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There is a certain place in every human heart that yearns to know the truth, and searches for ultimate realities. This is even if it requires one to let go of their strongest views, livelihood, reputation, and social standing. Once a part of the truth is internally realised, the yearning for more only intensifies until all of it is uncovered. This is the disposition of man, who is by their innate nature an earnest pursuer of truth.
There are others, however, whose biases and prejudices cause them to turn a blind eye to these realities. They try to resist them at first, obscuring their eyes, silencing their voice of reason, and living in stubborn denial. It is usually only a matter of time, however, before they are humbled, overwhelmed, and left with no option but to submit themselves to the truth. For both categories of people, Allāh provides to them knowledge of Himself, announcing to the world that He is al-Ḥaqq.
This beautiful name of Allāh has appeared in the Qur’an in at least 10 different places.
Allāh said:
ثُمَّ رُدُّوا إِلَى اللَّهِ مَوْلَاهُمُ الْحَقِّ
“Then they will be returned to Allāh, their True Lord.”[1]
Allāh said:
فَذَلِكُمُ اللَّهُ رَبُّكُمُ الْحَقُّ فَمَاذَا بَعْدَ الْحَقِّ إِلَّا الضَّلَالُ فَأَنَّى تُصْرَفُونَ
“Such is Allāh, your Lord, the Truth. And what can be beyond truth except error? So how then are you turned away?”[2]
Allāh said:
فَتَعَالَى اللَّهُ الْمَلِكُ الْحَقُّ
“So high above all is Allāh, the Sovereign, the Truth.”[3]
Allāh said:
يَوْمَئِذٍ يُوَفِّيهِمُ اللَّهُ دِينَهُمُ الْحَقَّ وَيَعْلَمُونَ أَنَّ اللَّهَ هُوَ الْحَقُّ الْمُبِينُ
“On that day Allāh will pay them their just due, and they will know that Allāh alone is the Manifest Truth.”[4]
(1) The linguistic meaning of this name
The word al-ḥaqq means نقيض الباطل: the opposite of that which is al-bāṭil (false).
The Arabs often sayحق الأمر: : “He ḥaqqa the matter.” This means the following: كان منه على يقين / “He verified it to the level of certainty.”
Al-Khaṭṭābī said:
ومنه قول الله سبحانه: {الحاقة ما الحاقة} [الحاقة: 1-2] معناه: والله أعلم الكائنة حقا لا شك في كونها
“This usage is found in the Qur’an, where Allāh says about the Day of Judgement: ‘The Inevitable (al-Ḥāqqah). What is the Inevitable?’[5] It was given this name, as its occurrence is the inevitable truth, such that there is no doubt that it will occur.”[6]
But what do we mean when we say that Allāh is al-Ḥaqq?
He is the truth in His existence, as a time will come when all of creation shall cease to exist. However, al-Ḥaqq shall remain, eternally untouched by sleep, slumber, or death.
He is the truth in His divine names and attributes, perfect in them all, none of which – whether it be His seeing, hearing, knowledge, might, or wisdom – is touched by falsehood.
He is the truth in His Lordship, as many have been, and continue to be, taken as gods besides Him. Regardless of their names, forms, shapes, and sizes, what they all have in common is falsehood, leaving al-Ḥaqq as being the sole entity worthy of worship and glorification.
He is the truth in all of His actions and words. His religion is the truth, His revelation is the truth, His judgements are the truth, His commandments and prohibitions are the truth, and His promises are the truth. Furthermore, His creation of the heavens, earth, paradise, and hell are all true matters.
Speaking about Himself, Allāh said:
ذَلِكَ بِأَنَّ اللَّهَ هُوَ الْحَقُّ وَأَنَّهُ يُحْيِ الْمَوْتَى وَأَنَّهُ عَلَى كُلِّ شَيْءٍ قَدِيرٌ
“That is because Allāh is the Truth. Surely that is because He gives life to the dead and because He is able to do all things.”[7]
Speaking about His religion, Allāh said:
هُوَ الَّذِي أَرْسَلَ رَسُولَهُ بِالْهُدَى وَدِينِ الْحَقِّ لِيُظْهِرَهُ عَلَى الدِّينِ كُلِّهِ وَلَوْ كَرِهَ الْمُشْرِكُونَ
“It is He who has sent His Messenger with guidance and the religion of truth to make it manifest over all other religions, even though the polytheists may detest that.”[8]
Speaking about His book, Allāh said:
وَبِالْحَقِّ أَنْزَلْنَاهُ وَبِالْحَقِّ نَزَلَ
“And with truth have We revealed it, and with truth did it descend.”[9]
Speaking about His promises, Allāh said:
كَذَلِكَ أَعْثَرْنَا عَلَيْهِمْ لِيَعْلَمُوا أَنَّ وَعْدَ اللَّهِ حَقٌّ
“And thus We made their case renowned so that they might know that the Promise of Allāh is true.”[10]
Speaking about His judgements, Allāh said:
قُلْ يَجْمَعُ بَيْنَنَا رَبُّنَا ثُمَّ يَفْتَحُ بَيْنَنَا بِالْحَقِّ وَهُوَ الْفَتَّاحُ الْعَلِيمُ
“Say, ‘Our Lord will bring us together. Then He will judge between us in truth. And He is the Knowing Judge.’”[11]
Speaking about death, Allāh said:
