Different Types of Muslims

Throughout your life you will encounter many types of muslims.

Some are simply nominal muslims, that is, they believe in Allah and acknowledge that they are muslims but never proceed beyond that. They do not fast or pray or really associate with muslims. They favor secularism and dunya over Islam. Many drink alcohol and view the world through materialism. Islam is a major nuisance to them. They have no desire to practice or defend islam.

Then there muslims that adhere to the 5 pillars but rarely offer anything more. They are overly concerned with dunya and materialism. They know the latest Hollywood movies and actors yet know little of the Quran or sunnah. They are always in competition for more dunya. Islam is acknowledged by them and practiced but it is usually secondary to dunya. Most of their friends tend to be very materialistic. There are varying degrees of this.

Another group is very similar to the group just stated above. They adhere to the 5 pillars and some even go beyond that. But their point of reference is always the West. They want shape Islam in a manner that is pleasing to West. They view the West as the pinnacle of human civilization and we must shape Islam so it is accepted by the West. They accept the major principles of Islam but some things bother them or they do not fully accept. They are always apologetic to West. They again are enamored by West and dunya. They tend to forget that our journey in this material world is only temporary. They sometime call themselves progressive muslims or reformist. Many want to reform some things in the Sunnah so it is more compatible with the West.

Then there are muslims that go beyond the 3 stated above in their Islam. They fast extra days, do extra prayers, memorize the quran, etc but their hearts are diseased. They criticize others about their iman, they envy others, and they always try boast about their religious accomplishments. They always want to prove you wrong in a religious dispute. You can find many to them at the masjid trying to lead discussions.

Then there are muslims that practice the 5 pillars and usually nothing more but their hearts are pure. They have no envy. They are humble and patient. They are gracious, generous, forgiving. They only rely on Allah for help and sustenance and are not too concerned about dunya. They are always content and happy and typically live a simple life but some can be wealthy. You do not find many of them today.

Then there are muslims that practice the 5 pillars and beyond. They fast extra days, volunteer at the masjid, do extra prayers, help the poor, and increase their religious knowledge. They are humble and have pure hearts. People come to them for advice and knowledge. The dunya is of no concern to them but they do not reject it. They are typically leaders in their communities. They totally surrender themselves to Allah. Their life is usually very simple.

Then there are muslims that tend to view this dunya as evil and it must be fought and rejected. They tend to take everything to an extreme. They are never happy and always paranoid yet they adhere to the 5 pillars and beyond. They are also always competing in iman with others. They misinterpret verses to suit their goals. They are rigid in opinions and interactions. They never smile and view woman as a fitnah. There varying degrees of this and some go on to take up arms and become militant.

Reliance on Allah

Today a Pew poll came out stating that Muslims make up 23% of the worlds population and the total number of muslims is around 1.5 billion. Yet we are so weak, divided, oppressed. The problem is not our religion, environment, or lack of resources but that we rely on nationalism, leaders, materialism, etc. and not Allah. When Obama was elected, muslims were so excited for he appeared to be less militant and more progressive than Bush. They thought that he would be fair in the Arab Israeli conflict and start withdrawing US forces in Iraq/Afghanistan. They had this hope that he would be a mercy to the world but we forget that only the prophets were a mercy to the world.
Now the war continues unabated. The US has several large base in Iraq and that will remain. In Afghanistan, they continue to escalate the war with expansion of troops and terrorist attacks. No pressure has been applied to Israel as they continue the settlement expansion and the Gaza siege. We forget to rely only on Allah for help and guidance. We forget to trust Allah. We forget to have confidence in Allah. We forget that Allah knows what is best for us.
We fail to understand that the calamities, oppression, misery, etc that afflict the Ummah can only occur with Allah permission and can only stop with his permission. He is al baseer (seeing everything).

8:53 "Because Allah will never change the grace which He hath bestowed on a people until they change what is in their (own) souls: and verily Allah is He Who heareth and knoweth (all things)."

Once we acknowledge this and quit blaming the West or conspiracy theories to explain everything that afflicts us and understand that it occurs only with Allah's permission will we then begin to understand our circumstances. Remember every circumstance that you encounter has a purpose, whether is to punish you, make you more humble, make you more patient, or increase your iman. We tend to forget this. We should examine ourselves closely, follow the Quran and Sunnah, and become closer to Allah. We should rely on him for everything. He is our helper, guide, sustainer, and saviour. Do not expect anything from the West or from corrupt Muslim leaders.

7:197 "But those ye call upon besides Him, are unable to help you, and indeed to help themselves."

8:10 Allah made it but a message of hope, and an assurance to your hearts: (in any case) there is no help except from Allah. and Allah is Exalted in Power, Wise.


4:79 What comes to you of good is from Allah, but what comes to you of evil, [O man], is from yourself. And We have sent you, [O Muhammad], to the people as a messenger, and sufficient is Allah as Witness.