The Selfless Muslim: Introduction

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As we welcome Ramadan, many of us are taking calculated steps towards carrying out a range of acts of worship in the hope of making the most of this meritorious month. As many of us eagerly aim to engage in regular Qur’ānic recital, commit supplications (du’ā) to memory, and offer the night prayer (Qiyām), we should consciously avoid stripping Ramadan from its communal element.

The acts of worship mentioned above hinge on improving individual well-being and placing our concern for ourselves above our concern for others. However, the concept of selflessness is also one of the noble qualities that Muslims have been strongly encouraged to embody throughout the Islamic discourse.

Allah states in the Qur’ān,

ٱلَّذِینَ تَبَوَّءُو ٱلدَّارَ وَٱلۡإِیمَـٰنَ مِن قَبۡلِهِمۡ یُحِبُّونَ مَنۡ هَاجَرَ إِلَیۡهِمۡ وَلَا یَجِدُونَ فِی صُدُورِهِمۡ حَاجَةࣰ مِّمَّاۤ أُوتُوا۟ وَیُؤۡثِرُونَ عَلَىٰۤ أَنفُسِهِمۡ وَلَوۡ كَانَ بِهِمۡ خَصَاصَةࣱۚ وَمَن یُوقَ شُحَّ نَفۡسِهِۦ فَأُو۟لَـٰۤىِٕكَ هُمُ ٱلۡمُفۡلِحُونَ 

“As for those who had settled in the city and [embraced] the faith before [the arrival of] the emigrants, they love whoever immigrates to them, never having a desire in their hearts for whatever [of the gains] is given to the emigrants.

“They give [the emigrants] preference over themselves, even though they may be in need. And whoever is saved from the selfishness of their own souls, it is they who are [truly] successful.” [1]

This verse was reported to have been revealed regarding the emigrants (Muhājirīn), who were subject to various forms of abuse in Makkah.

As a result of this mistreatment, they were compelled to seek refuge elsewhere. When they emigrated to Madina – whilst having no assets or wealth in their possessions – the residents (Ansār) welcomed them with open arms and provided unconditional support.

This segment of Surat al-Hashr is indicative of the admirable level of selflessness that the Ansār displayed. And although many of them didn’t have enough food or wealth to sustain their own households, they selflessly gave precedence to the Muhājirīn!

Deeper reflection

Ibn al-Qayyim – one of the foremost classical scholars in tafsīr – provides us with some thought-provoking commentary on the verse above:

فَتَأمَّلْ سِرَّ التَّقْدِيرِ، حَيْثُ قَدَّرَ الحَكِيمُ الخَبِيرُ – سُبْحانَهُ – اسْتِئْثارَ النّاسِ عَلى الأنْصارِ بِالدُّنْيا – وهم أهْلُ الإيثارِ – لِيُجازِيَهم عَلى إيثارِهِمْ إخْوانَهم في الدُّنْيا عَلى نُفُوسِهِمْ بِالمَنازِلِ العالِيَةِ في جَنّاتِ عَدْنٍ عَلى النّاسِ. 

“Ruminate the reason why Allah, the All-Wise, the All-Acquainted, decided to favour others over the Ansār in respect of their wealth and assets (Dunya) – even though the Ansār are the true representatives of selflessness.

“The divine wisdom in doing so was to recompense the Ansār for their wholehearted selflessness towards their brethren, through preparing for them lofty abodes in Paradise.” [2]

After looking at this key Qur’ānic message, it is clear that Ramadan is an opportune chance for us to emulate the exemplary selflessness of the Ansār, through our day-to-day actions in the hope of gaining something better in the Hereafter.

And it is for this reason that this Ramadan, we’re going to embark on a 30-part series, where we’ll explore varying selfless acts of worship that we can carry out throughout this blessed month.

Action plan

Ask yourself these two simple questions:

• How selfless have your previous Ramadans been?
• What measurable steps can you take, to make this Ramadan more selfless?

Coming up

Now that I have given a brief introduction to this special series, look out for part 2, which will be going live tomorrow. It will revolve around dutifulness towards parents in old age – something that is always important to give attention to.

Also, while you ponder over this introduction, how do you think you could display selflessness towards your ageing parents?

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Source: Islam21c

Notes

[1] al-Qur’ān, 59:9

[2] Tafsīr al-Qayyim, Vol. 751