I dont feel the suffering for the oppressed around the world. Is there something wrong with me? In an often misunderstood narration, the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, famously said, “Whoever sees an evil, let him change it with his hand; and if he is not able to do so, then [let him change it] with his tongue; and if he is not able to do so, then with his heart — and that is the weakest of faith.” Two quick learning points: - his hand doesnt just mean physically with ones hand, nor does it imply recklessness or brutality. It encompasses all actions where practical steps are taken, and the more creative and innovative actions are - the better! Our hands are just as capable of creating a work of art, as they are for tearing it up. - And notice how hating evil with ones heart, which is often the focus of many activists, who try to make others feel the oppression of the oppressed, is the lowest level of faith! If someone doesnt genuinely feel something (i.e. its not like they are choosing not to care) - they shouldnt feel bad about it, nor should others castigate them for it. Why hate on someone when they didnt exactly decide whether or not to feel something in the first place? And why focus on something so heavily, when its the lowest level of faith? Something that only bears inconsistency in action, as for many of us, the moment we stop feeling is the moment we stop acting or caring. But action on the other hand - action that is performed due to the fact that we are obligated to do so, and not for any other reason, action which is informed and sculpted with knowledge - that is the highest level of faith. And what we should all be aiming for. So no, if you genuinely dont feel the suffering for the oppressed around the world, there is nothing wrong with you. Focus on helping them whatever way you can. Remember, God didnt obligate us to feel anything, but He did command us to act. As Imam Ibn Ata Illah beautifully said, Do not request Him to get you out of a state so as to make use of you in a different one; for, were He to desire so, He could make use of you as you are, without taking you out! Do not abandon the Invocation because you do not feel the Presence of God therein. For your forgetfulness of the Invocation of Him is worse than your forgetfulness in the Invocation of Him.
Posted on: Thu, 31 Jul 2014 20:23:48 +0000