Us and Them

 

I've just decided to start reading the Hobbit. I had a go a while back whilst in my late teens when I was ploughing my way through books and trying to read all the classics, but I never got beyond the first page. I'm not sure why, because it is indeed delightful.

I'm not really sure I have time to read such books, and I probably shouldn't. Rather I should engage myself in some more profound activity. Perhaps that's why I've put the book down and opened my laptop and decided to pen some words about a thought that came to me whilst reading about the dwarves and Gandolf coming for tea sitting down and having a merry time. Bilbo is asking if they will all stay for supper, and I'm thinking "It's time to pray asr!"

And there is it! No, not beginning a new paragraph with "and", but there it is: them and us. The Kaffir, the Muslim, the difference. You see it's clear that Hobbits are very hospitable creatures, which indeed is a noble trait that Tolkien attributes to his imaginary creatures, but so were the pagan Arabs, ever hospitable indeed, in fact legendarily hospitable. In fact you will find virtually every nation and group of people has some worthy characteristic or another, but this is difference between the believer and the infidel; prayer. Not just the occasional prayer, mind you, like those who cry out only in times of trouble but regular like clockwork five times a day, just a part of my normal everyday life because it is the centre of my life prayer. It the type of prayer that breaks up every part of the day and directs it toward the Mighty King of all creation, and imbibes the love and worship and fear of Him in one's life. It's the type of prayer that makes life centred around Him, since knowing Him is the very purpose of existence, and the one who knows Him understands that our willing servitude, our praising and asking Him is beloved to Him, and through that we become His beloved and His "awliya".

Now if we Muslims hate adventure like Hobbits hate it because it disturbs the regularity of their suppers, we would be like that because it disrupts our prayers, and regular reading of the Quran and attending the masjid, because as a Hobbits joy is in food and ease ours is in prayer and worship. This is the gulf between them and us. A gulf about what we love and why, what we do and why.

Comments

[Muslim_brother]

Assalamu Alaikum brother Abdur Raheem,

First of all, I thank you for the article you posted. It really shows the difference between a Muslim and a non Muslim. I ask Allah the Almighty to keep us on the straight path until we die as Muslims. Aameen.

Another point that your article brought up is an enquiry...have you read the sequel to The Hobbit; The Lord of the Rings. ?

If you haven't, then it is my sincere advise that you do so [after finishing The Hobbit]. Please bear in mind that this reading should not interfere with basic obligations you have towards Allah and your family. In your free time, reading The Hobbit and The Lord of the Ring is just a very enjoyable exercise. I'm an Arab, and I always believe that the language of the Qur'an [i.e., Arabic] is the most beautiful in the world. Having said that, I never knew the English language could also be so beautiful [to a lesser degree than Arabic] until I read these two books by Tolkien. It was such a pleasure.

Thanks again for the post,

Muslim_brother

ARGcomment: May Allah bless you for your advice and nice comliment on the English language! I have a friend who is a scholar of the Arabic language and is poet also. He was not convinced that English could be a vehicle for much beautym but I read him some poems and he was impressed. I will try to read Lord of the Rings when I get time, althoug I am quite a fast reader, so it should take to long.

[Rudayna]

salam alikum sheikh Green
i like these classics very much i feel innocence & all the beatiful feelings of the happy childhood in my childhood i was reading mostly classics uptill now altough my 23 years i still love reading this type of stories
but what a nice note you have noted sir yes ther's difference between the true muslims and kaffirs indeed
when i was young i was avery selfish girl never give anything even to my only beloved brother who help me alot but when starting to recite Quraan knowing what Allah loves Allah love generous people people who prefere giving the others even if they love these things
but allhamdullilah now Allah make me love to give not only money but time in helping people i've changed alot allhamdullilah

but i 've problem in my prayers i'm ashamed to say this but this is the true
i'm lazy have struggle alot till starting to pray the fard 9 years ago but alhamdullilah from the start i used not to delay the fard but what's the problem i don't love to pray the sunnah oh my God i know it's wrong but i'mm lazy it's hard to me & i'm sad to this $ another thing i've that i note that i'm starting to be lazy even to the fard too even i pray i feel i'm just doing movements i'm afraid that 1 day i wiil leave the prayers what can i do & how can the salat change my personality and make not doing sins

sorry for this long ccomment but your note remember me with what obsess me 9 years ago i was yearning to Allah now i'm cold

