In lslaam, the first responsibility that a Muslim has is towards his own self. A believer is required to be concerned with himself. Narrated Abdullah bin Amr (RA): "The news of my daily fasting and praying every night throughout the night reached the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam).
So he sent for me or I met him, and he said, "I have been informed that you fast every day and pray every night (all the night). Fast (for some days) and give up fasting (for some days); pray and sleep, for your eyes have a right on you, and your body and your family (i.e. wife) have a right on you." (Bukhari)
The requirement to be concerned with oneself does not however mean a Muslim should be selfish. Rather, Islaam recommends that a Muslim should prefer others with regards to benefitting from material comfort. However, with regard to spiritual and moral rectitude, a Muslim is required to pay more attention to himself.
Some of the obligations the believer has towards himself are as follows: Save Yourself from Allaahs Punishment A Muslim is required first and foremost to save himself from the punishment of Allaah by obeying His commands and refraining from His prohibitions.
Allaah says: "O you who believe! Ward off from yourselves and your families a Fire (Hell) whose fuel is men and stones, over which are. (appointed) angels stern (and) severe, who disobey not, (from executing) the Commands they receive from Allah, but do that which they are commanded." (Q66 [Tahrim]:6)
Purify Your Heart
A man is defined more by the purity of (or otherwise) of his heart. A believers behaviour and general comportment is moderated by how far he is able to purge his heart of evil and bring it into the light of Allaahs guidance. Doing this is a means of success both in this life and the Hereafter. Allaah says: "Indeed whosoever purifies himself shall achieve success." (Q87 [AI-Ala]:4)
Safeguard Your Mind
Part of the responsibilities a Muslim has towards himself is to keep his mind safe from being befogged. Mind can be befogged by intoxicants and hard drugs. Allaah says: "O you who believe! Intoxicants, gambling, Al-Ansab, and Al-Azlam (arrows for seeking luck or decision) are an abomination of Shaytans handiwork. So avoid (strictly all) that (abomination) in order that you may be successful." (Q5[Maidah]90)
Protect Your Intellect
A Muslim is equally required to protect his intellect from corruption by taking care that what he reads, listens to and watches are beneficial and sanctioned by Allaah for "Verily! The hearing, and the sight, and the heart, of each of thoseyou will be questioned (by Allaah)." (Q 17[lsraai]:36) Thus, you should devote yourself to seeking knowledge and discovering the signs of Allaah in the universe.
The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) said: "Seeking knowledge is a duty on every Muslim." (Bukhari) Therefore the Muslim must continue to pursue beneficial knowledge, as long as the breath of life remains in his body.
Take Care of Your Body
The true Muslim does not neglect his body, no matter how busy he is with his Islamic responsibilities. Surely, the outward appearance of a man cannot be separated from his inner nature.
A refined and pleasant appearance befits a noble and decent essence: this is how the Muslim who is to call others to Allaah should be. The smart Muslim is one who strikes a balance between the needs of his body, mind and soul. He gives each the attention it deserves, and does not exaggerate in one aspect to the detriment of the others. In seeking to strike the right balance.
Be Moderate in Food and Drink
The Muslim takes good care of his body, actively promoting its good health and strength. So he is moderate in his intake of food and drink, avoiding greed and consuming only what he needs to maintain his well-being and energy. This is in accordance with the guidance of Allaah: "Eat and drink: but waste not by excess, for A1laah loves not the wasters." (Q7[Araf]:3)
Similarly. the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) also advised moderation in food and drink: "There is no worse vessel for the son of Adam to fill than his own stomach, but if he must fill it. then let him allow one third for food. one third for drink. And one third for air."(Tirmidhi)
Do not Jeopardise Your Health
A Muslim does not have a right to cause harm to the health of his body by smoking and other forms of uncleanliness. Allaah says: And do not throw yourselves into destruction (by not spending your wealth in the Cause of A1laah) and do good. Truly, Allaah loves Al-Muhsinun (the good doers)." (Q2[Baqarah]: 195)
Keep Strong
Although the Muslim generally enjoys good physical health, because of his abstention from haraam or harmful food and drink, and his avoidance of bad habits such as staying up late or indulging in. activities that may be detrimental to his well-being, he must still make a concerted effort to, improve his bodily strength. He should partake in physical activities that gives strength, energy and vitality to his body, and provides immunity to illness.
The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) said: "A strong believer is beloved to Allaah than a weak one." Be Clean A Muslim should be clean. He should have high standards of personal hygiene, bathing frequently. The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) said: It is the duty of every Muslim to take a bath (at least) once every seven days, and to wash his head and body." (Bukhari and Muslim)
Also. Jabir (RA) narrated: "The Messenger of A1laah(salallahu alayhi wa sallam) carne to visit us, and saw a man who was wearing dirty clothes. He said, Could this person not find anything with which to wash his clothes?" (Ahmad) Regrettably though, some Muslims neglect these teachings that are at the heart of Islaam, and do not pay heed to their cleanliness. Take Care of Your Wealth Earn it through halaal and spend it on halaal.
Do not be stingy and do not be extravagant. Allaah says: "And let not your hand be tied (like a miser) to your neck. nor stretch it forth to its utmost reach (like a spendthrift) so that you become blameworthy and in severe poverty." (Q17[lsraai]:29)
Take Care of Your Honour
The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) said: "All things of a Muslim are inviolable for his brother in faith; his blood. his wealth and his honour." (Muslim) The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) used to pray: "O Allaah. give us more and do not give us less: honour us and do not humiliate us; give us and do not withhold from us; choose us and do not prefer others to us; please us and be pleased with us." (Tirmidhi)
As a Muslim, you should avoid anything that may tarnish your honour. You should avoid all lewd behaviour. Do not steal; do not commit illegal sexual intercourse and do not comport yourself in such a way that your integrity would be questioned.
This article was culled from the publications of Deen Communication Limited