

Issues that are widespread and increasing

First of all, being unaware of the reality of world life is a distinct issue today.

Then there is the influence of surroundings.

Besides, the most important factor is the inner state or spiritual state of oneself. To what extent is it advanced or degraded? How progressive is it in the path of goodness or how much is it moving towards evil? Herein, the effect of intention, the purpose of life all integrate.

Another issue, although it is related to the environment, it could be mentioned separately: who are our close associates?

A very important thing is, how much the basic knowledge of Islam has been acquired and how much it is practiced.

Many of us have a zeal and enthusiasm to participate in religious work(s), which is certainly admirable. However, if we look at our financial transactions, social affairs (bonding with relatives and so on) and moral character in particular, a lack of religiousness is highly observed. Unfortunately, these issues have been left untreated or neglected. Whereas, we are over cautious or attentive in thinking about the reformation of others. We seem to have forgotten the meaning and purpose of this verse:

يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ قُوٓا۟ أَنفُسَكُمْ وَأَهْلِيكُمْ نَارًۭا وَقُودُهَا ٱلنَّاسُ وَٱلْحِجَارَةُ عَلَيْهَا مَلَـٰٓئِكَةٌ غِلَاظٌۭ شِدَادٌۭ لَّا يَعْصُونَ ٱللَّهَ مَآ أَمَرَهُمْ وَيَفْعَلُونَ مَا يُؤْمَرُونَ 

Meaning: O you who have Imaan! Save yourselves and your families from the Fire (of Jahannam), the fuel of which is people and stones. Harsh (uncompromising) and (extremely) strong angels (who feel no pity) are appointed over it (the fire to watch over those being punished) who never disobey what Allah Almighty commands them and who carry out exactly what they are instructed (to do). (The people of Jahannam therefore have no way of convincing these angels to lessen their punishment.) Sura Tahreem: 6

Useful Contemplation

Based on these things, if a believer is engrossed in thought in view to reform, inshaAllah some truth will be revealed to him, even if not completely. Without delay, he should immediately pray to Allah and take refuge in Him; he should contact an Alim or pious scholar for guidance.

Those who have moved forward even a bit on Allah’s path, will certainly feel that theory and reality are not the same, they do not always match. Even after apparently studying the Quran and Hadith, many cases and situations cannot be resolved. Because it is not possible without extensive and deep knowledge of the Quran-Sunnah. Indeed, a ‘qualified researcher’ pious-scholar’s company is actually a great blessing! But a few people understand it. Surely a pious scholar with depth knowledge has the solution to the complex questions. Even if any of them clearly say, “I do not understand the solution to so and so question at the moment”, this simple utterance from him is also the result of his dive into the vast and deep ocean of divine knowledge, many scholars (who possess only the theoretical knowledge of the matter) may not understand (or easily accept) it.

One of the main reasons for the imbalance between our thoughts and actions is, that we fall into a trap in the worldly desire to understand many things by ourselves. Gradually, we even claim to have comprehended a field’s knowledge with accuracy — be it a matter pertaining to the world or religion. A believer’s distorted thinking on religious matters can lead him to serious stray. Being ungrateful to Allah Taala, acting up impatiently and whimsically, and getting easily annoyed whenever something is not getting done at one’s will are just a few examples.

Number of Great Pious Scholars and general Muslims in every Era 

Almost in every era, the number of great pious scholars (in relation, saintly people has always been bigger in number) was few in number. The in-depth knowledge of the Quran, Hadith and Sunnah have been borne by few in proportion to the mass number of Muslims.

There were millions of Companions of the Prophetﷺ. Among the noble companions, there were few who possessed in-depth divine knowledge. Yes, of course, every companion was a true believer, and possessed the highest level of Taqwa, and their level of status among the whole Ummah is unparalleled, Masha’Allah! In every era, the number of great pious scholars, having in-depth knowledge of Quran-Hadith-Sunnah would be few. The number of their followers will be much bigger.

The mass Muslims should bear in mind to remain followers of the great pious scholars of their era. This will enable them to steadfastly tread the path of the righteous, inshaAllah. When Allah chooses someone to become His special bondmen, it becomes apparent to the general masses. We (general Muslims) shouldn’t try to pursue to become ‘special’ or ‘popular’, which is a great tribulation today! It is conspicuous, with some bit of divine knowledge, that both scholars and non-scholars have been falling into the pitfalls of shaitan, who is leading them astray. May Allah save us!

Actions without Righteous Divine Knowledge is a Great Disease

We, the general mass religious Muslims, fall victim to many mistakes just because we do not possess the divine knowledge rightly. If somehow we can attain some divine knowledge on some matter, we conclude regarding the matter and make up a fixed mindset. We remain unaware of our progress or any alternatives. Becoming complacent over one’s knowledge has become widespread. Self-reliance on the path of knowing, learning and improving is meticulous and sensitive, especially when it is connected to the knowledge of the Quran and Sunnah. However, we neglect it! Rather, the less knowledgeable we are, the more confidence and self-esteem we present. This nature is completely opposite of the pious people! Apart from this, there may be and most probably are, many illiterate and ignorant Muslims living in the villages and rural areas better than our mentality. Although our efforts on Allah’s Path seem to be much more popular and accepted to people, but Allah’s acceptance may be zero at our side! Ma’az Allah!! Mainly: insincere intentions, completely wrong way of word (opposite to the Sunnah) are the reasons for such consequences, which we do not fear today.

Today, in the field of teaching and learning the Quran-Hadith, Tabligh, Tazkiya why are there so a deficiency of quality?! Just pointing to myself, Do I see myself in a fair position as a Muslim in my personal, family and social life! This should be our accountability right now.

If I start examining myself with worship like my prayer, then many things become clear! However, it is best to contact a pious scholar who could guide me pointing to my dos and donts.

What is the purpose of this discussion?

This discussion is in view to reform the self. If anyone benefits from it, it is a blessing from Allah, we have no credit at all. The writer will never benefit by targeting the Ummah negatively! Rather, with such intention, there is great harm, which every simple Muslim fear. We should discuss the issues in light of the verse (, and the writer also hopes to do so only):

وَذَكِّرْ فَإِنَّ ٱلذِّكْرَىٰ تَنفَعُ ٱلْمُؤْمِنِينَ 

Meaning: (However, you should) Continue advising (reminding) because advice is beneficial for the Mu’mineen. Sura Dhariqat: 55

We should keep alerting and cautioning each other of the issues that are hindering us to develop and excel on Allah’s Path.

We should contemplate the issues and moderately take down-to-earth steps to refine and rectify ourselves. All Muslims should prostrate in the royal court of Allah Subhanu wa Taala and seek forgiveness for our deficiencies. Thereafter, we should seek guidance from the pious scholars to reform and rectify. This is a Muslim’s life-long job, till the death!