وَجَاءتْ سَكْرَةُ الْمَوْتِ بِالْحَقِّ ذَلِكَ مَا كُنتَ مِنْهُ تَحِيدُ
“And the agony of death will come in truth. This is what you were trying to escape.”[12]
Speaking about the Resurrection, Allāh said:
وَاسْتَمِعْ يَوْمَ يُنَادِ الْمُنَادِ مِنْ مَكَانٍ قَرِيبٍ (41) يَوْمَ يَسْمَعُونَ الصَّيْحَةَ بِالْحَقِّ ذَلِكَ يَوْمُ الْخُرُوجِ
“And listen on the Day when the caller will cry from a near place. The Day when they will hear the scream (the blowing of the horn) in truth: that will be the Day of Emergence.”[13]
Speaking about His meeting, Allāh said:
وَلَوْ تَرَى إِذْ وُقِفُوا عَلَى رَبِّهِمْ قَالَ أَلَيْسَ هَذَا بِالْحَقِّ قَالُوا بَلَى وَرَبِّنَا قَالَ فَذُوقُوا الْعَذَابَ بِمَا كُنْتُمْ تَكْفُرُونَ
“If only you could see when they will be made to stand before their Lord. He will say, ‘Is this not the truth?’ They will say, ‘Yes, indeed, by our Lord.’ He will say, ‘So taste the punishment because you used to disbelieve.’”[14]
Therefore, how true were the words of Labīd, which were both mentioned and praised by the Prophet Muhammad (sall Allāhu ʿalayhi wa sallam):
أَصْدَقُ كَلِمَةٍ قَالَهَا شَاعِرٌ كَلِمَةُ لَبِيدٍ أَلَا كُلُّ شَيْءٍ مَا خَلَا اللهَ بَاطِلٌ
“The most truthful couplet that a poet has ever uttered was by Labīd, who said: ‘Behold! Everything besides Allāh is false.’”[15]
By this, the poet meant that everything save Allāh is bound to end.
(2) The effects of believing in this name
(a) To call upon Him using this name
The relief of pouring your heart out in desperation to a higher being cannot ever be described, let alone quantified. For in times of weakness, our tendency is to search for a superior counsel and guide. How much more is this relief than when that higher being is the One whose existence, eternal readiness, and limitless stores are ultimate truths? The moment these truths are realised, both the pull towards duʿā’ and the contentment of beseeching Allāh are rendered irresistible.
ʿAbd Allāh b. al-ʿAbbās said: “Whenever the Prophet (sall Allāhu ʿalayhi wa sallam) got up at night to offer the night prayer, he used to say:
اللَّهُمَّ لَكَ الحَمْدُ أَنْتَ قَيِّمُ السَّمَوَاتِ وَالأَرْضِ وَمَنْ فِيهِنَّ، وَلَكَ الحَمْدُ لَكَ مُلْكُ السَّمَوَاتِ وَالأَرْضِ وَمَنْ فِيهِنَّ، وَلَكَ الحَمْدُ أَنْتَ نُورُ السَّمَوَاتِ وَالأَرْضِ وَمَنْ فِيهِنَّ، وَلَكَ الحَمْدُ أَنْتَ مَلِكُ السَّمَوَاتِ وَالأَرْضِ، وَلَكَ الحَمْدُ أَنْتَ الحَقُّ وَوَعْدُكَ الحَقُّ، وَلِقَاؤُكَ حَقٌّ، وَقَوْلُكَ حَقٌّ، وَالجَنَّةُ حَقٌّ، وَالنَّارُ حَقٌّ، وَالنَّبِيُّونَ حَقٌّ، وَمُحَمَّدٌ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ حَقٌّ، وَالسَّاعَةُ حَقٌّ، اللَّهُمَّ لَكَ أَسْلَمْتُ، وَبِكَ آمَنْتُ، وَعَلَيْكَ تَوَكَّلْتُ، وَإِلَيْكَ أَنَبْتُ، وَبِكَ خَاصَمْتُ، وَإِلَيْكَ حَاكَمْتُ، فَاغْفِرْ لِي مَا قَدَّمْتُ وَمَا أَخَّرْتُ، وَمَا أَسْرَرْتُ وَمَا أَعْلَنْتُ، أَنْتَ المُقَدِّمُ، وَأَنْتَ المُؤَخِّرُ، لاَ إِلَهَ إِلَّا أَنْتَ
‘O Allāh! All praise is due to you. You are the Holder of the heavens and the earth, and whatever is in them. All praise is due to You. You are the owner of the heavens and the earth, And whatever is in them. All praise is due to You. You are the Light of the heavens and the earth. All praise is due to You. You are the King of the heavens and the earth. All praise is due to You. You are the Truth, Your promise is the truth, the meeting with You is true, Your Word is the truth, paradise is true, hell is true, and all of the Prophets are true. Muhammad (sall Allāhu ʿalayhi wa sallam) is true, and the Day of Resurrection is true. O Allāh! I surrender to You, I believe in You, and depend on You. I repent to You, with Your help I argue, and I take You as a judge. So forgive me for my previous and future sins, and whatever faults I concealed or revealed. You are the One who makes some move forward, while causing others to go backwards. No one has the right to be worshipped but you.’”[16]
In addition to always recalling Allāh’s attribute of Truth during his duʿā’, the Prophet (sall Allāhu ʿalayhi wa sallam) would actively implore Allāh for an abundance of it, saying:
اللهم أرنا الحق حقاً، وارزقنا اتباعه، وأرنا الباطل باطلاً، وارزقنا اجتنابه
“O Allāh! Show us truth as truth and give us ability to follow it, and show us falsehood as falsehood and give us the ability to avoid it.”[17]
(b) Inner peace
The fact that no part of Allāh’s religion requires rethinking, correcting, editing, or updating is a highly soothing reality, which comforts the believer into loving submission. The same can be said in the case of Allāh’s decrees for the believers. There is no injustice in them, but instead perfect and divine knowledge, mercy, and wisdom, which, again, sends torrents of serenity upon a person in the face of testing circumstances.
