Nafsiya Reflections: Rising Up

Welcome to another episode of Nafsiya Reflections - Rising Up!

When the people of Jannah will reunite, they will remember all the times they spoke about Jannah in this world. They’ll look back and laugh at how short life was, and then smile, because beautiful is their final abode. One step into Jannah and they will remember no pain. They will say they never suffered, they will say they never cried.

A dip in Jannah!

Oh how much we long for that moment. The moment where we reunite, we hug our loved ones once again. We forget about all the pain, and thank Allāh for all the tests! How strange does it seem, that these tests which weigh a ton on our chest today will one day elevate us. Elevate us so high, that we will thank Allāh for testing us, for loving us and for giving us more than anyone could imagine. A place of eternity, beauty, and peace.

Picture that scene in your mind:

Standing humbled in front of our most merciful Rabb- He azza wa jalla asks... Oh my servant, "have you ever felt hardship?” We reply, “No, ya Rabb”. No trauma of the hardships endured. There will be No flashbacks that chokes your breath, no regret that brings you to your knees, no pain of affliction mentally or physically and No feeling of betrayal or a broken trust.

This is what we hold on to In our moments of darkness, the moments of being in the belly of the whale when we feel we can do no more, we can endure no more , when time moves at an agonizing pace and we silently scream gasping for the relief to come - know that our Lord will never forsake us, that the relief to come will be everlasting.

The Hadith of the Prophet (saw) states:

" ...وَمَنْ يَتَصَبَّرْ يُصَبِّرْهُ اللَّهُ، وَمَا أُعْطِيَ أَحَدٌ عَطَاءً خَيْرًا وَأَوْسَعَ مِنَ الصَّبْرِ "

"...And whoever remains patient, Allah will make him patient. Nobody can be given a blessing better and greater than patience."

Sabr is an Arabic word which translates as “Patience”. Sabr is endurance, forbearance, steadfastness, perseverance. Sabr is something we often ask Allah for, especially when we face hardships in life. We’re frequently reminded, in the Quran, of the virtues and beauty of sabr. Of “صبر جميل” a beautiful patience.But is patience really beautiful? How can patience be beautiful when the very essence of patience entails enduring tough times?

The beauty of patience lies within enduring calamities whilst striving to stabilize your life and carry on as if things are okay. Sabr and beautiful patience does NOT mean suffering in silence; enduring whilst failing to try and seek help for your situation is not what beautiful patience is. We often hear of people living in horrible circumstances being told to simply ‘have sabr and carry on’. To be patient and carry on asking Allah for a way out. And whilst we must never stop asking Allah for guidance, He (swt) has gifted us with the ability to act. If we are sick we seek medicine, if we need money we look for a means to earn. Islam is not a passive religion. Allah (swt) does not want us to be passive people. ‘He (swt) does not change the condition of people without effort from the people first’.

Sabr is when, regardless of how harsh life gets, you remember wholeheartedly that Allah (swt) has beautiful things in store for you. Sabr is the act that is maintained, regardless of how horrible you feel internally, you never inflict pain on others or let this affect how you treat others. The final verses of Surah Al-Baqarah verse 286 state:

(لَا يُكَلِّفُ اللّٰهُ نَفۡسًا اِلَّا وُسۡعَهَا...)

“Allah (swt) does not burden a soul with more than it can endure”

Tests are designed unique to each individual. For example, suddenly losing a loved one or one enduring material loss may be more of a test than living in poverty. Trials are equally as difficult and testing to different souls but Allah (swt) knows the exact limits of each and every one of us and will only give us what we can take. One must Always remember that a test comes with recourse for relief - simply turning to Allah in recognition that the problem giver is the ultimate problem solver is in itself the greatest source of assistance. When My slaves ask you (O Muhammad) concerning Me, then (answer them), I am indeed near (to them by My Knowledge). I respond to the invocations of the supplicant when he calls on Me (without any mediator or intercessor). So let them obey Me and believe in Me, so that they may be led aright.

We remind ourselves of the noble words of our Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him,

‏ "‏ الدُّنْيَا سِجْنُ الْمُؤْمِنِ وَجَنَّةُ الْكَافِرِ ‏"‏

"The ‘dunya is a prison to the believer‘." May our trials and tribulations be a source through which we can exercise Sabr and pave the way for the expiation of our sins.

There is so much tranquility and beauty in making dua. In begging Him (swt) for relief, for redemption,for a way out, in asking Him (swt) to take away our pain or suffering. We’ve all felt the sweetness of being truly present in the moment when making Dua to Allah, and it’s a very uplifting one. Sabr is to think well of Allah (swt) during hardships. Sabr is to try to ignore that terrible thought from Shaytan that tells you that nothing will ever help your situation, that your life will always be at a standstill.

(وَقَالُوا۟ ٱلْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ ٱلَّذِىٓ أَذْهَبَ عَنَّا ٱلْحَزَنَ ۖ إِنَّ رَبَّنَا لَغَفُورٌۭ شَكُورٌ )

“And they will say, ‘Praise to Allah, who has removed from us [all] sorrow. Indeed, our Lord is Forgiving and Appreciative” [Surah Fatir verse 34]

(اِنَّمَا يُوَفَّى الصّٰبِرُوۡنَ اَجۡرَهُمۡ بِغَيۡرِ حِسَابٍ ...)

“Only those who are patient shall receive their rewards in full, without Hisaab (without limit, calculation, and estimation). [Surah Az-Zumar verse 10]

Allah said to those who are facing difficulties or trials that He is with them by guiding and supporting them and granting them a clear victory. Allah said:

(وَٱصْبِرُوٓا۟ ۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ مَعَ ٱلصَّـٰبِرِينَ ...)

“Surely, Allah is with those who are As‑Saabiroon (the patient)” [Surah Al-Anfal verse 46]

Almighty Allah says in Quran:

(وَإِنْ عَاقَبْتُمْ فَعَاقِبُوا۟ بِمِثْلِ مَا عُوقِبْتُم بِهِۦ ۖ وَلَئِن صَبَرْتُمْ لَهُوَ خَيْرٌۭ لِّلصَّـٰبِرِينَ)

“But if you endure patiently, verily, it is better for As-Sabirin.” [Surah An Nahl verse 126]

Prophet Muhammad (saw) said,

" والصبر ضياء "

that the Patience is illumination. “As-Sabr (the patience) is illumination.” [Muslim 223]

May we rise up to our challenges and attain felicity!

The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said,

" إِنَّمَا مَثَلُ الْمُؤْمِنِ حِينَ يُصِيبُهُ الْوَعْكُ أَوِ الْحُمَّى كَمَثَلِ حَدِيدَةٍ تُدْخَلُ النَّارَ فَيَذْهَبُ خَبَثُهَا وَيَبْقَى طَيِّبُهَا "

“Verily, the parable of the believer, when he is afflicted by illness or fever, is only that of a piece of iron placed in the fire; its defects vanish and its goodness remains.”

Our savior is none but Allah. May Allah save us the believers from the hell-fire and award us a place in paradise (Jannah). Ameen!

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