Practicing or Appearing?

[Muzna]

Re: Practicing or Appearing?

@R.A.W

I spent 4 years in military, where the appearance was not more important than character, but the comparison between the two was considered illogical, because leaving the uniform while still being a practicing soldier is not an option (for common soldiers) in any military of the world, yet they give more importance to the character.

Islam also doesn’t give this option, even though you aren’t declared kafir by leaving appearance. Imagine, anyone asking the Prophet (saw) this question about which one is more important ? Its just like asking Hijab is more important or Farz namaz. Practically Hijab is less important but leaving it also makes ALLAH unhappy. So, a woman practicing only namaz can’t console herself that she is practicing the more important deeds so she won’t be asked about the less important ones. In fact, a gunnah-e-saghira practiced consistently for a long time becomes gunnah-e-kabira, in the light of hadiths. (you may confirm from a scholar).

My father served for 35 years in air force and reached the highest level. But if he goes for a minute to his office wearing uniform of any other army or that of India, he would have to face court marshal. No one would even consider all his sitra-e-imtiaz, tamgha-e-imtiaz,…etc. breath taking sacrifices, because he didn’t respect the appearance that he was expected to.

Not to nit-pick but would you consider a decorated soldier any less honourable if he/she is in their civies? Does the uniform lend them special powers or are those valuable qualities of discipline, morality, integrity ingrained in their character?

I understand your point and appreciate where you are coming from. I even agree to a large degree. However, the thread was not geared to suggest that you should do one over the other…but to rank one as more important than the other and if so then which is preferred.