Nothing in this world, this dunya we’re in right now, is permanent. Sooner or later each of us and every single thing will return back to Allah(azza wa jal) one day, as He mentioned;
“Every soul shall have a taste of death.”
(Surah 3, Verse 185)
Our ultimate destination is Akhirah, the hereafter. How many of us are aware that one day, we will be gone forever from this world? Are we prepared for it?
These questions are not just meant to be thrown to us for the sake of asking ourselves but indeed it’s something to ponder upon.
The reason why I am sharing this is because, as human beings, it is natural that we tend to forget things so easily leading us to take things for granted; lacking in the sense of appreciation to what we have been given in our life. And by the time we reach our deathbed, don’t you think it’s a little too late to show our gratefulness to Him?
Life presents us with challenges, blessings and daily occurrences. Whatever that happens, both good and bad, do we not know that it comes from Allah (azza wa jal)? The following ayah tells us.
“And among mankind is he who worships Allah as it were upon the edge: if good befalls him, he is content therewith; but if a Fitnah strikes him, he turns back on his face. He loses both this world and the Hereafter. That is the evident loss.”
( Surah Al Haj Verse 11)
My dear brothers and sisters, the above verse clearly tells us that, Allah (azza wa jal) doesn’t just give us goodness in this world but He also give us challenges and put us through obstacles.
And when that happens, especially in the time of difficulty, instead of looking at the event positively, instead of appreciating Allah ( azza wa jal), instead of thanking Allah (azza wa jal), what do we do?
We simply turn away from Him. We start questioning Him in our hearts.
It is not easy to live up with challenges and obstacles in our life, especially for some of us who are being tested over and over again.
We feel frustrated, we feel tired of striving hard yet nothing seems to become better. Sense of helplessness and wanting to give up rises up to our thoughts as well.
Nevertheless, do remember this ayah as Allah (azza wa jal) mentions;
“Do people think that they will be left alone because they say: “We believe,” and will not be tested? And We indeed tested those who were before them so that Allah will indeed know those who are true, and He will know those who are liars.”
(Surah Al Ankabut Verses 2 & 3)
Why do you think Allah (azza wa jal) wants to test us? Why do you think He wants us to go through tough times in our life?
The last sentence from the above verse says it all; ‘ ….so that Allah would distinguish those who are truthful and those who are liars’.
Allah (azza wa jal) wants us to turn to Him. Allah ( azza wa jal) wants us to talk to Him. He (azza wa jal) wants us to remember Him!
“We recite them to you in truth, and Allah wills no injustice to the `Alamin. And to Allah belongs all that is in the heavens and all that is in the earth. And all matters go back (for decision) to Allah.”
( Surah Ali Imran Verse 108)
And another ayah explains;
“Such is Allah, your Lord! None has the right to be worshipped but He, the Creator of all things. So worship Him (alone), and He is the Guardian over all things. No vision can grasp Him, but His grasp is over all vision. He is the Most Subtle, Well-Acquainted (with all things).”
(Surah Al An’am verse 102 & 103)
He, the creator of this world, the One who created you, the One who gave you life and everything else! If not for Him, then who else can help you?
Instead of shunning away from Allah (azza wa jal), turn to Him and be thankful for everything that He has bestowed upon you because, whatever things that has happened could have been worse, if Allah (azza wa jal) wanted to. Allah (azza wa jal) explains it in the following ayah:
“Allah said: “O Musa I have chosen you above men by My Messages, and by My speaking (to you). So hold that which I have given you and be of the grateful.”
Surah Al A’raf verse 144
Beautiful Patience
A beautiful example to quote: the life story of Nabi Ayyub (a.s). He was once a very wealthy man who lived in a big family. He was well loved and respected by the people. However, one day Allah (s.w.t) afflicted him with a serious illness which took away all his blessings. His children left him. He slowly lost his wealth. People were afraid to go near him or even see him because of his skin disease. Everyone except his wife left him to suffer alone.
For several years Nabi Ayyub (a.s) and his wife struggled. Neither did Nabi Ayyub (a.s) lose the trust in Allah (s.w.t) nor did he detest Allah (s.w.t) for the condition he was put through. He accepted and lived with what Allah (s.w.t) has bestowed him with.
Nabi Ayyub (a.s) remained patient throughout by praying to Allah (s.w.t) without fail every single day, seeking protection and cure. And one day, Allah (s.w.t) did answer his prayers and Nabi Ayyub (a.s) regained whatever he lost.
So my fellow brothers and sisters in Islam, remember everything that happens in this dunya, is indeed a form of blessing from Allah (azza wa jal). He will not give us something which we are not capable of overcoming because Allah (s.w.t) says this in the following verse;
“Allah burdens not a person beyond his scope. He gets reward for that (good) which he has earned, and he is punished for that (evil) which he has earned. “Our Lord! Punish us not if we forget or fall into error, our Lord! Lay not on us a burden like that which You did lay on those before us (Jews and Christians); our Lord! Put not on us a burden greater than we have strength to bear. Pardon us and grant us forgiveness.”
(Surah Al Baqarah Verse 286)
Be thankful and say ‘Alhamdulilah’ always for everything because everything that befalls on us is from Him!
_____
Nasrin Shah
Currently pursuing a Degree in Counselling @ UniSIM and waiting to get a full-time job. I love cooking, sports, and photography. I started exploring more about Islam in my early 20s and am still continuing to seek knowledge. I am also currently teaching at Masjid Alkhair for tweens aLIVE 2 and it’s been a blessing in disguise. Alhamdulilah.
