11.03.06
I Like To Party
Questions have always arose. Seems pretty straight forward, right? Well, I have talked and conversed with many friends and people about this issue. I have been born and raised in New York, so all through-out my schooling this has entered my mind from time to time. Some are hell-bent against it, and some are for it, yet the vast majority are simply confused.
So what is the correct approach? In a pure theological approach it is very difficult to attend such gatherings. In fact, it is virtually impossible to justify it, because of the haraam and un-Islamic atmosphere including alcohol, lewd music, indecent male-female interaction, and so forth. Technically, that should be enough for us to avoid such activities. If we have a desire to want to strive towards Him (swt), then we definitely should stay away.
However, I will try to explain my opinions and views on this issue, because it is so wide-spread in this society. Some may agree, some may disagree, but my views arise from my understanding of the Qur’an and Sunnah and I will attempt to explain the philosophy behind why it is deemed as discouraging in Islam and to human-nature. And no, I am not lecturing, condemning, criticizing, judging (sunday school style!) anyone, because it goes back to the individual and the only thing that can reap real change from within is our hearts and souls.
Some may ask “What if I don’t take part in the “drinking and dancing,” but still attend. My question for those people- what is the benefit? Do you enjoy drunkenness? There are other avenues to enjoy life and socialize with your friends. Why should we compromise our beliefs? We are Muslim first, and then we are everything else. We should never compromise on our principles. We are people of principles. If we trust Imam Husayn (a) and his sacrifice, then this should be obvious to us. This religion has been revealed and protected for us for a reason. Great people were tortured, imprisoned , maimed, massacred, and murdered, so that we may be able to practice this way of life the way it should be practiced. Why even put ourselves in these types of predicaments? We should have enough faith and strength to say, “No.”
Why would you walk in Tijuana, Mexico at 1:00 am in the morning, when you can drive? It is next to suicide.
And for those that argue, “I just want to see how it is?” No, we do not have to see what it is to understand why its not good or what the “big fuss” is about (refer: http://thenlightenment.whatheblog.com/2006/08/21/recognizing-good/). Should we all commit suicide to see how it feels to be dead? Should we all induce STDs into our bodies, so we understand how they function? We need to strive and resist anything that comes our way. It is our examinations, and obstacles and we must overcome the challenges. It will only benefit us at the end. That is God’s promise.
My advice is that we should never sell our souls despite the temptations, because we will become morally bankrupt. Unfortunately, once that occurs it will be too late. Please, do not sell-out.
Irving Said:
November 3, 2006 at 12:14 pm
Though my partying days are far behind me, I remember it mostly as a way to meet and be around members of the opposite sex. It is really a mating ritual with alcohol and music thrown in to lessen the inhibitions and shyness of the young.
Ah youth.
Ya Haqq!
Maryam Said:
November 6, 2006 at 1:51 am
interesting post Abbas, the problem here is two fold.
the people who already think this way will agree whole heartedly with your proposition.
the ones who don’t will fall into the “yeah its my life, i dont do anything wrong and i know my limits” etc.
so its the 2nd category that we’re trying to cater to perhaps… the question remains. HOW.
such a large proportion of the muslim youth population is drunk on a self imposed perception of who they need to be… *sigh* i could go on and on
Abu Zahra Said:
November 6, 2006 at 12:45 pm
Salaams,
I don’t have a reference for this (sorry), but there is a lecture by the popular Canadian singer, Dawud Wharnsby Ali called “Amusing Ourselves to Death.” Very on point.
naqvia Said:
November 6, 2006 at 1:06 pm
Abu Zahra,
Would have been cool.. if he had a song on it…
some one Said:
November 6, 2006 at 2:29 pm
by the way.. your in america now.. if you dont want to get drunk and get stds from random people why did you move here?
naqvia Said:
November 6, 2006 at 2:42 pm
Sarmad,
I didn’t.
some one Said:
November 6, 2006 at 2:47 pm
oh yeah you were born here…
my mistake
ali jamali Said:
November 8, 2006 at 1:04 am
Salaam allaikum,
Mashallah a very concise yet thoughtful post on this subject. I also agree with you seyed abbas that we shouldn’t sell our ideals and norms for the norms and ideals of people who really have none.
If someone has the higher ground spiritually and morally then there is nothing to be gained in seeing the darker side of things. The only gain in seeing a lower level is the possible potential of ourselves falling into that level. As someone once said to me…”Its true that you can go into a sewer and not eat any of the sewage…but man will you stink once you come out”
znasralah Said:
November 12, 2006 at 10:00 am
this is very true…this is what youger people live for today, once you take this whole partying and alcohol away its as if they have nothing left to live for. it’s quite disgusting.
Hasan Said:
November 14, 2006 at 3:50 pm
I love partying.
You guys are so narrowminded.
Prometheusbound Said:
November 15, 2006 at 3:31 pm
Thats some good advice!….btw i started a new blog… (TOP secret!)… IA will send you a link when i think its ready.
Jaas Said:
December 8, 2006 at 11:46 am
I have the same outlook as you on the topic… i’m just stressed out that since my industry is so emphasized on social networking i will find myself in a bar or other similar gathering promoting a film or etc… inshAllah that time never arises