IMAAN

 Prescription for Our Time

Days of Tragedy, Tyranny, and Corruption

 Brother Ali Saeed

Imaan—this word in Arabic literally means faith, and trust in Allah (swt).  In today’s rapidly changing world, Muslims are facing more and more challenges and tragedies, and to some, they are more than they can bear.  When we think of the meaning of Imaan, often we are quick to ascertain that it is a quality that is indeed with us all, for we are called Muslims, isn’t that a quality that is usually default in those that carry such an honorable title?  However, when one truly ponders this thought, does the evidence and knowledge exist in each of our own hearts to confirm the presence of such a powerful and reassuring quality?  

One of a Muslim’s ongoing struggles is invariably coping with the daily challenges and tragedies that overcome the innocent.  On this quest, one should remember wherever a person lacks in his or her Islamic composure as it relates to being a true Mumin (a Faithful Muslim); the beginning seed to any growth of correction and improvement is Imaan.  Unfortunately today, Muslims are facing some very difficult challenges.  There seems to be a blanket of injustice that is being cloaked over a great many people, masses at a time.  One does not need to look further for a more pristine example, than the current situation happening in Iraq.  Everyday, it seems there are an uncountable number of innocents that are being brutally killed. Women, children, elderly, none it seems, are safe from those who intend sincerely to inflict the most amount of damage and commit the worst of atrocities.  Moreover, the majority of times these reprehensible actions are committed in the name of “so called” Muslims.  Furthest from Islam is the one who indiscriminately kills, and spreads violence, disorder and injustice. 

“Let there be no compulsion in religion: Truth stands out clear from Error: whoever rejects evil and believes in Allah hath grasped the most trustworthy hand-hold that never breaks. And Allah heareth and knoweth all things”- (Quran 2:256) 

“…if any one slew a person - unless it be for unjust murder or for spreading mischief in the land - it would be as if he slew the whole people: and if any one saved a life, it would be as if he saved the life of the whole people…” - (Quran 5:32)

When one turns on the television, or reads a newspaper and sees that over 30 innocent children were killed by a suicide bomber, our hearts are moved and struck with grief.  Or worst and more difficult yet, what if that person that is becoming aware of the tragedy for the first time, is the parent of one of those children?  Some are affected and moved so much, their Imaan is tested, and they begin to ponder, can such injustice be allowed while Allah (swt) is the witness to all this?  When the times of a person’s life are the toughest, the most tragic, the most difficult to bear, it is certainly the time to bring out in full force one’s Imaan. For if one truly has faith and trust in Allah (swt), they will know that Allah (swt) is watching, seeing the same injustice, tragedy, and tyranny as them. 

 “Or do ye think that ye shall enter the Garden (of bliss) without such (trials) as came to those who passed away before you? they encountered suffering and adversity, and were so shaken in spirit that even the Messenger and those of faith who were with him cried: "When (will come) the help of Allah?" Ah! Verily, the help of Allah is (always) near!” - (Quran 2:214) 

A Mumin must always remember that the Hereafter indeed exists, and to reach its pinnacle bliss, the most difficult of trials may first befall us.  We must know and affirm with our Imaan, that the help and mercy of Allah (swt) is always near.  At any moment his power and kindness is  more than capable of relieving the worst of our tribulations.  Let us all as an Ummah strive sincerely to improve and strengthen the Imaan in our own hearts, and let the seed of steadfastness grow to a point where its shade is felt as a relief to those in need of comfort and help from the heat of injustice.  

If we ask Allah (swt) for help sincerely, he most certainly will answer.  Imaan, while one may think that they by default have it, is imperative to assure one has such a quality by striving and asking Allah (swt) for it.  Imaan is the only way that a person can cope with tragedy, tyranny and injustice.  For Allah (swt) hears, sees, and knows all that we reveal, and all that we conceal. To form an unbreakable bond with him is to form an unbreakable bond with justice, mercy, and protection. These qualities brought about by having Imaan, are what tyranny and injustice are helpless against, and surely they are the qualities to which evil will ultimately succumb.