Does calamity befalls on us because of our sins?

How many times we ask this question and try to find an answer. So what is the answer?

Well it may be because of our sin or it may be a test. Usually people fall short and fail to fulfil their duties, so whatever befalls them is because of their sins and shortcomings in obeying the commands of Allaah.

If one of the righteous slaves of Allaah is tested with sickness and the like, this is similar to the testing of the Prophets and Messengers which raises them in status and increases their reward, so that they may be examples to others of patience and seeking reward.

So it may be a test in order to raise a person in status and increase his reward, as Allaah does with the Prophets and some of the elite, or it may be an expiation for sins, as Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“whosoever works evil, will have the recompense thereof” [al-Nisa’ 4:123]

That may also be a punishment that has been hastened because of sins and a failure to hasten to repent, as stated in the hadeeth in which the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “When Allaah wills good for a person, He hastens his punishment in this world, and when He wills bad for a person, He withholds the (punishment) for his sins from him until he comes to Him with that sin on the Day of Resurrection.” Narrated and classed as hasan by al-Tirmidhi.

We all know that Allaah tests the believing men and woman because He loves them and wants what is good for them? In al-Saheeh it is narrated that our Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said:

“When Allaah wills good for a person, He tests him.” Narrated by al-Bukhaari (5321).

What great grace it is that Allaah cleanses His slave whom He loves of sin straight away, with trials and calamities, so that he will meet Him on the (Day of Resurrection) with no sin on him, and his joy on that Day will be great, and he will realize then that the calamities that befell him were among the greatest blessings that Allaah bestowed on him.

The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “On the Day of Resurrection, when people who had suffered affliction are given their reward, those who were healthy will wish their skins had been cut to pieces with scissors when they were in the world.” Narrated by al-Tirmidhi, 2402.

So look again at the life that you are living, and at the calamities that you are suffering, and think positively of your Lord, for He is the wisest of the wise, may He be glorified.

Try as much as you can to look at the positive side of every problem that you are suffering, whether it is psychological or material.

And Allah knows best.

Wassalam
Zakia Usmani

Part 20 - The secrets of peace, pleasure and relaxation

The secrets for reaching the levels of peace, pleasure and relaxation does not only lie in better focus and concentration, but in depths far greater:


1. Ensure the Presence of Heart: Your heart must be in it if you want to feel the effects. This is not at all difficult to achieve. All you need is 10 minutes to focus on the love you hold for Allah. Forget this world for now… there’s more than 23 hours for that! Devote these 10 minutes now to Allah and to the peace and pleasure that comes from being with Him.

2. Comprehend the Words and Actions of Salah: When you are aware of what you are saying and doing then you remain focused. Since Allah ordained Salah for us then this is achievable. Did you know, that you are only rewarded for the parts of Salah that you are aware and cognizant of? So if we can stay focused throughout a 2-hour movie or an exam, for sure we can stay focused now. Everything in this world worships Allah around the clock, surely we can do 10 minutes. Just seek Allah’s help and you will reach a point where you’d wish Salah never ended!

3. Come to Salah with a feeling of Hope (Rajaa’): Hope is a deeper emotion that must be present when you pray. The more you know about Allah, the more your heart can feel this hope- hope for His Mercy, for His forgiveness, His acceptance, His love, His closeness. Note that “hope” is different from “wish”. Hope is coupled with action- where you work for what you hope for. So hope for Allah’s Mercy and ask Him for it, “Call upon Me; I will answer you.”(40:60)

“O My servants who have transgressed against themselves, despair not of the Mercy of Allah: for Allah forgives all sins: For He is the Forgiving, the Merciful.”(39:53)

4. Feel Allah’s Hayba: A sense of fear and awe paired with a deep reverence and veneration that one feels when standing in His hands. Hayba is the highest level of fear. Recall the duaas the Prophet sallallahu alaihe wassallam taught us which arouses in us this Hayba: “There is no salvation from You except through You.” And “I seek refuge in You, from You.” The Prophet sallallahu alaihe wassallam described the Hayba of angel Jibreel felt before His Lord on the night of Israa and Miraaj- He said, “Jibreel was like a worn-out camel’s cloth from the fear of Allah!”

5. Enter Salah with Great Love for Allah: For his beauty, for his kindness in dealing with you and for His favors and blessings upon you.

6. Feel a shyness and a shame: We commit much wrong but He continues to be so patient with us and he continues to cover and protect us despite all our transgressions.

Allah says, “Certainly will the believers have succeeded: They who during their prayer are humbly submissive.”(23:1-2)

The above secrets will help you attain that “Khushu’”, that feeling of genuine humbleness and submissiveness that must be reached in Salah for you to benefit and succeed in this world and the next and for you to magnify the rewards of your prayer.

Best wishes to see you reaching the uppermost heights in your eman


Wassalam

Zakia Usmani



PS: This series is a compilation of the Ramadan 2008 e-mail series, “Taste It!” by Mona Hubbi, which summarized the popular lectures “How to Taste the True Beauty of Salah” presented by Mishari Al Kharraz at the Grand Mosque of Kuwait- Summer 2008.