The situation of the world today is heartbreaking however there is no doubt it will reap a future that has been promised. We get in the habit of looking at the here and now but it is more crucial now than ever to escape the restricted measure that encompasses our lives, as Allah shows us His measure is different. Reflect on this verse regarding the variability of time:
"Until, when the Messenger and those who believed with him said, 'When is the help of Allah?' Unquestionably, the help of Allah is near." (Quran, Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:214).
Consider how Allah combines the timing of victory in the people's perspective “When is the help of Allah?" with His measure of proximity. For the help of Allah to truly kick in, we need to broaden our horizons and work for a timeless future, this has been exercised for us from the time of Our Most Beloved Prophet, the results for some of which he strived for, succeeded His life in this world. Among them was the Fath of Bayt al-Maqdis.
The wisdom from the companions of our blessed Prophet too was not shortsighted. Umar (RA) prayed outside the church in the very same city abstaining from depriving Christendom of one of its holiest sites. When touring the blessed city, Sophronius invited Umar (RA) to pray inside the Church, but Umar refused. His refusal was on the basis that if he prayed there, later Muslims would use it as an excuse to convert it into a mosque. Instead, he prayed outside the Church, where a mosque called Masjid Umar was later built but the church remained standing too.
It is vital to note that the efforts you exert today may only come to fruition many years after your death. You are not more zealous for the Ummah’s causes than Allah is, so do not despair if you do not see your efforts taking off during your lifetime. Ali ibn Ṭahir al-Sulami was a Shaafi‘i jurist and a teacher in the Umayyad Mosque in Damascus. He authored The Book of Jihad. The initial public readings of this book were in the year 1105, six years after Jerusalem had been conquered by the Crusaders. A year after this, Ali ibn Ṭahir al-Sulami passed away. Fast forward eighty-one years later, it was read before the decisive battle of Hittin, the battle in which Jerusalem was liberated by Salahuddin. Steered by Salahuddin and his teacher Nur al-Din Zengi, a once disparate Muslim community of various ethnicities and languages became united by Islam and inspired into action by the book of Ali ibn Ṭahir al-Sulami. A dream that Ali ibn Ṭahir al-Sulami didn’t live to see yet would weigh heavy on his scales. Your duty is to sow the seed with dedication merely, then it is up to Allah to decide how and when to give life to matters.
The very day his father was forced to leave Tikrit, Salahuddin was born. His childhood and education are clear proof of what he was intended for and raised to do. Similarly, Muhammed al-Fatih was sent to Manisa and received rigorous training in education and warfare. Aged only nineteen, he then led the government. We can see that these personalities were trained to fulfil great responsibilities. The stark overarching trait in both was their advancement in understanding the religion and respecting the people of the religion. Conversations were frequent between themselves, and their mentors. Salahuddin was told the conqueror of Aqsa does not cry like this, and Muhammed al-Fatih was told Constantinople is awaiting you. These reminders from their teachers became their motivating factor. This is the culture change needed.
Our Ummah needs revelation to be the most important factor in adversity. If this becomes the lens, no matter the situation, you will have everything. Our Prophet was told he would be cut off, but revelation showed us who truly was cut off and who wasn’t. If our lens changes, we will not be shocked when the hypocrites support the oppressors or those who are in power turn a blind eye. We will truly recognise the real role model and not be distracted by the glitter of this world.
This aspect is truly in need of enlightenment. The spark the youngsters of this ummah need is the spark of true Islamic scholarship. Have we educated ourselves concerning our future? The future of Aqsa? The history of Aqsa? The Judeo-Christian myths regarding Aqsa? If we focus on these issues, a change will surely be made not only in our lives but more importantly, we will be on the right side of history. If we were to be proactive truly, then this lens would not be restricted to one issue rather it would be a remedy to the plight of this Ummah. The issue today is deep-rooted. It must arouse within us a sense of firmness towards our faith and reshape the awareness of those among us who are deep in their sleep. Most importantly, it must have an impact on the true return to Allah Almighty, and the abandoning of the paths of heedlessness and triviality that squander our lives. This should be followed by taking initiatives towards the aiding of Muslims and Islam.
Whoever is not awakened by the pain and tragedies, and by the enemies’ attacks today, might never wake up after that, except tomorrow in his grave:
“You were certainly in unmindfulness of this, and We have removed from you your cover, so your sight, this Day, is sharp”.
As we are reminded time and time again, the Quran provides profound insights that surpass the perspectives of any journalist. Within the verses of Surah Aal Imraan, we discover valuable lessons related to Musa (AS). Additionally, the Quran offers profound guidance in verses recounting the events of the Battle of Uhud and the Battle of the Trench, showcasing just the initial depths of its wisdom.
Throughout history, many nations have crumbled under the impact of enemies, succumbing to the influences of invaders and losing their identity forever. Muslims, however, hold a distinct perspective on the concept of a nation. They see it not merely as a numerical affiliation but as a community dedicated to truth, defending it with unwavering commitment, even in the face of betrayal and deceit. In this unique understanding, the core of a nation, in its broader sense, lies in a steadfast and consistent minority. Allah, through this dedicated minority, holds the key to the life of the nation. He revives whom He wills, renews the religion, raises His banner, and restores His word, guiding people back to the truth. The eternal miracle bestowed upon Prophet Muhammad, the Quran, serves as the linchpin in this process. To ensure the nation's strength and resilience, it is crucial to adhere to this principle, making the Quran a comprehensive and governing reference, and distancing oneself from anything contradictory.
By upholding this great principle, the nation will remain unbreakable and undefeated. With Allah's permission, those living among us will witness the revival of the Ummah's life, despite a century of concerted efforts by enemies in corruption, misleading tactics, military invasions, intellectual interventions, and media onslaughts.
Everything that is happening should increase the insight and faith of the believer, those who will nourish themselves with the truths of the Quran will experience spiritual tranquillity and can perceive the Sunan (traditions) of Allah truly increasing their faith in the greatness, power, and wisdom of Allah. It is imperative to realise the phase we are going through is the beginning of something great.
We will experience pains, challenges and much more but they are the prelude to hope, victory and eternal felicity. Allah says:
“Verily victory comes with patience, and with hardship comes ease”.
The ultimate tragedy is when one wastes their time and soul today. If someone finds themselves in such a situation, let them hold onto sincere repentance, so Allah will record them among the bearers of this religion, those whose words will be elevated and whose faith will be a means for the triumph of their religion.
(ألا إن نصر الله قريب)
"Unquestionably, the help of Allah is near."
