Being Selfish in the Deen

[psyah]

Peace and Salutations to all

Please express your thoughts about this topic. Selfishness is as some people argue against Islamic values. However, do we all realise that this is the case?

Is it therefore considered selfish to do anything good in this world for the chance of being accepted in to Jannah?

Or perhaps, we want to pray because it makes us feel good and at peace.

Would it not be better to pray because our Lord wants us to pray?
Would it not be better to do good because it is required of us to do good?

As Iqbal had said (paraphrased translated):
If you can’t do it for the sake of your Lord, then do it for your own sake.

He seems to imply that the pious do things for their Lord’s sake, where the average Muslim should do things at least for the potential reward and protection from punishment.

[SlaveofAllaah]

Re: Being Selfish in the Deen

@psyah

Peace and Salutations to all

Please express your thoughts about this topic. Selfishness is as some people argue against Islamic values. However, do we all realise that this is the case?

Is it therefore considered selfish to do anything good in this world for the chance of being accepted in to Jannah?

Or perhaps, we want to pray because it makes us feel good and at peace.

Would it not be better to pray because our Lord wants us to pray? Would it not be better to do good because it is required of us to do good?

As Iqbal had said (paraphrased translated): If you can't do it for the sake of your Lord, then do it for your own sake.

He seems to imply that the pious do things for their Lord's sake, where the average Muslim should do things at least for the potential reward and protection from punishment.

Salamvalekum,

I hope i am not blowing my horns here but this is how it goes,

Couple of years a ago i used to pray for the my own sake something like if i am going through a bad time i used to pray, nearing my exam results i used to pray.

But once i realised that there is surely a creator and the one who created me, i just pray to thank Allaah and for the bounties he has provided me with. Now this prayer is just for thanking Allaah as Allaah is my creator.

The word selfish to do good and go to Jannah this what i have to say, to tell you the truth i dont know whether i will go to Hell or heaven after i die, but for me its only praising and thanking my Lord, irrespective if i get 72 virgins in heaven, or get thrown into hell.

I think i have flaunted enough, may Allaah forgive me, forgive me, forgive me.

[USResident]

Re: Being Selfish in the Deen

Br. SOA … oye yaar stop thinking about the 72 … phil waqt jo hai us per Qanaat karo …

Br. Psyah, concisely put I think this would end up in a circular argument. Even if you are doing it for the sake of Allah SWT its because you realize that not doing it has detrimental effects. Either way you are the one to gain from it not Allah SWT whether that gain is an escape from punishment or gathering rewards or help needed in tribulations. Its the Glass half full or half empty analogy. I think what matters is that it is not done to gain reward from the people or fame. It is done to exalt yourself in the eyes of Allah SWT not the people.

[SlaveofAllaah]

Re: Being Selfish in the Deen

Qanaat what does that mean.

[USResident]

Re: Being Selfish in the Deen

@SlaveofAllaah

Qanaat what does that mean.

Shukar guzaar hona

[Light_Bearer]

Re: Being Selfish in the Deen

I don't think the word selfish do the justice to the topic. Greed might be a better choice of word. Or rather "profit/gain" would be appropriate.

But then everything humans do is for gain. If not money then it's fame or reward in afterlife.

[irajkhan]

Re: Being Selfish in the Deen

@psyah

Peace and Salutations to all

Please express your thoughts about this topic. Selfishness is as some people argue against Islamic values. However, do we all realise that this is the case?

Is it therefore considered selfish to do anything good in this world for the chance of being accepted in to Jannah?

Or perhaps, we want to pray because it makes us feel good and at peace.

Would it not be better to pray because our Lord wants us to pray? Would it not be better to do good because it is required of us to do good?

As Iqbal had said (paraphrased translated): If you can't do it for the sake of your Lord, then do it for your own sake.

He seems to imply that the pious do things for their Lord's sake, where the average Muslim should do things at least for the potential reward and protection from punishment.

no how can u say da Allah only wan us to pray no no no he dun need r prayers but actually he want peace in the wrld n is sovriegnity so v must nah b selfish bcuz v wo b asqd about da ppl livng around us da y din v show dem da rite thing so i thnk it is nccsry to help oder by shoing dem da rite path