Many a times we assume that just because we are Muslims life will be a bed of roses for us, when in fact it is the opposite.
The Prophet of Allah (saws) has warned us that during the end of times holding on to faith would be like holding on to fire.
Anas bin Malik reported that the Messenger of Allah (pbuh) said:
“The people will see a time of patience in which someone adhering to his religion will be as if he were grasping to burning coal.”
(Tirmidhi-2260)
We have to put all our effort if we are to please Allah. This world is full of difficulties and it is important to understand why we have been put in such difficult situations. As we exert ourselves during these hard times we come to realize: this world is temporary and what is in store is going to be worth it.
If things are ugly for you then it has been uglier for those before you and you must have witnessed worse things happening to those who are around you so remember to remain grateful.
Allah says in the glorious Quran Ch.: 29 V: 2
“Do the people think that they will be left to say “We believe” and they will not be tested?”
After having established that the times are difficult for one to pursue his/her faith what must one do?
What must be the plan of action?
•Remind yourself the purpose of your existence: the reason Allah created you was to worship Him alone. Other things that you do are to aid you to achieve this primary goal.
•A company that will remind of Allah: the example of a good companion is that of a perfume seller and a bad one is that of a blacksmith. Also the Prophet (pbuh) said a man is on the faith of his companion.
•Build yourself: Be better than what you were yesterday. Add a good deed in your habit list or eliminate a bad deed because even stagnant water gathers moss and becomes a hub for mosquitoes to breed in.
•Keep yourself busy: As the saying goes “An idle mind is a devil’s workshop.”
•Be proud of your faith: Don’t ever, ever be apologetic of you Deen. Because of the limited knowledge that we have we may not understand every aspect or injuction of Islam, but surely, beyond any shadow of doubt there is some wisdom behind every commandment of Allah. Umar (RA) said: Izzah (honour) is through Islam. If we seek honour through any other means than Islam, we will only be degraded.
