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Message of the Week... Responsibility

In the name of God, compassionate & merciful | بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمنِ الرَّحِيمِ 

Peace be with you | السلام عليكم


Responsibility. What does that bring to mind? Burdens maybe, chores to complete, leadership or even dominion.


Responsibility is your individual double-package of privilege and obligation where every action and word carried out is your own reasoned choice in exercising your natural right of free-will.


Muslims believe in 'Akhirah' = life after death where the actions of their lives are weighed out in the 'Court of Allah', the responsible against the irresponsible. Therefore a maxim of muslimness is to 'take account, before you are held accountable.'

 

In Islamic sociology the obligations of people are metaphorically likened to the beautiful role of the shepherd: leading a group of somewhat vulnerable creatures, directing them, stopping them from falling into harms' way and being held responsible for them even when the work shift is done.

 

The Prophet Muhammad (saw) said:

 

'Each one of you is a shepherd Farmer . And each one of you will be asked about your flock  Sheep . A ruler is also a shepherd and he will be asked about his flock. And every man is a shepherd to his family (TO his family, not FOR). And a woman is the custodian  (beautiful word CUSTODIAN = Safeguarding, Queen, Trustee) of her husband's house and his children. Thus each one of you is shepherd, and each one will be asked about his flock.' 


This sense of responsibility should be felt when a family member falls back in some religious aspect. This responsibility should be used when someone is being pressurised into something they do not want. It should be brought forward when that "shepherd" in charge slips, in whichever government, organisation or family; when a man is worked beyond his limit, when a woman says no, when important priorities such as education and expression are wrongly pushed behind social customs or family pride.


The Muslim "Shepherd" should feel disturbed, disgusted and try to deal with its causes- despite its consequences. The majority of Muslim youth cannot deal with these ridiculous ideals though. Neither are they equipped to handle a failing authority nor given mental freedom to expose it.


Either the chain continues or individuals break in rebellion. The only people who can ignore this responsibility and keep *hush hush* about it is those Muslims whose Imaan is weak. Manhood or power is not determined by measuring man's anatomy, contrary to common mockery. Responsibility is measured by the integrity in action, self-respect and selflessness in opposing both oppressor and oppression. 


To all parents - Do not forget you are responsible for the social and mental well being of your children. They are your flock; do not treat them as sheep.


To all children - Firmly stand against unislamic actions. You will be heard if you carry courage on your tongues and in heart.


To society - Each of you has a responsibility to uphold values, social conduct and etiquette which will influence others to follow this noble leadership.

 
Peace. 

2 comments:

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  2. Ma'sha'allah Sister, that was so beautifully stated and I am so glad you addressed this issue. I can tell this comes from a truly beautiful soul. May Allah Bless you in this Dunya and in the Akhirah. Ameen.

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