For as long as the Ummah can remember, we have been colonized. First, our forefathers martyred, our land occupied, and our riches stolen. We were humiliated, as we forgot Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى‎). Then, we were 'freed' just to be colonized again; however, this time, with the illusion that our lands were 'ours' and our riches too. This time, there was no war to colonize but war to 'spread freedom'. Our colonizers deceived us into thinking they are on our side by promising 'freedom and prosperity'. Unfortunately, they did not stop there. If they could not win your heart, they definitely won your mind. It is becoming increasingly more difficult to differentiate a Muslim from a non-Muslim, for the Muslim's mind has been colonized. Instead of behaving nobly and in accordance to the Qur'an and Sunnah, you behave like your colonizer. All that TikTok, YouTube, and brain rot you have been exposed to has made you senseless. To you, it is normal and perhaps even funny although completely contrary to the religion you claim to follow. 

The question then arises: What makes a Muslim, a Muslim? Is it merely their belief in Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى‎) and the Prophet (صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ)? Is it merely committing to the five pillars of Islam? No, it is not. Islam is unlike any other religion: it is a way of living. So, why is it then that most Muslims do not behave like Muslims?

1. Language - Today, so much of our youth and even elderly engage in excessive cursing. Whether it is by dropping f-bombs, s-bombs, b-bombs, or even invoking the anger of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى‎) upon each other, this is by no means how a Muslim should behave. The prophet (صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ) said:

"Whoever would love to be delivered from Hellfire and admitted into Paradise, let him meet his end with faith in Allah and the Last Day, and let him treat people as he would love to be treated." - [Sahih Muslim 1844]

"The believer does not insult others, does not curse others, is not vulgar, and is not shameless." - [Sunan at-Tirmidhi 1977]

Think of it this way: would you not want an easy path to Paradise? Then for every time you use vulgar language, that path gets much steeper.

2. Disrespect - What happened to respecting elders and showing mercy to the young? The way people act today makes it seem as though those principles never existed. Today, we witness the young insulting and speaking disrespectfully to their elders. Today, we see the elders mistreat the young and violate their rights. Is this how our religion was set up? The prophet (صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ) said:

“Whoever does not show mercy to our young ones, or acknowledge the rights of our elders, he is not one of us.” - [Sunan Abi Dawud 4943]

These are the principles that keep our communities intact, so why do you not follow them? None of us are higher than the other except with what Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى‎) gave us of rights.

3. Behavior - Immaturity has prevailed over the Ummah. The ways of godlessness have infiltrated us, and we have yet again been colonized. Those trends that suddenly pop up and disappear as sudden as they come poison your heart and offer you no benefit. Is it any wonder that you struggle to learn about your religion or even find it boring? Do you want us to defeat the enemies of Islam when we are in such a state? Even if you find them ridiculous, you acting upon these trends for laughs proves you have been affected. The prophet (صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ) said:

“Whoever imitates a people is one of them.”  - [Sunan Abi Dawud 4031]

Do you only remember Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى‎) during prayer, or has brain rot taken away what distinguishes you from a disbeliever as well? Islam is not against lighthearted joking and fun, but it is against ridiculousness and vulgarity. Islam is a way of life, so if you are a Muslim, start acting like one.

What does it mean to behave like a Muslim, then? Or in other words, how do you behave like a Muslim? First, look at your intentions. Train yourself so that every step you take, you have taken for the sake of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى‎). Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى‎) is always watching; are you so shameless that you behave the way you do in front of Him? Next, if you have nothing beneficial to offer, it is better to remain quiet, as the Prophet (صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ) said:

"...anybody who believes in Allah and the Last Day should talk what is good or keep quiet." - [Sahih al-Bukhari 6018]

Just imagine how much this basic rule can help you. Either say good or be quiet. However, do not let its simplicity fool you. There are demons actively pushing intrusive thoughts into your head, compelling you to act contrary to the guidelines of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى‎). This is why you must always be on top of your game, thinking about whether Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى‎) would be pleased with your actions before acting. Now, what about the way you interact with your fellow siblings in Islam? Initially, always assume the best about them. The Prophet (صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ) said:

"Beware of suspicion, for suspicion is the worst of false tales; and do not look for the others' faults and do not spy, and do not be jealous of one another, and do not desert (cut your relation with) one another, and do not hate one another; and O Allah's worshipers! Be brothers (as Allah has ordered you!)" - [Sahih al-Bukhari 6064]

Even if you think they did or said something wrong, make excuses for them and assume the best possible case scenario, as even the companion of the Prophet (صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ), 'Umar ibn al-Khattab (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) said:

“It is not allowed for a Muslim who hears a word from his brother to assume evil of him if he can find something good about it.” 

After assuming the best, appreciate the relationship you have with your siblings in Islam. No connection binds people more firmly than love for the sake of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى), so wish for other Muslims what you wish for yourself. Do not, O siblings of Islam fall to the Devil; he is weaker than you because you have Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى). The Prophet (صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ) already warned us of the Devil's tricks, after all:

"Lurking towards you are the diseases of the nations before you. Envy and hatred are the razor. I do not say they shave hair, but rather they shave the religion. By the One in whose hand is my soul, you will not enter Paradise until you have faith and you will not have faith until you love each other. Shall I tell you what can affirm that for you? Spread peace between yourselves." - [Sunan at-Tirmidhi 2510]

Notice how Islam guides you through it all? All you need to do is follow; is that so hard?

O Allah do not punish us because of our shortcomings and for what the foolish amongst us have committed. O Allah we ask You through all Your glorious Names to accept our fasts, recitations, remembrances, and night prayers. O Allah we ask You to aid us in maintaining our good habits and abandoning our bad ones. O King of kings, Master of masters do not forsake our brothers and sisters who are oppressed in Palestine, Sudan, Yemen, Syria, Lebanon, and in all places. O Allah grant them true reliance upon You, and good thoughts about You. O Allah, the revealer of the Book, and the swift in reckoning, and the mover of the clouds, and the defeater of the clans; defeat the enemies of Islam, and shake them, and grant us victory over them.

اللّـهُمَّ آميـــــــــــــــــــن اللّـهُمَّ آميـــــــــــــــــــن اللّـهُمَّ آميـــــــــــــــــــن