Today, living in a modern world has caused most people to think that “everything is Haram.” In this blog, we will delve into some of the factors contributing to this kind of stereotype of Islam being a strict religion, especially among the youth.

Youth is the most crucial and energetic phase in our lives that enables one to strive the most in the path of Allah. Allah only wishes ease for His servants, but it’s the people who view it as difficult due to their negligence. Let one utilize this phase wisely, as we will be questioned about how we spent our youth.

“Youth is like a diamond for those who use it and like a stone for those who waste it.” ~ Ali ibn Abi Talib (May Allah be pleased with him.)

Un-Islamic Environment:

Lack of an Islamic environment is one of the main causes of this kind of stereotyping prevailing among the youth. Muslims living in a western culture are often exposed to un-Islamic practices, thus leading to their normalization. Thus, the introduction of Islamic monotheistic beliefs in an un-Islamic, corrupt environment causes the youth to think that “everything is haram.” Interest (riba) is one of the haram practices that Muslims usually neglect.

Parents:

Parents play an important role in the physical, emotional, and spiritual upbringing of their children. The child’s first role model would obviously be their parents, as children learn more by observing and imitating rather than by mere instruction.

Character develops at home.

Abu Musa reported: The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “The parable of one who remembers his Lord and one who does not remember is that of the living and the dead.”
Source: Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī 6407, Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim 779

If parents don’t expose Islamic practices to their kids at an early age, then as they grow and get to know about Islam, they will obviously find it hard. It depends on their parents’ code of conduct to either instill the love of Islam in their children or make the child feel that Islam is strict.

Peers:

After their parents, the second role model one chooses will be their peers. The youth are often exposed to negative peer pressure due to their need to be accepted among their groups. A teenager who sees her friend without a hijab or improper dressing style would love to dress the same way. But since Islam encourages people to dress modestly and wear hijab, Islam seems like a burden. Children and youth tend to spend more time with their peers than with their parents during school. Peers who are involved in haram activities like alcohol, smoking, immodest wear, or even cheating influence the Muslim youth to normalise these practices and create a false image of Islam, claiming that “it is okay to do this since everyone else is doing the same.” This is one of the dangers associated with the lack of Islamic teachings.

Imitation of the disbelievers:

Most Muslims often compare their lives with other religions and generalize Islam as a burden. Some of the contributing factors to this comparison between religions are the lack of imaan and taqwa. As Islam prohibits some of the haram practices that are normalised in other religions, this creates a sense of burden among the youth. As a result, Muslims tend to avoid practicing Islam or even think of leaving Islam completely.

The Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: “Whoever imitates a people is one of them.” (Ahmad & Abu Dawood), and he, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, did indeed warn us: “O Muslims! You will imitate the nations before you very closely to the extent that if they went into a lizard’s hole, you would enter it as well.” His companions, may Allah be pleased with them, inquired, “(Do you mean) the Jews and Christians, O Messenger of Allah?” He sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam replied, “Who else?” (Bukhari and Muslim). The Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallamalso said: “The Day of Judgement will not come until my nation closely imitates the nations before them.” It was asked: “Like the Persians and Romans (those who hold power), Messenger of Allah?” He sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam replied, “Who are the nations (I could mean) except those?” (Bukhari).

Islam is an easy religion.

Islam is such a beautiful religion of peace, and Allah made our religion easy for us. Islam is not at all strict. True Muslims are those who submit to the will of Allah. Muslims should view the rulings and limits of Islam as expressions of fulfilling our real purpose in life with gratitude rather than as burdens.

Narrated by Abu Huraira:
The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “Religion is very easy, and whoever overburdens himself in his religion will not be able to continue in that way. So you should not be extremists, but try to be near perfection and receive the good tidings that you will be rewarded; and gain strength by worshipping in the mornings, the afternoons, and during the last hours of the nights.” (See Fath-ul-Bari, Page 102, Vol. 1)
Source: Sahih al-Bukhari 39

For those who claim that Islam is not at all fun, it is important to understand that this world is not meant to be entertainment; instead, this Dunya is a test and a means to achieve Jannah.

Abu Huraira reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “The world is a prison for the believer and a paradise for the unbeliever.”

Source: Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim 295

Imagine how merciful Allah is, such that He created hell as a mercy to the humanity.

If the concept of hell is absent, then what will be the justice for the oppressed?

Islam encourages us to be kind to others, enjoin good, and forbid evil. It is crucial for every one of us to understand that Allah only prohibited certain things for the well-being of the individual, as all prohibited practices are harmful in their essence. For instance, alcohol and smoking cause numerous hazardous health issues, like cancer, thus leading to death.

It is necessary to practice delayed gratification, which means delaying immediate pleasures, to achieve the greatest reward. If one gives up worldly pleasures for the sake of Allah, He will admit us into Jannah, which is the ultimate goal for all believers.

On concluding, just because evil and corrupted practices prevail everywhere nowadays, one should not claim that everything is haram.” It is crucial to shift one’s mindset from viewing Islam as a strict religion to viewing it as a mercy to the humanity and submitting to the will of Allah.