You’ve Been Looking At Islamic Rulings All Wrong
Sep 06, 2024 12:42 pm
Ever wonder why so many Muslims feel constrained by the dos and don'ts of Islam?
Or have you heard some people complain that Islam is all about dos and don'ts?
It seems like everything is either forbidden or required, with little room for anything else.
But here’s the truth: those rules, while important, are far fewer than the vast freedom Islam grants us in material matters.
The problem isn't that Islam limits us—it’s that we’ve limited ourselves by focusing too much on what’s mandatory (fard) and what’s prohibited (haram).
We’ve gotten so caught up in these two extremes that we forget there's an entire middle ground: the mubah—what’s permissible.
And it’s in the mubah that the real power of Islam and Muslims lies. It’s the space where we can make choices, innovate, and build the world around us.
The mandatory and prohibited exist to protect us from misusing the permissible, not from forgetting the permissible.
But, think about it today. We’re told Islam is rigid, a religion of restrictions, but that's only if we fail to see the bigger picture.
In fact, Islam gives us immense freedom in areas that can help us lead in fields like business, technology, economics, and education. The Ummah should be producing more than it consumes.
But how can we do that when we’re constantly feeling like we’re walking on eggshells, afraid to make a wrong move?
The dos and don’ts are important—don’t get me wrong—but they don’t define everything.
What they make mandatory and prohibited are far fewer than what Islam allows the Muslim to undertake.
Islam encourages us to make our mark on the world, to remove obstacles from the road (literally and figuratively), and to contribute to society in ways that improve lives.
That’s the essence of sadaqah jariyah—ongoing charity that benefits others long after we’re gone.
And that happens in the mubah, where we’re free to experiment, learn, and grow without fear.
It is in the mubah space that Muslims of the past demonstrated their business acumen, and scientific, mathematical, medical prowess and engineering ingenuity and innovations that lit up the dark ages of Western civilization.
Yet, too often, we’re stuck in debates, preferring to argue rather than build.
Some will even intentionally engineer controversial topics either for ulterior motives or to demonstrate their communication skills.
We talk about what’s required and what’s forbidden, but we shy away from constructing the platforms, infrastructure, and systems that will lead the Ummah to a stronger, more confident position in the world.
Imagine what could happen if more of us stepped into that middle ground and started focusing on practical solutions instead of theoretical debates.
This is why every Muslim should empower themselves with skills that allow them to generate income on demand.
Because when you have control over your finances, you have the freedom to contribute more to your community and build toward the Islamic civilization we all talk about.
I am not asking you to abandon the dos and don’ts—I am telling you that the dos and don'ts are guardrails, not the entire road.
And if we stick firmly to the teachings and principles of tawhid, the dos and don'ts will become less of an issue.
And we will take on all our dunya responsibilities with shoulders high, without the fear of falling into the prohibitions or neglecting the injunctions.
And that’s what the Dawah Design Thinking Coaching helps you achieve.
It’s about equipping you with the mindset and tools to thrive in the mubah space, to find your purpose in the freedom Islam grants you.
It’s not about selling you a dream—it’s about helping you discover how to live the one Islam has already given you.
So, the next time you feel boxed in by the rules, ask yourself: Am I focusing too much on the extremes and missing out on the middle where I can actually make a difference?
The Ummah needs builders, not just talkers. The question is: Will you be one of them?
I pray so.
Teslim Adeyemo
The Muslimchangemaker
P.S. If you are interested in the Dawah Design Thinking Coaching, book a 1-hour Zoom session with me.