ARGcomment: Thank you for your post sister.
Yes, the extra prayers are important, not just because as you siad, if you get lazy about them then it may happend you will get lazy aobut the fard, but for another VERY important reason you have alluded to, and that is you become "cold" in you relationship with Allah.
You see the Prophet said that Allah said "My servant does not come close to me through anything more beloved to me than the obligatory deeds, and My servant increases on those deeds until I love him.."
So the means to Allah's love is through such deeds, done correctly with understanding and pure intentions. So dear sister, may Allah have mercy upon you, no wonder things feel cold, because the warmth of Allah's love that elevates one's soul and brings hapiness to the heart is not there as it used to be. My sister, you need to be patient in your journey to Allah, it seems far, but it is not. No the life is very short, and you have no idea when it will end!
May Allah guide us to love Him and to love those who love Him, and to be loved by those who love Him, and to love the deeds that will cause Him to love us. Ameen.

[Fatima Barkatulla]

Assalamu Alaikum
I read the Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings and the one after that (The fellowship of the rings I think) when I was 11 years old! I was totally engrossed. I think the first Gulf war was going on at the time. But I must say, that as a religious young girl, I did say to myself:
Man, this guy JRR Tolkien had much too much time on his hands!!!

:)

ARGcomment: lol. Anyway just finished it an hour ago. Much fun, what an adventure!

F Barkatulla

[Fatima Barkatulla]

By the way, I've been watching Peace TV occasionally at a relative's house and it is brilliant ma sha Allah. Just the scale of the events are unbelievable.

We had a laugh last time we watched because you were talking about the 'bees and the flowers' meaning men and women and hijab etc...I never knew you could do such a good impression of a flower!!

FBarkatulla

ARGcomment: LOL! You should see my impression of the bee!

[Umm Rageh]

Assalamu Alaikum,

Brother Green, I found your description on the sacredness of prayer for a muslim immaculately conveyed in the above piece on 'hobbits' of all things!! You have reminded me what I should be valuing most in this life....Jezak Allahu Khayran...and please keep up the good work Insha'Allah.
And Allah knows best.

[Buraq]

Assalamu 'alaikum.

I never did like fantasy stories. When I was done reading the Hobbit, it felt like I lost 100 pounds.

But what an interesting way of looking at things. Cute comparison.

Alhamdulillah and may Allah continue to bless you in your efforts.

ARGcomment: cute? Do you mean £100 or you lost 100lbs...that's 45kg. How big are you?? Gulp.

[Umm Rageh]

Assalam Alaikum again!

You have stated that comments will be moderated- just wondering why mine hasn't made the cut thus far?? Did I write anything inappropriate, or was it just boring brother lol?? Let me know Insha'Allah

ARGcomment: Sometimes a wierd thing happens and comments appear on my list after I have already gone past that section. Yours seems to be one such phenonema! I'm posting it now!

[Umm Rageh]

Assalamu Alaikum,

Brother I literally LOL when I re-read the 'mini tantrum' comment I posted!! Hardly phenomenal (still laughing btw astaghfurallah!!!). Just wanted to make sure that you are aware that your words about prayer really resonated with me and reminded me of what I need to be doing more often. I'am also a revert and I'm currently mustering up the courage to talk more to my siblings about what I've learnt about Islam. Please make du'aa for all the mumineen out there in this situation Insha'Allah.

PS Oh and I promise no more tantrums!!!

