Ever watched a tortoise try to sprint? Of course not. Because it doesn’t. It plods. And in this world, that tortoise is… us—Muslims dragging everything we own, think, and obsess over on our backs, trying to make it to Jannah while stuck in a spiritual traffic jam.
We’re Not Just Carrying Shells. We’re Hauling Entire Living Rooms.
Let’s be real. Our “shells” aren’t just protecting us anymore—they’re storage units.
- Designer clothings we bought because someone else has it.
- Five streaming subscriptions we don’t even watch.
- Thoughts like, “Did she shade me with that Instagram caption?”
- That mental list of people we “forgave”… but secretly still stalk.
- A 2024 Volvo we can’t afford, bought with a 6-year loan.
- And let’s not forget the 3-day sale haul we swore was “the last one.”
Now imagine all that on your back. While you’re trying to follow the path of Islam. Or at least walk in the Prophet’s sandals. (Peace be upon him.)
Spoiler: you’re not walking. You’re wobbling.
Islam Has a Rhythm. But We Can’t Hear It Over the Noise
The Qur’an calls us to reflect, pray, give, forgive, fast, and let go. But if we’re honest, we’re often too spiritually breathless to even answer the call. Why?
Because it’s drowned out by:
- Notifications.
- Gossip.
- Google reviews of the latest buffet.
- Obsessive “glow-up” TikToks.
- Debt reminders.
- That weird compulsion to win arguments about religion we barely understand.
We want to move with the tune of Islam—its beat of balance, charity, humility—but our playlist is stuck on capitalism, comparison, and clutter.
Need a wake-up call? Check out:
👉 The Grave Awaits: What Will You Bring With You? – If your grave could talk, would it say “ouch” from all the useless weight?
Why Do We Hoard What Won’t Fit in Our Grave?
Imagine this: the tortoise finally reaches the end of the road (a.k.a. your grave). But surprise! The grave doesn’t want your limited-edition Jordans, your over-scheduled calendar, or your stash of passive-aggressive screenshots.
What does it want?
- The sadaqah you gave anonymously.
- The WhatsApp dua you sent instead of drama.
- That time you said “Sorry” first.
- The money you could’ve flexed but donated instead.
- The tears you wiped, the smiles you sparked, the ego you buried.
The dunya only matters when it helps the akhirah. Otherwise, you’re literally dead weight.
Struggling with the dunya-akhirah balance?
👉 Read: Riba Realities: Navigating Interest in a Modern Muslim Life– When the shell you’re carrying is debt, it’s not just heavy—it’s spiritually sticky.
Be a Travel-Size Muslim. Not a Hoarder.
Islam is beautiful because it’s lightweight living. The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Be in this world as a stranger or a traveler.” [Sahih Bukhari]
Let’s be honest—travelers don’t pack 12 pairs of shoes and a grudge.
Here’s what helps lighten the load:
✅ Declutter the House and the Heart
Donate what you don’t need. Unfollow accounts that drain you. Release that 2019 argument already.
✅ Give More Than You Post About
Charity is spiritual cardio. And it actually lightens the load. It’s like taking bricks off your tortoise shell.
✅ Simplify Your Intentions
Ask: Is this purchase/post/plan feeding my ego or my akhirah?
✅ Stop Micromanaging Others’ Sins
You’re already busy dragging your own baggage—why pick up someone else’s?
Ever wonder why we struggle to let go of things we know are unnecessary?
👉 The Art of Blaming Others! – We can’t simplify if we complicate the faith for ourselves and others.
The Fast Lane Is the Sunnah Lane
The Prophet ﷺ lived simply, laughed often, forgave quickly, and gave generously. He didn’t need a productivity app to center his day around prayer. He didn’t refresh his feed; he refreshed his soul.
In contrast, we can’t even finish Surah Al-Kahf without checking if someone liked our story.
We’re tortoises not because Islam is hard—but because we made the dunya heavy.
TL;DR: Unpack Before It’s Too Late
You’re not too slow. You’re just overpacked.
Islam is not slowing you down—your obsession with things that don’t matter is.
So take a moment today. Unload. Reflect. Simplify.
Because while tortoises do eventually reach their destination, in this life, we never know how unpredictable the road is.
Spiritual Call to Action
Before you buy the next thing, post the next clapback, or judge someone else’s hijab/handsome-ness/salaah score—ask yourself:
“Is this helping me walk lighter toward Allah?”
Because if it isn’t, drop it like it’s hot.
(Or better: donate it like it’s reward.)
📌 Related Reads on RethinkingIslam.net:
- 🔗 The Grave Awaits: What Will You Bring With You?
- 🔗 Riba Realities: Navigating Interest in a Modern Muslim Life
- 🔗 The Art of Blaming Others!
- 🔗 Taming the Ego – Lessons from the Awliya
