These days are tough for Muslims, it has become harder to follow the true principles of religion of Islam even for Muslims in the middle of chaos and confusion in the present times. According to the definition, a Muslim is a person who lives his life in accordance with the will and pleasure of Allah. It is indeed a blessing and a joy to be a Muslims and be among the followers of Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him. Islam is a straight forward religion and its principles are clear.  It is becoming exceedingly hard to become a true Muslim, a Muslim has to face the challenges each day.

“What does it mean to be a Muslim today?” is an important question these days.  Serving the lord is what should be the first and foremost duty of the human beings, following the teachings of Quran in every area of life is what defines a Muslim, following Hadith and praying five times a day are the things that can please Allah, as stated in Surah 2: AL-Baqarah: 177, which reads as follows:

It is not righteousness
That ye turn your faces
Towards East or West;
But it is righteousness
To believe in God
And the Last Day,
And the Angels,
And the Book,
And the Messengers;
To spend of your substance,
Out of love of Him,
For your kin,
For orphans,
For the wayfarer,
For those who ask,
And for the ransom of slaves;
To be steadfast in prayer,

And practice regular charity;
To fulfill the contracts
Which ye have made;
And to be firm and patient,
In pain (or suffering)
And adversity,
And throughout
All periods of panic.
Such are the people
Of truth, the God-fearing.

Being a Muslim does not only means that we should be Allah conscious, we should also be creature conscious. We should keep in mind all the rights of creatures and the eternal life hereafter. The life path of Prophet Muhammad has been very mystic for us, he was the only complete human being who lived on the face of this planet.   A good muslim should pay attention to rights of Allah (the worship) and rights of creatures .Worship is the primary duty of a Muslim no doubt, but Muslims are also advised to take part in Jihad when the time comes for the rights of fellowmen.

The River of Tradition

How one lives his life as a Muslim depends on him and their beliefs.   The laws of Islam are applicable to all domains of human life. The colonization of Muslim peoples by western powers or westernization is also influencing the lives of Muslims and keeping them away from the religious roots in many areas of life.  Muslims are supposed to live conservatively and not be extremists. Many traditions adopted today in Muslims are not reflection of Islamic culture.

Source:  irfi.org/articles/articles_101_150/what_does_it_mean_to_be_a_muslim.htm