A good Muslim is one who is able to benefit others. However, before being able to benefit others, they must also be capable and free to direct their own lives. Before becoming a benefit to others during this month of Ramadan, here are the things a Muslim must prepare.
1. Consistency in Worship
“I have not created jinn and humans except to worship Me” (QS: Az-Zariyat: 56)
Humans were created by Allah to worship and submit to His rules. Good Muslims are those who can worship safely and comfortably, without any accompanying threats. And the most important thing is Istiqomah.
Unfortunately, not all countries in the world support the freedom of Muslims to worship. Such as wearing the hijab, covering the aurat, performing prayers at the right time and place, etc. Even our brothers and sisters in Palestine, for example, face threats, gunfire, and missiles when they have to perform prayers in the mosque.
Be grateful if today we have the freedom to worship in peace and comfort.
2. Free from Heart Disease
“And do not be jealous of what Allah has given some of you more than others…” (QS: Annisa: 32)
According to the Prophet Muhammad SAW, the heart is the king. If the heart is good, our behavior and deeds will also be good. Conversely, if the king within us is bad, then our morals will also be bad.
Muslims who are ready to be of benefit are those who are able to free themselves from the shackles of heart disease. For example, envy, malice, arrogance, and feeling that we are always right. Heart disease is sometimes unnoticed and quietly erodes the rewards of our good deeds.
3. Confident in Choosing the Path of Goodness
“If you do good (it means) you do good for yourself. And if you do evil, then (the harm of evil) is for yourself.” (QS: Al-Isra: 7)
The pleasure that we must be grateful for throughout our lives is when we have the freedom to choose the path of goodness. We can determine which direction we will take to increase our rewards and good deeds during our lifetime.
When we do not have the freedom to choose the path of goodness, then we must struggle to break free from our shackles. These shackles can come from within ourselves or from external challenges.
4. Freedom from Debt and Usury
“Allah has made buying and selling lawful and has made usury unlawful.” (Al Baqarah: 275).
Allah does not forbid Muslims from incurring debt, but debt can make life uneasy and burdensome. This is especially true if the debt is difficult or impossible for us to repay. It is even worse if the debt is accompanied by usury.
A Muslim who is ready to be of benefit will live a peaceful life, full of gratitude and free from anxiety or fear, if they are free from debt and usury. Therefore, avoid debts that we cannot repay and do not approach usury so that our lives are not entangled or constrained.
Live within your means, according to your abilities, and do not be excessive.
5. Financial Ability
“Those who spend their wealth in the way of Allah are like a seed that grows seven ears, each ear a hundred grains. Allah multiplies (the reward) for whom He wills, and Allah is All-Encompassing (in His bounty) and All-Knowing” (QS: Al-Baqarah: 261).
