In Islamic tradition, there is the importance given to the ‘Qadr’ [Preordainment] of Allah (God). As Muslims, it is remarked onto the believers to have ‘tawakkul’ [trust in God’s (The Almighty) plan over ours] as we pursue this life. Thus, it’s important to understand that the will of God [The All-Powerful] is above all which he or she should practice submitting to through the course of this journey of life. Though, efforts we make are from our own free will. Yet for the believers, it’s made for the sake of God as He [Most Benevolent] is our Ultimate Guardian and Sustainer overall for everything (Health, Relationships, Wealth, Etc.) life has to offer. Truth is that our motive in life is never permanent. In fact, for a believer, life is a station which is not everlasting. A simple way to achieve a mindset that can uplift an individual to be mindful, during a time of calamity that befalls them, is by thinking of this life as a temporary abode. Hence, any sort of pain or disease an individual suffers from is temporary as well, and a reminder that we are only human; a vulnerable & fragile creation bound to stay dependent on Allah [The Majestic]. Even in prosperity, the importance of being in a state of humility is emphasized as the blessings from God are countless. And, so why is it that we do not rush towards our Maker asking for the cure to all our problems or even making this abode pleasantry for us in this life along with the hereafter also? It’s narrated in the ‘Sahih Hadith’ [Authentic Prophetic Sayings & Tradition] according to Bukhari & Muslim that Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) said: He [The Exalted] has not sent down a disease except that He has also sent down its cure. The sad reality is that most of us are self-sufficient, especially now more than ever as the world accelerates towards materialism extensively. It feels good taking credit for all the hard work and success that is attained over the time span. So, the remembrance of God becomes the least of the priority. We become forgetful of the fact that it is Allah (God), who decides for his servants of the blessings or trials & tribulation which bestows upon them as a test of their faith in Him [The Most Magnificent]. Surely, whoever is God-conscious and recognizes Him [The All-Observant] during every moment of their life will see His grace upon them in all their matters. Indeed, the state of gratitude is the key to achieve the contentment of the heart and troubled mind.
The Perfect Formula
In the name of Allah (God); He is All-Knowing & All-Giving. Praise be to His Glory: He is Al-Basir [All-Seeing], Al-Khabir [All-Aware] & Al-Mujib [The Answerer of All Prayers]. Indeed, we are forever dependant on Allah [Alone]. It is in our own best interest that we keep conscious of Him on a regular basis along within our prayers as if He could see us, even though, we cannot. By doing so, we acquire ‘Taqwa’ [Consciousness of God] and abstain from any form of evil and rejoice in that which is good. All our needs and wants are fulfilled due to God’s will [The Determiner]. Subhan’Allah [Glory be to Allah], the depth of ones’ heart is of clarity and known to Him [The Exalted] better than the individuals themselves. The figure below depicts elements of understanding that a believer should be in pursuit of, which are the following:
Figure 1: Key Elements That Every Muslim Should Align Themselves with While Practicing Their Faith.
Figure 2: Interconnectedness of These Elements as the Core of Having Right Foundation of a Belief System for the Believers.
Never underestimate the power of Dua’ (supplication). Each time a servant of God has his or her hands raised towards their Master; there should be no doubt that it’s not being accepted. God’s always listening & giving in various forms of blessings that we take for granted most of the time. Allah (God) fulfills His promise to us one way or another; in this ‘Dunya’ (world) and-or the ‘Akhira’ (Hereafter). Thus, there is a glad tiding for those who are from the ‘Sabiroon’ (Patient Ones). Indeed, God never lets down those who run towards him needlingly asking for His [The Most Merciful] favors. Under any given circumstances, it’s essential that we stay reliant on God. One of the positive signs from the mercy of Allah (God) is that of those whom He [The Exalted] has placed contentment in their hearts. And when any hardship comes across their way, they aren’t phased by it because their heart is at ease knowing God is their Caretaker. Moreover, they have attained the state of ‘Shukr’ (having gratitude) by being content with whatever Allah (God) has in store for them. Thus, it’s a smooth sailing under any storm that an individual may have to weather; that itself is evidently a blessing from God.
