Becoming the best we can be - Mu'aawiyah T

We are all children of Adam. No one is better than the other. We are all equal. However, what elevates or lowers one in relation to others is what we do with our bodies. This is how we measure our self-worth. It is not measured where, when or how we were born, but rather what we do and how we do it. Our identity shapes what we do and how we do it, and why we do what we do.

6 elements of our identity that we need to look at, focus on, analyse and elevate in ourselves to get higher.
1. Sense of responsibility: It is a sickness of the heart when one externalises one's actions; when we blame someone/something else for our mistakes e.g "I punched him because he slandered me" This is a sickness that prevents us from bettering ourselves. If you truly believe that the sin you do is due to others, then you are half destroyed. Remember that no one shall bear the brunt of blame of another. You will answer for your own actions. So, remember to take responsibility for what your hands have earned. Thomas Soul says: "Although profits are beneficial to know about in business, losses are even more beneficial because it tells you what not to do." Losing income is a message to you to do something else. Apply this economic principle to yourself. If you're committing sin, then recognise that and make it a lesson on what not to do. If you say "I have too many sins to turn it around", turn it around and say "I have too many reasons not to turn it around".

2. Aqeedah: One's personal belief manifests itself in the limbs. Actions are a result of belief. If you believe that it's okay to harm a certain group of people because of their lack of faith, then that will appear in your actions. If you have corruption in your heart, that will show up in your actions. Acknowledge what is corrupt in your belief, and correct it. If you have a belief that you think is related to Islam but no one of the companion's of the prophet pbuh did it, then leave it, put it aside.

3. One's worship: Make sure your worship is in-line with Islam. Make sure whatever acts of worship (not acts of everyday life) is confirmed that the prophet pbuh did the same thing.

4. Conduct: Good characteristics of Muslims that elevate them. For example, how we visit the sick, how we give salam to people we pass by in the street. Don't be ashamed of being Muslim, or of praying wherever you are when the time comes. We need to refine how we interact with people of the opposite gender. Keep a respectful distance, and if we feel a need to marry, then do so as appropriate in Islam.

5. Appearance: Have something that identifies us as Muslim in the street, so we don't guess whether we are Muslim or not. When we do a good deed, and we are obvious as Muslims, it's an act of da'wah.

6. Money: We can be the best of people, but when money is involved, our reality comes out. We need to pay attention to halal income, and in getting that income. Don't rely on hand-outs. On the other hand, when someone in the community needs help, we fund it. Money can be used to get into paradise; itself is not evil. How it can be used can be evil. The companions of the prophet pbuh recognised the higher status of those companions with money because of how they could spend it, and how it can open up opportunity.

Conclusion: We need to refine our character, make ourselves the best we can, especially as people are looking at Muslims thinking "Is this Islam?", so we need to be the best we can be.