Look to your own benefit and adhere to it
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It is attributed to Imam Al-Shafi’i, may Allah have mercy on him, that he said: “The satisfaction of people is an unattainable goal; there is no way to be safe from people. So look to what ensures your own well-being, adhere to it, and leave people and their affairs.”
In today’s turbulent world, a rational person is expected to be more careful than before about what ensures his own well-being and to adhere to it, particularly by refraining from meddling in people’s affairs, avoiding interference in matters that do not concern him, and are not his responsibility. Among what I believe contributes to personal well-being, we mention the following:
Seeking Halal Sustenance: One who truly understands what ensures his own well-being does not spare any effort and expends all his energy in seeking halal sustenance. Whether achieving this involves striving to acquire more skills for earning a livelihood, learning how to increase wealth, or investing it in permissible ways, it is expected that someone seeking his sustenance should not have spare time to concern himself with the private affairs of others.
Learning and Self-Education: Personal well-being at all times and places relies largely on learning what a rational person must learn to reform himself, develop his character, and live a fulfilling life. One who is diligent in educating himself about what he needs to learn and know will always be in a better state than one who is lazy, stagnant, and fails to improve.
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Preparing for the Hereafter: Allah, the Exalted, says in the Holy Quran: “And this worldly life is not but diversion and amusement. And indeed, the Home of the Hereafter – that is the [true] life, if only they knew.” (Al-Ankabut 64).
A rational Muslim adheres to what ensures his happiness in the Hereafter by obeying Allah, seeking forgiveness, reciting the Holy Quran, embodying its moral teachings, giving charity, and doing good deeds to the best of his ability.
Avoiding Fitnah (Tribulations): It is reported in the Prophetic Hadith: “When you see people’s covenants being broken, their trusts betrayed, and they are like this,” and he interlaced his fingers. I went to him and said, “What should I do in that case, O Messenger of Allah? May Allah make me your ransom.” He said, “Stay in your house, restrain your tongue, take what you know, and leave what you disapprove of. Concern yourself with your private affairs and leave the public affairs.” (Narrator: Abdullah ibn Amr).
A Kuwaiti writer
