The Pearls of Islam

28th March 2011 23 Rabee AThanee 1432 Volume 3 Issue 12 by Nadiah Hashim

Reminder Series

God Is Awesome

How do I know that? Because Im sitting here sifting through blogs I follow, Facebook profiles I often read; scrolling thru windows of peoples lives and yea, weve all got problems. Yea, theres something or another thats just not right. Yea, were all struggling with something difficult exam, broken heart, torn friendship, empty pockets, relentless dictatorship, merciless war, ravaging natural disaster. Or maybe just a papercut. Were all facing some struggle - something big, something small but something important nonetheless. And yet were still standing. Youre scrimping to make that paycheck last; youre doing what you can to keep your family together; youre pulling all-nighters to pass that exam; and for some in other parts of the world youre fighting tooth and nail just to stay alive. Were all fighting whatever the demons may be, but were still standing. Standing because youve mustered some strength and grit to fight for your right to be you, standing because you know your life, your sanity, and the lives of your loved ones are worth fighting for. You dont quite understand, but somehow youve made it through to see another day. But where does it all come from? The trial, the strength, the solution? From God, your Lord Allah SWT in whose hands is all that lies in your hearts and minds; all that lies in the Heavens and the Earth. He who knows you better than you know yourselves what you can and you cannot bear. He whose promise is to suffice your every need.

Allah does not charge a soul except [with that within] its capacity. It will have [the consequence of] what [good] it has gained, and it will bear [the consequence of] what [evil] it has earned. "Our Lord, do not impose blame upon us if we have forgotten or erred. Our Lord, and lay not upon us a burden like that which You laid upon those before us. Our Lord, and burden us not with that which we have no ability to bear. And pardon us; and forgive us; and have mercy upon us. You are our protector, so give us victory over the disbelieving people [Quran 2:286]
So you standing there be you in Japan rebuilding your homes and your lives; be you in Libya or Gaza fighting for your freedom; or maybe youre just a garden variety university student struggling with exams - you are a delicate balance between trials that could tear you apart and the strength with which you fight them off. You are testament to the Wisdom & Greatness of Allah SWT, you are proof of His Endless Mercy & Love such that you may be tested, yes; but never alone without His help, and never beyond what you can bear. So take every day in stride, accept graciously and patiently the trials you face and rest easy knowing & remembering that your life is in the care of a power much greater than any problem that could trip you. For as long as you truly believe, indeed, God suffices:

Sufficient for us is Allah , and [He is] the best Disposer of affairs." [from Quran, 3:173]
You are still standing; because God is awesome. Allahu Akbar.