Allāh has said in His book:
فَلَا وَرَبِّكَ لَا يُؤْمِنُونَ حَتَّى يُحَكِّمُوكَ فِيمَا شَجَرَ بَيْنَهُمْ ثُمَّ لَا يَجِدُوا فِي أَنْفُسِهِمْ حَرَجًا مِمَّا قَضَيْتَ وَيُسَلِّمُوا تَسْلِيمًا
“But no, by your Lord! They will not truly believe until they make you, O Muhammad, the judge concerning the matters over which they dispute among themselves, and then find within themselves no discomfort for what you have judged, and should submit in full, willing submission.”[18]
It is this discomfort which Imam Ibn al-Qayyim was referring to when he said:
فسبحان الله! كم من حزازة في نفوس كثير من الناس من كثير من النصوص وبودهم أن لو لم ترد؟ وكم من حرارة في أكبادهم منها، وكم من شجى في حلوقهم منها ومن موردها.
“Subḥān Allāh! There are so many people who are bothered by many of the Islamic texts, intensely wishing that they were never issued at all. How many of these texts cause their hearts to burn and their throats to choke upon realising their existence!”[19]
Their discomfort could be due to a particular financial transaction that they wish was deemed halal, or a statement attributed to the Prophet Muhammad (sall Allāhu ʿalayhi wa sallam) which they feel uneasy with, or Islam’s position on any one of the hot topics of today – be it gender roles, segregation, gender, Jihad, and other related matters. Similarly, they might even dislike the obligation of fasting an entire month on an annual basis, the responsibility of paying Zakāh, or the layout of Islam’s inheritance laws. The existence of such sentiments can be considered an early warning sign of a potential resemblance to a group of people whom Allāh criticised by saying:
ذَلِكَ بِأَنَّهُمْ كَرِهُوا مَا أَنْزَلَ اللَّهُ فَأَحْبَطَ أَعْمَالَهُمْ
“That is because they disliked what Allāh revealed, so He rendered their deeds to be null.”[20]
Their mere dislike of Allāh’s revelation ruined their deeds. So, naturally one may ask: “If I am guilty of these sentiments, what can I do to escape such perceptions of dislike towards Allāh, His religion, and His decrees?” The answer can be found in precisely what we are describing under this heading. It is recognising al-Ḥaqq, which, in turn, gives rise to the inner peace at knowing that:
كُلٌّ مِنْ عِنْدِ رَبِّنَا
“…it is all from our Lord…”[21]
In other words, regardless of whether one has uncovered the underlying wisdom of a ruling or its cause, their inner peace remains completely unaffected, as their hearts are now at one with al-Ḥaqq.
(c) A renewed celebration of being Muslim
One thing is being at peace with Allāh’s religion and His decrees, as described above, however celebrating their truth with utter elation is another, a celebration most worthy in our era of deception.
Indeed, the description of “fake” has never been more fitting than it is for our contemporary times. Our strange sense of “connectedness” thanks to social media – despite the irony of us not knowing the names of our neighbours – is fake. In 2019, Facebook said that it had deleted 2.2 billion fake accounts in just the span of three months.[22] There are daily cries of fake news, fake fundraisers, fake people, fake experts, and fake selfies of fake well-being, which are followed by fake applauses. A comprehensive tour of our fake world would be astonishing yet impossible to undertake.
Amidst this chaotic mess, there is you. You are a dignified Muslim who stands out from the rest, rejoicing in your knowledge and worship of Allāh, the Truth. You rejoice in being a follower of His religion, which is the epitome of truth, clarifies the abstruse matters that we face in daily life, solves the riddles of the world, and demarcates the single correct path of joy from the infinite paths of misery. Just ask yourself: what greater cause for happiness can there be than this?
