The Patient Mind

By Dr Ibrahim Fahad Sulaiman

This time the world is breathing in fear because we are in one way or the other connected. Communication through technology has been rapidly fast that makes connectivity easy compared to decades. This time should be the time we need to reflect about what is going around us in the globe as days pass by. We have enjoyed many years moving around and going in and out without fear.

However, with the pandemic COVID-19 spreading around the globe without limitation is a reason for fear. At the same time the Quran keeps on reminding us that as believers we will be tested, and we were not created without a purpose. Allah says “Do people think that they will be left to say we believe, and they will not be tried. [Surah al-Ankabut:2]. And Allah says: “Then did you think that We created you uselessly and that to Us you would not be returned? So exalted is Allah, the Sovereign the Truth: there is no deity except Him, Lord of the Noble Throne”. [Surat Al-Muminun 115-116].

Consequently, the Quran is a book of signs that we need to study carefully with a portion of stories and inspiration. It tells us the stories of the past, present and the future. The purpose of our creation was to worship Him and accepting what He had degree upon us destiny (Qadar) which is one of the pillars of faith. Allah says “And I did not create the jinn and mankind except to worship Me” [Surat Dhariyat:56].

Therefore, in this calamity we need to understand that Allah Has a purpose for everything happening around us. This may be a call to be closer to Him for worship and seeking His forgiveness. As Muslims we need to understand that we may be tested in different ways. However, we need to be focused and exercise patience on what Allah (SWT) has degree and destine upon us.

We should remember that the main purpose of our existence is to worship Allah alone. This task was compelled to mankind for reflection that we were not created out of nothing. Allah (SWT) has bestowed upon us goodness, good health, families, wealth and free movement without restriction. This is a real blessing from Allah (SWT) upon us. But If we were to count the blessing of Allah upon us, we will not be able to count it. Allah says “And if you should count the favors of Allah, you could not enumerate them. Indeed, Allah is Forgiving and Merciful” [Surah an-Hahl:18].

At this time, we should accept the degree of Allah with patience and by His will we shall overcome these trials as the Quran tells us about the story of prophet Ayub (AS) and other prophets that have undergone similar trials.

 

Dr Ibrahim Fahad Sulaiman is a Senior Lecturer at the Da’wah and Islamic Management Programme, Faculty of Leadership and Management, Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM)