Written by: Mutiur Rahman Aziz
Acting President, Uttar Pradesh Mahila Empowerment Party
Islam, in its infinite wisdom, has bestowed upon its adherents a complete framework for life, encompassing every aspect of human existence. By steadfastly following these divine directives and embodying them in daily life, one is assured of attaining prosperity and fulfilment in both the temporal world and the eternal realm of the Hereafter. On the other hand, those who turn away from the sacred guidance enshrined in the Qur’an and the prophetic traditions will inevitably encounter severe detriment and regret. This deviation from the righteous path leads to spiritual and moral bankruptcy. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), in his timeless wisdom, emphatically declared that adherence to the holy scriptures and his teachings is the ultimate safeguard against misguidance. As long as one remains anchored to the Qur’an and the Sunnah, they will be shielded from error and deviation. This profound statement underscores the paramount importance of these divine sources as the cornerstone of a righteous and successful life. Holding firmly to the Qur’an and Hadith means refraining from what Islam prohibits and living according to what it commands. Time and circumstances are never static; upheavals in the world are constant. The current global scenario has led the Muslim Ummah into a state of anxiety, confusion, and despair. However, the guidance of the Qur’an is to not despair of Allah’s mercy. The essence of this Qur’anic verse is that life’s trials and tribulations are inevitable. Life is a continuous ebb and flow of joy and sorrow. While it is true that sometimes the moments of hardship and suffering are prolonged, leading to despair, history teaches us that Muslims have faced far more complex and challenging situations than the present. Despite this, our patience, perseverance, and faith have enabled us to transform adverse circumstances into favorable ones. The prophets themselves endured severe trials. Their stories of resilience and unwavering faith serve as a testament to the power of steadfastness. These historical precedents remind us that with patience and strong faith, Allah can turn our difficulties into ease. This is a profound lesson for us today, urging us to remain hopeful and trust in Allah’s wisdom and mercy, even in the face of adversity. Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him) was cast into a blazing fire, but Allah saved him. Prophet Yunus (peace be upon him) faced immense trials, yet Allah delivered him from those severe trials through the power of his prayers. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) endured countless hardships and severe adversities, but Allah turned all those hardships into ease. This transformation was a result of their true adherence to Allah’s commands. The trials faced by these prophets, along with those endured by the Sahaba (may Allah be pleased with them) and the revered Imams (may Allah have mercy on them), serve as a profound lesson for Muslims today. It teaches us not to despair in the face of adversity but to turn to Allah with devotion. If Muslims strive to become true followers of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), circumstances will, Insha’Allah, become favorable for them. Muslims should learn from history. Even in the past, Muslims faced challenges far more severe than the present ones. Yet, through patience, steadfastness, and the blessings of their prayers, the clouds of tribulations and difficulties were dispelled by Allah, and Muslims emerged as a great blessing for other nations. Today, we too can be a great blessing for other communities if we learn from the lives of our prophets and the Sahaba. The lives of these exemplary figures demonstrate that unwavering faith and perseverance can transform the most challenging circumstances into opportunities for greatness. Their stories are a testament to the power of faith, patience, and prayer. Muslims today are encouraged to draw inspiration from their resilience and to remain hopeful and steadfast, trusting in Allah’s mercy and wisdom. By embodying the principles and values of our predecessors, we can overcome current adversities and become a source of guidance and benefit for all humanity.
