Imagine being so dedicated to worship that you forget to eat well, sleep enough, or spend time with your family. This was the reality for Abu Darda, a deeply devout companion of the Prophet. But when his friend Salman came to visit and saw what was happening, he did something unexpected, he stopped him. Salman taught him a powerful lesson: your body has rights over you, and so does your family.
When Too Much Worship Becomes a Problem
Words of the Prophetﷺ
Allah does not look at your appearance and wealth, but He looks at your heart and your deeds.
Book32Ch.8No.6221
Muslim. (2018) Sahih Muslim. Translated by A. Hameed Siddiqui.
Worship is Not About Sacrificing Others' Rights Narrated by Abu Juhaifa: The Prophet (ﷺ) established brotherhood between Salman and Abu Darda. One day, Salman visited Abu Darda's house and saw Umm Darda wearing worn-out clothes. Salman asked, "Why are you in this condition?" She replied, "Your brother, Abu Darda, no longer pays attention to worldly matters." Shortly after, Abu Darda arrived and prepared food for Salman. Abu Darda said, "Please eat, for I am fasting." Salman said, "I will not eat unless you eat too." So Abu Darda ate. When night fell, Abu Darda got up to perform the night prayer (qiyamullail). Salman said to him, "Sleep," so Abu Darda went to sleep. A while later, he got up again to pray, but Salman again said, "Sleep." Until the last third of the night arrived, Salman said, "Now get up." So they both got up and performed the prayer. After that, Salman said to Abu Darda: "Indeed, your Lord has a right over you, your body has a right over you, and your family also has a right over you. So give each right to its owner." After this incident, Abu Darda went to the Prophet (ﷺ) and told him what happened. The Prophet (ﷺ) said: "Salman has spoken the truth."
Have you ever felt guilty for choosing to rest instead of praying at night? Or felt like you're not "religious enough" because you're still concerned about everyday life, work, and family? Nowadays, many people fall into one of two extremes, either they're so caught up in worldly things (dunya) that they neglect their worship, or they're so focused on worship that they neglect their other responsibilities. Islam teaches a beautiful middle path, your body has the right to rest, your family has a right to your time and attention, and your work has the right to be done well. All of these aren't obstacles to worship, but they're actually part of worship itself.