Bismillahir Rahmaanir Raheem
By
Hadhrat Moulana Abdul Hamid Is’haq Sahib
(Daamat Barakaatuhum)
In different ways, shaytaan strives to place us in difficulty, despair, despondency and fear. He encourages us to commit sins, with the reasoning: Make Taubah, Allah is Ghafur Raheem. When the sin is committed, he frightens us and creates despair, whispering: With your sins, there is no hope in gaining the Forgiveness of Allah Ta’ala. He plagues people with various whisperings and doubts, regarding their Imaan, Taharah and Ibaadaah … and this leads to unnecessary worry, anxiety and fear.
Allah Ta’ala also mentions that shaytaan frightens us with poverty, to hold us back from spending our wealth in what pleases Allah Ta’ala, whereas Allah Ta’ala promises His forgiveness and Fadhl (bounty). So we find that shaytaan is always thrusting fear and despondency in us; yet from Allah Ta’ala’s Side, Allah Ta’ala offers us hope.
In this present time, great panic is generated with the pandemic that has spread across the world. It is shaytaan who is working behind the scenes – so to say - using others to cause this fear. And he is our enemy. Through various mediums and people, he is spreading fear and panic. Governments, different authorities and organisations, people, media and other means have been used to breed great fear in the people. In fact, there is more fear created by our own Muslims; such fear that led to the closure of the Masaajid and suspension of Salaah in Jamaat – whereas the Masaajid are places of safety.
The minute there is fear in a person, he cannot think right, he cannot reason properly and everything goes wrong, because the mind and heart are in a state of fear. Fear and panic weaken the immune system and adversely affect our heart, brain and other organs. Headaches, difficulty in breathing, increase in blood pressure and heart rate, impaired thinking and ability to make decisions, disrupted sleep and other ailments stem from fear. ...When asked about dealing with pandemics, one of the early Muslim physicians, Ibn al-Nafees, said: “Fearful delusions are half the sickness, remaining calm is half the medicine and having confidence in Allah is the first step to the cure.”
Commonly, today, in gatherings, meetings, on social media or when on the phone, the discussions revolve around all those issues that create fear, for example: this virus, the new world order, vaccines, the one-world religion and so forth. …Yes, we must be alert. We must not remain in the dark; we must be informed, but we should not be overtaken and swept up by the schemes of shaytaan and the Kuffaar. Our duty is to hold firm to the Shari’ah and Sunnah. We need to speak about Allah Ta’ala and give people hope in Allah Ta’ala. Allah Ta’ala loves those who give others hope. We should not unwittingly become instruments of shaytaan by increasing fear within ourselves and within others.
Unfortunately, we are not speaking about Allah Ta’ala’s Qudrat (Power) and Greatness, which is above all of these challenges and Fitan. What is the new world order in front of Allah Ta’ala’s Power? Nothing! …Don’t we hear Allah Ta’ala’s message:
“And they planned and Allah (also) planned, and Allah is the best of planners.”
[Surah Aal-Imraan 3 : 54]
In the annals of history, we read of the King Akbar who sought to bring about religious unity and universal peace by promoting ‘Deen-i-Ilaahi’. More than 400 years have passed and Islam is safe. Islam prevails over all other religions. Allah Ta’ala is the Protector of Islam.
“He it is Who has sent His Messenger with Guidance and the True Religion, that He may cause it to prevail over all religions (and systems of life), even though the idolaters may detest it.”
[Surah At-Taubah 9 : 33]
Alhamdulillah, through the passage of centuries and various attacks, Islam is alive and thriving. The real reason why the Kuffaar are increasing their assaults on Islam is because of the spread of Islam … in Europe, in the Americas, in Africa and other places; even in India, where the Muslims endure so much of oppression. Prominent people and even religious leaders are accepting Islam. We cannot expect to hear it in the mainstream media. The media suppresses the truth and makes every effort to contain Islam … but is not possible to inhibit Islam.
“They want to extinguish the light of Allah with their mouths, but Allah will perfect His light, although the disbelievers dislike it.”
[Surah Saff 61 : 8]
TAKING LESSON
During the time of Rasulullah Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam, different battles were fought. Shaytaan tried to instil fear and terror in the Sahabah (Radhiyallauh ‘anhum); that great numbers have gathered and they will be completely destroyed.
Just after the battle of Uhud, the Sahabah (Radhiyallahu ‘anhum) were told that the Quraish were going to invade Madinah Munawwarah with a bigger force and vanquish them all. This was said to frighten them. However, their immediate response was “Hasbunallahu wa-ni’mal wakeel” (Allah is sufficient for us and He is the Best Disposer of affairs (for us)). Their attention went to Allah Ta’ala, the All-Powerful.
“Those (i.e. Believers), unto whom the people said, "Verily, the people (pagans) have gathered against you (a great army), therefore, fear them." But it (only) increased them in Faith, and they said: "Allah (Alone) is Sufficient for us, and He is the Best Disposer of affairs (for us)."
