Introduction
Anyone familiar with Islam as an intellectual tradition will at some point come across collections of fataawa (sing.fatwa), in which the Mufti will provide answers to queries on issues ranging from rituals to business laws. Many works of this genre have survived for hundreds of years, and still provides insights to contemporary readers, such as the famous multi-volume Majmoo' al fataawa, a collection of the opinions of Ibn Taymiyyah ( d.1328).
Our intention here is not to provide fataawa, but rather to share succinct suggestions, based upon Islamic texts, on a variety of important issues that are faced by Muslims, in particular in the West Coast region of the United States. Much of the points below are equally relevant for non-Muslims. We are confident that the issues highlighted below, accompanied by answers as based on deen, will prove to be helpful in having a healthy and balanced life.
Intoxicants
The West Coast generally has a well-known liberal culture, differing in many ways not only from other nations, but regions in the country itself. Thus, it's approach to the consumption of intoxicants has reflected that reality.
Alcohol, as well as items such as marijuana (cannabis) and tobacco products generally, although deemed largely socially acceptable, are known to create physical and financial harm. A NEW YORK TIMES article has highlighted this regarding alcohol Even a Little Alcohol Can Harm Your Health, Research Shows - The New York Times (nytimes.com)
Tobacco use is very high, even among Muslims, many of whom have followed fatawaa arguing that it is not technically forbidden (haraam) but rather simply disliked (makrooh). Tobacco is both harmful and addictive, so much so that the manufacturers are required (by law) to list some of those harms on a pack of cigarettes and other products generally. A list of the harms provided by Mayo Clinic Nicotine dependence - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic makes the argument that the best treatment is to stop consuming such items.
The Qur'an has said that intoxicants, defined as that which befogs the mind, has more harm than benefit (Q 2:219) and is a repugnant tool in Satan's hands (Q 5:90). This should be sufficient for us as an alert to abstain from such products, even in (seemingly) "harmless" scenarios.
Gambling
Much of the above information on intoxicants can likewise be said of gambling. The AMERICAN PHYSCOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION How gambling affects the brain and who is most vulnerable to addiction (apa.org) has highlighted the problems associated with it, manifested in new avenues of gambling now available.
The Quranic verses cited above also have a mention of gambling. It may seem like simply a fun game. but it has long term devastating effects. Qur'an (5:90) says that if we want success (in life), that activity, even with small amounts of money, must be discontinued.
Financial victimization
Too often we are hearing of this problem, an issue which can no longer be ignored. The most common form people, (particularly the elderly,) are targeted is that an email, text or a direct message on social media will be received promising heavy financial incentive if they (the victim) agree to "hold" money allegedly found in some exotic location. Once the victim gives their bank details, they end up losing their money, rather than gaining a profit. Some tips on avoiding this problem are found Reports of Nevada-based financial scams: How to protect yourself (8newsnow.com)
Variants of the same scam include threats via text messages or email or what is commonly called honey traps, in which a person (usually a false identity) will express romantic interest in the victim, create a bond via text or internet communication to the point where the scammer will express a need for financial help, a pattern that continues until the victim is literally drained of their resources. Older men (but also elderly women) are most targeted because of living alone, limited family interaction, and less likely to generate suspicion. Another aspect of this is that victims, once realizing the scope of the deception, are often unwilling to report to the authorities, out of embarrassment and shame. The American Association of Retired Persons have published a very good summary Online Romance and Dating Scams: How to Spot a Scammer (aarp.org)
Islam has provided a number of tools to limit exposure to dangers posed by such situations. It tells us not to waste our wealth, neither are we to be stingy (Q 17: 26-27), it encourages us to pursue financial security, but not to make it the sole reason of life (Q 2:201, 28:77), not to use wealth for foolish purposes (Q 2:188). If something is too good to be true, it usually is indeed an indication of fraud. The Islamic scriptures clearly is against theft and fraud of all kinds, even stating harsh penalty for such ( Q 5:38, 83:1-6 and many more), thus, we should not be the perpetrators of it either.
Black Magic
There is much which falls under the term black magic, but our usage of this term refers to a sort of open or hidden flirtation with the occult. We have addressed this topic in detail Shamsuddin Waheed: THE INTERSECTION BETWEEN THE OCCULT AND HUMAN LIFE .
Our view is that such activities, while acknowledging the high probability of fraud and mental health issues present, it is vital for people to stay away from such interest, even if abilities to enter into that realm (for whatever reason) is actually available, because it is entering into a realm that unleashes those forces that are actually beyond our ability to control. Indeed, we are to seek God's presence in these regards, his protection from the entities in that realm (The last 2 chapters of the Qur'an).
Difficulties in finding a spouse.
This is a serious problem for Muslims in the United States. The concept of marriage (in an American context) is already a failing institution in society as a whole, with a whopping 40%-50% of marriages ending in divorce! For Muslims, the added problem is in finding suitable matches, because of unrealistic expectations, immaturity, cultural differences, or even self-sabotage.
