In today’s society, it’s disheartening to witness the unfortunate reality that has gripped the Muslim community. Straying from the true essence of Islam, we find ourselves in a place where social status and titles seem to have taken precedence over genuine piety and understanding of the faith. If one does not hail from a distinguished family, lack the esteemed titles of ‘aalim’ or ‘Hafidh’, or fail to dress in a manner perceived as traditionally pious, they are often met with disdain and belittlement.
This has raised a critical question: Is this the true message of Islam? Does the religion that preaches compassion, humility, and equality among all believers really condone such judgment and discrimination based on superficial standards?
In the teachings of Islam, every individual is valued for their sincerity, their good deeds, and their relationship with their Crator. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) himself emphasized the importance of character over status, stating, “Verily, our Creator does not look at your appearance or wealth, but rather He looks at your hearts and actions.”
Perhaps it is time for us, as a community, to reflect on our priorities and re-evaluate our treatment of others. True piety is reflected in our actions, our intentions, and our interactions with those around us, not in our titles, surnames, or outer appearances. Let us strive to embody the inclusive and compassionate spirit of Islam, accepting and respecting each other regardless of worldly labels
