Islam: A Religion of Ease

Every matter has its own principles and regulations, and the understanding of these principles varies among individuals, as not everyone knows everything. For example, consider airplanes, ships, and trains. While all three are modes of transportation, the way they are operated and the individuals operating them differ.

An airplane is flown by a pilot, a ship is navigated by a captain, and a train is operated by a train driver. If these individuals (pilot, captain, and train driver) attempt to operate a mode of transportation outside their expertise, assuming it to be easy, the consequences are clear to everyone. No sensible person would allow such a thing to happen.

In the same way, worldly matters are not taken up lightly or started without proper consideration. Instead, people consult sensible and skilled individuals, and for certain specialized matters, advice is sought specifically from experts in that field. However, it is unfortunate that such care is not observed in religious matters. Some people simply say, "Religion is very easy." Indeed, religion is easy.

Allah Almighty says:
 یُرِیْدُ اللّٰهُ بِكُمُ الْیُسْرَ وَ لَا یُرِیْدُ بِكُمُ الْعُسْرَ٘-
Allah wills ease upon you and does not will hardship for you 
- (Translation Kanz-ul-Iman: Surah Al-Baqarah: Verse 185)

The Noble Prophet ﷺ has said:
"Indeed, religion is ease."

- (Bukhari, Vol. 1, p. 26, Hadith: 39)

However, the ease of religion does not mean that every individual should act according to their own whims and do whatever seems right to them. For example:

• Some people make mistakes in their prayer that require it to be repeated, but they don't do so. When advised, they respond with, "We have prayed, and may Allah accept it."
• During the month of Ramadan, some avoid fasting because they believe it’s too difficult, thinking that Allah desires ease for them, not hardship.
• When it comes to Zakat, instead of calculating and paying the full amount, they give a little charity, convincing themselves that they have fulfilled their Zakat obligation, believing that Allah will accept it.

These same people, in worldly matters, carefully think through even the simplest tasks, consulting those who are knowledgeable to avoid loss. Yet, when it comes to religious matters, they are unwilling to seek guidance from scholars, may Allah increase their number and grant them peace. This is despite the fact that religious loss is far greater than worldly loss, for the former pertains to the afterlife, which is of eternal consequence.

The meaning of ease in religion: Allah Almighty has made worship obligatory upon us, but out of His mercy, He did not make it difficult for us. Rather, He granted ease and made provisions for alternatives. For example:

• Fasting is obligatory, but if someone is unable to fast, they are allowed to make up for it later or, in certain cases, they may give a substitute (fidya).
• If one is unable to pray standing, they are allowed to pray sitting, and if not even that, they may pray lying down or with gestures.
• Allah commanded fasting for one month, but allowed eating during the other eleven months of the year, and even permitted eating at night during Ramadan, rewarding those who eat during suhoor (pre-dawn meal) and iftar (meal to break the fast).
• While a few specific animals' meat is prohibited, Allah made the meat of thousands of animals and birds halal (permissible).
• Allah forbade certain business practices but permitted countless others.
• He prohibited men from wearing silk, but allowed them to wear many other types of clothing.

When we reflect on all this, the meaning of the verse becomes as clear as daylight: Allah desires ease for us and does not wish to place us in difficulty. (Siraat al-Jinaan, Vol. 1, p. 295)
It is clear that our religion is full of ease, and this ease is a blessing through the final Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. However, if someone takes this ease to mean that it is unnecessary to learn about the religion and that one should just follow their own whims, this is absolutely wrong. Those with such a mindset should reflect on the fact that if ease in religion meant no need for learning, then why did the Qur'an reveal nearly 500 verses specifically related to commandments? Why were thousands of hadiths narrated, detailing numerous rules and issues?

Remember! This is the open attack of Shaytaan. To thwart this attack of Shaytaan, one should learn the knowledge of religion and worship correctly, praying for acceptance in the court of Allah Almighty.

In one of his letters, Ameer of Ahl-us-Sunnah, the founder of Dawat-e-Islami, Muhammad Ilyas Attar Qadri Razavi Ziyae (May his exalted blessings continue) writes:

"Dear Islamic brothers! It is unfortunate that nowadays, the majority of us are inclined only towards worldly knowledge, and there is very little inclination towards seeking religious knowledge. The beloved Prophet ﷺ has said:
"Seeking knowledge is a duty upon every Muslim."
- (Ibn Majah, Volume 1, p.146, Hadith: 224)

Under this hadith, my master, Imam of Ahl-us-Sunnat, Imam Ahmed Raza Khan (may Allah's mercy be upon him) has stated the following, which I will briefly summarize in simple words:

The most important duty is to acquire knowledge of the basic beliefs that make one a correct Sunni and prevent one from deviating or falling into disbelief. After this, one should learn the matters of prayer, such as its obligations, conditions, and what nullifies it, so that one can perform the prayer correctly. When the blessed month of Ramadan arrives, one should learn the rules of fasting. If one becomes the owner of the Nisab (the amount of wealth required for Zakat), one should learn the rules of Zakat. If one is able to afford Hajj, one should learn the relevant rules of Hajj. If one intends to marry, one should learn the essential rules of marriage. A merchant should learn the rules of buying and selling, a farmer should learn the rules related to agriculture, and for an employer or employee, one should learn the laws of employment. In this way, every Muslim man or woman, who is mature and sensible, should learn the rules according to their present condition. Likewise, learning the rules of Halal (permissible) and Haram (forbidden) is also obligatory. Additionally, one must learn about the issues of the heart, such as humility, sincerity, reliance upon Allah, and other such spiritual matters, and the methods to attain them, as well as the cure for spiritual diseases like pride, showing off, envy, etc. This is an essential duty for every Muslim. (Fatawa Rizvia, Volume 23, p.623-624)"

Written by: 
Abu Usaid Sheikh Ubaid Raza Attari Madani