Assalamoalaykum. In our daily life one is faced with problems. They may be petty or serious ones and could emanate from nature ( calamities i.e floods, tsunami, earthquakes), culture , personal (family differences) and even oneself. In all instances , we try to find solutions to these problems hoping that they could be resolved. But sometimes no matter how much one tries, still they remain like cancer that slowly destroys the resistance until one succumbs to defeat. Why do we reach this point of helplessness? Are we failing in this crucial test of faith and loyalty to the Supreme Being? Questions like these bring us back to the story of Sayyidina Ayyub.
S. Ayyub was a descendant of Sayyidina Ibrahim. He was the son of Moos bin Razih Al’ Ays bin Ishaq bin Ibrahim. He was a wealthy man, had many children and a large family. But all of these were seized from him and his body was inflicted with diseases except his heart and tongue which enabled him to pray to Allah. Despite all these sufferings and seemingly endless persecution he remained faithful , patient and persevered in his love and loyalty to Allah. It is affirmed in the Hadith that the messenger of Allah said ” The most afflicted of people in trials are the Prophets, then the righteous . . .” He also said that ” A man is put to trial in relation to his religion ” which through his faith could turn these trials and hardships to increased perseverance and patience and ultimately will be rewarded with eternal bliss .
One therefore must not lose hope , instead one must realize the power of prayer that helps us put us back in the straight path. Al Baqra 2 Sec. 286 is a reminder that ” Allah tasketh not a soul beyond it scope. For it ( is only) that which it hath earned, and against it (only) that which it hath deserved . Our Lord condemn us not if we forget or miss the mark! . . . Our Lord impose not on us that which we have not the strength to bear! Pardon us , absolve us and have mercy on us . . . .”
Walaykum asalam sister.
One can feel so desperate, and more often just want to give up on the heavy trials. Like you wrote, never give up, don’t forget the power of prayer…Indeed after changing my attitude towards these problems, (mostly cultural which forever conflicts my ideals) my burden is easier to carry. There is that “peace” I experience within, which gives me the strength to go on again. I pray for my enemies too, believe it or not, that they may be enlightened and humbled…for arrogance,hatred,and jealousy are the common illness that eats up a person if not stopped or controlled. Very much like cancer, eating up the good cells in the body…
May Allah have mercy on my soul…
By: mt on October 29, 2007
at 3:55 am