RECKLESS DRIVING
RECKLESS DRIVING
– by Jamiat KZN, via www.Tablighuddeen.Com
With the holiday season in full flow and traffic increasing daily, motorists are being cautioned by authorities about the potential dangers that await those on the road. Over the years one of the major contributing factors to road accidents and collisions has been reckless and inconsiderate driving.
As Muslims it is our duty to ensure that we do not become the cause of loss of life and injury to others. Unfortunately the Jamiat is receiving numerous complaints from traffic authorities that many“Muslim youth” and certain adults are negligent in this regard. Being courteous and considerate forms an important part of a Muslim’s character. A Muslim is obliged to shun any activity that is futile, non beneficial and potentially harmful.
If there is a reason for someone to persistently speed and be reckless on the road then it has to bearrogance. Some Muslim youth have been found to be constantly guilty of these offences. Muslims should be lanterns of Hidaayat (guidance) for humanity. The character of a Muslim is construed as a reflection of Islam. We should be constantly asking ourselves, how do we reflect Islam? Are we being impediments in the path of others realising the beauty of Deenul Islam? Are we doing a disservice to our religion with our character and mannerisms? These and other serious questions should be repeatedly asked to determine if we are projecting our Deen correctly.
Inconsiderate behaviour in any circumstance is unacceptable, moreso when it involves the lives of other individuals. Being reckless on the road poses a threat to our family members and other passengers in the vehicle. Furthermore, other road users are also at risk due to our negligence. Bringing harm and striking fear in the hearts of others is a grave misdeed. The Qur’aan and Hadith stress the importance of good character.
Once Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) asked the Sahaabah (Radiyallahu anhum) “Do you know who is an insolvent person?” The Sahaabah (R.A) spontaneously replied “One who has neither money nor property”. Rasulullah (Sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said, “Indeed, the insolvent person from my Ummah is he who will come on the day of Qiyaamah with salaah, fasts, and Zakaah to his credit but he will also have sworn someone, slandered someone, usurped the wealth of someone, spilt the blood of someone, and caused harm to someone, thus his good acts will be passed over to the person he oppressed, if these have expired before these evil acts have been accounted for then the evil actions of those oppressed by him will be thrown onto his face, then he will be thrown into the fire. (Sahih Muslim)
Driving safely and courteously has great merits. It will reflect the true beauty and character that a Muslim is expected to portray.
