In Islam, we’re given such specific guidance and guidlines for living, behavior and beliefs. Every issue is covered for us in Our Quaran. Even our Namaaz is so beautifully created and organized. I like to learn about other religions and compare their teachings to my own. I find that our religion is very specific and direct about how to be good and remain in God’s favor. However other religions such as Christianity and Catholocism are much more vague and leniant.
If you go to Church and sing some hymns on Sunday you’re ok if you got wasted that weekend. It’s very vague for a Christian to say they ‘feel Christ’s love’ or ‘the Lord loves me’. For me as a Muslim, I hate myself if I miss prayers. I never feel good enough in God’s eyes. I don’t feel worthy. I know I am so blessed in my life. I am given so much more than I could ever dream of (not just material). I never take any of it for granted. But how can I ever assume that it’s because I earned it and God is rewarding me? I am not good enough to deserve reward. I know life is a test and some people are tested with material things. I know the afterlife is the only place where true reward will come.
We as Muslims judge ourselves according to a whole other set of requirements than most other religions. That can make it harder because ignorance is bliss. In Islam we KNOW everything we’re supposed to do and if we don’t…we’ll suffer the consequences. I guess people living in remote areas of the Rain Forest won’t be judged by the same standards that Muslims are judged because they don’t know as much as we do. They live by their own laws. So to be truly Righteous people is alot of responsibility and we have no excuses. God gave us this beautiful Book and didn’t leave any gray areas, any questions. It’s all there, everything we should do. It means more work, more commitment, more understanding of Allah’s Love.