Ways
of
Acting

You know

the muslim way of life isn't just about the things that we do,

but also about the way that we do them,

the way that we behave.

We can do good things in a bad way,

or bad intentions can unintentionally bring about a good result,

and vice versa,

disasters can come from acts performed with the very best of intentions.

But what is important to the Deen is the intention behind an action,

as that is what will be judged.

And only God truly knows our intentions when we do things,

because sometimes we can't even be sure if we know

what our real intentions are ourselves.

Life can get very complicated.

And just because an action seems good at one time

doesn't mean that it can't be bad in another,

and again vice versa,

just because it's bad right now doesn't mean that it can't be good in another time or place,

or for someone else.

We need to keep trying to work it out as we go along,

and so we keep searching for knowledge and understanding

to sort out the good and bad of our actions in the world.

And we learn that what is good for us and others

is to tell the truth and be trustworthy,

and not to steal and cheat.

We try not to hurt each other,

including the hurt we give through mockery,

and we trust who we are

enough to avoid the need for showing off or hypocrisy.

And so we bind our community together

by reconciling enemies

and offering forgiveness to those who ask it of us,

and form bonds of co-operation amongst ourselves.

In that way we can do so much more together than we can do on our own,

setting our endeavours in a community of shared loving kindness,

living the muslim way of life,

the Deen.

Now doesn't that sound like something to aim at?

What do we mean by good manners?

What about just having fun?

What about drinking and gambling?

What about the joy of spending money?