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One of the well-established laws (sunnan) of Allah is the never-ending
battle between the truth and falsehood, between good and evil. This
conflict will continue forever until Allah inherits the Earth on the Day
of Judgment. By virtue of this conflict, Allah raises the ranks of the
righteous believers and separates the ordinary believers from the
steadfast ones and the believers from the hypocrites. Today's seemingly
unremitting tirade of assaults against Islam and the Muslims is going to
result, by Allah's will, in purification of the believers and separation
of the wheat from the chaff.
This conflict of Allah's devotees on one side and His enemies on the other
is explained in much detail in the Qur'an, particularly through the
stories of the Children of Israel (Bani Israel). The frequent mention of
Bani Israel is due to their fundamental similarity with the Islamic Ummah
(Nation). After they lived for years in humiliation and slavery under
Pharaoh, they forgot what they were taught by their Prophets and became
excessively attached to this world. With the coming of Mousa (Moses),
Alayhis-Salam (peace be upon him), they were tried with even more tests,
and they complained: "They said: We have been
persecuted before you came to us and since you have come to us. He said:
It may be that your Lord will destroy your enemy and make you rulers in
the land, then He will see how you act." (The Qur'an 7:129)
They lived in this state for several years until Allah ordained them to go
through the sea. In the story of Bani Israel there is unmistakable
evidence that the help of Allah is imminent for the believers, except that
His measurement of time periods is not the same as ours. Our very test is
to not lose hope in Him, and to "keep holding on to the rope of Allah all
together" and to submit to the Book of Allah and the Sunnah (practices/
traditions) of his Messenger, [Sallallahu Alayhi Wa Sallam (SAWS)].
The recent crises and tragedies that have shaken the world, particularly
the Muslim Ummah, could ironically be a cause of much benefit and strength
for us, by Allah's will. Some of the observable benefits are enumerated
here:
1. Certainty of Our being on the Right Path
The truth and justness of the true Muslim believers is beyond doubt. Those
who have stood this storm are only stronger and more certain of Allah's
help. On the other hand, the tyrants are day by day closer to Allah's
punishment. "And (all) those townships! We
destroyed them when they did wrong, and We appointed a fixed time for
their destruction." (The Qur'an 18:59)
2. Arrogance Leads to Destruction
"As for A'ad, they were arrogant in the land
without right, and they said: "Who is mightier than us in power?" Could
they not see that Allah, Who created them, was mightier than them in
power? And they denied Our revelations." (The Qur'an 41:15). The
arrogance of the enemies of Allah today knows no limits, and it is that
their end is near.
3. Separation of Hypocrites from the Believers
Just like on the day of Uhud (Uhud battle) and the Day of Ahzab (the
Battle of Trench), we are witnessing calamities that will separate the
wheat from the chaff. The hypocrites, the worshippers of this world, and
the sellers of Allah's verses are going to stand apart from those who
persist in Allah's way.
"On no account will Allah leave the believers in
the condition which you are in until He separates the evil from the good."
(The Qur'an 3:179)
4. Reawakening of Muslims
The aggravating victimization of the Muslims by their enemies has
increased the keen sense, in the Ummah, of the need for returning to Allah
and has aided in the reawakening of Muslims.
5. Distinction of the Truth and Falsehood
As the events unfold day by day, the plans of the enemies of Islam and of
Allah become clearer and the truth and falsehood are face to face with
each other. The Muslims are clearly posed the challenge of walaa' (loyalty
to the believers) and baraa' (disavowal of Allah's enemies). The enemies
of Islam are calling a spade a spade and openly calling for annihilation
of true Islam. Some unfortunate disbelievers attack Islam and the Beloved,
Chosen Messenger of Allah (SAWS) directly, while others choose to work
under the cover of attacking only certain group of radicals while indeed
calling to annihilate all Islam. This is forcing even unwilling Muslims to
see the clear animosity of the enemies of Allah.
"In order that Allah might bring about a matter which was to be done, that
he who would perish might perish by clear proof, and he who would live
might live by clear proof; and most surely Allah is Hearing, Knowing."
(The Qur'an 8:42)
6. A Check on Globalization
The recent polarization of the Islamic world against the hegemonic powers
has awakened many Muslims, individuals and governments, and there is a
popular movement to boycott several global firms that support war against
Islam and Muslims.
7. Increase in Conversion to Islam
While the arrogant leaders wage war against Islam, the sincere, searching
people are embracing the message of their God with open arms and warm
hearts all over the world, particularly the West. The tremendous recent
increase in number of conversions to Islam in the West is now a well-known
fact. This is the most positive outcome indeed of the somber reality of
our world today, and the Muslims in America must build on this momentum
and educate people about the true message of Islam.
8. Strengthening of Muslim Causes
The increased sense of threat to Islam has also increased Muslims'
attachment to the Ummah and its causes. Muslims are more concerned about
and aware of each other across the world. The Palestinian cause is once
again alive for all of us.
9. Healthy Dialog within the Ummah
There is increasing possibility of a healthy dialog within the Muslim
Ummah. Those in power realize more and more that it is no longer possible
to neglect the concerns of the Islamic reawakening currents. The
radicalized groups are like a double-edged sword, and if given proper and
trustworthy leadership will contribute positively to the welfare of the
Ummah and the world. Today's onslaught against Islam is making it clear
that all those working for Islam need to unite, that no one can work
alone, that there is no substitute to the Prophetic methodology of
patience, mercy, da'wah and wisdom. We pray to Allah that this dialog will
lead to a united way for the entire Ummah.
10. A Reminder from Allah
We, the Muslim Ummah, are living in a state of all-out war, the most
important fronts being cultural and intellectual. This deadly war against
the true faith is extremely deceptive, without any ultimatum. These
seemingly incessant tragedies of today are indeed the divine ultimatum for
the Muslim Ummah to wake up, then rise up, and remember the truthful
promises of Almighty Allah: "Most surely We help
Our Messengers, and those who believe, in this world's life and on the day
when the witnesses shall stand." (The Qur'an 40:51).
"To help the believers is ever incumbent upon
Us." (The Qur'an 30:47). "So lose not
heart, nor fall into despair: For you must gain mastery if you are true in
Faith." (The Qur'an 3:139) |