Reflection and Prayer
In the name of God, the most Compassionate, Ever Merciful
In times of distress, suffering, agony and pain, God reassures,
“He is with you where ever you are.” (Quran, 57:4)
The many unpleasant experiences of life, be it fear, hunger, poverty, ailments, death, turmoil among other events of life, are but a test. This, should not come as a surprise to a believer for God has promised,
“We shall certainly test you with fear and hunger, and loss of property, lives, and crops. But give glad tiding (O Prophet) to those who are steadfast. (They are those) who when afflicted by a calamity say, ‘to God we belong and unto Him we shall return.’ It is they who shall receive blessings from their Lord and it is they who will be guided.” (Quran, 2:155-157)
These bitter tests are meant to strengthen us not to weaken us. They are meant to draw us nearer to our Creator whom without we may surrender
to hopelessness. We sin by day and we sin by night and it is our actions that harvest misfortune. He, the All-Knowing reminds,
“That is on account of what your hands have committed for God is never unjust to His servants.” (Quran, 3:182)
God is most kind indeed. The Most Merciful, Oft-Forgiving God
instructs his Prophet to,
“Say, ‘O my servants who have transgressed against yourselves, do not despair of God’s mercy. God forgives all sins.’ He is truly the Most Forgiving, the Most Merciful.” (Quran, 39:53)
Everything happens for a reason and with certain wisdom.
It is not our will that determines outcomes. We are informed,
“And you cannot will anything except if God so wills, Surely God is All-Knowledgeable, All-Wise.” (Quran, 76:30)
What we see and know may not always be true, for,
“You may dislike something although it is good for you, or like something although it is bad for you: God knows and you do not know’,
(Quran, 2:216)
And do know that in times of hardship, adversity and calamities,
there will always be relief
“For truly, with every hardship comes ease. (Yes) indeed, with every hardship comes ease.” (Quran, 94:5,6)
God has enjoined upon us,
“O believers! Be patient, mutually endure (the trials), remain resolute and (always be) mindful of God so you may succeed.”(Quran, 3:200)
Heeding God’s advice is always a triumph sure. Through patience and struggle we shall overcome.
Gracious God, the Healer of all wounds,
Heal our wounds, Guide us by Your grace,
Give us from Your bounty, Shower us with Your Mercy,
Cover us with Your Immense Blessings, and
Grant us protection, security and Peace
Gracious God, the Possessor of Peace,
Give us peace on earth
There is so much to do and we cannot do it without You
We need You, So, Help us God
By: Steve Mustapha Elturk
Imam and President of the Islamic Organization of North America, IONA