My Ramadan Diary: Those People Again!

By Umm Ibrahim

Ramadan has ended. Eid is here. Eid Mubarak! May Allah accept from us and you all!

Allah is the Greatest. There is no God but Him. And to Him belongs all Praise and Gratitude.

Many of us have been privileged to go through the entire Quran this month either on our own, in Taraweeh, or in a halaqah. When one reaches the end of the Quran, one is forced to think over the fact that the last Surah that Allah places in the Quran is an-Naas (Mankind). The last word of the Surah, and hence the Quran, is also an-Naas.

After you’ve gone through the entire Quran, with its perfect wisdom in its halal and haram, laws and stories, promises and threats, Allah reminds us at the end how vulnerable we remain to the whispers of those who whisper evil thoughts in our hearts. We are reminded that we desperately need to seek Allah’s protection from the devils from among the jinns and the humans (an-Naas).

The devils that had been chained have now been released. And yes, there are definitely devil’s agents from among the people, even among our own families and friends, those who detract us even after we have clearly seen the truth and decided to follow it. Their weapon is often words. And words hurt.

Consider some of these statements. Have they ever been hurled at you or uttered about you?

Are you trying to make fun of us?
You’ve fallen in plain error. This is absolutely wrong
You’re so foolish
You are just a liar. Allah doesn’t want us to do this.
Why don’t you just leave the city? After all, you’re so pure and holy
You’re going to be an outcast in society if you don’t return to our lifestyle.
This is all hocus-pocus and magic
You’re a loser if you follow these maulvis
Whatever proof you bring to us, we will never believe in you.
This is outdated stuff. It’s not for these times.
Your so-called religion has deceived you
That’s the way it’s always done in our family. Do you want to turn us away from it now?
You only want to be Mr. High-and-Mighty or Ms. Goody-Two-Shoes.
There is no evidence. You just forged it
Is your prayer teaching you to do all this?
Oh ya, you’re the only one with a brain?

All the above and much more was said to the Messengers. There is little or no chance that the people will say something hurtful to you that was not already said to the Messengers.

The Prophets were ridiculed and mocked by mobs. They were called misguided fools, big liars, magicians, soothsayers, and madmen. They were threatened that they would be given a painful punishment, stoned to death or exiled from the land. It didn’t stop at words. They were actually pelted with stones and thrown in pits of fire. Yet, it only made them stronger. It did not decrease them in their honour and prestige.

In comparison to all this, what the people will say to you is just child’s play.

Even then know that Allah knows it hurts.

“We do indeed know how thy heart is distressed at what they say.
But celebrate the praises of your Master, and be of those who prostrate themselves.
And worship your Lord until there comes to you the certainty (death).” (Surah al-Hijr: 97-99)

See, He knows it hurts. He teaches you how to cope too.
And among the descriptions of the Jannah that He promises you, He often mentions this blessing to you:

Wherein they will hear no unsuitable speech. (Surah al-Ghashiya: 11)

Once again: Eid Mubarak! May Allah accept from us and you all!

Allah is the Greatest. There is no God but Him. And to Him belongs all Praise and Gratitude!