In the timeless wisdom of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, there’s a call to ease and not to burden, to uplift and not to dismay. “Make things easy and do not make things difficult. Give glad tidings, and do not frighten them away, in another narration, the Prophet said, “Make people calm and do not frighten them away.” (Bukhari)
This philosophy of fostering tranquillity over terror or panic is ever-relevant, particularly in today’s climate as Indian Muslims respond to election results 2024.
Irrespective of the results (which definitely seem bright at the moment) , the ongoing narrative of ‘anti-Islam’ and ‘anti-Muslim’ sentiments will likely persist, fuelled by longstanding political agendas. This pervasive atmosphere of Islamophobia will continue to emerge in daily news cycles, seemingly without end. If the community fixates on this barrage of negative news, it won’t lead to any positive outcomes; rather, it could exacerbate the situation. Such relentless exposure to adverse events can only cultivate an environment of bitterness and discontent, potentially leading to a profound malaise within the community.
With often forwarded messages on social media and WhatsApp about the impending doom, it’s crucial to balance awareness with action. Before sharing news or information, we should pause to consider: What will come of it? Is there a purpose or plan behind this sharing, and can those receiving it make a positive impact? Often, the general populace, despite their eagerness to rectify wrongs, find themselves powerless to enact change, making the constant flow of grim news not just unnecessary but potentially harmful.
This barrage does little to spur meaningful activism; instead, it chips away at community morale, making individuals more susceptible to external pressures. This weakening of spirit is precisely what the Prophet Muhammad ﷺsought to guard against. He taught that understanding the depth of our trials should stir more reflection than revelry, as recounted in a poignant moment with his companions: Laughing and chatting casually, they were reminded of the gravity of their knowledge, which should lead to tears more often than laughter.
Allah Almighty, in His infinite wisdom, asks not to lead His servants to despair. Instead, the divine message is to inspire, to follow the righteous path, and to draw closer to Him. When despair does set in, as it inevitably can, it’s crucial to remember the divine perspective. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ shared that even in the depths of despair, Allah is moved to laughter, knowing relief is near, a gentle reminder of His omnipotence and mercy.
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: “Allah laughs at the despair of His servant, for He will soon relieve him.” I said: “O Messenger of Allah, does the Lord laugh?” The Prophet said, “Yes.” I said: “We will never be deprived of goodness by a Lord who laughs.” (Sunan Ibn Majah) The Hadith is not only reassuring but also a reminder of the futility of despair in the face of divine assurance.
Thus, as we navigate these challenging times, let us hold fast to the idea that no problem is too great for divine resolution. Our faith should be a source of strength, not a cause for despair. By adhering to this approach, we honour a tradition that nurtures resilience and hope, ensuring that even in the darkest times, we remember the light always prevails.
In the end, a poem, a Dua:
Through the Storms
In a world that casts shadows, long and grim,
Echoes of discord, at every whim,
Yet beneath the turmoil, there exists
A light unyielding, through the mists.
For every whisper of despair,
The heart contends with silent prayer,
Resilience is our timeless creed,
In every thought, in every deed.
Rise, oh hearts, with courage bold.
Craft your tales, as yet untold.
In storms, we find our truest test,
And in the darkest nights, we’re blessed.
It’s not in calm we find our worth,
But in the chaos of this Earth.
So hold fast to faith, let fear depart,
For strength resides in the hopeful heart.
Aameen.