Do Not Always Decide for Others

Shaykh Abu Ghudda (may Allah have mercy on him) in his book about bachelor scholars who never got married (العلماء العزاب الذين آثروا العلم على الزواج) said that the scholars who chose never to get married only did so because they thought that it was the best choice to make for themselves. They did not encourage others to emulate them. Rather, it was only a personal individual choice that they made for themselves.

Many of us who make certain decisions in our lives, be it pursuing a particular career, living in a certain country, studying under specific teachers, specializing in particular Islamic sciences, serving the Muslim community, etc. tend to think that the best decision that we individually make for ourselves is the best for choice for others as well. It is very tempting to think like that. We would all like to think that we have made great decisions in our lives and that others should emulate us. However, we fail to consider what is best for that particular person and consider his competencies, desires, and potential. What may have been the best decision for you may not be the best for others.