Figure 3: The Correct Formula Towards Attaining God’s Blessings.
Once these elements have seeped within the mind of a believer, the outcome of it will present itself outwardly in their actions as much as the depth of it is absorbed within the heart. Therefore, it’s a matter of remaining consistent with the remembrance of God as a means for the purification of the soul. When that is accomplished; the rest is left for the resolution from The One & Only up above all skies, where the ultimate decisions are taken place according to the Divine Wisdom.
Evident Cases on Receiving from The Most Benevolent
In the book of ‘Al-Musnad’ by Imam Ahmad Ibn Hanbal, one of giant scholars of Islam, there are numerous chain narrations of ‘Hadiths’ [Prophetic Sayings, Tradition & Practices] that were transmitted along the generations [among the student of knowledge & learned scholars of Islamic theology] since the time of the life of Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H). In it he narrates that, Usamah Ibn Shuraik, one of the companions (May God’s blessing be upon them) of the Prophet said:
“I was with Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) when the Bedouins came to him and said, ‘O Messenger of Allah, should we seek medicine? He said, ‘Yes, O slaves of Allah, seek medicine, for Allah has not Created a disease except that He Has Created its cure, except for one illness.’ They said. ‘And what is that?’ He said, Old age”.
We are all prone to some sort of ailment at any point in our lives, and there is the medical treatment for it as prescribed by the healthcare practitioner who we go to check up within hopes for aiding the sickness or any physical pain that our body may suffer from. As we grow older, more signs of weakness are likely to occur due to the natural order of the cycle of life. Yet, the body functions according to the will and the mindset that each individual carries along within themselves. There have been cases of individuals who set ideals for themselves with having a strong mentality of mind over matter, and as a result, it shows extrinsically of their will to keep carrying on doing what they desire. Now, of course, this is easier said than done. The fact of the matter is that our body, as we grow old, naturally goes into the state of wanting to not proceed and exceed its limits. It wouldn’t be possible for the body mechanism to push more than it can as it weakens periodically, especially if it hasn’t been active consistently over the years. Also, there are many factors that can be elaborated on keeping a human body physically sustainable and healthy over a lifetime. Believe it or not, it all ties to what we consume and abstain from mentally, physically and of course spiritually. The ability to overcome all the negative commotion in life and staying positive throughout every step taken forward regardless of the challenges that arise along the way. In other words, it comes down to having patience and goodwill which is a process that initiates internally by allowing our minds to have good thoughts. Therefore, just as we would put our trust in medicine as the cure to any illness, it’s relatively as important, if anything more potent to have faith in God [The Most High]. He [the Exalted] is in control of all that is in the Heavens and the Earth; everything that is from the known and unknown to Mankind. Indeed, God [The Producer] is our Creator. He is our Master [The Almighty] who bequeath upon his creation accordingly.
Actual Scenario: Case One
Not too long ago, there was a gratifying sermon that an Imam [Religious leader; Community figure who leads Congregational prayers at a Mosque] gave during ‘Jumu’ah’ [Friday prayer] over the concept of having ‘Yaqeen’ [Certainty]. He unfolds the story of a man with an unusual case of illness that required immediate attention towards his severe mental health disorder, and how he was gradually recovered over time by the grace of God’s will. He was told to keep the privacy of the narrative by the family member who reached out to him personally at some point. This family had been going through a crisis and was overwhelmed by the fact that an individual among them was suffering from a strange case of illness that he was diagnosed with over the years. This individual had the earliest symptoms of maniac depression that later transformed into schizophrenia. Anybody that knows someone, directly or indirectly, who suffers from a mental health disorder knows the fact that it’s not easy being in the environment as it can be toxic. The Imam elaborates that everyone in the family had been affected by this tragedy in some way changing their outlook in life. They tried everything they could think of for the treatment by making appointments with few psychiatrists. They had this individual under different methods which varied from therapy sessions to notching the dosage of medications that were prescribed for the condition. However, their position seemed hopeless as the situation only kept getting worse. Also, this is a Muslim family who is well rounded in practicing their faith. They tried to go to a ‘Hakeem’ (A practitioner of herbal medicine) who is spiritually inclined and understand the realm of the human psyche beyond the technicality of the perception of modern science. The matter didn’t seem to get better for them until one of the members of their family, who actively tried to remain calm under pressure and always reminded everyone else to do the same as well for the sake of attaining God’s mercy. Eventually, the family realized that this is a matter deeper than what it seems. Allah (God) has always made those, who He loves most, go through severe tests to strengthen their faith. So, this individual’s brother didn’t lose hope and had been keenly fulfilling his duty as a Muslim. He increased his faith by remembering his Master more frequently; attending the local mosque for his own sake to remain steadfast on his ‘Deen’ [Way of life in Islam]. He held the rope of Allah (God) tightly and made sure everyone’s grip had been tightened as well. Slowly but surely, he witnesses the condition of his brother getting better along with the environment in the household becoming calmer. Indeed, Allah (God) is with the patient ones. He [The Exalted] accepts the prayers from his servants and grants them a remedy to all their problems.
