Another application of the statement “perform as much as you can” is what Imam al-Shatibi mentioned about; a Muslim should not attach any hardship to any good deed or act even if it is an obligation. If there exist an easier option, one should not use the harder or the more difficult option. For example, during cold weather conditions we should use warm water for wudu’ (ablution), if there is the availability of that option. Hardship is not intended by the shari’ah and should be done away with as much as possible. However when there exist no other option or choice, then the reward (sawaab) for the person will be higher.
The same principle applies to mandubat (good actions that are not obligatory but are strongly encouraged).
We should do as much as within our limited capacity. According to Imam al-Shatibi one should not make any commitment that he/she must do a certain mandubat following stringently to the core of a certain schedule but instead he/she should do it with ease at his/her own capacity. For example, do not make it a wajib(compulsory) that you will fast every Monday and Thursday but do it as much as you are able to comfortably and break it from time to time. If you try to commit yourself in these matters, they may burden you and you may finally get fed up and give up or abandon them.
Also on this issue, the Prophet, sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam, said: “O people, perform such acts as you are capable of doing, for Allah does not grow weary but you will get tired.”
In another prophetic narration the Prophet, sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam, said: “The acts most pleasing to Allah are those which are done continuously, even if they are small.” [Recorded by Imam Muslim]
There are some exceptions to the hadith which can be comprehended from the Qur’an and Sunnah. When the Prophet, sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam, forbade the haram, the general rule is to avoid doing them.
However there are some exceptions like during necessity or when there is a clash between a minor and a major harm. For example, in a situation where it is necessary to eat something which is proscribed or face the risk of losing one’s life. In this case, a greater harm (losing one’s life) is avoided by tolerating a minor harm (eating what is forbidden): But this should be done just to sustain one’s life till the allowed food is found.. This principle is referred to by the scholars as weighing between benefits and harm.
Conclusion
Understanding and putting into practice these principles may lead us to live a better and practical life, and help us fulfill our obligations in the right way. Applying them will lead us to love, appreciate and perpetually practice Ibadah (good deeds). I end with the piece below;
Always remember that whenever you are into an argument with the mindset of emerging as the winner of such argument, it is better to put a stop to it before even starts. This is because you have lost it even before the start of the argument.
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