The Muslim Stranger — Part 1

The life we live in today, especially as Muslims feels different and can feel out of place. For everything everyone else seems to take as it is, for a Muslim, can be different. I can have any food I want right? Well, kind of. As a Muslim, you have options. And you always have to go with the option that only pleases your creator, even if everyone else was not doing it.

That kind of makes you strange, right? Why would I want to be different from everyone else. Isn’t the goal to be like everyone else? As a Muslim, No. The goal is to be a Muslim and nothing else. A servant here to serve the Master. But again, isn’t that a bit weird, the connection between a slave and a master, must that not feel very difficult or different.

Well, Remember I told you how much different or strange it feels to be a Muslim. But all these strangeness and differences only makes the Muslim stronger in their faith. The only question to ask is:

Does my creator approve of me doing this?

Once the answer to that question is Yes, then it is done. I go for it. The hadith of the Messenger of Allah, Muhammad (SAW) sums it up: Be in this world as if you are a stranger or a traveler. And indeed now more than ever, we feel more like strangers. But that does not have to cause us pain or concern. The only concern you need to have is if what you are doing is what Allah says to do.

And remember that through the experiences we get, either good or bad is the opportunity to pass the test we have all been sent here for. Would a soldier in the army show displeasure at a test that makes him stronger and better? He welcomes it and does the best he can to overcome the trial and stand high, achieving victory. And there is no victory without trial. Victory over what if there isn’t something to go over?

So as your day and life as a Muslim continues to feel strange, with many things you cannot do, even if others can freely do it, remember that the opportunity you have is not the same as others have it. Be Muslim, the one who is strange only to people, but to his creator, well known and pleasing.

As you read this, let the next thing you do be something that makes you Muslim. Even if it seems strange to others, remember, in this world, you are only a stranger. A stranger just passing by.

Thanks for reading and God bless.