Significance of Implementing ‘Istikhara’ [Prayer]
Many of the practicing Muslims consider this as a prayer specially made during the time of needing guidance over an issue; especially if it’s towards making major decisions in life. This is slowly starting to become a lost ‘Sunnah’ [Methodology] of Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) since most of us are hasty in making our decisions in accordance with fulfilling our desire out of selfishness. Before performing ‘Istikhara’, the individual needs to be sincere with their intentions. Once that is attained along with making Dua’ [supplication], specifically for ‘Istikhara’ prayer. Eventually, a positive or negative sign is indicated to the believer, either through a dream or in physicality, as he or she set along their course. In simpler terms, things are made smooth or difficult to them by the will of God [The All-Aware] for their own best interest.
According to Islamic belief, dreams are of three types: the subconscious, from the evils of ‘Shaitan’ (Satan), or from the will of Allah (God). Mostly, dreams occur due to our subconsciousness. Anything that we have thoughts about in our daily lives, which we secretly desire, can occur in the form of our dreams usually. However, a sign of a dream from the evils of ‘Shaitan’ (Satan) takes shape in a nightmare mostly. These dreams most of the time are unsettling when an individual wakes up from it causing them to feel anxious. Lastly, in unusual cases, dreams may come to an individual in the form of good signs. However, these dreams are common among the men of virtue and piety. They may wake up from it feeling hopeful about a situation or the aspect of their dream can take form physically.
Case Two
There was this man who excelled at attaining piety through the course of years from adolescence into adulthood. Due to reoccurring complications, there had always been barriers that would come between him or any set goals regardless of the efforts made towards achieving it. Nonetheless, he remained consistent throughout the years while struggling in many attempts made to attain worldly possession, along with his tremendous effort to exceed in his faith. His transformation into adulthood was as a man of wisdom through all the circumstances he had been in, and learned from it, as he grew older. Upon pursuing a career in the field of study after some time; he was on the road more frequently, and glad to have gained some financial stability after all. Until he realized that it had compromised his ability to remain steadfast towards the ‘Deen’ [Way of living in accordance with Islam]. And, so he let go of his job hoping to find work-life balance and staying close to his family. Moreover, he felt the pressure from his surroundings (Family & Peers) to have been settled by now and get married. Due to his modesty, this man never allowed himself to become close friends with the opposite sex. He kept the interactions as minimal as possible because he understood very young of the temptations that can overtake physically, even though he was good looking himself. And, to protect and safeguard one’s faith is a characteristic of being pious indeed. Now before this man had quit his job; he got involved with someone who was interested in him, and likewise, this individual sought this as means of wanting to pursue her as a potential spouse. However, it became a matter of confusion for him as he didn’t have financial stability. Prior to when this began, he set his intentions clear by performing an ‘Istikhara’ prayer. Seeking guidance from Allah (God) on the matter of his financial means & right direction towards building a relationship according to their own best interest. Within a brief time, they both dispersed by being occupied in their own lives. He made a friend through volunteering at the local mosque who had just moved a block down where he lived. Coincidently, this friend offered him a ride to come to pray Jumu’ah [Friday Prayer] one day. Surprisingly, the friend was accompanied by his sister, who this man had been classmates with during his college years. At some point during those years, he dreamt of them being married to each other. However, it only remained a temporary desire because he realized it its nothing but a mere distraction. After this incident, he acknowledged this as a potential sign from Allah (God) because it hadn’t been the first time that he’d dreamt of something that had come slightly true in actuality. This really boosted his faith to another level as he discovers his need of wanting to utilize his time seeking pleasure in God’s remembrance and develop a deeper understanding of the religion (Islam). Over the course of his lifetime, this man ends up becoming the Imam [Religious Leader] and a teacher at his local Mosque as he builds his life on the foundation of having patience and sacrifices made throughout the years. Above all, he ends up marrying the woman of his dream (literally), Subhan’Allah [Glory be to Allah].