[Buraq]

(you dont have to publish this)

Lol... I meant in terms of weight, not money.

And I'm very small and frail and thin to be honest, I'm just used to that kind of exxagerated sarcasm.

Cute.. I guess. I have no idea why I said that. Must be the picture above and how you tied it to Islam.

[Umm Ahmed]

As salaamu'alaykum.

Very nice analogy, although I know many males who wont allow any adventures to interfere with their grub , isn't that why we should eat before we pray or our khushoo would be out of the window.
I am new to this site but not your talks , Your rock and roll talk is an all time favourite.

[Danyal Lodhi]

This isn't a comment, rather it's a plea for helo from ARG... I'm a born again Muslim, and by the Grace of Allah I flipped last Ramadan, from a party animal too a Decent muslim, Alhumdulillah. However, when I first changed, my Iman and Taqwa was like a burning fire, with time it started fading. The issue I'm having, about which i really worried and scared is that, now when I say my Salaah, I get really disturbing thoughts in my mind, such as that Allah doesn't Exit, Naoozubillah, n i shake away these thoughts, n try to concentrate on my Salaah, but with time these thoughts r getting stronger and I'm afraid that Allah will turn away from me or damn me.. to comfort myself i think that these thoughts r from the shaitan to derail me from the deen.

So I ask for your help ARG, I'm big follower of your lectures on peace tv. I'm reading the Quran regularly to help me, but I want u to tell me, am I still a muslim, though these thoughts r occuring in my head. Will Allah understand that it's not me, its the shaitan.

Also, these thoughts started occuring when I had a debate with an Agnostic, and as u know agnostic belief God may or may not exist. So it's just bothering me.. please help me...I'm sure there r other ppl who hve the same problem.. And i know alsready that Allah exists there is so much proof, from science aswell..

Looking forward to hearing from you.

Your brother in Islam

danyal Lodhi

ARGcomment: I suffered from this exact phemonema when I first became Muslim and indeed for many years. This is in factr a sign of Iman. The Prophet was approached by a young man (as I recal the hadith) who complained of exactly this, and the he terrible thoughts. The Prophet said that it was a sign of true faith, as long as one does not act on it.
Shaitaan will always try to attack you through doubts and misconceptions and your desires. So you must lern to control you desires and cure the doubts. The solution for doubts is to seek knowledge. As your knowledge and ibadah increases so will your yaqeen (certainty.) May Allah protect you and increase you in faith. Ameen.

[Fatima Barkatulla]

For Brother Danyal...please note the du'a at the end (what to say when afflicted with such whisperings from Shaitan...this is from Sheikh Munajjids site www.islamqa.com:

Disturbed by waswaas (whispers from the Shaytaan) and evil thoughts:

QUESTION: When I do Salah or intend to do good deeds I often get very evil thoughts in my mind. When I concentrate in Salah, and try to focus on the meaning of the words, evil thoughts enter my mind, which make evil suggestions about everything including Allah. I feel very frustrated and angry about this. I know that none forgives sins except Allah alone, but because of my thoughts I feel that there is nothing worse than to have evil thoughts about Allah. After Salah I ask Allah's forgiveness, but feel very bad because I want to stop these evil thoughts, but I can't stop them. These thoughts spoil my enjoyment of Salah, and also make me feel as though I am doomed. Please advise me.

ANSWER:
Praise be to Allaah.

Evil whispers during prayer and at other times come from the Shaytaan, who is keen to misguide the Muslim and deprive him of good and keep it far away from him. One of the Sahaabah complained to the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) about waswaas during prayer, and he said: “The Shaytaan comes between me and my prayers and my recitation, confusing me therein.” The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “That is a devil called Khanzab. If he affects you seek refuge in Allah from him and spit drily to your left three times.” He [the Sahaabi] said, I did that and Allaah took him away from me.