[Surah Aal-Imraan 3 : 173]
Though the information, which reached the Sahabah (Radhiyallahu ‘anhum), was to frighten and intimidate them, they became stronger, keeping their faith and trust in Allah Ta’ala. Allah Ta’ala, in turn, placed awe and fear in the hearts of the disbelievers. Allah Ta’ala also informed them that this news was from none other but shaytaan, whose effort was to threaten the Muslims by presenting the might and strength of his friends, the disbelievers.
“It is none but shaytaan who frightens (you) of his friends. So, do not fear them; but fear Me, if you are Believers.”
[Surah Aal-Imraan 3 : 175]
These incidents, in our history, are lessons for us. As Believers, we take the Sahabah (Radhiyallahu ‘anhum) as noble examples, whom we are instructed to follow. When we encounter fear and danger, we too should turn our attention to Allah Ta’ala. Say: “Hasbunallahu wa-ni’mal wakeel”. Say it with Yaqeen (conviction).
Read the Ayah:
Wa ufawwidu amri illallaah
“…and I entrust my affair to Allah.”
[Surah Ghafir 40 : 44]
Hand our matters to Allah Ta’ala. Refresh our Imaan with these beautiful prescriptions from the Qur’aan Shareef.
Allah Ta’ala’s system is such, that when people alarm and frighten us, and misdirect us, and we turn to Allah Ta’ala, Allah Ta’ala will strengthen our hearts and remove our fears. Allah Ta’ala will also change the outward conditions.
Together with reciting these Qur’aanic Ayaah, it is necessary that Taqwa be adopted so that we are recipient of the Help of Allah Ta’ala. And Taqwa is to give up our sins … something we don’t want to do. As long as we don’t give up our sins, we will be keeping ourselves aloof of the Help of Allah Ta’ala. Allah Ta’ala’s Help is there, but we are cutting ourselves off from that help, by our brazen disobedience.
AHZAAB
The battle of Ahzaab - or as is commonly known as the Battle of Khandaq - drew different groups of disbelievers, who joined together, as one massive army, to eradicate and destroy the Muslims. Outwardly, the conditions did not seem favourable for the Sahabah (Radhiyallahu ‘anhum). Allah Ta’ala describes the outward conditions of fear which were experienced:
“(Remember) when they came at you from above you and from below you, and when eyes shifted (in fear), and hearts reached the throats, and you assumed about Allah (various) assumptions.
There, the Believers were tested and shaken with a severe shaking.”
[Surah Al-Ahzaab 33 : 10/11]
Here too, the response from Rasulullah Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam was: Hasbunallahu wa-ni’mal wakeel.
Allah Ta’ala’s Help was then witnessed in various ways.
“O you who believe, remember Allah’s favour to you, when the forces (of the infidels) came upon you, and We sent upon them a wind, and the forces (of angels) you did not see. Allah is watchful of whatever you do.”
[Surah Al-Ahzaab 33 : 9]
The lesson to take is the response in the face of adversity and fear; the response from Rasulullah Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam, the Sahabah (Radhiyallahu ‘anhum), the previous Ambiyaa (Alaihimus Salaam) and the pious who followed them thereafter. All went through different conditions, but no matter what difficulty was faced, they did not waver in their Dien; rather, they became firmer in their covenant to Allah Ta’ala. The Sahabah (Radhiyallahu ‘anhum) also had to experience plagues and great loss of lives, but they remained steadfast. Their relationship with Allah Ta’ala became stronger, not weaker.
THE PLAGUE OF AMWAAS
When we read of the plague of Amwaas, we read of the strong and resilient character of the Sahabah (Radhiyallahu ‘anhum); their encouragement and support to the people. Hadhrat Abu Ubaidah Al-Jarrah (Radhiyallahu ‘anhu) personally assisted the people, and gave them hope and re-assurance, saying: “O People! This disease is a mercy for all of you, the prophecy of your Nabi (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam), and the passing of the righteous ones before you.”
Hadhrat Mu’az ibn Jabal (Radhiyallahu ‘anhu) upheld the same noble spirit as well as guided all to turn to Allah Ta’ala, saying: “O people, repent to Allah for your sins, for there is no servant who returns to Allah in the state of repentance, except Allah forgives him. Whoever has any debt, should settle it. Verily a servant is tied with his debt. Whoever of you has separated from his brother should reconcile.”
The same advice and guidance apply to us: We also need to turn to Allah Ta’ala, sincerely repent over our sins, settle our affairs with the creation and reconcile with whomever we have severed ties with – that is, without any valid Shar’i reason.
Alhamdulillah, as Muslims, we have Yaqeen on the words of Allah Ta’ala. Why must we worry about what the Kuffaar are saying? We pay so much of attention to what they say, giving precedence to their regulations over our Dieni obligations. One is being forced but we voluntary choose to do whatever they tell us to, blindly accepting, without thought. We don’t want to even take note of what Islam has to say. May Allah Ta’ala protect our Imaan. Many of us actually see and think that the opposite of Dien is correct and now have doubts about the teachings of Islam and Sunnah. Many of us are opting to give up practising on Dien and follow the way of the Kuffaar.