It is our view that some alterations in our approach is necessary to remedy this problem. In some environments and contexts, polygamy would have to resorted to. More realistic expectations on the part of men and women alike are likewise required. Entertaining the possibility of relationship outside of one's race or culture is another option. This can admittedly be problematic, but it can be even more problematic when (for example) a second-generation person is paired with a person from back home, having actually two different cultures (despite originating in the same place or sharing the same ethnicity). Moreover, in situations where a wali (guardian, usually a male relative, looking out for the needs of the single female relative) is not available, it actually seems prudent that a woman may have to take the untraditional steps of seeking out a spouse for themselves.
Tradition tells us that before nabuwwah, Muhammad was working as an employee of a rich widow named Khadijah. She was older and seemingly well off. It was she, may Allah be pleased with her, who proposed marriage to him. In other words, she expressed initial interest in him.
Most (Muslim) men working in a professional environment have become accustomed to a behavior and ethic that will rarely pursue a relationship, out of fears of a hostile workplace, in respect to actual company policies, or worrying about harassment charges and the like. Everyone's situation is unique, yet in any case women may need to take the example of Sayyidah Khadijah, Radee Allahu 'anhaa, who saw something of interest in Muhammad. She proposed to him, and he went on, by the grace and design of Allah (S.W.T.) to become the seal of the prophets, Sall Allahu 'alayhi wa sallam. Thus, it may be necessary for women to be direct in expressing interest when they encounter a potential spouse. It is also important to learn the lessons of the Istikhaarah prayer before seriously embarking on that journey. See Shamsuddin Waheed: Reflections on Istikhaarah: the priorities of life
Toxic family/surroundings
Although now a vogue term, it is appropriate when describing those related by blood, yet are the most destructive. Abuse (both physical and emotional) is rampant, yet it is swept under the rug in the name of family honor.
Family is arguably the most important social unit, particularly in Muslim cultures, second only to God, it is meant to be an incubator of love, loyalty and support. It can be reasonably stated that tribe is simply an extension of that network, but what happens when those traits are not present?
Similarly, in a (so-called) religious circle, disagreements on theological points can lead to the most extreme conclusions, creating an environment of constant argumentation, or worse yet, when religion is actually used to justify toxicity, such as mentioned above.
The Qur'an is actually very realistic in addressing this. It says " O believers! Indeed, some of your wives and your children are (actually) enemies to you, thus, be cautious of them"(Q 64:14).
The text actually mentions two more items, but the first item is to be cautious (fa-ahdharhum). This is intentionally vague, in the sense that it clearly allows the reader to figure that out for themselves what "taking caution" means. If family members or so called "friends" and "religious circles" are actually detremintal to your development (for whatever reason), a person (particularly one who has been victimized) had the right to seek out means for protection. If that means to stay away from such environments, limit contact and the like, so be it! The text goes on to say "If you pardon" (wa in ta'foo), meaning that you can understand the situation and chose to pardon, but still take precautions. If a drug addicted relative stole from you, you can chose to forgive, but in the future you would naturally be more careful regarding leaving your valuables in the open! Next, it states "Overlook" (wa Tas-fahoo), to be forbearing, to a point.
یٰۤاَیُّہَا الَّذِیۡنَ اٰمَنُوۡۤا اِنَّ مِنۡ اَزۡوَاجِکُمۡ وَاَوۡلَادِکُمۡ عَدُوًّا لَّکُمۡ فَاحۡذَرُوۡہُمۡ ۚ وَاِنۡ تَعۡفُوۡا وَتَصۡفَحُوۡا وَتَغۡفِرُوۡا فَاِنَّ اللّٰہَ غَفُوۡرٌ رَّحِیۡمٌ
I understand Q 64:14 as giving choices rather than a sequential mode of action. In other words, a person facing those serious toxic surroundings is being given by Allah options to exercise as the person finds applicable. In these regards, I am actually taking a lead from the views of the great jurist Imam Abu Hanifah (d. 767), who made the same argument regarding Q 4:34.
The Qur'an (Q 9:107) mentions that an imitation "mosque" set up by hypocrites, those who were actually involved in schemes against the Prophet (upon whom be peace). The Qur'anic revelation instructs the Prophet and the believers generally not to step into such a place, to not stand for prayers in such an environment, as it is better to be in an environment built upon good intentions and a desire for purity and growth (Q 9:108).
Thus, be it in a "religious" or familial setting, Islam is clearly stating that we have the right to be in places and surroundings that are conducive for our growth, and that we have the right to make those judgements for ourselves and to take actions to have both personal and spiritual security.
Emotional health
Much of the above can be connected to this issue as well, and while I am not going to comment on medicines prescribed by an authorized professional, I will say that emotional health has strong connections to correct beliefs and spiritual foundation. An authentic spirituality will provide strength in trying times.
We have consistently taught that the Qur'anic recitation (particularly of verses that contain words of affirmation), five daily prayers, payment of charity and the like are tools to maintain one's health, but we cannot deny the need to add physical exercise in places where natural beauty is present, occasional entertainment that generates good feelings, and other such activities. More tips are given Shamsuddin Waheed: Mental & Spiritual Heath: An Islamic Perspective
It is worth noting that modern life itself produces the foundations for emotional or mental health problems. Issues of poverty, housing, and financial instability are all by-products of a world order which has taught capitalism and individualism, when in reality these are very destructive. Thus, addressing those issues are also helpful in building up one's emotional health. Wa Billaahit Tawfeeq.
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