Remaining firm and faithful even through bloodshed, war and conflicts.

Salam my dear brothers and sisters; we are back to the monthly article and poem. I pray that your Ramadan was productive in sha Allah and that you was able to celebrate Eid despite the waves of pain that surrounds the Ummah in the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and other parts across the globe. I also pray that you benefitted from the Ramadan articles that I wrote. May Allah accept. This month; I was thinking what topic shall I write about? For me to ignore what's happening around the world and talk about a different topic is an element of selfishness and my heart has no room for that when my sisters and brothers are mourning over their loved ones. Lack of sleep. Fear. Homeless. No shelter is safe to hide away. Young and old getting killed. No mercy. During Ramadan I have been campaigning to raise awareness of what's happening to awaken the dead hearts besides making dua for our brothers and sisters.

Our faith and belief in the Almighty Allah subhanahu wa taala should be maintained whether night or day, every season across the year. We will be tested and thrown into numerous trials from every directions; in times of hardship where there appears as though there is little hope.

We need to ask ourselves why are we being tested? It is to examine the inner core of our character and the strengths of our beliefs.

Allah subhanahu wa taala says in the Glorious Quran:

"Do men think that they will be left alone on saying, 'We believe,' and that they will not be tested? We did test those before them, and Allah will certainly know those who are true from those who are false" (29: 2-3).

Allah has not left us empty-handed. He gave us the Quran and the Sunnah. 

The Quran is a source of firmness that implants belief in Allah subhanahu wa taala, purifies the soul and gives our hearts a sense of assurance during trials that Allah subhanahu wa taala loves us which is why He tests us. The Glorious Quran gives us the ability to visualize all situations around us with the right perspectives so that we won't lose control and go astray. The Quran was revealed over a period of time (23 years) rather than at once to allow the heart of the Prophet salla allahu alayhi wa salam firm in belief.  As Allah subhanahu wa taala says:

And those who disbelieve say, "Why was the Qur'an not revealed to him all at once?" Thus [it is] that We may strengthen thereby your heart. And We have spaced it distinctly. (25:32)

Another way that allows the Ummah to remain firm is by following the commandments of Allah subhanahu wa taala which is the shariah (islamic law). If the Ummah was ruled by the laws of Islam rather than man-made law it would have been better for us. As Allah subhanahu wa taala says:

And if We had decreed upon them, "Kill yourselves" or "Leave your homes," they would not have done it, except for a few of them. But if they had done what they were instructed, it would have been better for them and a firmer position [for them in faith]. [4:66]

Furthermore, to aid us in remaining firm and faithful during all kinds of tests is to read, reflectthe parables of the Prophets alayhuma salam and learn and implement the lessons and morals.  They were taught to the Prophet salla allahu alayhi wa salam as Allah subhanahu wa taala says:

And each [story] We relate to you from the news of the messengers is that by which We make firm your heart. And there has come to you, in this, the truth and an instruction and a reminder for the believers. [11:120]

Islamic history serves as a reminder and an inspiration for our journey during duniya. Our Prophets alayhuma salam and brothers and sisters of the past had a high abundance of patience and perseverance - both of which are important characteristics of the righteous.

I would like to introduce and share with you two prime examples who were amongst the first Muslims who converted to Islam and was tortured severely and mercilessly due to their acceptance of Islam by the hands of the true example of what you call today 'terrorist' Abu Jahl yet had firm belief in Allah subhanahu wa taala.

Sumayyah bint Khayyat radia allahu anha and her husband Yasir radia allahu anhu and their son Ammar ibn Yasir radia allahu anhu. 

The Quraish; one of the powerful tribes in Mekkah could not torture Muhammad salla allahu alayhi wa salam due to his uncle Abu Talib and his best friend Abu Bakr radia allahu anhu who held strong positions and power. Rather the Quraish targeted the common muslim regardless of gender and tortured them.

Prophet Muhammad salla allahu alayhi wa salam passed by the market place where he visualised all three members of the family being tortured. He was unable to help nor rescue Sumayyah and Yasir physically at the time. He would visit them and say:

"Be patient, O family of Yasir, because your promised place is Paradise." 

He would then turn his face to the sky and say: "O Lord! Forgive the family of Yasir." 

Another occasion is when Ammar radia allahu anhu escaped the torture and ask the Prophet salla allahu alayhi wa salam whn the conflict would end. He, the Prophet salla allahu alayhi wa salam prayed for the alleviation of Ammar's suffering by placing Ammar's head in his lap and saying: "O fire! Be cool and harmless for Ammar in the same manner in which you became cool and harmless for Ibrahim." This occured after 

These are the examples amongst others that we should take as pro-active tools into our own lives. They did not compromise their faith to please others nor save their own lives. Rather they remained firm.

Our strength and faith as an individual as well as a whole Ummah can only be germinated and sustained from the remembrance of Allah subhanahu wa taala and obeying His commandments.

I fear the day when there is no turning back; the Day of Reckoning where I will stand before Allah subhanahu wa taala and will be asked what have I done to help the Ummah as I witnessed the bloodshed and the tears of help.

Oh Allah grant us ease on the Day of Judgement and forgive our sins.