Why the Suffering?
Many ask the question: Why is the Ummah suffering so much, despite millions making dua throughout the world and millions making dua during Haj and Umrah? Why is there no change? The answer can be understood by way of an analogy: A son is disobedient and rebellious towards his father’s instructions and arrogant in his stance against his father, demanding, swearing, abusing, and adopting bad behaviour as found common in this day and age. The father is deeply hurt, offended and angered, and when he has had enough of the disrespect and arrogance, he finally resorts to breaking off ties with his son and he cuts off all privileges. Now, if the entire family, even the entire community, tells that father: “Forgive him. He is your son…” That father will respond: “I have no problem with forgiving him. All he has to say is, “I’m sorry”, and I will forgive him.” However, on being encouraged to humble himself and ask for forgiveness, the son retorts with arrogance: “Why must I? Why do I need to? I’m independent! I don’t need him!” Will that father forgive that son? Will he grant those privileges of money, car, etc.? Similarly, the Awliya-Allah, the Salihin (the pious), and so many more are making dua for the Ummah. In fact, if all the Auliya Allah were to gather on the Day of Arafat and earnestly pray for the Ummah, Allah Ta’ala would most assuredly be prepared to forgive. However, from our side, there is a step to be taken—and this is what the majority are not ready to do: They are not prepared to take the step of “CHANGE”. Allah Ta’ala’s doors are ever-open. Allah wants us to become His. He wants to forgive us and shower His infinite Mercies and Blessings upon us, but we are not prepared to take the step of obedience —the step that will secure His Forgiveness and Pleasure. Unfortunately, the majority do not even acknowledge their sins, let alone repent. Many justify and reason their sins. Some even dispute and argue regarding Allah Ta’ala’s Commandments as if they have some authority over Allah Ta’ala (Na-uzu billah). So many are brazen in their indulgence as if challenging Allah Ta’ala, like that arrogant son: “What can You do? I do not need You!” (Na-uzu Billah). With this kind of behaviour and attitude, can we expect any favours, privileges or assistance from Allah Ta’ala? We live in a fool’s paradise if we think we can continue sinning and still be a recipient of Allah Ta’ala’s bounties and aid. If we truly want Allah Ta’ala’s assistance, we have to give up our sins. Many are not even fulfilling the Fardh Injunctions – Salah, Zakah, Fasting in the month of Ramadan, etc., and others naively depend on Wazifas to solve their problems; they are just not prepared to give up their sins–this is sheer foolishness. Wazifas and Ta’wiz are no barrier against the Azab of Allah Ta’ala when there is indulgence and persistence in sins. Then we have those Muslims who, in the face of natural disasters, war and genocide, etc., question God’s existence, ask where are Allah Ta’ala’s mercy and compassion, or ask if He is seeing what is happening. (Na-uzu Billah). Allah Ta’ala is not blind or deaf and does not want chaos. Allah Ta’ala wants peace. However, we have to fulfil the conditions of the contract. The first condition is that we become Believers who are ‘Kamil’ (perfect). If we implement Deen in our lives, adopt Taqwa and follow the noble example of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam), then the conditions will change. The Day the Ummah fulfils its duties across the board —making a total change; then our suffering will be replaced with success, prosperity, happiness, and people of other faiths will also accept Islam. Allah Ta’ala explicitly spells out His conditions and His promises: ” Allah has promised those of you who believe and do good deeds that He will certainly make them (His) vicegerents in the land, as He made those before them, and will certainly establish for them their religion which He has chosen for them, and will certainly give them peace in place of fear in which they were before; (provided that) they worship Me, ascribing no partner to Me. And those who turn infidel after that are the transgressors..” Establish Salah and pay Zakah and obey the messenger, so that you may be favoured with mercy. [Surah Nur 24: 55 / 56] Thus, in order to see the fruit of our duas and receive Allah Ta’ala’s assistance on an individual, national, and international level, we must fulfil our pledge by obeying Allah Ta’ala and His Rasul (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam).