Adeel Malik
Going into the 6th year of the Syrian conflict and from the outset it seems things are as bad, if not worse than when it all started.
Though what most of us fail to do is to take a step back and look at the whole picture and not just a few pixels here and there. This struggle and calamity befalling upon the blessed people of al-Shām could might well be a hidden mercy in disguise. It could might well be a means of not just those people being saved from the wrath of Allāh but also those who feel their pain. After all, we all know too well the amazing virtues of the people of al-Shaam stated by Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) himself.
“But perhaps you hate a thing and it is good for you; and perhaps you love a thing and it is bad for you. And Allāh Knows, while you know not.”[1]
The fact is, if Allāh wanted to end this conflict like many other conflicts have ended in the past, He would have ended it, since without a shadow of a doubt He is in command of all the affairs. The Duas are going to Him, He hears everything. The cries are going to Him, He sees everything. He is in knowledge of what is happening even within the hearts of the transgressors.
“And never think that Allāh is unaware of what the wrongdoers do. He only delays them for a Day when eyes will stare [in horror].”[2]
Nonetheless, the conflict is still ongoing and as a believer in Allāh and His decree, we still say Alhamdulilah with what we continue to be put through with the knowledge that our Allāh never burdens a soul more than it can take.
“Wondrous is the affair of the believer for there is good for him in every matter and this is not the case with anyone except the believer. If he is happy, then he thanks Allāh and thus there is good for him, and if he is harmed, then he shows patience and thus there is good for him.”[3]
Let’s all remind ourselves that as much as this war continues to be a test for the people of Syria, this is also a huge test for the rest of the Ummah. We are informed when Allāh loves a people, He tests them. The people of Syria and of other oppressed lands may be allowed to enter the gardens of paradise for all their struggle in this world and them bearing it patiently with utmost reliance upon Allāh and His plans. But, what about you and me? Are we really doing enough to ease their pain? Are we even feeling the pain they go through on a daily basis or have we become desensitized and immune to it all? Do we get sleepless nights over the state of the Ummah? If we aren’t feeling the pain, then do we really deserve to be part of the greatest Ummah, the Ummah of Muhammad (S)?
“The similitude of believers in regard to mutual love, affection, fellow-feeling is that of one body; when any limb of it aches, the whole body aches, because of sleeplessness and fever.”[4]
May our Duas never ever cease for our brothers and sisters that are going through tough times. May our financial and physical support likewise never ever stop no matter how difficult or miserable the situation seems. Know that Allāh’s promise is true and ease is just round the corner. Justice will be served and the transgressors will pay for all the wrongs that put forth.
Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said a famous Dua which should be sufficient to know that al-Shām is indeed a blessed place no matter what meets the eyes.
“O Allāh bless us in our Madīnah and in the measurements of our city, and bless us in our Shām.”[5]
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References
[1] Al-Qur’ān | 2:216
[2] Al-Qur’ān | 14:42
[3] Sahih Muslim 2999
[4] Sahih Muslim 2586
[5] Sahih Bukhari
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