Is Islam A Laid-Back Religion?

Most Muslims find it rather odd that their religion, which strikes a remarkable balance between faith and deeds, are sometimes accused of being ‘laid-back’. Perhaps this misconception came about because Muslims are known to say ‘all praise is due to Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ' whenever anything good or bad happens. This is because Muslims know that everything comes from Almighty Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ, the Creator of the universe, and occurs by His will. Thus, a Muslim worries less about material matters and views earthly life in the proper perspective. A true Muslim relies completely on Almighty Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ and knows that whatever happens in always for the best, whether one recognizes it or not, so one graciously accepts whatever cannot be changed.

This does not mean that Muslims should simply await destiny and take no action in life. One the contrary, Islam demands action and effort to change every undesirable situation. To be more precise, action is a required part of one’s faith. If human beings did not have the ability to act, it would be unjust to expect them to do and to avoid cretin things. Far form being ‘laid-back’, Islam teaches that mean’s main obligation in life is to act and exert effort in obedience to Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ, the All-Powerful.

Islam teaches that human beings should take positive action in this life and supplement it with prayer. Some people are lazy and careless and then blame the negative results on destiny or fate. Some even say that, if Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ had willed, they would not have sinned or committed crimes. All of these arguments are completely erroneous, because Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ the Most Wise always does what is right. Almighty Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ has not ordered us to do anything that we cannot do, because His justice is complete and perfect.