Unlike what many Muslims think, the methodology of legislation in the Qur’an was built upon promoting facilitation and disfavoring difficulty. In the Qur’an you can read verses like the following:
“Allah desires ease for you, not hardship.” [The Qur’an (2:185)].
“Allah does not charge a soul with more than it can bear.” [The Qur’an (2:286)].
“Allah wishes to lighten your burdens, for man has been created weak.” [The Qur’an (4:28)].
“We do not burden any soul with more than it can bear.” [The Qur’an (7:42)].
“We charge no soul with more than it can bear.” [The Qur’an (23:62)].
“Allah does not burden any person with more than He has given him. Allah will soon bring about ease after hardship.” [The Qur’an (65:7)].

The above among many other verses confirm the same meaning, that the provisions sent by our Creator in the Qur’an are not intended to make our lives harder, but to make them easier. This was also stressed on by the prophet all the time throughout the 23 years of prophethood. Anas Ibn Mālek reported that the Prophet said: “Make things easy for the people and do not complicate them; calm them down with glad tidings and do not be repulsive.” [Recorded by Bukhari].

Lady ‘Āʾishah described his conduct saying: “Whenever the prophet was given the opportunity to choose between two affairs, he always chose the easiest and most convenient among them, but if he was certain that it is sinful, he would stay as far as possible from it. He never avenged himself, but if the sanctity of Allah was violated he would, that would be for Allah not for himself (i.e. obeying Allah’s laws). He was the last one to get angry, and the first to be satisfied. His hospitality and generosity were matchless. His gifts and endowments manifested a man who does not fear poverty.” [Recorded by Bukhari]. 

It was reported that the prophet P.B.U.H. said: “Verily, the best [of opinions] in your religion are the easiest, the best [of opinions] in your religion are the easiest.” [Recorded by Ahmad].
“Verily this religion [was built upon] promoting simplicity. No one will ever try to complicate any of its matters except that [the other teachings of the religion] will cause him to fail.” [Recorded by Bukhari and Muslim].
“Those who are merciful are treated mercifully by the ‘All merciful’ (i.e. Allah). So be merciful to those on earth and you shall receive mercy by the One in heavens.” [Recorded by Tirmidhī].
“Verily those who are over strict [in their opinions] shall perish [in the hereafter].” [Recorded by Muslim].

The previous were just the tip of the ice berg when it comes to promoting facilitation. Simplicity is the trademark of Islam. Therefore, those Muslims who think that the stricter they try to be, the closer they are to Shari’ah or the Islamic law, they have totally got it backwards. Actually it’s the opposite, the more merciful and boding well they try to be, and the keener they are on people’s welfare, the closer they are to what Islam is all about.

IMME, ISBN:9789779027395

Written by: Ehab Shawky