Do you really need to recline your seat?

I was on an international flight recently, and in true capitalist fashion, the airline packed us in like sardines.

It’s a flight. You deal with it. The discomfort is temporary.

But about two hours in, the chaos began. A few folks in my line of sight decided it was time to recline their seats. And just like that, three arguments broke out.

“Can you please move your seat up? I have no space.”

“What? It’s a long flight. I paid for this seat. I have the right. Recline yours if you’re uncomfortable.”

Selfishness at its finest.

If you’re miserable, just pass it along, It’s your “right,” after all.

But Allah ﷻ calls us to something better. A higher way of being.

“They give others preference over themselves, even though they are in need.”

(Qur’an 59:9)

And our beloved Prophet ﷺ said:

“None of you truly believes until he loves for his brother what he loves for himself.”

So next time you’re about to push that recline button, pause for a second.

Are we just living for our own comfort while those around us suffer, or do we want to answer to a higher call? Are we willing to be uncomfortable in order to give comfort to others? Our dealings in these small matters will indicate the spirit we bring to the big ones.