A Unique, Strange Way of Life

“Islam began as a something strange and it will return to being strange, so blessed are the strangers” (Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim 145)

When we look around and see something that is absolutely different from the norms of life, we find it strange, and that is what attracts us the most since it is unlike any other concept of life. What if that very strange thing is something of good? Imagine how this goodness can inspire so many people around you!

As a Muslim, the lifestyle we have is different from any other person. We pray like no one else, we fast like no one else, we greet each other like no one else. Whenever someone sees a Muslim, it should reflect something different. In a good way, of course! The very hadith mentioned above suggests that we are unique and will always be unique in our conduct throughout life. So we need to make sure that we have the best version of ourself in every area of life. Be it at the home, gym, or any public gathering, we must reflect ourselves as a source of unique goodness for others. 

Even among Muslims, we may establish series of habit that makes them very unique from any other community. I heard once from an online lecture of a Shyakh about how the people of the desert who were Muslims used to recite Salawat upon our Prophet (PBUH) while cooking, making Dua for the food to become Shifa (healing) for everyone who eats it. Imagine how this particular habit of theirs display the trust that they have in their heart, for Allah! Who else would have thought that their day to day meal would be so beneficial in this aspect?

Also, have you heard the story of the Imam who was travelling by a plane and who asked a Muslim flight attendant about her difficulty in having to serve wine? She replied to him, “It’s very hard, but I always use my left hand”. Can you imagine that in such an incredibly difficult circumstances, she tried to be as true as possible to her religion? While everyone didn’t care about the task, she acted uniquely and this uniqueness indeed deserves the blessings of Allah mentioned by our Prophet (PBUH). 

[Actions to take: Wherever we go, make sure your character and conduct makes people feel that we are unique- in a good way! And also make sure that your uniqueness brings comfort to other’s heart and always attract the people around you. If people are curious, just be proud and say “It’s my Deen, Islam!”]