(Narrated by Muslim, 2203)

Proper focus (khushoo’) is the essence of prayer. Prayer without proper focus is like a body without a soul. The following are two of the things that help one to develop the proper focus:

1 – Striving to think about what you are saying and doing, pondering the meanings of the Qur’aan, dhikr and du’aa’s that you are reciting; bearing in mind that you are conversing with Allaah as if you can see Him. For when the worshipper stands to pray, he is speaking to his Lord, and ihsaan means worshipping Allaah as if you are seeing Him, and knowing that even though you cannot see Him, He sees you. Every time a person experiences the sweetness of prayer, he will be more inclined to do it. [?]. This depends of the strength of one's faith – and there are many means of strengthening one’s faith. Hence the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said, “Of the things of your world, women and perfume have been made dear to me, and my joy is in prayer.” According to another hadeeth he said, “Let us relax, O Bilal, with prayer,” and he did not say, Give us a break from it.

2 – Striving to ward off the things that may distract you during prayer, namely thinking about things that are irrelevant or distracting. Waswaas affects each person differently, because waswaas has to do with a person’s level of doubts and desires and the degree to which a person is attached to other things or is fearing other things.

(From Majmoo’ Fataawa Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyah, 22/605)

With regard to what you say about the waswaas reaching such a great level that you have begun to experience waswaas that makes you think about Allaah in ways that are not appropriate, these are evil whispers from the Shaytaan. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“And if an evil whisper from Shaytaan (Satan) tries to turn you away (O Muhammad) (from doing good), then seek refuge in Allaah. Verily, He is the All‑Hearer, the All‑Knower”

[Fussilat 41:36]

Some of the Sahaabah complained about the waswaas that was bothering [?] them. Some of the companions of the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) came to the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) and said to him, ‘We find in ourselves thoughts that are too terrible to speak of.’ He said, ‘Are you really having such thoughts?’ They said, ‘Yes.’ He said, ‘That is a clear sign of faith.’” (Narrated by Muslim). (Narrated by Muslim, 132 from the hadeeth of Abu Hurayrah).

Al-Nawawi said in his commentary on this hadeeth: “The Prophet’s words, ‘That is a clear sign of faith’ means, the fact that think of this waswaas as something terrible is a clear sign of faith, for if you dare not utter it and you are so afraid of it and of speaking of it, let alone believing it, this is the sign of one who has achieved perfect faith and who is free of doubt.”

And it was said that what it means is that the Shaytaan only whispers to those whom he despairs of tempting, because he is unable to tempt them. As for the kaafir, he can approach him in any manner he wants and is not restricted to waswaas, rather he can play with him however he wants. Based on this, what the hadeeth means is that the cause of waswaas is pure faith, or that waswaas is a sign of pure faith. See also question no. 12315

The fact that you hate that and your heart recoils from it is a clear sign of faith. Waswaas happens to everyone who turns to Allaah by reciting dhikr etc. It is inevitable, but you have to be steadfast and patient, and persevere with your dhikr and prayer, and not give up, because in this way you will ward off the plot of the Shaytaan. “Ever feeble indeed is the plot of Shaytaan” [al-Nisa’ 4:76 – interpretation of the meaning]. Every time a person wants to turn to Allaah, waswaas brings other matters to mind. The Shaytaan is like a bandit: every time a person wants to move towards Allaah, he wants to block the way. Hence when it was said to one of the salaf that the Jews and Christians say, “We do not experience waswaas,” he said, “They are speaking the truth, for what would the Shaytaan do with a house in ruins?”

(From Fataawa Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyah, 22/608).

The remedy:

1 – If you feel that you are being affected by this waswaas, say, “Aamantu Billaahi wa Rasoolihi (I believe in Allaah and His Messenger).” It was narrated from ‘Aa’ishah that the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “The Shaytaan comes to one of you and says, ‘Who created you?’ And he says ‘Allaah.’ Then the Shaytaan says, ‘Who created Allaah?’ If that happens to any one of you, let him say, Aamantu Billaahi wa Rusulihi (I believe in Allaah and His Messenger). Then that will go away from him.”

