Faith Outreach Burnout May Be Inevitable

I think the problems go back pretty far. But, in Chicago we could talk to anybody about Faith. We used to do outreach (being Da'ees) and try to bring people to Al-Islam. People had respect. But we really didn't realize that was what it was and came to expect everyone would be like this no matter where we went. That when I or we would say something about Faith there would be a mutual respect even though didn't really realize that was what it was.

So when you get to Colorado there is not the same Spirit or respect. There was a lot of Meth use. Heroin use. Etc. The thing about Heroin users is that they will make you believe that you are actually getting through to them...as long as it takes. But as soon as they can they will relapse and use Heroin again. All that work for nothing. They would tell you what you wanted to hear till they could get to a point when they could use again. Upon seeing this I understood a couple of things: 1. It is more developed a problem and requires not only Faith but Hardcore Drug Counselors (and a team of other professionals) to do outreach in some communities; 2. The burden of the cleanup is far too much, and many who do outreach about Faith would probably end up withdrawing from the work. It is like being overworked. Colorado was the first place that I didn't really sense any respect for Faith and the Laws of God. They really weren't very responsive. Very "Ho Hum." about it.

But the drug issue is progressing. It then shifted to Heroin and Opioids. Then to Fentanyl. Now to Tranq and Fentanyl. And there is supposedly something else out there now.

It is too much work for Faith leaders and in a lot of cases it (all that work) can also prove to be Sisyphean.

And that just means Faith Outreach is going to suffer burnout on it. And the legalization of some previously illegal drugs while having an upside is at the root cause of the Outreach burnout due to weed being a gateway drug to harder and hardcore drug use. And get this they are currently deliberating on making Psychedelics legal to treat something...I can't remember exactly what.

And that just means further burnout for Faith Outreach.

I think burnout on Faith Outreach could be one indicator of decay, deterioration, erosion, etc. of morals and values in the country.

Applying Lessons from a Handful Of Anbiya (epbut) And Expanding On the How We Ask Allah in Tawakkul

 

Bismi Allahi Al Rahmani Al Raheemi

ASA WR WB to Believing Muslim Friends.

Please click to enlarge these graphics. All of them are self explanatory and a few I will add a caption to. This is basically pertaining to applying what we are getting from the lessons of the Anbiya (Prophets) (epbut) to possibly improve our asks of Allah (swt) for what we need.

...until they change what is with and within themselves and their homes and their communities.

Look at what Allah (swt) takes note of.

Charity begins at home, and spreads out. And we certainly should not forget members of the House of Allah. Even more so that those who shut their ears to the cries of the poor in these places will be ignored in their own times of need. Outside of giving in the home and the House of Allah (swt) make safety a priority and be very careful of giving directly to people on the street because they may have a trauma; a mental instability; may set you up; may follow you home; or may assault you, etc. But, give to charitable organizations that will make your donations reach those in need in your community.

I would like to reference a previous blog post here but feel free to read the rest of this blog's message and then come back to this referenced blog post: "There Are A Few Controversial Hadiths" Although not all of the Hadiths are controversial there are some that are.

https://muhakeem1abdullah1.blogspot.com/2022/11/there-are-few-controversial-hadiths.html

Spread the Salaams not curses.

When I look at Surahtul Jumuah there is nothing about this saying to me to ask Allah for a bag of money to fall out of the sky. He said when the prayer has finished then disperse ye through the land and seek of Allah's bounties and remember Allah much that you might be successful

Nabi Yusuf (as) was not teaching us to ask Allah for a bag of money to fall out of the sky. Nabi Yusuf (epbuh) taught to live in Optimus. To save and Store the excesses in Maximus while maintaining Optimus. This to draw on in periods of Minimus in order to maintain Optimus. But that also from the Stores Nabi Yusuf (epbuh) set up a Trade Market. But also from the Stores Nabi Yusuf (as) gave in Charity.

Are we rehearsing this sign above of what Nabi Yusuf (as) did and are we broadcasting it so that we are all on the same page and it is commonly understood? So, by this and what I just posted of a portion from Surahtul Jumuah and the others above there is more to Tawakkul. There is more to how to ask Allah (swt) for what we need.

Jazakum Allahu Khayran.