In times like these, S N Smith
I have not written anything for quite some time because, to be honest, I feel overwhelmed by the unfolding of events and I am at a loss regarding how to respond.
I suspect that many of those reading this feel the same way.
As a believer, I try to see the events around me through the lens of the teachings of Islam. In other words, I try to refer things back to the Quran and the Sunnah of the prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, to find meaning, purpose and solace.
But ultimately, because my understanding is very finite, I can never really know or understand all that is taking place.
Because of this, it is important for me, as a believer, to put my faith and trust in Allah and know that nothing happens in this world without Allah’s decree.
I have to accept the decree of Allah, both the good of it and the unpleasant parts of it.
I am sad to see such death and carnage in Gaza, as well as in many other parts of the world.
I am sad to see such vast amounts of oppression and the denial of fundamental human rights.
I am sad that innocent people are being murdered in cold blood as a result of some maniacal, bloodthirsty political ideology.
I am sad to see that we are being fed a daily diet of lies and outright distortions by the corporate media to hide the truth of what is taking place.
In times like these, it is essential for me to turn to Allah in prayer and supplications and to develop a relationship with Him.
There is no power and no salvation other than in Allah.
I am weak and ineffectual.
My ability to bring about change is minimal.
My voice is muted and my powers of expression have been stifled.
My body cries out in pain, and my heart is heavy with a great amount of sorrow.
Despite all of this, I cry out to Allah who is my Lord, my Creator and my Sustainer.
I am in need of Allah and He does not need anything or anyone.
He is the one who feeds me when I am hungry.
He is the one who guides me when I go astray.
He is the one who heals me when I am sick.
He is the one who answers my prayer when I make supplication.
He is the one who gives me hope at times when there is no other hope.
Oh Allah, I ask for your guidance
Oh Allah, I ask for your mercy.
Oh Allah, I ask for your forgiveness.
Oh Allah, I asked for the ability and opportunity to obey you and to avoid all that which is displeasing to you.
Oh Allah, I asked for the good of this world and for the good of the hereafter and that you, oh Allah, protect me from the Hellfire.
Oh Allah, may the best day of my existence be the day I meet You.
And, oh Allah, even as I ask these things for myself, I also ask them for my fellow Muslim brothers and sisters all over the world.
