In this thought-provoking Ramadan episode, Sheikh Shadid Mohammed joins The Deen Show to explore the intersection of love, relationships, and Islamic wisdom — drawing from real-world examples including Mary J. Blige’s candid confession about being willing to share her man just to keep the relationship alive. This raw expression of vulnerability opens the door to a deeper conversation about what love truly is in Islam, the difference between love and lust, and how the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) modeled the most beautiful example of generosity in relationships.
Love, Lust, and the Vulnerability That Scares Us
“Love is our greatest weakness — our kryptonite as human beings — because it requires you to let your walls down and let a person see you for exactly who you are. And that’s scary. Most people would rather keep the wall up and let you fall in love with the facade.”
Sheikh Shadid explains that love cannot be compartmentalized or forced to operate on anyone’s schedule. It functions on its own frequency, and true love demands vulnerability — the courage to show your real self without knowing if the other person will accept you. Lust, on the other hand, is the result of not understanding love. It is an immature attachment to the physical — appearances and attraction — without the depth that comes from genuine emotional and spiritual connection. Islam provides the framework for real love through the institution of marriage, which protects both partners and creates a sacred space where vulnerability is safe and honored.
- Relationships are half of the deen — the Prophet (peace be upon him) said that marriage completes half of one’s religion
- Love requires vulnerability and letting your guard down; lust is what people settle for when they do not understand real love
- Human interaction is being replaced by texting and social media — pick up the phone, hear the person’s voice, and invest real time in your relationships
- The Prophet (peace be upon him) was generous with his time, even setting aside a specific day to teach the women of the community when they requested it
- Be generous with your compliments, your money, your time, and most importantly your relationship with Allah — use it to lift others up, not to look down on them
Be Generous in All Things — Especially in Ramadan
“If you believe you have a good relationship with Allah, then use that relationship to help bring other people up — not to look down on them, not to frown on them, not to make yourself look better than them. The Prophet used his position with Allah to bring people up.”
The beautiful story of the companion Abu Bakr As-Siddiq (may Allah be pleased with him) — wait, it was Rabi’ah ibn Ka’b — who, when offered anything by the Prophet, asked only for his companionship in Jannah, reminds us of what truly matters. The dunya is transitory and passing, and our provision will come regardless. What we should invest in is the Hereafter and our relationships with Allah and with one another. This Ramadan and beyond, be generous — with your time, your words, your wealth, and your heart. Do not let the modern world strip away the human connection that our souls crave and that Islam so beautifully nurtures.