(Narrated by Ahmad, 25671; classed as hasan by al-Albaani in al-Saheehah, 116).

2 – Try to stop thinking about that as much as possible, and keep busy with things that will distract you from it.

Finally we advise you to keep on turning to Allaah in all situations, and to ask Him for help, and to beseech Him, and to ask Him to make you steadfast until death, and to cause you to die doing righteous deeds… And Allaah knows best.

Islam Q&A

[Heni Suwandi]

I agree that we need to acquire more knowledge to have strong faith but in my opinion, it is not always the work of Shaitan that inflicts us with doubts. There is this one verse of do’a Selamat: Rabbana laa tuzigh quluubanaa ba’da idz hadaytanaa wa hablanaa milladunka rahmatan innaka antal wahhaab which clearly is our plea to Allah to not shake our faith after we’ve received the revelation. Oh brother, you need not to worry or feel guilty so much for having strange thoughts. I believe when it does happen that means Allah (swt) is asking us to search Him in a deeper level (Surat Al-Ankabut; ayat 2, 10 and 11 concerning Allah (swt)’s ruling on people’s faith). From time to time (until we are six feet under) Allah (swt) will test our faith through strange questions and hardships. I suggest you to not read the Qur’an blindly cz some verses are considered muhkamaat (clear) and some are mutasyaabihaat (unclear). It’d help a lot to focus also on reading ABOUT the Qur’an; how it was revealed to our Prophet (saw), how does the Qur’an differ from any other Kitabs, why the Yahudi and Nasrani religions aren’t really the religions for all mankind, why did our Prophet (saw) receive a higher degree than the rest of the Rasuls, what were his great missions, etc. Read also the Muhammad’s biography and pay attention to the history before Muhammad (saw) was born, during the spreading of Islam and after. Trust me, once you do this, Allah will then be pleased with you and you can smile whenever these thoughts running through your head cz by then you’d already know the answers.
Keep in mind:
So long as you feel vulnerable, that means Allah still remembers you
So long as you have faith, He will never leave you.

Oh ya, this is the rest of do’s Selamat. Recite this (the arab version) after every shallat. I don't hv the english version but I'll do my best to translate them 4 u - just incase y'r wondering (for full translation go ask your Imam)

Allahumma inna nas-aluka salaamatan fiddiin, wa ‘aafiyatan filjasadi, wa ziyaadatan fil ‘ilmi, wa barakatan firrizqi, wa taubatan qablal maut, wa rahmatan ‘indal maut, wa maghfiratan ba’dal maut.
(Ya Allah, please grant us with selamat in Islam, selamat for our jazad/body, more of the noble knowledge, berkah in our rizqi, taubat before death/maut, rahmat when we’re dead, and be forgiven after death)

Allahumma hawwin ‘alaina fii sakaraati wannajaata minnar, wal ‘afwa ‘indal hisaab.
(Ya Allah, please grant us with the least painful of sakaratul maut, and release us from the burning hisab of the Hellfire)

Rabbana laa tuzigh quluubanaa ba’da idz hadaytanaa wa hablanaa milladunka rahmatan innaka antal wahhaab.
(Ya Allah, please do not shake our Iman after You’ve guided us to the truth)

Rabbana aatinaa duddunyaa hasnah wafil aakihirati hasanah wa qinaa ‘adzaabannar.
(Ya Allah, we plead for kindness in the world and akhirat and please keep us away from the torment of the Hellfire)

Amin

Good luck brother :)
Wass,
Heni

ARGcomment: Heni has a good point. From my experience the whispering of Shaitaan has often led me to deeper insights and understanings about Allah, since I am forced to seek answers for the doubts he puts to me. In the end my iman in strengthened. How weak is the plotting of Shaitaan.