Allah Ta’ala is All-Powerful. Allah Ta’ala is in Control of everything. This is Imaan. …La Ilaaha Illallah. There is no one – no Ilaah - except Allah Ta’ala. He is the Doer of everything. If we have this in our hearts, then we become strong. On the other hand, if we allow these fears to overcome us, we become weak - spiritually, mentally and emotionally.
WHAT TO DO;
WHAT NOT TO DO.
Focus on Allah Ta’ala. Listen and take heed of Allah Ta’ala’s Message. Have Ta’leem daily, at home. It will increase us in our Imaan. Adopt the correct Asbaab, as directed in our Dien. Make sincere Taubah, establish Salaah, pay Zakaat, fulfil all obligations, make Dua, follow the Sunnah and stay away from Haraam.
Don’t engage in talks which will engender fear and panic. Don’t make the media, the hub and focal point of seeking information, because the media is misleading. The best way; the correct attitude is to be positive. Negativity brings harm. When a person is positive, he will see things brighter and a Mu’min is positive. He looks at Allah’s Power and Mercy. He believes Allah Ta’ala’s Mercy is unlimited. It is there for those who want it. It is there for us to take. … If we are taking from shaytaan and the forces of shaytaan, and accepting all the panic that shaytaan is dishing out, we are harming ourselves.
Even if the enemies are amplifying the fear, we must not add to it. Instead of talking about the planning of the Kuffaar, how they control, how they watch us, how they know everything about us, through the cell-phone, etc., speak of the Qudrat and Mercy of Allah Ta’ala. There is no Thawaab in the former. It is a waste of time when all our energies and time are directed to such discussions where shaytaan is being glorified.
These discussions take the attention and focus away from the greatness of Allah Ta’ala and misleads people into thinking that shaytaan is very powerful and all the forces of shaytaan are in control and we are in danger. This is not the talk of a Mu’min. The Thawaab is in speaking about Allah Ta’ala. In this way, we build our Imaan and our contact with Allah Ta’ala. It will be comfort and re-assurance for the heart. This is what is needed.
We don’t realise that in all the negativity we are spreading, little children too are becoming afraid. We want our sons to be like Salahuddin al-Ayyubi and Muhammad bin Qaasim but we are building up fears within our children. If we talk about the qualities of Imaan and the qualities of Rasulullah Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam and the Sahabah (Radhiyallahu ‘anhum), then we will inspire the spirit of Islam within them; otherwise they will become frightened and timid individuals.
Hadhrat Moulana Umar Palanpuri (Rahmatullahi ‘alayh) mentioned that his mother talked so much about Imaan, that as a little boy, his thoughts were always with Allah Ta’ala. Subhanallah. …Unfortunately, we either bring up our children with fears or we bring them up in futility - in amusement and entertainment. They then only want the comforts and ease of this worldly life and have no real strength of character and courage to stand up as flag-bearers of Dien. We need to create an Islamic and Imaani environment within our homes to raise true, spirited Muslims.
OUR OPINION OF ALLAH TA’ALA
Furthermore, it is mentioned in a Hadith-e-Qudsi: ‘I am as My servant thinks (expects) I am.
Allah Ta’ala is as to us, as our opinion is of Him. Allah Ta’ala treats us as our thoughts are of Allah Ta’ala. If we think that shaytaan is ruling, the Kuffaar are ruling and that their plans will override Allah Ta’ala’s system, then this is pessimism and negativity and will impact on us.
Our effort is to turn to Allah Ta’ala, trust in Allah Ta’ala and Hope in Allah Ta’ala. Allah Ta’ala will deal with us accordingly and save us from all these conspiracies.
Allah Ta’ala tells us:
“Do not lose hope in the Mercy of Allah…”
To lose hope in Allah Ta’ala’s unlimited Mercy is Kufr. In the words of Hadhrat Ya’quub (Alaihis Salaam):
“…Certainly no one despairs of Allah’s Mercy, except the people who disbelieve.”
[Surah Yusuf 12 : 87]
Hadhrat Moulana Abdul Ghani (Rahmatullahi ‘alayh) explained in a very encouraging way: “Every Muslim is afraid of Kufr; knowing that it is the worst sin to fall into. We have meter readings and gauges. Sometimes the arrow or needle moves fully into the red zone, indicating danger. Keep the needle of the heart within the green range. There must be a balance. There should be no losing hope in Allah Ta’ala’s Mercy. Imaan is between hope and fear.”
TAQDEER
As Muslims, we believe that whatever Allah Ta’ala has written, will be. Nothing will befall us except what Allah Ta’ala destines for us. Yes, we make use of the means and take precautions where necessary, but our trust in Allah Ta’ala must not waver. Hadhrat Moulana Masehullah (Rahmatullahi ‘alayh) had beautifully explained that for a Believer, in all conditions, Allah Ta’ala deals with him, with His Fadhl. What is outwardly difficult is also with hidden blessings and Allah Ta’ala’s Grace.
Let us change our mindset and develop our Imaan and Tawakkul in Allah Ta’ala. We have to return to Him. Even if we do not die due to the virus, we still have to die … so let us work towards our meeting with Allah Ta’ala and look forward to it.
Rasulullah Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam said: “Whoever loves to meet Allah, Allah loves to meet him...”[1]
[1] Ibn Majah
