Slave is a relative term, slave to me means no freedom, I want to believe because I want to. I still like my work, my friends, my music. It's what makes me, me. Everyone from time to time becomes unhappy with life. I'm pursuing a path of exploration. I want to see the liknesses and differences between religions. Believe me, to date this is the deepest i've ever explored Islam. If you knew me you'd know that this is a huge step for me.
A Slave to Allah, someone bound by his or her love to him and thus wishes to obey Allah to best of their ability.. There is nothing wrong with that.
This doesnt restrict freedom.
Islam is religion of ease. What you think is difficult, is due to not having Iman (faith). Many Non-Muslim people have asked me How I can fast for 30 days in Ramadan, or how I can get up in morning at 5am to pray. They will not understand the ease of it and the beauty of it, unless they too have experienced Islam, understand Islam and live Islam. Thats not to say I can not give them a brief explanation, but you cant realise why people do it as it pertains to Iman, belief. These actions, which some might see as a Chore, are the complete opposite. They are something we enjoy and which make us feel closer to Allah, the most High. They are actions of love and obediance to our Lord, Allah. So, yes we are his Slaves in that we worship him alone and strive our best to do as he has commanded us, inshaAllah.
A person builds up their faith, firsty by being a Muslim ( Professing the Shahada, to testify there is no deity worthy of Worship except Allah and Muhammad is his Messeger) learning about Allah and his Prophet, learning about Islam, worshipping Allah by doing the 5 obligatory prayers, fasting in Ramadan etc. Some people can do more than others. It can change as well. This is due to Iman, level of Faith which can change, as the Prophet said, al Imanu Yazidu wa Yankuz, the Iman increases and it decreases.
So, some people think that being Muslim is hardwork, or that it demands a lot. But, this is due to their inexperience of what Islam is. Its a gradual process and one that is easy. Nothing is forced and if it is forced by someone, then it is not accepted by our Lord. All our actions are judged by their intentions. So, my writing on this forum and even for Muslims to help one another is judged by their intentions which only Allah the most high knows. Perhaps someone does to show off, or make a name for himself etc, these are not good intentions and a person is sinful to do for that. Rather we do it out of our Love, fear and hope of Allah the most high and to help our fellow people, Muslim and non-Muslim understand Islam better and thus have better and happier life.
So, you try your best and Allah blesses you with it... as he blesses you with all the other gifts that you have. For he is Al-Wahab, the Bestower, and he bestows us with many things, many that we take for granted.
Here are some Ayah from the Qur'an and Hadith of the Prophet which mention Easiness and moderation of Islam. For Islam is always moderate. Extremists are simply people going against the original teachings of Islam.
Allah, most high stated in the Quran:
"Allah intends for you ease, and does not want to make things difficult for you" [2:185];
"Allah does not want to place you in difficulty" [5:6].
Such easiness is well explained in the hadeeth reported by Abu Hurairah, radiya Allahu 'anhu, that the Prophet, salla Allaahu 'alaihe wasallam, said, "Religion is easy..." [Bukhari], he also said; "The best of your religion, is the easiest." [Ahmad]
The easiness of this religion was put into practise by the best of humanity, the one who came to deliver the message, as Allah, subhanahu wata'aala, said;
"Verily there has come unto you a Messenger from amongst yourselves, it grieves him that you should suffer any difficulty, he is anxious for you, for the believers he is full of pity and merciful" [10:128]
Therefore a middle way is always taken. Patience is one of the greatest virtues a Muslim can have.
"And verily, whosoever shows patience and forgives, that would truly be from the things recommended by Allah.'' (42:43)
The Messenger of Allah saw said,"Allah shows compassion only to those among His slaves who are compassionate".
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].
Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:The Messenger of Allah saw said, "The strong man is not one who is good at wrestling, but the strong man is one who controls himself in a fit of rage.''
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].
"Show forgiveness, enjoin what is good, and turn away from the foolish." (Al-A`raaf 7:199)