Adeel Malik
Syria. Burma. Palestine. Kashmir. Yemen. And many more. The Muslims are going through one of the toughest times in recent times worldwide. Oppression is ripe, our blood has become cheap and it’s creating a fever of depression.
However, as a Muslim, we are told by Allah and His Messenger (peace be upon him) to be optimistic and patient. Abdul-Latif Halimi posted on his Facebook profile urging Muslims to not give up and stay hopeful. He said:
There’s a Hadith I’ve been replaying in my head again and again over the past twenty-four hours. And every time I remember it, it takes my breath away.
The Prophet, peace be upon him, said in an authentic narration:
“If the Resurrection is upon you and there is a seed in your hand and you are able to, then plant it in the ground.”
Now that is an extraordinary expression of faith and hope.
Even in the face of the most intimidating moments humankind will ever know — the end of life and sealing of the universe — our Prophet (peace be upon him) encouraged us to plant a seed.
Rationally, it appears to be the most futile action a human being could possibly take, but our religion encourages that sense of purpose and optimism even when the greatest and most powerful forces seem to be acting against us.
After all, what greater force is there than the coming of the Day of Judgment? The laws of physics will change, the order of the universe will shift, the heavens will fold, the mountains will crumble into air, the seas will surge wildly and fires will spread through the lands.
Despite that, do your part.
Plant it and leave the rest to Allah. Trust Him, He will account for it. He will do it justice. He will do you justice in ways you will not understand.
Just trust Him.
So, in an age of chronic Muslim hopelessness grounded in a century of failure and humiliation, this Hadith is very relevant. But considering what has happened in Aleppo in the past few days, this Hadith needs to be burnt into our collective memory.
Do your part, no matter how small and futile it may appear. Others may mock and reject it, it may appear silly and pointless, and you may not impact a thing for as long as you live — but do it with faith in Allah if you believe it to be the right thing.
That is the spirit of Islam: courage and action born out of certainty in the promise of Allah.
Never stop being active in helping those in need. Whether it’s through our priceless Duas, our physical support by voicing out against the oppression or our financial support, do not think “what’s the point? How will this change anything?”
Rather, do your part and know it’s Allah who is control of all the affairs. He says be and it is. Don’t let Shaytaan make you think your effort is fruitless. If the act is within the framework of Islam and it’s sincerely done for the sake of Allah, then know your reward is with Allah alone.
Help those in Syria by clicking here.
Help those in Rohingya by clicking here.
Help those in Yemen by clicking here.
Help the Palestinian refugees in Lebanon and Jordan by clicking here.
