Disengaging from what does not concern one

I have always considered God’s teachings as a means of supporting one’s self esteem and personal values in order to enrich the quality of one’s life. Human society is made up from individual units who, working together, weave the fabric of the quality of their lives, good or bad, to better themselves or to regress and change for the worse.

These teachings and guidance are surely provided for the purpose of improving the quality of human society as whole and to maintain a climate, in which we all can prosper and co-exist, until we are brought in front of God for the final accountability.

We all understand the benefit of engaging with others for the good of all. Indeed most of us encourage a positive engagement, seeking good relationships in charitable work, and in the public interest, and when endeavouring to enhance the quality of all our lives.

However, there are times when such engagements are discouraged in Islam: when there is fear that engagement could become a liability and would harm the quality of human lives or the life of an individual. Indeed, given the chaotic situation that the Muslim world finds itself in at the moment, heads need to be put together to establish appropriate areas of engagement and disengagement for the Muslim community. 

I would like to mention some supporting references for what I have just said:

The Quran says: ‘O believers! You must guard your own self. No harm would come to you if anyone goes astray, if you follow the guidance’. S5 V105

Engagement with others begins with disengaging from one's self interest. There is a saying in Arabic: ‘The empty-handed person does not offer anything’. One has to possess the qualities of goodness and excellence for oneself in order to offer them to others. The above-mentioned verse does not advocate a total banishment from engagement, but reminds people to look at what, in the first place, concerns them, before they worry about others.

In the same vein, the Quran says in Surah 18 and Verse 6: ‘You would perchance fret yourself to death following after them, in grief, if they believe not in this message’.

These verses show two different levels of public concern but clearly define the limits of engagement whilst reminding us of their respective priorities.

What one achieves by the means of speech, action or indeed through thoughts depends, in the first place, on the consideration given as to the best positive outcome for all. Thinking about oneself before thinking about others is not always an act of selfishness. Indeed, it should be seen as a part of the process of being prepared before engaging with others.

Drawing attention to this understanding, the Prophet Muhammad, Peace and Mercy of Allah be upon him, said: ‘the best part of the Islam of a person is to disengage from what does not concern him’.

Excellent advice, everyone should appraise their goal and purpose in life and evaluate their personal qualities. No one should attempt to pass on  to others what they don’t have or believe themselves.

The Prophet Muhammad, going further, and speaking somewhat bluntly, said: ‘whoever believes in Allah and in the Hereafter, must speak of goodness or (if not) rather shut up’.

Disengaging from wrongdoing or evil deeds is called an act of charity, and that in itself becomes an act of positive offering and engagement with positive thinking.

According to a hadith narrated by the Companion of the Prophet Anas ibn Malik, a man commented on the death of another man, in the presence of the Prophet Muhammad, saying: ‘Have the glad tiding of the Paradise’.  The Prophet then spoke to him saying: ‘How can you say that? Perhaps he has spoken about something that did not concern him or withheld that which did not make him the less for it’.

This is an important subject and knowledge of it will certainly benefit any person searching to make a positive change and a real impact. Problems arise when the ignorant force their way into what is not, or should not be, their concern. If people only play the role that is their God given capacity, life would be better for all. People must desist from playing God, concentrate more on themselves, and not meddle in the affairs of others. Then, Insha'Allah we will enjoy a more peaceful existence, an enhanced quality of life for everyone, and human society will be less infected by slandering, mischievous acts, evil deeds and of course wrongdoers.