Allāh said:
أَفَمَنْ يَعْلَمُ أَنَّمَا أُنْزِلَ إِلَيْكَ مِنْ رَبِّكَ الْحَقُّ كَمَنْ هُوَ أَعْمَى إِنَّمَا يَتَذَكَّرُ أُولُو الْأَلْبَابِ
“Is he then who knows that what has been revealed to you from your Lord is the truth like him who is blind? It is only those who are endued with understanding who will pay heed.”[23]
It is important to note that the concept of “truth” is to be understood according to two different senses: (1) that which is true and factual, (2) as well as that which is right in a moral sense. The truth which you celebrate encompasses both dimensions. Consider how, time and time again, individuals, communities, and nations alike find themselves only recently discovering or rediscovering truths and values that we as Muslims have always been blessed with and, perhaps, taken for granted.
To mention but a few recent examples, consider the following:
Face masks
Despite being fully immunised, it is a peculiar fact that many people, especially women, are reluctant to give up their face masks. For many, it has nothing to do with being pro-science or anti-science, but “about the fact that there are more things that can hurt them than viruses, including the aggressive or unwelcome attention of other people – or even any attention at all.” One female provided the following reasoning for why they prefer to continue wearing the mask: “It’s almost like taking away the male gaze. There’s freedom in taking that power back.” Another argued that “nothing has shielded me from the feeling of vulnerability like a mask has.”[24]
So, covering the face has suddenly become an empowering choice for many non-Muslims. Yet, this narrative is not new for Muslim women.
A glass of wine
The majority of national health guidelines suggest that one or two glasses of wine or beer per day are harmless for an adult’s wellbeing. However, a global study published in the comprehensive medical journal The Lancet seriously challenges this claim. Within the study, it is stated that “our results show that the safest level of drinking is none.”[25]
Similarly, scientists from the World Cancer Research Fund echo this sentiment. They posit that “there is no level of consumption below which there is no increase in the risk of at least some cancers.”[26]
Bacon
In a hard-hitting television advertisement, The Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine have called for a wholesale ban on bacon, arguing that the consumption of just two strips per day shockingly increases the risk of colorectal cancer by 18 percent.[27]
Fasting
Recent studies have confirmed that fasting for three days can help regenerate the entire immune system, even in the case of elderly people. A team of researchers at the University of Southern California have described this breakthrough finding as being simply “remarkable”.[28] The research suggests that starving the body encourages stem cells to produce new white blood cells, which help fight off infections.[29]
At present, one of the most popular intermittent fasting diets is what is known as the 5:2 diet, which has been popularized by the British doctor and journalist Michael Mosley. It is called the 5:2 diet because five days of the week are treated as normal eating days, while for the remaining two days one restricts their calorie intake to a mere 500–600 per day. Proponents of the diet state that it is recommended that one avoids “fasting on two consecutive days – instead break your week up, for example, by fasting on Monday and Thursday – this helps prevent tiredness.”[30] This prescription is of particular interest to Muslims, since the Prophet Muhammad (sall Allāhu ʿalayhi wa sallam) was known to emphasise fasting, and was also known for the habit of fasting Mondays and Thursdays.
“Taḥnīk”
Taḥnīk is an Arabic term which means putting something sweet such as dates, in the infant’s mouth after the birth, and passing it gently around their gums and mouth. This practice is done before the child’s first feed.This was the practice of the Prophet Muhammad (sall Allāhu ʿalayhi wa sallam) over 1400 years ago.
In recent times, BBC News has reported that several experts have confirmed that “a dose of sugar given as a gel rubbed into the inside of the cheek is a cheap and effective way to protect premature babies against brain damage.” They have even argued that “based on the results…it should now be a first-line treatment.”[31]
Unbridled interaction between the genders
Muslims are usually on the receiving end of criticism due to their cautious position concerning interactions with the other gender, when it comes to contact, segregation, private settings, etc. Interestingly, in light of the many scandals that resulted in the #MeToo movement, top level male executives in Wall Street are now following some basic protocols, such as:
– never being alone with a female in a closed room,
– not having private dinners with a female, especially when there is fear of flirtation,
– not sitting next to females on a plane or train,
– not traveling on business meetings alone with a female,
– avoiding any type of potentially problematic interactions with a female.
The hefty list goes on. In fact, an article in Bloomberg Magazine goes as far as predicting that if things continue, we might actually get to a stage of gender segregation.[32] [33]
In fact, in 2015 Jeremy Corbyn suggested having ‘women-only’ train carriages as a means of reducing sex attacks in the UK.[34] This method in fact is already implemented in the United Arab Emirates, Brazil, Japan, Egypt, Mexico, Indonesia, Thailand, India, Iran, and several other countries.[35]
How true are Allāh’s words, Who stated:
سَنُرِيهِمْ ءَايَـٰتِنَا فِى ٱلْـَٔافَاقِ وَفِىٓ أَنفُسِهِمْ حَتَّىٰ يَتَبَيَّنَ لَهُمْ أَنَّهُ ٱلْحَقُّ
“We will show them Our signs in the universe and within themselves, until it becomes evident to them that it is the truth.”[36]
In short, whilst it is true that people, communities and nations do, in many instances, eventually find their way back round to overlooked truths – as is found in the examples above perhaps, or in areas of greater concern, like the heinousness of racism, the right of women to inheritance, property, etc – but one must ask: at what costs? At the cost of generations’ worth of deprivation, or persecution, decades of injustice, or even death.
