Muslim without Islam

Coventry, UK.

Assalamualaikum wbt brothers and sisters in Islam. How is your Ramadhan? Half of the month has left us behind, and are we still chasing to gain Ramadhan-end product: taqwa ilallah? or are we are too tired to grab the chance..
Ask strength from Him, the Owner of all Strength in life..

Muslim without Islam. Can we still call them as a Muslim?

I remembered a quotation by a Muslim philosopher, Muhammad Abduh who is among the scholars in Egypt that traveled in Europe during his time. He said,

"..in Europe I found Islam without Muslims, while in Egypt I found Muslims without Islam"

This was based on his own experience dealing with people there. Europeans always be on-time, respect others regardless their age, race or status. They really work hard to achieve what they want and they appreciate knowledge very very much.

I can't remember exactly where did I read this quotation but I do understand why did he say so. In Islam, as a way of our life, we are being teach to not break promises, be on-time, and respect others. Muhammad Abduh found these characteristics at the non-muslims, and hardly see it when he deals with his people back in Egypt.

Anyway, I do agree with him. In Dublin, I have no trouble dealing with the Irish. They are well-mannered and believe me, even the van driver that we called for moving house, rang our house bell on-time. Fuhh, respect laa.

Back in Malaysia, I joined my friends to organize a programme with the form 5 students in my x-secondary school, SERATAS. It was a programme during fasting month, so we planned not to make a packed schedule so that the students won't be tired.

When we were discussing with the students about the exact time to meet again in the lecture hall tomorrow morning, my junior, a Chinese student suggested,

"Kak Huda, kita start pukul 7 pagi nak? Sempat untuk kawan2 yang ada kelas tambahan at 9am untuk datang program"

I was quite shocked to hear that, but feel so glad for that response. I smiled and said,

"Akak rasa mesti kawan-kawan awak tak setuju...huhu" (anyway at 7am, we haven't finish kuliah subuh in surau)

She is the only Chinese in that lecture hall. But she knew how to use her time wisely. Plus, she was not being selfish as she consider others too. As her senior and x-dorm mate, I like her so much because she showed a very good discipline.
She also know how to appreciate people. After the programme ended, she gave us love-shape origami and thanked us for helping her and her friends.
After all, she never failed to touch my heart with her presents and wishes when we were together in school :)

Subhanallah. May Allah give her guidance to know Him and Islam, because she already acting like a Muslim should be..

*******

So friends, are we really a Muslim? And did Islam teach us about all bad manner that we usually do? Think back, and reflect.

Let's change, and work hard to be a better person. InsyaAllah, Allah will help people who strive for His love and guidance. ameen.