Life is not always a bed of roses. Nor is it always a bed of thorns. Life goes on as usual but sometimes the Lord Creator and Master subjects man to some kind of test by sending some calamities that cause loss of life and properties. He knows each of us quite well as He is All-Knowing but He subjects us to test just to know us through our deeds and our responses to the test He sends.
But, for that matter, the response of believers and that of unbelievers to the same situation do not remain the same. The response of unbelievers is always complaining, wailing and crying. They do not know how to cope with a difficult situation in a dignified manner. They only talk of what they have lost. While believers remain patient and know that the situation they have been in is created by the Lord and it is He Who will help overcome it. The Qur’ān (2:155) says: “We shall certainly test you by afflicting you with fear, hunger, loss of properties and lives and fruits. Give glad tidings, then, to those who remain patient.”
The Qur’ān (2:156) testifies that “those who when any affliction smites them, they say: Verily, we belong to Allah, and it is to Him that we are destined to return.” This remembrance of God even at a difficult time comes out of deep conviction in their hearts. This is why the words that come out of their mouths are: “To Allah do we belong.” And “it is to Him that we are destined to return” sooner or later. Whether man realises it or not, he has to return to God as this world and its pleasures are transitory.
This is what we witnessed during the rescue efforts going on in Türkiye and Syria following the February 6 devastating earthquakes. Videos and reports pouring in from the Ground Zero show that the rescue team members always cried Allahu Akbar when they succeeded in rescuing someone from the debris even after over 100 hours of the earthquakes. And when they discovered a body, they said Inna lillahi wa innailaihirejioon (Verily, we belong to Allah, and it is to Him that we are destined to return.) This remembrance of God in one way or the other gave the rescue team members stimulus to continue their efforts with renewed vigour and commitment for days together.
The President of Türkiye Recep Tayyip Erdogan, in his address to the nation at this critical hour, also reminded his people about the might and power of God. Turning the pages of history, he told the Turkish people how the Power of God found expression at such and such historical moments. Thus, success lies in remembering God in every situation.