Be Guided

The beloved Prophet (saw) said: "O young man, I shall teach you some words [of advice] : Be mindful of Allah, and Allah will protect you. Be mindful of Allah, and you will find Him in front of you. If you (have need to) ask, ask of Allah; and if you seek help, seek help from Allah. Know that even if the Nation (or the whole community) were to gather together to benefit you with something, they would not benefit you with anything except that which Allah has already recorded for you, and that if they gather together to harm you with something, they would not be able to harm you with anything except that which Allah has already recorded against you. The pens have been lifted and the pages have dried."

And he also said in another hadith: "Advise me! "The Prophet said, "Do not become angry and furious." The man asked (the same) again and again, and the Prophet said in each case, "Do not become angry and furious."

For reasons best known only to themselves, there will be pockets of people who will do unnecessarily unpleasant things to the community, and it will happen again in the future. The recent event this week is a good example.

As one who believes and is guided by Guidance, one must act with such guidance and not be held hostage by raging emotions. As mentioned in my classes, there must be definitive distinction in the actions between those who are guided and the misguided. In this regard, we must always believe in the future possibility that the misguided will soon be guided, by the Will of The Almighty. That is part of Faith.

There are reasons beyond the actions of every individual - and everyone is entitled to that. Muslims are judged not only by their theological conduct with God, but also of their conduct with others. All theoretical knowledge and sermons which they acquired and gave, must be manifested appropriately in the manner which they express themselves to others.

If Muslims do not react emotionally as the perpetrators expected, their ill-intended actions will come to naught. If manifold and sufficient efforts are made to educate the world what Islam and Muslims really are, then the majority populace will be able to discern for themselves what is information and what is garbage - and by then, da'wah is done not only by Muslims but also through the proper understanding of Islam by non-Muslims. There is no instant gratification in conducting these efforts, and Muslims must persevere through patience in responding according to Guidance. Finally, constant unequivocal reminders are required for Muslims to conduct themselves in this manner whenever issues such as this occur - and that is leadership.

In the end, Muslims must not forget that this world and the deen is owned and managed by The Almighty. Through Faith, we must believe that He will take care of His Creation's due course.