Doors of Mercy

 

Walaikumassalam warahmatullahi wabarakatuhu. 

Guard Allah

Allah has laid down certain rules and regulations for us humans to establish on earth. And when we uphold the values, set by our Lord, it is only then that we will be able to live peacefully. When we guard our premises and not overstep the boundaries laid by God, then God helps us and blesses us in all spheres of our lives. In other words, He takes care of everything for you. The question is have you guarded what Allah has asked you to?

How do you protect the boundaries set by Allah? First of all, you will have to learn about the do’s and the don’ts. For instance what Allah has allowed and asked for you to do and what He has told you to stay far away from. When you are cautious about fulfilling these responsibilities it is then that Allah will bless you with happiness and success. It doesn’t mean that you have to delve into books of fiqh, just having that connection with your Lord and depending on Him to guide you will be sufficient for now. Prophet Muhammad has explained this in a beautiful hadith as follows;

Abu al-‘Abbas ‘Abdullah bin ‘Abbas (ra) reports:

“One day I was riding (a horse/camel) behind the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, when he said, ‘Young man, I will teach you some words. Be mindful of God, and He will take care of you. Be mindful of Him, and you shall find Him at your side. If you ask, ask of God. If you need help, seek it from God. Know that if the whole world were to gather together in order to help you, they would not be able to help you except if God had written so. And if the whole world were to gather together in order to harm you, they would not harm you except if God had written so. The pens have been lifted, and the pages are dry.’ ” (Related by Tirmidhi)

Is it a punishment?

The general rule of thumb to distinguish between a trial and a punishment is as follows. If one has committed a sin, then he may be punished for it in various ways or Allah may forgive him. Because Allah says in the Quran,

“Whatever of good reaches you, is from Allah, but whatever of evil befalls you, is from yourself…” [Quran 4:79]

In another verse Allah also says (interpretation of the meaning):

“And whatever of misfortune befalls you, it is because of what your hands have earned. And He pardons much.” [Quran 42:30]

If it is a test then it generates not from a mistake that was committed, but actually in other forms according to one’s level of faith. For instance of one loses his job because of his abiding by the laws of Allah, then that is considered a test/trial. Concerning trials, the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said:

“If Allah loves a people, He tries them, and whoever has patience will have patience, and whoever is anxious will be anxious.” (Reported by al-Imam Ahmad; Saheeh al-Jami’, 1706).

How to Fix it

All human beings make mistakes. So will you go to hell because you have made tremendous blunders? When you catch yourself making a mistake and then turn in repentance to God, it is then that you have succeeded. Allah says,

“Say: O My slaves who have transgressed against themselves (because of sins), do not despair from the mercy of Allah. Verily, Allah forgives all sins. Verily, He is All-Forgiving, Most Merciful.” [Quran 39:53]

If your mother is still alive, now is the chance for you to fix your past. Our religion has clearly stressed the importance of taking care of our parents so much so that after the right of Allah, comes the right of your parents. One interesting fact is that the right of the mother is three times more than the right of the father! Because your mom literally put her blood and sweat for raising you.

Doors of Mercy

If Allah has already enlightened you then you shall make up for your mistakes. Hug your mom and ask her for forgiveness, be kind to her and take good care of her. You will feel much better if you just put your head on her lap and let your worries pour away with your true tears. No matter how deep of a mess you’re in there will always be a hand to pull you out. It’s your choice of wanting to take hold of it. Have strong faith in Allah and keep on going.

On the authority of Anas (may Allah be pleased with him), who said:

“I heard the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) say: Allah the Almighty said: O son of Adam, so long as you call upon Me and I will forgive you for what you have done, and I shall not mind. O son of Adam, were your sins to reach the clouds of the sky and were you then to ask forgiveness of Me, I would forgive you. O son of Adam, were you to come to Me with sins almost as great as the earth and were you then to face Me, ascribing no partner to Me, I would bring you forgiveness almost as great as it.” (Related by at-Tirmidhi and Ahmad ibn Hanbal).

And Allah knows best.

(From Ask About Islam archives)