Rokan's Journal

Life can often feel overwhelming—whether it’s managing school, career decisions, family, friendships, social activism, political engagement, or worship. In moments like these, it’s natural to wonder, “How do I find the right balance?”

The Quran and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) do not offer a rigid formula for achieving balance because each person is unique, with different circumstances, attributes, and challenges. Instead, they provide guiding principles for navigating the complexities of personal, social, spiritual, cultural, political, and professional aspects of life.

The Power of Faith in Shaping Societies

The journey towards balance begins with a connection to Allah. This connection, renewed five times daily through prayer, serves as the spiritual anchor that informs and guides every other aspect of life. When this spiritual orientation is firmly in place, it can extend beyond personal development and lead to meaningful contributions to society.

One powerful outcome of this orientation is social activism. When faith deeply penetrates a person’s heart, it not only transforms the individual but also becomes a force for societal change.

A compelling example of this is the life of Badsha Khan (1890–1988), a social activist from the Pathan community who founded the non-violent movement Khudai Khidmatgar (Servants of God). Through his efforts to establish schools and literacy centers in the neglected regions of the Northern Indian Frontier, Badsha Khan played a pivotal role in challenging the cultural stagnation of his people and contributing to India’s eventual independence from British rule. Even Mahatma Gandhi admired him, calling him an “unquestionable man of God.” Badsha Khan’s deep faith not only changed him but also became the driving force behind social reform in his community.

Similarly, when Pope Francis addressed the U.S. Congress in 2015, he highlighted Dorothy Day (1897–1980) as one of the most notable figures in American history. Day, a convert to Catholicism, was a journalist and social activist who founded the Catholic Worker Movement, which led to the establishment of numerous soup kitchens and charitable organizations across the country. At a time when anti-Catholic sentiment was rampant, her work through Catholic orphanages, schools, and hospitals helped integrate Catholicism into the fabric of American society.

The examples of Badsha Khan and Dorothy Day are truly inspiring. They remind us of the power of faith-driven activism and the profound impact it can have on society. Today’s Muslim youth are in a unique position to offer similar contributions. Armed with creativity, energy, intelligence, and a deep connection to their communities, they have the potential to counter Islamophobia and help build a more just and inclusive society.

Balancing faith is not solely about personal growth; it’s about using that growth to positively influence the world around us. As the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, “The best of people are those who are most beneficial to others.”

Embracing Shared Identity: Lessons from the Prophets

The success of individuals like Badsha Khan and Dorothy Day can be attributed to their ability to view their fellow Indians and Americans as “their people.” This sense of belonging is a crucial component of their identity and the driving force behind their social activism. It reflects the prophetic spirit, which is essential in balancing Muslim and western identities and fostering social change.

In the Quran, the prophets (peace be upon them) often addressed their communities with the phrase “O my people” (ya qawmy). This term of endearment conveys a sense of belonging and affection, even though the people they were addressing were often non-believers or polytheists. The prophets saw themselves as part of their communities, deeply concerned for the welfare of their people, regardless of religious differences. In the same way, Muslims today can view their neighbors—despite differences in ethnicity, race, or religion—as part of their qawm (people), even if they are not part of the ummah (religious community).

This raises an important question: how many Muslim youth can look at their diverse neighbors and genuinely feel, “these are my people”? And perhaps even more crucial: how can Muslims become catalysts for positive social change if they don’t feel a sense of belonging, identification, and affection for those around them? Finding a balance between a Muslim and American identity requires embracing both, allowing faith to shape not only how Muslims engage with society but also how they see themselves within it.

Engaging the System: Muslim Contributions to Political Discourse

Political awareness and involvement at local, state, and national levels are vital for giving Muslims a voice in shaping policies that affect their communities. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) emphasized that using one’s voice to bring about positive change is a religious duty. He said, “When one sees a wrong, let him change it by his hand, and if he cannot, then by his tongue…” This emphasizes the importance of raising one’s voice against injustice, and in Arabic, the word tasweet refers both to raising one’s voice and to voting.