[Heni Novita Suwandi]

Dear Brother Green,
I’d appreciate yr opinion on this. You see, I grew up listening to one of my dad’s classical music collections named Frank Sinatra. Although I personally don’t like who Franky was as a person but his music helped me feel a lot closer to home when I was studying abroad especially in the USA. Whenever I missed my family, Franky was there to cheer me up. Obviously, my dad has an allowed-music view on music and I’d been following his footstep on this matter before having the courage to believe differently. It’s been three yrs now since I’m home and I’ve been unsuccessfully trying to shake off my attachment to it. I know it might seem weird to have fallen in love with music, sang by someone who was born almost seventy yrs ago before I was, but I’m afraid I’m in it way too deep already – and having my dad around playing the record over and over again doesn’t seem to help either. I feel guilty but not really at the same time. I’m not sure how’s your ruling on music but I have a hunch that your ruling of it would be harram. But if not, could you please help me anyway :)

Thank you and have a nice day.
Heni

ARGcomment: There was a whole discussion on this issue on this blog that stemmed from Global Peace and Unity, you might find it interesting if you ever get to read it. I don't intend to go into it here again. My position is that of the classical scholars that singing with instruments (except the duff) is haram , that includes Frank Sinatra. I don't say it is a major sin, but it is in general something that leads us to sin and forget Allah.
Someone sent me a link to a lecture on this matter and said it was the best that he had ever heard on the subject.
here it is:
http://muslimmatters.org/2008/05/14/the-end-of-music/
http://muslimmatters.org/audio/kamalmekki-endofmusic.zip

[Heni Novita Suwandi]

Hi Brother Green,
Thanks for your reply. Must confess, I do have a hectic life. I seem to nvr really get the big break to spare time reading the rest of your valuable articles thoroughly. I'm really sorry for that. Promise's been made, will do make time for it this weekend.
Jazakallah,
HS

ARGcomment: Please at least read the article on Altruism because it is so valuable to you hypothetical question, I think!

[Heni Novita Suwandi]

Okay Brother G, I promise you I will :)

JZK
heni

[Danyal Lodhi]

Asalam Alaikum,

I read your comments, and I can't thank you enough Abdur Raheem Green and Sister fatima. I felt so much better after I read your answers, because i was quite disturbed. Alhumdulillah i feel much better. And I'am reading the Quran with translation, infact its more of an explanation.

Alhumdulillah, I'm so glad I'am a muslim.. I have had low times with my Iman, but I always bounce back Alhumdulillah.

and this is so true, that knowledge is power, especially knowledge of the deen, that way we'll be able to better follow Islam and stay away from Bidah and haraam practices. I now understand that Jihad is not only in the battle field but jihad can be done thru diff means.

For example, I've decided to have a career in a complete halaal enterprise. I have joined a Takaful Org. and I know i'll just play a s mall indirect part, but I guess right now we muslims need to do Jihad by establishing a Halaal and Islamic Economic system.

Unfortunately, Most muslim countries hve 'Interest Based Economies' and unfortunatley we muslims r blindly going about with it, without thinking that How Haraam it is.

I urge my muslims brothers who are working in conventional banks or financial institutions, dealing with stock or forex, to please leave these Haraam careers and start with a halaal career. Allah will help once we take this step.

Please, since finance will be my career, InshAllah, thats why I'm passin on whatever knowledge I have.

We need to defeat the Zionists, because thats what they r enslaving us muslims, with their completely Inhuman disgusting interest based banking.

Allah Hu Akbar...and InshAllah one day we Muslims will rise...

