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Last Update: 03:13 GMT, Thursday, Dec. 03, 2009

Family > Cyber Counselor

 

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Question and Answer Details

Name of Questioner

faraz   - Pakistan

Title

Environmentally Friendly to Islam

Question

Currently I am living in Toronto and i would like to move from Toronto to Houston, Texas because I find the presence of religion (Islam) is more dominant there compared to Toronto, and I need a change. I have a stable job I work for a bank so a portion of my income is related to interest as well. I told my family that I want to move and live there with my uncle, but everyone in my family is giving me a hard time. I don't have the courage to tell them if I live in Toronto I will always be involved in haram activities, and now I want a change in my lifestyle, Living here I don’t think I can accomplish that. I don't have any attachment with this city anymore I’m not happy. I just go through the daily motions. I don't care if I lose my friends. Even when I’m at home I’m just quiet and I sit in my room alone. Once I move out of Toronto I plan to live with my uncle until I can save enough to have my own place then my parents are going to move there with me as well.

 

What should I do? Should I move from Toronto, and try to save my soul, or live in Toronto and try to support my aging parents, who are going to move to the States as well.

Date

15/Nov/2009

Name of Counsellor

Razia Aamaarah, Bhatti `Ali

Topic

Self development

Answer

As salamu ‘alaykum

 

It sounds like there are a lot of issues going through your mind currently. You have clearly been brought up with good Islamic values, but it seems that you feel you have strayed from these, and as you say have been getting involved in ‘haram activities’. One of these ‘haram’ activities I guess is to do with your career in its relationship to interest?

 

Whatever so called wrongs you are doing, the fact is it’s not your location that is going to bring change to your inner self. It feels to me that you are trying to run away from your problems whatever they are, and your idea of Islam being more stronger in Houston has become a beacon that is calling out to you to run away from the temptations you may be faced with in Toronto.

 

My first thought is that running away from problems never solves them. Whether you are in Toronto or Mecca, ultimately, spiritual development, and religious discipline has to come from within. I know people who live in the heart of cities tainted by vice and immorality but hold there beliefs so strongly that they are able to practice their religion without deviating. There are others who live in the heart of the holy land and may be the worst kind of people you know. Therefore, my advice to you is to ask your self what sort of person do you really want to be? Allah is All Knowing and Wise, and knows that we humans are fallible, but if you are determined to strengthen your iman and spirituality, you will know what is the right path for you.

 

If your career is a problem look for alternatives, and focus on looking after your ageing parents as their prayers and blessings will give you riches beyond your expectations. Look within yourself and if moving is the right thing to do then that wisdom will come to you, but not as a knee jerk reaction to perhaps a sense of guilt of the activities you have been involved in. I pray Allah guides you well.

 

For further guidance, please try the following link(s):
Western Muslims: Is Our Identity at Risk?
The Emigrant

 

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