Islam is a religion of peace and love. In Islam, it is Allah who has revealed the right way of life and the Qur'an which is the only source of guidance that should be followed by every Muslim. It is a way to live one's life according to His divine will and guidance.
Following Islam is not something that needs to be done with difficulty or forced upon oneself. On the contrary, it should be followed with ease and compassion as Allah has made it easy on us by providing us a detailed guide in form of the Quran and the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.).
Prophet (S.A.W.) said:
“Religion is very easy and whoever overburdens himself in his religion will not be able to continue in that way. So you should not be extremists, but try to be near to perfection and receive the good tidings that you will be rewarded; and gain strength by worshipping in the mornings, the afternoons, and during the last hours of the nights.”
(Sahih Bukhari: 39)
The Hadith draws that we should not make things difficult in religion and not burden ourselves to achieve perfection, but let's do our intentions pure and put hope in Allah Almighty for every worship. If our intentions are pure, we will be rewarded more by our Creator.
Islam is easy to practice but it does not mean that we could get lazy in performing our worship like 5 daily Prayers, Fasting in Ramadan and paying Zakat etc.
Following are some lessons and practices we can learn and follow from the Hadith:
Be Regular in doing Good Deeds and What's Within your Ability
The Prophet (S.A.W.) was asked,
"What deeds are loved most by Allah?"
He (S.A.W.) said, "The most regular constant deeds even though they may be few."
He (S.A.W.) added, 'Don't take upon yourselves, except the deeds which are within your ability."
(Sahih Bukhari: 6465)
So what we learned from this Hadith, the deeds that are loved by Almighty Allah are those that are done regularly, no matter how big or small. So we have to focus to do them because these good deeds will bring us good rewards according to the will of Almighty Allah.
Ask for Allah’s Forgiveness all the Time
The Prophet (S.A.W.) said:
“All the sons of Adam are sinners, but the best of sinners are those who repent often.”
(Tirmidhi: 2499)
The above wordings of the Prophet (S.A.W.) clearly say that Allah wants progress from us and not perfection. Humans make mistakes and sin all the time, but the best of us are those who sincerely repent with the intention of not repeating that sin in the future.
Always Hope for Allah’s Mercy
Although there are difficult times and impossible situations, we must keep positive hope in Allah's mercy. As Prophet (S.A.W.) said:
‘Allah says: "I am just as My slave thinks I am, (i.e. I am able to do for him what he thinks I can do for him) and I am with him if He remembers Me …….”’
(Sahih Bukhari: 7405)
Prayers leads us to Strength and Patience
There are several verses in the Qu’ran that refer to Prayer and patience together. Allah says in Quran:
“O you who have believed, seek help through patience and prayer. Indeed, Allah is with the patient.”
(Surah Al-Baqarah 2:153)
It's time we stop overexerting ourselves by making Islam difficult upon ourselves when Allah says it is easy - because Allah does not wish for anyone’s hardship but success.
That is to say, Islam is a religion that easily invites its followers to practice it from the heart and please Allah Almighty.
May we find the right path and go to heaven.
Ameen
