NEVER LOSE HOPE IN ALLAH
— Abolaji Abdullah
As Muslims, we are open to trial from the Almighty. He would definitely test us to know our level of faith as He has done to our predecessors. He afflicted them with pains that are strange to them and despite the afflictions, they withstood it and never lost hope. We should recall when Allah the Almighty says:
Do you think that you will enter paradise without such trials as came to those who passed away before you? They experienced suffering and adversity and were so shaken in spirit that even the Prophet and the faithful who were with him cried, “When will Allah’s help come?” Ah, verily the help of Allah is near. – Quran Chapter 2, verse 214.
In line with the above verse it is unquestionably that the path to paradise is full of trials, sufferings and adversities. However, as, Muslims we should be positive minded, we should not think like the unbelievers who are carried away with the enjoyment of this world. The difference between us and them is that we are positive minded on everything that happens to us, we are always hopeful that the Almighty will reward us here in this world and in the hereafter. The Quran supports the assertion:
Wealth and sons are allurements of the life of this world: but the things that endure, Good Deeds, are best in the sight of thy Lord, as rewards, and best as (the foundation for) hopes. – Qur’an Chapter 18, verse 46.
One of the important qualities of a Muslim is to always be ready for anything that comes his way be it challenges at home, work, school or anywhere, and to expect a greater reward from that. Also, we need to believe that Allah knows what is best for us. A Muslim is never in despair, not even in the most difficult moments. That is because they believe that Allah is the Creator of all things; that He has the power to create whatever He wants by saying it to “Be!” and it will be.
The faithful knows that any trying times, he finds himself in, are God-sent tests. He takes things in his stride, recalling that Allah Almighty has advised him:
“…it may be that you hate something when it is good for you and it may be that you love something when it is bad for you. Allah knows and you do not know.” – Qur’an Chapter 2, verse 216.
At times, we crave for material items; houses, cars, and what have you, but we do not get them, we turn the table around and start thinking or even uttering that the Almighty is not being merciful to us. Never! We should not switch our thoughts and or actions towards that direction for Allah is Merciful. He knows what is best for us. He knows if what we crave for might destroy us or might hinder us from remembering and rendering His praise.
Furthermore, we have our fallible, we are prone to errors, but notwithstanding, we should be hopeful that Allah is ever ready to forgive our mistakes. We should never despair of His mercy. Why? because He is merciful. Do not think about your past let by gone be by gone. Never lose hope! The Almighty Allah says:
Say: “My servants, you who have transgressed against yourselves, do not despair of the mercy of Allah. Truly Allah forgives all wrong actions. He is the Ever Forgiving, the Most Merciful. – Qur’an Chapter 39, verse 53.
Lastly, keep trying and keep pushing, the Almighty is always there for you, ask Him for every step you intend to take in life. Be hopeful and patient. Prophet Ibraheem was hopeful and was rewarded, his heritage is never forgotten. Prophet Yakub was hopeful and he was reunited with his lost son. Prophet Ayyub never lost hope in Allah and he was healed. Remember Allah has promised us that “after difficulty there is ease”. Never lose hope!
“Do not lose heart nor fall into despair! You shall triumph if you are believers.
Qur’an Chapter 3, verse 139.
Remember, true success comes to those who believe.
