How Can I Balance Social Obligations with Spiritual Discipline? – Shaykh Faraz Rabbani
Answered by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani
Question
How can I balance social obligations with spiritual discipline?
Answer
In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful and Compassionate
As-Salamu Alaikum
The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “Give everyone who has a right their due right.” [Bukhari; Muslim]
This Hadith reflects the balance of the Sunna—fulfilling spiritual duties while honoring social responsibilities.
Seeking Balance in Worship and Social Life
The Prophet said: “Your Lord has a right over you. Your self has a right over you. Your family has a right over you. So give each their due right.” A believer balances the demands of each moment according to what Allah seeks.
Prioritizing Obligations Without Neglecting Worship
Allah Most High says: “Seek, through what Allah has granted you, the Abode of the Hereafter. But do not forget your share of this life.” [Quran, 28:77]
We aim for the Hereafter while fulfilling our worldly duties as part of our test from Allah.
Serving Others as a Form of Worship
Imam Suhrawardi noted that serving others with sincerity can be more rewarding than personal acts of worship. Helping family, assisting others, visiting the sick, and contributing to the community—done with sincerity—are deeply rewarding.
Practical Steps for Balance
Set a worship schedule that fits your life.
Be fully present when fulfilling social duties.
Integrate the Sunna into everyday actions.
SeekersGuidance offers a course on the Essentials of Halal and Haram in its Islamic Studies Curriculum that provides practical guidance.
By following these principles, one can stay spiritually rooted while fulfilling their responsibilities with excellence.
[Shaykh] Faraz Rabbani
Shaykh Faraz Rabbani, a distinguished scholar in the Islamic sciences, is the Founder and Executive Director of SeekersGuidance. He studied under renowned scholars globally for ten years, beginning in Damascus and continuing in Amman, Jordan. Notable mentors include Shaykh Adib al-Kallas and Shaykh Hassan al-Hindi. After completing his studies, Shaykh Faraz returned to Canada in 2007 and established SeekersGuidance, dedicated to spreading reliable, relevant, and inspiring Islamic knowledge online and on the ground.
