In this temporary world, every soul must go
through certain trials. Pains, losses, illnesses, uncertainties, and injustices
are not things out of the ordinary, but rather elements that form part of life
on earth. Allah has informed us that this worldly life is a field of trials,
destined to reveal the sincerity of our faith and the depth of our submission.
A true believer will not be content merely seeking the comfort of Paradise, but
will make every effort to draw closer to Allah Himself, Who is the Master of
Paradise. In the Qur’an, Allah says:
“We will certainly test you with
a touch of fear and famine and loss of property, life, and crops. But give good
tidings to the patient.” (Al-Baqara 2: 156)
To be a Muslim means to submit oneself entirely
to the will of Allah. It is not merely a religious affiliation, but a posture
that one must adopt in daily life, in all intentions and actions – this
submission must permeate one’s entire life. One must become like the soul that
recognises it belongs to Allah, its Creator, and that everything – whether
happiness or hardship – comes from Him.
“Say: Indeed, my prayer, my rites of sacrifice, my living and my dying are for Allah, Lord of the worlds.” (Al-Anam 6: 163)
A believer does not rebel against divine
decrees. They (He/ She) accept them with trust, knowing deep within themselves
that behind every trial lies hidden wisdom, and that it is also a purification
and an opportunity to draw closer to Allah.
Patience (Sabr) is one of the pillars of
faith – not among the five foundational pillars of Islam that we know, but Sabr
must be present at every turning point in a believer’s life, because without Sabr,
he will not be able to pass the tests/examinations that come from Allah. Sabr
does not merely consist of enduring a trial, but the person facing the trial
must remain firm, dignified, and faithful to Allah despite the storms
(cyclones). The Holy Prophet (pbuh) said:
“Whatever fatigue, illness, worry, sadness,
pain or distress a Muslim endures – even a thorn that pricks him – Allah will
expiate through it some of his sins.” (Bukhari
and Muslim)
Patience is an inner light that illuminates the
path of a believer in the darkness of trials. It is a sign of spiritual
maturity, trust in divine wisdom, and sincere love for Allah.
Just as I was telling you last week, when we
speak of Patience (Sabr), we also speak of Trust in Allah (Tawakkul
‘ala Allah).
Tawakkul is
the act of someone entrusting their fate (his destiny) to Allah after having
made all the necessary efforts that were possible at their level. It is a form
of active faith, where a believer acts responsibly while being fully aware that
the outcome belongs to Allah alone. As Allah says in the Qur’an:
“And whoever relies upon Allah –
then He is sufficient for him.” (At-Talaq 65: 4)
The Holy Prophet (pbuh) was the perfect example
of Tawakkul. During battles, persecutions, and moments of solitude, he
never doubted Allah’s promise. He (pbuh) taught his companions that victory
does not come through strength, but through faith.
Remember well that this Dunya (worldly
life) is not our eternal home. It is a place of testing, a mirror that reflects
the truth of each soul. Allah says:
“[He] Who created death and life
to test you [as to] which of you is best in deed.” (Al-Mulk
67: 3)
Trials are not punishments, but means to reveal
a person’s true nature. These trials allow a believer to purify themselves,
detach from the illusions of this world, and turn more towards Allah, preparing
for their journey to eternity.
Paradise is undoubtedly an extraordinary and
beautiful reward, but a true believer has a greater hope; they seek to see
Allah, to access Allah, to be near Him, to attain His love. The Holy Prophet (pbuh)
said:
“When the people of Paradise enter Paradise,
Allah will say to them: ‘Do you wish that I give you something even better than
this?’ They will say: ‘Have You not brightened our faces? Have You not admitted
us into Paradise and saved us from Hell?’ Then Allah will unveil His Face, and
they will not be given anything more beloved than that.”
(Muslim)
The meeting with Allah is the summit of faith.
That is why the pious fast, pray, weep, and endure all trials – not to gain
gardens and rivers and palaces in Paradise, but to attain the One Who created
all of that!
Every consciousness, every Ruh (soul)
goes through trials to reveal its true nature. Some rebel against the will of
Allah, others submit. A true believer sees in every difficulty an opportunity
to draw closer to Allah, to purify his heart, and to earn His pleasure. Remember:
“Allah does not burden a soul
beyond that it can bear.” (Al-Baqara 2: 287)
Trials are therefore an honour, a golden
opportunity that Allah gives us to draw nearer to Him. It means that Allah
considers us – whether myself as His Messenger, you as my disciples, and the
rest of the Ummah of Hazrat Muhammad (pbuh) – as close to Him, and He gives us
this as an honour, a path to draw nearer to Him. It means that Allah considers
us worthy and capable of growing spiritually, elevating our physical, moral,
and spiritual level, and drawing closer to Him – not by ourselves, but through
His help. He loves when we call upon Him, and He enriches us with His presence
and His assistance.
Patience in trials, trust in Allah, and
submission to His will are marks of a sincere believer. This world is
temporary, but the fruits of faith are eternal. A true believer does not live
seeking permanent comfort in this world, but every step, every action, every
prayer, every effort he makes is to strengthen his relationship of love with
Allah and to prepare for his meeting with Him. He places his trust in Allah and
awaits to be called by this call:
“O soul at peace! Return to your
Lord, well-pleased [with Him] and pleasing [to Him]. Enter among My servants, and
enter My Paradise.” (Al-Fajr 89: 28–31)
May Allah grant us patience, steadfastness, and
the vision of His Noble Face. May Allah make us all souls who submit to Him,
who maintain eternal trust in Him, and who seek Him more than anything else. Insha-Allah,
Ameen.
---Friday Sermon of 22 August 2025~ 27 Safar 1447 AH delivered by Imam- Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam International Hazrat Muhyiuddin Al Khalifatullah Munir Ahmad Azim (aba) of Mauritius.