While political involvement itself may not be a direct religious requirement, using one’s voice to promote positive change certainly is. Voting is one of the most effective ways to do this, especially in the current political climate, where crucial decisions about the country’s future are being made. Young Muslims have numerous opportunities to get involved politically, whether on the local or national stage. As we see in USA Organizations like MPAC (Muslim Public Affairs Council) and CAIR (Council on American-Islamic Relations) offer platforms for engagement. Same thing can be done by the youths in their own countries through same kind of organizations. Ultimately, political awareness and activism are essential components of a balanced, faith-driven life for American Muslims.

Unleashing Potential: The Power of Passion in Achieving Greatness

I was once in a talk about career choices and was approached by a well-meaning “uncle” afterward. He told me that the idea of pursuing one’s passion as a career was misguided and that I didn’t understand the “rule of fours.” Curious, I asked him what that was. He explained that, in his culture, you are either a doctor, lawyer, engineer, or a failure—those are the only four options. Unfortunately, this mindset is common in many Muslim communities. But if everyone were a doctor, lawyer, or engineer, not only would this create an imbalance in our society, but it would also lead to personal imbalance for those who are not naturally drawn to those fields.

The key to balancing your career with your life is to find what truly makes you happy and excel at it. Take great boxer Muhammad Ali, for instance—he wasn’t a doctor, lawyer, or engineer, yet he became an honorable and beloved figure by being true to himself, sincere in his faith, and pursuing his passion with determination. Muslims should follow that example and aim high in their careers. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) once said, “If you ask of Allah, ask Him for Firdaus [the highest place in Paradise]” (Sunan Ibn Majah). From this, we can infer that we are encouraged to aim high in all aspects of life.

The concept of ihsan (excellence), which is one of the three dimensions of faith—Islam, iman, and ihsan—calls on Muslims to strive for perfection in everything

they do. Ihsan is about aiming for excellence in our intentions, words, and actions. Thus, it is part of the Prophet’s sunnah to aim high in one’s career, no matter the field, rather than limiting oneself to a few professions.

Allah gives a beautiful parable in the Quran: “The example of a good word is like a good tree, whose roots are firmly fixed, and its branches reach toward the sky” (Quran 14:24). One interpretation of the branches reaching for the sky is that a person of faith has unlimited potential. This should be the mindset of every young Muslim, no matter what career path they choose. The Prophet (peace be upon him) once put his hand on Salman Al-Farsi’s shoulder and said, “If this faith were to reach the constellation of Pleiades, it would be someone from this person’s type who would attain it” (Bukhari). This is a powerful metaphor for “reaching for the stars,” showing that the real sunnah of the Prophet is to aim high. The only way to achieve this balance in life is to follow the Prophet’s sunnah and pursue your passion.

The Importance of Relationships: Nurturing Family and Friendships

We are social beings, and without regular, healthy social interactions, our lives can feel out of balance. This need for social engagement is recognized in the prophetic tradition. When Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him) left his family in the barren land of Becca (now Mecca), he prayed to Allah, asking Him to “incline

People’s hearts towards them” (Quran 14:37). This prayer laid the foundation for building a social network.

Having a strong network of family and friends is not just essential for a balanced life; it’s crucial for overall well-being. Studies have shown that communities with close-knit social bonds tend to live longer. Dan Buettner’s bestselling book Blue Zones identifies several places in the world—Sardinia in Italy, Okinawa in Japan, Nicoya in Costa Rica, and a community of Seventh-day Adventists in Loma Linda, California—where people live significantly longer. A key commonality among these communities is the presence of strong social networks, with frequent and meaningful family and friend gatherings.

Family and friends provide a unique perspective on our lives, offering advice, support, and constructive criticism. They see us from angles we cannot see ourselves, and their involvement is vital to maintaining balance. And in the middle of all this, don’t forget to carve out time for yourself to relax and have fun! While many people are familiar with the concept of “sleep debt,” few realize that they can also accumulate “play debt.” In his book Play, Dr. Stuart Brown highlights the importance of play in maintaining balance. Whether it’s through sports, games, or lighthearted activities, make sure to incorporate some fun into your life. Even the Prophet (peace be upon him) would take time to race with his wife Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her).

A faith-driven balanced life includes time for relaxation and joy.

Conclusion

Being a young Muslim involves navigating various social, political, cultural, and personal challenges. While these challenges are common to everyone, each individual faces them in unique ways. The Quran and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) offer timeless guidance for overcoming these obstacles and achieving a healthy, balanced, and successful life.