In ‘The Book of Assistance’, by Imam Abdallah Ibn’Alawai Al-Haddad, one of the pious predecessors from the lineage of the Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H). It beautifully mentions the perception of having a consciousness of Allah (God):
Fear & Hope should be in equilibrium, just like the wings of a bird. ‘Should the fear of a believer and his hope be weighed, they should be found equal’. This is the state of most believers. ‘Despair’ is to be so overwhelmed by fear as to leave absolutely no room for hope, while ‘security’ is to have so much hope as to leave absolutely no room for fear. The man who has either of the two is ignorant of God and will inevitably neglect His obedience and transgress. For the one who despairs forsakes obedience because he feels it will be on no avail to him, while the one who is secure commits sins thinking that they will not harm him. We seek God’s protection against damnation and against evil destiny.
So then, how do we become more prevalent in the aspect of wanting to seek the pleasures of the life after this as well? The life that is eternal, and really is attained by sowing the seeds of it in the present one. Truly, we are at a great loss if the hereafter is compromised even the slightest due to the rigorous desire of the attainment of this life which is nothing in comparison to the one that awaits after this temporary abode.
Safeguarding One’s Faith
Among all the creations of Allah (God), human beings and ‘Jinns’ [Supernatural: that which is from the unseen world] are given free will. There is both, good and evil, amongst the existence between the paranormal and the physicality of this world. Indeed, God [The Almighty] is The Most Sovereign, who has the absolute knowledge of detail in depth of all worlds [Everything in it & beyond]. It should be a matter clear to a believer to have awareness of the realm of a force that is harmful and dangerous to our environment. Man’s biggest enemy is ‘Shaitan’ [Satan]; he has declared and taken upon himself the challenge to deviate humanity towards evil (self-destruction). ‘Iblees’ (The Devil) has taken a pledge by Allah (God) to make mankind go astray, by any means necessary, since the beginning of time till the last hour [The Day of Judgment]. Therefore, it’s relevantly a matter of utmost significance that the believing men and women protect themselves. Ultimately, that is achieved through having a strong faith and choosing to keep it safeguard by the remembrance of Allah (God). It’s essential to align our mindset; stay in connection with our spiritual identity through the guidance of True Knowledge and implicate it in our actions for our own sake. Much like cause & effect, the perception of life is according to our ‘Nafs’ [Human Psyche]. An appropriate balance is needed to stay rooted to remain firm in this life, and reach the eternal destination seeking the bounties of God [The Most Merciful], Insha’Allah [God willingly]. Just as loving the world is the origin of all sins, so also is hating it the origin of all obedience and excellence. It is enough to make you renounce the world to know that in numerous passages in the Holy Book of Quran [The Direct Speech from God] has called it the comfort of illusion. And, God [The Exalted] defined the world as being but a distraction and play to which no intelligent person should pay any attention and to which only ignorant fools are attracted. To be a fool is being among those who are drenched and consumed by this life that is but an illusion per se. In conclusion, there’s a saying by a certain gnostic that said: ‘My desire is that I should not desire, so that I may abandon that which I do not desire, and thus not be deprived of that which I desire.’ This ties well with an understanding of the believers who consistently work on not attaching their heart with the pleasures of this world, but merely have a grasp of it. Indeed, the best [among the righteous] are those who serve their Lord [The Creator] through good actions and preserve their faith with the remembrance of God.
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Perception Enlightenment 