Therefore, to be gifted with the belief in and submission to al-Ḥaqq – as well as the timeless truths of Islam – is a cause for immense celebration. It emboldens the believer to walk with dignity, relaxes the pressures to imitate the fallible, and inculcates a healthy dose of skepticism towards the never ending trends that appear. It also sparks the fervour to convey our absolute truths to a world that is reeling in its fakeness and gasping for the air of authenticity, gasping for Islam.
(d) To humble one’s self to truth
One who claims to truly glorify al-Ḥaqq will inevitably surrender to the truth, standing humble before it. After all, all truths originate from Allāh Himself:
ٱلْحَقُّ مِن رَّبِّكَ فَلَا تَكُن مِّنَ ٱلْمُمْتَرِينَ
“The truth is from your Lord.”[37]
So, a stubborn rejection of truth from an advisor is, before anything else, an evil display of insolence towards one’s Lord who loves truth and named Himself after it.
The Prophet (sall Allāhu ʿalayhi wa sallam) said:
لاَ يَدْخُلُ الجَنَّةَ مَنْ كَانَ في قَلْبِهِ مِثْقَالُ ذَرَّة مِنْ كِبْرٍ
“He who has in his heart the weight of a mustard seed of pride shall not enter paradise.”
At this juncture, a man asked:
إنَّ الرَّجُلَ يُحِبُّ أَنْ يَكُونَ ثَوْبُهُ حَسَنًا، ونَعْلُهُ حَسَنَةً؟
“What about the one who likes to wear fine clothes and shoes (i.e. is this arrogance)?”
The Prophet (sall Allāhu ʿalayhi wa sallam) responded:
إنَّ اللهَ جَمِيلٌ يُحِبُّ الجَمَالَ، الكِبْرُ: بَطَرُ الحَقِّ وَغَمْطُ النَّاسِ
“Allāh is beautiful and loves beauty. Arrogance is rejection of the truth and looking down upon people.”[38]
The tendency of harshly dismissing an advice-giver who courteously attempts to refine us with their advice is commonplace. Whilst it is true that no one likes to feel inferior or incompetent, and not all forms of advice are generously presented, nevertheless a true worshipper of al-Ḥaqq submits to the truth, as doing so is part of one’s complete submission to Him. Even if you feel that the advice was unsolicited, a power trip from the part of the advice-giver, or a criticism in disguise, you should crush any potential satanic whisperings by accepting the truth and thanking the advisor.
Imam Ibn al-Qayyim said:
كما أن من تواضع لله رفعه فكذلك من تكبر عن الانقياد للحق أذله الله ووضعه وصغره وحقره. ومن تكبر عن الانقياد للحق – ولو جاء على يد صغير، أو من يبغضه أو يعاديه – فإنما تكبره على الله فإن الله هو (الحق) وكلامه حق؛ ودينه حق، والحق صفته ومنه وله، فإذا رده العبد وتكبر عن قبوله فإنما رد على الله وتكبر عليه والله أعلم
“Just like those who show humbleness towards the truth are raised by Allāh, likewise the ones who show arrogance towards submitting to the truth will be humiliated and lowered by Allāh. Those who show arrogance towards the truth – even if the advice comes from a child, a person one hates, or an enemy – are in reality being arrogant towards Allāh, for Allāh is al-Ḥaqq. His words are the truth, and His religion is the truth. Truth is His trait, and is from Him and His alone. Therefore, anyone who rejects the truth and shows arrogance towards its acceptance is in fact a person who has rejected Allāh and shown haughtiness towards Him.”[39]
(e) Certainty in all what al-Ḥaqq has decreed and promised
We all know certain individuals who have built for themselves a strong reputation of honesty, such that they would prefer death over failing to uphold a promise of theirs. If that is the status of a promise in the eyes of some humans, what then is the eminence of a promise in the sight of Allāh, who has given Himself the name of al-Ḥaqq?
Allāh said:
إِنَّ اللَّهَ لَا يُخْلِفُ الْمِيعَادَ
“Allāh does not fail in fulfilling His promises.”[40]
Allāh said:
إِنَّمَا تُوعَدُونَ لَصَادِقٌ
“What you are promised is indeed true.”[41]
Allāh said:
إِنَّمَا تُوعَدُونَ لَوَاقِعٌ
“Surely, what you are promised will indeed come to pass.”[42]
Why is it that people break their promises? It is usually because either the promise itself was a lie to begin with, or because of a later inability to fulfill the expressed guarantee. Taking these two reasons into account, we understand why Allāh never fails in His promises. This is because Allāh is exalted from lying, as He is the most truthful in speech. At the same time, He is not affected by weakness in any way, and ultimately is able to execute every promise that He makes.
