Download 5 principles for a healthy journey in islam

5 PRINCIPLES FOR A HEALTHY JOURNEY IN ISLAM
1. Be yourself.
Don't let anyone tell you you have to change your name, take on a different culture, dress a certain
way, or anything else. In the future, you may change some of these things as an expression of your
drawing nearer to Allah, but such a change should be something natural that doesn't make you feel
disconnected from who you are inside.
2. Embrace your past.
Don't run from whoever you were before or whatever you've done. For anything you're proud of,
thank Allah. As for anything you regret, simply seek Allah's forgiveness and make the intention to
change and rectify any harm you've caused—as a result, Allah will change all those bad actions to
good actions in your favor. Don't let anyone make you feel bad for anything you’ve done in the past,
for that is solely between you and Allah.
3. Know your responsibilities and rights.
Though Islam is full of rules and recommendations, all of your responsibilities boil down to
gradually making as much of your life as possible about Allah and His Messenger Muhammad
(peace be upon him) and a little less about yourself. When you have your intention to be for Allah, it
is your right to feel welcome in any house of Allah—i.e. mosque—on this planet, no matter how you
look or feel at the time. It is also your right to expect that your brothers and sisters in Islam—who
consider themselves people of Allah—will be there to support you and help you in your struggles. If
anyone ever makes you feel otherwise, that is their issue with Allah, and it doesn’t change your rights.
4. Build a stable foundation.
Your life in Islam is a marathon, not a sprint. Make sure you take your spiritual development one
step at a time, taking a few weeks to establish each new practice and get settled in it before moving
on to something else.
5. Look up for sufficiency.
Know that everything in this world is deficient. Every community, place, leader, book, class, and
anything else can disappoint you in some way, but as long as you realize that Allah is your only
sufficiency, you will be able to see past the defects, benefit from the positives that are there, and
witness the perfection of Allah through all of it.
Originally produced by Ta’leef Collective (www.taleefcollective.org)
Revised 9/2015
TAKING CARE OF YOUR IMMEDIATE NEEDS
The way of life that the Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.s.) brought is real, and it is meant to deal with
reality, even when it gets raw sometimes. We want to make sure that you are as stable as possible as you
try to implement Islam in your life, and we also acknowledge that your spiritual path counts for little if it
does not address your most pressing concerns. It is for this reason that the scholars of Islam developed the
formulation of the "Five Aims and Purposes of the Religion," explaining that the whole structure of
religion is fundamentally aimed at preserving five things (in order of priority): religious tradition, human
life, reason, offspring, and wealth.
Take time to consider the following questions in each of the five key areas. If you answer "no" to
any of them, do what you can to bring stability to the situation, and reach out to the chaplain or another
leader in the Muslim community. They might not be able to solve all the issues, but can at least connect
you to resources and lend a compassionate ear. They may also have access to funds that could help ease
any pressure in your life.
PRESERVING RELIGIOUS TRADITION
Do you feel safe to be able to practice your religion at home, at work or school, and in public?
Are you free of serious doubts that make you think about leaving the faith?
Are you free from the influence of others who want to sow doubts and have you leave your faith?
Do you have access to resources that allow you to grow in your understanding of the religion, and
people to whom you can direct spiritual and religious questions?
PRESERVING HUMAN LIFE
Are your basic physical needs of food, water, and shelter being met?
Are you free from sexual, domestic, and verbal abuse?
Do you have access to adequate medical resources?
Do you feel safe to be who you truly are?
PRESERVING REASON
Are you able to handle any mental disorders, thoughts, and states of mind that may prohibit you from
acting rationally and with a clear head?
Are you free from substance addiction, including alcohol and drugs?
PRESERVING FAMILY
Do you have a stable, supportive family life?
For your family members--especially children--are all their needs (including all those mentioned above)
being met?
PRESERVING WEALTH
Are any personal assets you have (property, savings, etc.) safe from those who would want to interfere
with them?
Are you able to support yourself and provide for your needs?
Remember: if at any time you would answer "no" to any of the above questions, make it a priority to
address the issue and see how a Community Care Provider can help.
Originally produced by Ta’leef Collective (www.taleefcollective.org)
Revised 9/2015