By Basim Alansari
As we are in the middle of the special month of Rajab, preparing for Shabaan then celebrating the Holy Month of Ramadhan, it’s vital for us to reflect and prepare ourselves both physically and spiritually. Given the dire circumstances surrounding us these days and our deeply devoted prayers for relief, sometimes we wonder, why are we not seeing the answer to our prayers? Especially that Allah SWT promises His proximate presence and His awareness of our prayers. The Almighty states: “When My worshipers ask you about Me, I am near. I answer the supplication of the suppliant when he calls to Me; therefore, let them respond to Me and let them believe in Me, in order that they will be righteous”. (Quran 2:186).
Firstly, it is important to remember the profound wisdom of Allah and His divine plan. We can never have a full comprehension of all the vast realities surrounding us; especially that everything in this world is interconnected. So being a tiny being who is influenced and influencing this huge world, we cannot expect His Almighty to respond to our preferences and ignore all other variables. This is even more profound when we are very well aware that humans sometimes dislike a thing which is good for themselves and sometimes love a thing which is bad for themselves [allusion to Qur’an 2:216]. Hence the Prophet Mohammad (SAW) said,
“Verily, your Lord is the One who answers prayers, even if the response is delayed. He gives to whom He wills and withholds from whom He wills, and He knows best what is beneficial for His servants.”
We, also, should comprehend the importance of patience and trust in Allah’s timing. Imam Ali (AS) said,
“Sometimes, Allah delays the response to your prayers not because He has forgotten you, but because He wants to test your patience and strengthen your faith.”
Additionally, it is crucial to reflect upon our own actions and intentions. Imam Zain Alabideen (AS) taught,
“Do not expect your prayers to be answered if you indulge in sinful acts or neglect your religious obligations. So: Purify your heart, seek forgiveness, and strive to live a righteous life.”
Furthermore, we are reminded that unanswered prayers may be a form of protection or a means of guiding us towards a better outcome. Imam Ali (AS) said, “Sometimes, what you perceive as unanswered prayers is actually Allah’s way of shielding you from harm or leading you towards a more favourable path.”
Lastly, maintaining a positive mindset and trusting in Allah’s wisdom is essential. As Imam Hussain (AS) said, “Have faith in Allah’s plan, even if it differs from your own desires. Remember that Allah loves His servants and always knows what is best for them.”
Overall, the wisdom of Allah and the teachings of the Prophet Mohammad (SAW) and the Imams emphasise the significance of patience, trust, and self-reflection when it comes to unanswered prayers. Allah’s timing is perfect, and His wisdom surpasses our understanding. Maintain a righteous lifestyle, seek forgiveness, and trust in Allah’s plan. May your prayers be answered in the most beautiful and beneficial ways, in accordance with His divine wisdom and mercy.
On this particular day, let us use a living example of the patience and divine trust as well as the positive spirit required through looking at Lady Zainab, granddaughter of Prophet Mohammad (SAW). Through her words and actions, Lady Zainab proved that no matter how painful the circumstances, one’s faith in Allah should never waver. She demonstrated that even in the face of extreme hardships, it is possible to maintain trust in Allah and find strength to carry on.
She endured immense suffering and witnessed the martyrdom of her brother, Imam Hussain (As), beloved family members and companions. Then after the battle, Lady Zainab, along with the surviving women and children, was taken captive to Kufa. In the Court of Ubayd Allah ibn Ziyad, when Lady Zainab was forced to witness the heads of her family members placed on spears, she was singled out and asked by the Governor: “how do you see what God has done to your brother and your family?!”. She fearlessly delivered a powerful reply, which echoed through the ages to teach us a practical lesson of resilience and courage. She simply replied:
“مَا رَأَيْتُ إِلَّا جَمِيلاً”
“I saw nothing but beauty!”
Lady Zainab’s remarkable example serves as an inspiration for all believers, reminding us to trust in Allah’s plan and to never lose hope, even in the darkest moments.
The unwavering faith allows us to draw strength when we face trials and tribulations, knowing that true victory lies in maintaining trust in Allah, as He witnesses everything
“and will provide from an unexpected source. Allah will be enough for those who put their trust in Him. Allah achieves His purpose; Allah has set a due measure for everything.”(Quran 65:3).
#dua #inspiration #Zainab #TrustAllah
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