With that being said, let us now look at some of the promises made by al-Ḥaqq, all of which will come to pass when their prerequisites are met.
1) Allāh has promised those who practice Islam inwardly and outwardly a pleasant life
In no era in history have the means of comfort and welfare been so within reach like they are today. Never has the knowledge of the world’s complex mysteries and the ability of subduing nature’s elements ever been attainable like it is today. Despite these remarkable achievements and possessing almost all means for a better world, the goal of a pleasant life and the sensation of mental peace has never drifted further away like it has in the present world.
The last century taught us how to fly in the air like birds and how to swim in the oceans like fish, but how to walk on Earth as happy and content individuals many remain unaware.
Allāh says:
وَالَّذِينَ آَمَنُوا وَعَمِلُوا الصَّالِحَاتِ وَآَمَنُوا بِمَا نُزِّلَ عَلَى مُحَمَّدٍ وَهُوَ الْحَقُّ مِنْ رَبِّهِمْ كَفَّرَ عَنْهُمْ سَيِّئَاتِهِمْ وَأَصْلَحَ بَالَهُمْ
“As for those who believe, perform righteous deeds, and believe in that which has been sent down to Muhammad – for it is the truth from their Lord – He will erase from them their sins, and improve their state.”[43]
In another verse, He provides to us the same formula of success and happiness:
مَنْ عَمِلَ صَالِحًا مِنْ ذَكَرٍ أَوْ أُنْثَى وَهُوَ مُؤْمِنٌ فَلَنُحْيِيَنَّهُ حَيَاةً طَيِّبَةً وَلَنَجْزِيَنَّهُمْ أَجْرَهُمْ بِأَحْسَنِ مَا كَانُوا يَعْمَلُونَ
“Whoever performs good deeds – whether male or female– and is a believer, We will most certainly have them live a happy life.”[44]
A life of happiness, therefore, starts when one makes peace with Allāh, a promise that cannot fail.
2) Allāh has promised to instil love within the hearts of those who live a life of Islam
Allāh said:
إِنَّ الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا وَعَمِلُوا الصَّالِحَاتِ سَيَجْعَلُ لَهُمُ الرَّحْمَنُ وُدًّا
“Surely, those who believe and do good deeds, for them will Allāh bring about love.”[45]
What does this “love” refer to? The eminent Companion and commentator of the Qur’an Ibn ʿAbbās (raḍiy Allāhu ʿanhu) said:
حبه في المسلمين في الدنيا
“It means that this person will be loved by the Muslims during the life of this world.”[46]
The Prophet (sall Allāhu ʿalayhi wa sallam) said:
مَا مِنْ عَبْدٍ إِلا لَهُ صِيتٌ فِي السَّمَاءِ، فَإِذَا كَانَ صِيتُهُ فِي السَّمَاءِ حَسَنًا وُضِعَ لَهُ فِي الأَرْضِ حَسَنًا، وَ إِذَا كَانَ صِيتُهُ فِي السَّمَاءِ سَيِّئًا وُضِعَ لَهُ فِي الأَرْضِ سَيِّئًا
“There is no person except that they have a certain reputation in the heavens. If his reputation there is good, it will likewise be so on the earth as well. But if his reputation in the heavens is evil, it will likewise be the same on earth as well.”[47]
The fact that you are, for the most part, loved by the Muslim community is not accidental. It is an exciting sign of where you currently stand in Allāh’s Eyes. The opposite, however, is just as true as well.
ʿUthmān (raḍiy Allāhu ʿanhu) said:
ما من الناس عبد يعمل خيرًا ولا يعمل شرًّا، إلا كساه الله رداء عمله
“For any person who does good or evil, Allāh will clothe him with the garment of his deeds.”[48]
3) Allāh has promised those who courageously reject a sinful practice with that which is better
This is a powerful promise that provides much needed strength. This is especially so for the young Muslim, who may be struggling with specific attachments which they know distance them from Allāh and success in the Hereafter.
Both Abū Qatādah and Abu al-Dahmā’ said:
أتينا على رجلٌ من أهلِ الباديةِ فقلنا هل سمعتَ من رسولِ اللهِ صلَّى اللهُ عليه وسلَّم شيئًا قال نعم سمعته يقولُ إنك لن تدعَ شيئًا للهِ عزَّ وجلَّ إلا أبدلك اللهُ به ما هو خيرٌ لك منه
“We approached a Bedouin man and asked him, ‘Have you heard anything related to knowledge from the Prophet (sall Allāhu ʿalayhi wa sallam)?’ He said, ‘Yes, indeed. I heard him say, “There is nothing which you leave for the sake of Allāh except that He will replace you with something better.”’”[49]
Such a form of replacement may be delivered to you in an obvious fashion. An impermissible relationship may be replaced by a delightful and permissible one. Or an impermissible business transaction may be replaced by a better and purer one, and so on. However, the reward may sometimes arrive in a different fashion. This may occur by Allāh providing health for your children, curing you from an illness, providing you a beautiful and righteous spouse, giving you the ability to pray at night, and so on. This is because Allāh alone knows what is best for you. Thus, the reward for your spirited rejection of a prohibition will be tailored to what you need the most, even if you may not realise it.
