By: Raya Shokatfard
God Wishes Only the Best for Mankind
Those who realize the greatness of God live only to please Him. God, in return, would bring true pleasure to them.
{Allah is pleased with them, and they are pleased with Him.} (Al-Mujadilah 58: 22)
Yet for those who are in constant doubt about God, they consider adhering to God’s commandments as hardship without knowing that God would not ordain anything unless it is good for humankind.
{It may be that you hate something when it is good for you, and it may be that you love something when it is bad for you. Allah knows, and you do not know.} (Al-Baqarah 2: 216)
God does not wait for consent of His creatures. His mercy is for everyone who wishes to follow the right path or not.
{We guided him on the way, whether he is thankful or unthankful.} (Al-Insan 76: 3)
God Wishes Ease for You
With His infinite mercy and compassion God has ordained religious duty for mankind with ease. No messenger was ever sent to make life difficult for people except for those who were unwilling to give up the unlawful pleasures of this world.
The messengers planted seeds of high morality and good conduct coupled with the proper worship of the one and only true God, so that their followers would have a successful life in not only this world, but in the Hereafter.
{We will ease you to the easy way.} (Al-A‘la 87: 8)
Had He made religion hard for mankind, no one would follow it.
{He has selected you and not placed any constraint upon you in the religion—the religion of your forefather Ibrahim.} (Al-Hajj 22: 78)
The last message, the Quran, was sent through Prophet Muhammad as the last Testament which was meant to bring guidance and ease for its followers and complete the message of all previous Prophets.
{We did not send down the Quran to you to make you miserable, but only as a reminder for those who have fear [and respect for Allah].} (Ta-Ha 20: 2-3)
When the companions of Prophet Muhammad complained about the fact God is even aware of their thoughts, they considered it very difficult to control. God soon revealed the following verse to ease the fear and to give reassurance of His great compassion.
So, He taught them to make the following supplication with firm belief that He hears them:
{Allah does not impose on any self any more than it can bear. For it is what it has earned; against it is what it has brought upon itself. “Our Lord, do not take us to task if we forget or make a mistake. Our Lord, do not place on us a load like the one You placed on those before us. Our Lord, do not place on us a load we have not the strength to bear. Pardon us, forgive us, and have mercy on us. You are our Master, so help us against the unbelievers.} (Al-Baqarah 2: 286)
Humans are constantly in state of obedience and disobedience to their Lord.
Let us reflect a bit on what is awaiting us in the Hereafter if we were among the believers:
{Their Lord gives them the good news of His mercy and good pleasure, and of Gardens in which they will enjoy everlasting delight, remaining in them timelessly, forever. Truly, there is an immense reward with Allah.} (At-Tawbah 9: 21-2)
There are those who read hundreds of pages of work manuals in order to do their jobs successfully, or read a novel in order to entertain their minds, or who spend years in academic studies in order to learn a special field of interest, yet they fail to study the true book of guidance which will teach them, builds their characters, learn history, and most of all learn about their Creator.
{We have brought them a Book elucidating everything with knowledge, as guidance and a mercy for people who believe.} (Al-A‘raf 7: 52)
Unlike other scriptures which were corrupted over the years, God has promised to preserve the Quran. This means we are really reading God’s own words. Would you not reflect?
{We have sent down the Reminder and will preserve it.} (Al-Hijr 15: 9)
An in-depth research would reveal the Quran to be truly preserved until the Day of Judgment.
{Falsehood cannot reach it [the Quran] from before it or behind it—it is a revelation from One Who is All-Wise, Praiseworthy.} (Fussilat 41: 42)
Then what other form of guidance is there better than the Quran?
{We have sent down the Book to you making all things clear, and as guidance, mercy, and good news for the Muslims.} (An-Nahl 16: 89)
God’s Vast Forgiveness
If you are asking God for help and are not getting it, you may ask yourself why!
Humans are constantly in state of obedience and disobedience to their Lord. The history of mankind from creation reveals that humankind has been more rebellious and sinful than the other way. Yet, with His infinite mercy, God sent messengers and guidance so that people are able to correct their behaviors and return to their Lord with submissive hearts before they meet Him.
{If Allah were to punish people for their wrong actions, not a single creature would be left on Earth. However, He defers them until a predetermined time. When their specified time arrives, they cannot delay it for a single hour, nor can they bring it forward.} (An-Nahl 16: 61)
If you are reading this article this far, it is because your heart is open to God and perhaps you wish to take some small or large steps toward Him.
Is it possible that you would like to return to God but are looking for a sign, an open door, a welcome back salutation? Yet, you don’t get it or see it. Could this be the reason why you don’t feel God’s care?
Fear not! Instead of looking for signs, it is best to ask for forgiveness and strive to return to God and the right path.
{Were it not for Allah’s favor upon you and His mercy (He would have hasten the punishment upon), and that Allah is the one who accepts repentance, All-Wise.} (An-Nur 24: 10)
If you are asking God for help and are not getting it, you may ask yourself why!
{[…]Allah supports with His help whoever He wills. There is lesson in that for people of insight.} (Al ‘Imran 3: 13)
(… to be continued In-Shaa-Allah …)
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Published on: Saturday, 29 September 2012