‘Whoso does right, it is for his (own) soul, and whoso does wrong, it is against it …..’ (Quran 45:15)
As they say, ‘We make our own bed‘, so we should be prepared to sleep in that too. But we want only comfortable, peaceful and happy life; free of problems, hurdles and worries. How much do we contribute towards it, we don’t want to ask ourselves. We are always nagging, complaining and are never satisfied. Good and evil or negative and positive, keep the balance of life, and at the same time bring some excitement or joy. But eventually it is our own effort that counts.
‘And that man has only that for which he makes effort.’ (Quran 53:39)
There is a positive lesson in everything negative we experience in life. Sweet are the fruits of adversity. All it needs is a little patience, cool and an honest try to get through. It is called ‘striving’, or struggle, or Jihad. In this struggle we should not forget that there will be trials and tests. Nothing comes for free. We need to stay on course.
Allah says: ‘And surely We shall try you with something of fear and hunger, and loss of wealth and lives and crops; but give glad tidings tothe steadfast.’ (Quran 2:155)
If Allah told you that you could ask Him for one (and only one) thing and you will be granted; then what would you ask Him for? Huh… hundred and one things to ask, so many needs, so many desires and ambitions, so many essentials of modern & comfortable life… a tough choice. You think about it and I’ll try to help you with some alternate answers. If you ask for strength, Allah will give you difficulties and hurdles to go through. And that will make you strong. But you don’t want difficulties and hurdles! If you ask for wisdom, Allah will give you problems to solve. You always deal with problems trying to find solutions. In the process you turn grey and become wise. Do you want that? If you ask Allah for prosperity, He will give you extra brain and brawn to work. You will be working hard, day and night to achieve your goals. Oh, you don’t want to work? If you ask for courage, Allah will give you ‘danger’ to overcome. You’ll be scared to death every other day but you’ll become courageous. Want that? If you ask for love … oh, yes! Love … Allah will give you all the troubled people of the world to help and take care of them. And you would become love personified. If you ask for favours, Allah will give you opportunities but you should be able to recognise them and grab them. And here is the best alternative:If you ask Allah for nothing – no wants, no needs, no desires – and just be thankful to Him for whatever you have, He will give you everything you need – guaranteed.
Allah promised:
‘And seek forgiveness of Allah. Lo, Allah is ever Forgiving, Merciful.’ (Quran 4:106)
‘And turn unto Allah together, O believers, in order that ye may succeed.’ (Quran 24:31)
Now, you know what to ask for and how to ask. The saying goes: First deserve, then desire. The promise of success is there and there is absolutely no doubt in that. We need to make some effort on our part. There is no escape from pains and hurts in life. It’s a ‘must’ of life. Therefore, we should prepare ourselves, mentally and physically, so that we don’t feel devastated. The best way to do it is to bring God into our lives.
‘Therefore, remember Me, I will remember you. Give thanks to Me, and reject not Me.’ (Quran 2:152)
‘Seek help in patience and prayer; and truly it is hard except for the humble-minded.’ (Quran 2:45)
The One who brought us in this world, will take care of us too, provided we do what Allah tells us to do. Be grateful to Him under all circumstances. Every calamity comes from Him and HE is the One who can get us out of it. Show some perseverance and stay on course.
‘O ye who believe! Seek help in steadfastness and prayer. Lo, Allah is with the steadfast.’
(Quran 2:153)
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