4) Allāh has promised that Islam will endure till the Day of Judgement
The Prophet (sall Allāhu ʿalayhi wa sallam) said:
إن الله زوى لي الأرض . فرأيت مشارقها ومغاربها . وإن أمتي سيبلغ ملكها ما زوى لي منها . وأعطيت الكنزين الأحمر والأبيض . وإني سألت ربي لأمتي أن لا يهلكها بسنة عامة . وأن لا يسلط عليهم عدوا من سوى أنفسهم . فيستبيح بيضتهم
“Allāh drew the ends of the world together for me and I so have seen its eastern and western ends. And I saw that the kingdom of my Ummah will reach all of the ends which I saw. Likewise, I have been granted the red and the white treasure, and I begged my Lord for my Ummah that (1) it should not be destroyed because of famine, (2) and that it is not to be dominated by an enemy who is not from amongst them who would eradicate them.
وإن ربي قال : يا محمد ! إني إذا قضيت قضاء فإنه لا يرد . وإني أعطيتك لأمتك أن لا أهلكهم بسنة عامة . وأن لا أسلط عليهم عدوا من سوى أنفسهم . يستبيح بيضتهم . ولو اجتمع عليهم من بأقطارها
“My Lord said, ‘O Muhammad, whenever I make a decision, it cannot be changed. I have decreed that your Ummah will not be destroyed by famine, nor will it be dominated by an enemy – who is not amongst them – that would be able to eradicate them, even if the entire world joined hands to do so..’”[50]
5) Allāh has promised that there will always remain a group of Muslims who are upon the truth at any given point in time
The Prophet (sall Allāhu ʿalayhi wa sallam) said:
لاَ تَزَالُ طَائِفَةٌ مِنْ أُمَّتِى ظَاهِرِينَ عَلَى الْحَقِّ لاَ يَضُرُّهُمْ مَنْ خَذَلَهُمْ حَتَّى يَأْتِىَ أَمْرُ اللَّهِ وَهُمْ كَذَلِكَ
“There will always be a group from my Ummah who are prevalent upon the truth and will not be harmed by those who let them down till the command of Allāh comes to pass.”[51]
6) The Resurrection is an inevitable reality
So certain is this Day that one of its names is “The Promised Day”. Allāh said:
وَالسَّمَاءِ ذَاتِ الْبُرُوجِ * وَالْيَوْمِ الْمَوْعُودِ
“I swear by the sky containing great stars, and the Promised Day.”[52]
Ibn ʿAbbās said:
وَعَدَ أَهْلَ السَّمَاءِ وَأَهْلَ الْأَرْضِ أَنْ يَجْتَمِعُوا فِيهِ
“Allāh has promised the inhabitants of the heavens and the earth that they will all meet on that Day.”
Thus, Allāh has taught the righteous people to say the following in their duʿā’:
رَبَّنَا إِنَّكَ جَامِعُ النَّاسِ لِيَوْمٍ لَا رَيْبَ فِيهِ إِنَّ اللَّهَ لَا يُخْلِفُ الْمِيعَادَ
“Our Lord! Surely, You will gather humankind together on the Day of which there is no doubt. Surely, Allāh will never break His Promise.”[53]
7) The outcome of patience will be paradise
When speaking about the hellfire and paradise, Allāh has said:
لَهُمْ فِيهَا مَا يَشَاءُونَ خَالِدِينَ كَانَ عَلَى رَبِّكَ وَعْدًا مَسْئُولًا
“In it they will find anything that they may wish for, while living there eternally. That is a promise binding upon your Lord, which will be fulfilled.”
Furthermore, Allāh said:
لَكِنِ الَّذِينَ اتَّقَوْا رَبَّهُمْ لَهُمْ غُرَفٌ مِنْ فَوْقِهَا غُرَفٌ مَبْنِيَّةٌ تَجْرِي مِنْ تَحْتِهَا الْأَنْهَارُ وَعْدَ اللَّهِ لَا يُخْلِفُ اللَّهُ الْمِيعَادَ
“But as for those who feared their Lord, they shall have high mansions, above them higher mansions–built for them – beneath which rivers flow. This is the promise of Allāh, and He will not fail in His promise.”[54]
وَتَتَلَقَّاهُمُ الْمَلَائِكَةُ هَذَا يَوْمُكُمُ الَّذِي كُنْتُمْ تُوعَدُونَ
“…and the angels will meet them, saying: ‘This is your Day, which you have been promised.’”[55]
For Allāh, the destruction of the whole world in its entirety is lesser in severity to Him than failing in any one of His promises. Allāh has made the promise. It is upon us to meet the conditions that He has set with patience and optimism.
Source: www.islam21c.com
Notes:
[1] Al-Qur’ān, 6:62.
[2] Al-Qur’ān, 10:32.
[3] Al-Qur’ān, 20:114.
[4] Al-Qur’ān, 24:25.
