TRYING TO FIND SHORTCUTS BY TREADING CLOSE TO ‘MAKROOH’ AND ‘HARAM’
Not giving importance to what is approved by Allah and what is disapproved, leads some people to find shortcuts and tread close to the territory of haram. This gets them involved in ‘makrooh’ acts (undesirable but not haram). However, makrooh deeds eventually ensnare them in haram deeds.
The Prophet (Sallellahu Alayhi Wa Sallam) said:
“Whoever falls into doubtful matters falls into haram, like a shepherd who grazes his flock around a place where he is not allowed – he will soon enter it…”
(Reported by al-Bukhaari and Muslim; this version narrated by Muslim, no. 1599)
Such weakness of faith nurtures an attitude that seeks any fatwa providing legitimacy to their desired actions. This shows one’s readiness to commit the first level of haram, taking small sins lightly. This can then lead to boldness in transgressing even further and violating the limits set by Allah. It is for this reason that for example, in the following verse, Allah not only forbade the act of “zina” but also told us not to get even near it (through acts that gradually pushes one to it).
“And come not near to unlawful sex. Verily, it is a Fahishah (i.e. anything that transgresses its limits: a great sin), and an evil way (that leads one to Hell unless Allah forgives him).”
[Quran (Surah Al-Isra:32)]
EXCESSIVE ARGUING AND DISPUTING
When the intent to correct someone goes too far and is overtaken by the desire to be right, one walks into the realm of argumentation and dispute. That in turn is a weakness of faith.
The Prophet (SAWS) said:
“No people will go astray after having being guided except that they become argumentative.”
(Reported by Ahmad in al-Musnad, 5/252; Saheeh al-Jaami’, 5633)
Arguing with no proof and for no good reason leads one far away from the straight path, and most people enter into futile arguments without knowledge or guidance or reference to the Quran. Futile arguments should be avoided as the Prophet (SAWS) said:
“I guarantee a house in the outskirts of Paradise to the one who forsakes argument even when he is in the right.”
(Reported by Abu Dawood, 5/150; Saheeh al-Jaami’, 1464).