Answer My 4 Questions and I’ll Be Muslim! – He Took Shahada!
Faith is a deeply personal journey, yet for many, it can become a struggle. It is not uncommon to encounter confusion, doubts, or even a sense of distance from religion.
But what happens when these feelings are rooted in misunderstandings or cultural practices that overshadow the true message of faith? This article explores such a scenario, where a young man, feeling caught between belief and disbelief, expresses his struggles with Islam.
The Conflict Within
“I believe in Islam, but I cannot call myself a Muslim.” These words, spoken by a young man during a street interview, capture the essence of his inner conflict. He has read four holy books, including the Quran, and acknowledges that Islam makes the most sense to him.
Yet, he cannot embrace the label of ‘Muslim’ because he feels distant from the practice of faith.
The source of his struggle? Confusion over the different schools of thought in Islam, social practices like gender segregation, and a deep sense of shame for his past actions, which he believes makes him unworthy to face Allah. But is this struggle unique to him?
Misunderstanding the Diversity of Islamic Thought
One of his primary concerns is the existence of different schools of thought (madhabs) within Islam. He sees them as conflicting paths, each claiming to be the right one. However, the truth is quite the opposite.
The four major schools—Hanafi, Maliki, Shafi’i, and Hanbali—are not separate religions but interpretations of Islamic jurisprudence that emerged to address the diverse circumstances and cultures of Muslims around the world.
Their differences are often in minor details, not in the fundamentals of faith. Whether one folds their hands during prayer at the chest or below the navel is not a matter of salvation but a matter of interpretation. Recognizing this can bring relief to those who feel pressured to choose one path over another.
The Wisdom Behind Islamic Boundaries
The young man also struggles with gender interaction rules, such as women not greeting men or the separation of seating at social gatherings. To him, these seem like strict and unnecessary restrictions.
But Islam’s guidelines on gender interaction are designed to protect the sanctity of relationships and the integrity of the family unit. These are not meant to impose isolation but to maintain respect and prevent situations that may lead to temptation or misunderstanding.
Islam is a religion that understands human nature and sets protective measures without denying human interactions. It provides a balanced approach that can be misunderstood when cultural practices overshadow the spiritual essence.
The Weight of Guilt and the Door of Forgiveness
Perhaps the heaviest burden the young man carries is his shame for a life lived far from Islamic values. This shame has become a barrier, making him feel unworthy to stand before Allah. But this feeling is a misunderstanding of Allah’s mercy.
In the Quran, Allah says:
“Say, ‘O My servants who have transgressed against themselves [by sinning], do not despair of the mercy of Allah. Indeed, Allah forgives all sins. Indeed, it is He who is the Forgiving, the Merciful.’” (Quran 39:53)
Islam teaches that no one is beyond the mercy of Allah, and repentance is always a door that remains open. Feeling guilt is a sign of faith because it reflects an awareness of one’s shortcomings. But it should lead to repentance, not hopelessness.
Faith is Not Perfection
One critical point that must be understood is that faith is not the same as perfection. A Muslim is not defined by sinlessness but by their belief in Allah, His prophets, His books, and the Day of Judgment. Deeds are a reflection of faith, but struggling with deeds does not nullify belief.
Finding Balance
The young man’s struggle is a reflection of a common experience. Many feel torn between faith and their lifestyle, especially when the world presents a different narrative. But it is essential to remember that faith is a journey. Struggling does not make one a non-believer. On the contrary, the very struggle can be a sign of a sincere heart seeking the truth.
If you find yourself in a similar situation, questioning your faith or feeling unworthy, remember that Islam is a faith of hope, mercy, and forgiveness. Seek knowledge, ask questions, and understand that being Muslim does not mean being perfect. It means believing in Allah and striving, despite struggles, to follow His guidance.
