Reflections By Ustaz Mizi Wahid: Inspect Our Heart, Suspend Judgement, Renew Intentions Everyday

Since the beginning of time, every person who has a mind of their own, has always had an opinion. The major difference now is that there are more platforms for people to express those opinions publicly. Today, as I reflect, I’d like to focus on one of those opinions which makes its rounds more regularly in the month of Ramadhan.
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Over the last 5 years of so, I’ve been observing a lot of people commenting on the need to not “show off” the good practices and deeds that we are doing. And to a certain extent, I agree. But I also have this fear that as we continue to be righteous by telling others off not to check-in at a religious event, take a selfie after tarawih, or have an official photographer at a Ramadhan charity event – it makes me wonder what the long-term consequences will be.
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Allah is well-aware of what is in our hearts. “Actions are but by intention and every man shall have but that which he intended.” [Bukhari]
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The reminder not to do those things are commendable, as I understand what the motive is. But perhaps it also comes from a person’s personal fear or inability to maintain the purity of their intentions in such circumstances. What happens next, is the general one-size-fits-all assumption that anybody who does the same, must certainly be carrying the same corrupt intentions, or is on the edge of falling into the abyss of insincerity.
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• What if the person who does any of the examples above and those alike, are doing them with the unflagging hope of inspiring others to do the same?
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• What if the person is someone who has just recently turned over a new leaf in life; happy to have found peace again, guidance, and love for the religion?
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• What if the person just wants to share? No hidden agendas. No ulterior motives.
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• And what if, your assumptions are completely flawed?
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Here’s the thing. I’m not against the advice. Because at the root of it, it’s good. However, what I’m more concerned with is the way we choose to deliver the advice; through harshness, mocking, public humiliation, (and everyone’s favourite) sarcasm.
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• What if instead of helping others improve their behaviour and character, we end up killing their spirit?
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• What if instead of more people being inspired by the shared deeds, they end up seeing more and more negativity spread around in place of it?
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• What if the problem is not with them? What if it’s our heart?
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• And what if it’s not so much about how quickly they update their status online, but rather how hasty we are at judging their actions?
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I guess for today’s reflection, there’s no right or wrong. If there’s one thing we MUST do however, it is to inspect our heart, suspend our judgement, and renew our intentions – everyday.
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