[5] Al-Qur’ān, 69:1-2.
[6] Sha’n al-duʿā’.
[7] Al-Qur’ān, 22:6.
[8] Al-Qur’ān, 9:33.
[9] Al-Qur’ān, 17:105.
[10] Al-Qur’ān, 18:21.
[11] Al-Qur’ān, 34:26.
[12] Al-Qur’ān, 50:19.
[13] Al-Qur’ān, 50:41-42.
[14] Al-Qur’ān, 6:30.
[15] Muslim, on the authority of Abū Hurayrah.
[16] Allāhumma lakal-ḥamdu Anta nūr al-samāwāti wa-l-arḍhi wa man fīhinna, wa lakal-ḥamdu Anta qayyim al-samāwāti wa-l-arḍi wa man fīhinna, wa lakal-ḥamdu Anta Rabb al-samāwāti wa-l-arḍi wa man fīhinna, wa lakal-ḥamdu laka mulk al-samāwāti wa-l-arḍi wa man fīhinna, wa lakal-ḥamdu Anta Malik al-samāwāti wa-l-arḍi, wa lakal-ḥamdu, Anta al-ḥaqq, wa waʿduk al-ḥaqq, wa qawluk al-ḥaqq, wa liqā’uk al-ḥaqq, wa-l-jannatu ḥaqq, wa-l-nāru ḥaqq, wa-l-nabiyyūna ḥaqq, wa Muḥammadun (sallallāhu ʿalayhi wa sallam) ḥaqq, wa-l-sāʿatu ḥaqq, Allāhumma laka aslamtu, wa ʿalayka tawakkaltu, wa bika āmantu, wa ilayka anabtu, wa bika khāṣamtu, wa ilayka ḥākamtu. Faghfir lī mā qaddamtu, wa mā akhkhartu, wa mā asrartu, wa mā aʿlantu. Anta al-Muqaddimu, wa Anta al-Mu’akhkhiru, lā ilāha illā Anta.
[17]Allāhumma arinā al-ḥaqqa ḥaqqan, wa-rzuqna ittibāʿahu, wa arinā al-bāṭila bāṭilan wa-rzuqna ijtinābahu.
[18] Al-Qur’ān, 4:65.
[19] Ibn Qayyim al-Jawziyyah, al-Risālah al-Tabūkiyyah.
[20] Al-Qur’ān, 47:9.
[21] Al-Qur’ān 3:7.
[22] https://www.axios.com/fake-world-f9bd030e-8638-4278-8c8e-2a518dab018b.html
[23] Al-Qur’ān, 13:19.
[24] https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2021/may/10/the-people-who-want-to-keep-masking-its-like-an-invisibility-cloak
[25] https://www.google.com/search?q=our+results+show+that+the+safest+level+of+drinking+is+none&btnK=Google+Search&source=hp&ei=d8fuYMHTHsyChbIPjMu_mAY&iflsig=AINFCbYAAAAAYO7Vh2NEmrZ3cZ60nrdGXOifmXSIOxkR
[26] https://www.menshealth.com/uk/health/a759129/no-amount-of-alcohol-or-bacon-is-safe-cancer-experts-warn/
[27] https://www.pcrm.org/good-nutrition/nutrition-information/processed-meat
[28] https://www.telegraph.co.uk/science/2016/03/12/fasting-for-three-days-can-regenerate-entire-immune-system-study/
[29] https://ideapod.com/study-finds-fasting-72-hours-can-regenerate-entire-immune-system/
[30] https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/howto/guide/what-52-diet
[31] https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-24224206#:~:text=A%20dose%20of%20sugar%20given,it%20can%20cause%20permanent%20harm.
[32] https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-12-03/a-wall-street-rule-for-the-metoo-era-avoid-women-at-all-cost
[33] Adapted from an online post by Dr Yasir Qadhi.
[34] https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2015/aug/26/women-only-train-carriages-a-possibility-under-jeremy-corbyn
[35] https://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/aug/26/women-only-train-carriages-around-the-world-jeremy-corbyn
[36] Al-Qur’ān, 41:53.
[37] Al-Qur’ān, 3:60.
[38] Muslim, on the authority of Ibn Masʿūd.
[39] Ibn Qayyim al-Jawziyyah, Madārij as-Sālikīn.
[40] Al-Qur’ān, 3:9.
[41] Al-Qur’ān, 51:5.
[42] Al-Qur’ān, 77:7.
[43] Al-Qur’ān, 47:2.
[44] Al-Qur’ān, 16:97.
[45] Al-Qur’ān, 19:96.
[46] Tafsīr al-Ṭabarī.
[47] Al-Bazzār, on the authority of Abū Hurayrah.
[48] Tafsīr al-Ṭabarī.
[49] Al-Haythamī.
[50] Muslim, on the authority of Thawbān.
[51] Muslim, on the authority of Thawbān.
[52] Al-Qur’ān, 85:1-2.
[53] Al-Qur’ān, 3:9.
[54] Al-Qur’ān, 39:20.
[55] Al-Qur’ān, 21:103.