JazakAllah

Danyal Lodhi

[Danyal Lodhi]

Oh yes, thanks to Heni Suwandi Aswell, I forgot to mention in my previous comment :)

JazakAllah

[Issa Mohammed Hagi]

Hi brother. First and furmost I want to praise you for your da'wah and your participation in the muslim race against the western democratic conspiracy! Your clear and truthful approach to the truth not fearing this corrupt society should be followed up by young muslims. I have benefitted in an amount I really can't tell from your lectures, Anhamdulilah! And the thing that seperates you from the "regular" muslim preachers, is your detailed approach to the theme. Defining word by word terms used in society, religions and cultures. Words like religion compared to deen, worship compared to ibadah. But also your clear definition of words like oppression, good, evil etc. This clear approach marking each word clears our minds and put a visual picture in our heads. We can imagine these words put them up together and through that understand wrong and right. Instead of hearing word after word, not really knowing the real meaning of it!

Coming to my question: Sports these days stand high in so many communities it has developed to a universal entertainment. Most recently I've heard muslims, christians and even atheists conspiring against sports and football as a tool used by the global government to keep a sleeping society down and ignorant. Reflecting on this, i was thinking about the faces of the supporters. I was watching Chelsea-Liverpool last year at Stamford Bridge in the Champions League second leg semifinals. The faces of the supporters, displaying fear, anger, dispare or happiness, love and smiles not for Allahs sake but caused by some touches of footballers, most of them worshipped by the majority of the arrived. This part of the football I am not proud of. But football has another part to it. A uniting part. A life saving part. Wich has benefitted brazilians through generations.
Following the financial crisis, I saw the same pattern. Investors fearing and crying over the burst of red they went devastated of the decreasing economy.

My point is, I already know that watching football should'nt in the starting point contradict Islam. But when it defines you and your feelings and when it comes so high up in your life becoming a worship, in its litteral meaning as worshipping players. And when you cry and hulk, laugh and smile according and in rythm with a component arguably made by the rulership.And when you push your prayers back half an hour for the second half. And when you go in the battle with emotions, devotion and determination for your club, by critisizing, bullying and in the worst condition by being willing to fight physically as the term hooligan steps in. And you are not willing to do actions either with your heart nor with your lims for your own DEEN, and you even are afraid of defending you own religion, is'nt this unjustice to Allah?

 Comparing these widely different conditions in a "muslim believer". Would you consider him a unbeliever? Does he worship the football more then his Creator? And if this is right, this is the condition of my co-muslim teenagers and maybe my own as well. If this is the fact this should be regarded as a serious problem. As the society get's a more steady grip on us and our brothers and sisters. What should the muslim society do about this?

ARGcomment: It certainly is possible for it become as you say, a type of shirk. If this level reaches the stage when you love or fear of hope or trust in something as much as or more than you do Allah, then of course it is shirk without doubt.
One might excuse momentary lapses as sins and disobedience, but if this becomes permanent and enters the heart it can certainly consume you and cause you to perish. What then does the Quran mean when the Almighty asks us "Have you not seen the one who takes their desires as their god!"
and the saying of the Prophet
"woe be to the worshipper of the dinar and the dirham."

[A sister]

assalamu alaikum,

i just wanted some advice from you Br Green regarding waswaas. I got physically sick suddenly a few weeks ago and alongside this i have been having strong waswaas about Allah, about the deen and my iman.

When i manage to control the waswaas about Allah it moves on to waswaas about the religion and that i am not strong enough to practise anymore or i am a bad Muslim etc

It is mentally and physically exhausting me, my iman is so low i feel sick. i am starting to get phobic about Masajid and other Islamic things. can u advise me. You mentioned you had some form of waswaas when you first accepted Islam.

What can i practically do to stop this taking over me? any advice would be much appreciated.

ARGcomment: Make sure read the "three quls" at least every morning after fajr and after maghrib, and befor sleeping, and read ayaat ul qursee after every obligatory prayer and before you sleep. These are "atom bombs" against Shaitaan!
Also try to stay in wudu, so when you go to bathroom etc..amke wudu after that, and also make lots of adhkar such as "subhanallah wa bihamdi, subanallah ul adheem" etc...