By: Jamile Charkie
Source: Muslimvillage
In the name of Allah, most Gracious, most Merciful
We are in an era of trials and tribulations. Holding on to religion is becoming like holding on to hot coals, just as our beloved prophet Muhammad (SAW) had predicted. Anas ibn Maalik (RAA) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessing be upon him) said: “There will come upon the people a time when holding onto the religion will be like holding onto hot coal.” (Tirmidhi). Whether it is the temptation to drink, to go out clubbing, to date unIslamically, to steal…whatever it be, we as Muslims must stay strong and keep to our religion. It is easy to get wrapped up in this life, but one must remember that all the grand luxuries of life are nothing but illusions. If someone were to set up a trap, they would leave a piece of cake as bait, rather than something unappealing. It is up to us to see the trap and avoid that cake, however delicious it may be. On the other hand, a coconut may look hard to eat from and may seem unappealing at first, but once you break that outer shell, you get to the delicious part of the coconut. Now, consider that the cake-trap is a metaphor for sin, and that the coconut is a metaphor for what is lawful. Often life isn’t how it appears; may people lose themselves to the tempting cake and fall into the trap. On the other hand, religion may seem hard an unappealing, but on the inside is a delicious treat. The one that truly knows and loves his religion has gotten to the baraka (blessing) of life.
Many people forget that life is a test. We are here, on this earth, as a test to reveal the pure and righteous from the rest. Life is not easy; it was never meant to be. Allah states in the Quran: “Did mankind think that they will be left to say ‘we believe’ and they will not be tried? But we have certainly tried those before them, and Allah will surely make evident those who are truthful, and He will surely make evident the liars” (AlQuran AlKareem, Sūrah Al-‘Ankabut, 29:2-3). But just as we must remember this, we must also remember what Allah asks us in Surat Ar-Rahman: “So which of the favours of your Lord do you deny?” (AlQuran AlKareem, Sūrah Ar-Rahman, 55:13). Allah reminds us, rather sternly, to be grateful for what we have. While some are ungrateful because we did not get the expensive handbag, or whatever else, others do not have food. While some ungratefully rebel against their parents who are trying to instill morals in their child, others are orphans, with no roof over their head and wish for a parent. Allah states in the Quran: “And if you were to count Allah’s favors, you would not be able to number them; most surely Allah is Forgiving, Merciful”(AlQuran AlKareem, Sūrah al-Nahl, 16:18).
Brothers and Sisters in Islam, take this moment to really consider how you have lived your life thus far. Remember your duties to Allah and fulfill them. Take advantage of your time while you have it, your youth before you age, your health before sickness. Take advantage of your freedom before it is taken away. Many people around the world are forced to take off the hijab, or to break their Ramadan fast. Many are tortured and persecuted because they are Muslim. Do not take freedom lightly. I ask Allah to ease the pain of the suffering Muslims. I ask Allah to help the helpless and to bring freedom to this Earth. I ask Allah to bless the Muslim Ummah, and to unite the Muslim Ummah through undying faith in Allah. “And hold firmly to the rope of Allah all together and do not become divided. And remember the favor of Allah upon you – when you were enemies and He brought your hearts together and you became, by His favor, brothers. And you were on the edge of a pit of the Fire, and He saved you from it. Thus does Allah make clear to you His verses that you may be guided” (AlQuran AlKareem, Sūrah ‘Āli ‘Imran, 3:103).
The views expressed in this article are the author’s and do not necessarily reflect those of MuslimVillage.com.
