Abdullah Al-Umari once wrote to Imam Malik, encouraging him to isolate himself and dedicate his time entirely to individual acts of worship (ibadah). In response, Imam Malik wrote back, saying:
“Certainly, Allah has distributed good deeds just as He has distributed sustenance (rizq). It may be that salah (prayer) is made easy for one person, while fasting is not. Another person may find charity to come naturally, while fasting is more difficult for them. As for me, I am content with what Allah has made easy for me—the pursuit of knowledge and teaching. I do not believe that what I am engaged in is lesser than what you are focused on. Rather, I hope that we are both upon goodness and righteousness.”
Imam Malik RA’s reply highlights the diversity of ways in which Allah facilitates acts of ‘ibadah for different individuals and the importance of embracing your strengths in service to Allah.
[Adapted from: Siyar A’lam An-Nubala’ ~ The Lives of the Noble Figures]
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