The Test of Faith

The Test of Faith

Though Eid ul Azha teaches us a number of lessons, but the crux of it is ‘Tawakull Alallah’ (Trust in Allah)

Distribution of mutton and beef steaks on Eid ul Azha acquaints us with the glorious traditions of apportionment, oblation, absolute submission to the will of God, obedience, the value of uterine relationships, and the rights of paupers, destitute and poor. Young boys carrying these meat pieces in beautifully designed hampers, visiting neighbours and relatives, fill the environs with the aroma of brotherhood, mutual love, sincerity, selflessness and Tawhid (Oneness of Allah). The annual commemoration of the noble Sunnati Ibraheem (AS) is one of the most revered and prominent festivals of the Muslim world.
Syedna Ibraheem (AS) and his son Syedna Isma-eel (AS) set an immortal example of sacrifice which has no parallel in the entire human history. The gesture of loyalty and devotion is a beacon of light for whole humanity in general and Muslims in particular. The act pleased Allah SWT to the extent that He bestowed divine elevation and proximity to the father-son duo of Ibraheem and Isma-eel (AS), and made it mandatory and obligatory for Muslims to memorialise the exemplary courage displayed by the father-son duo of prophets.
Had paternal affection restricted the hands of prophet Ibraheem (AS), the world would have been deprived of the grand festivity of Eid ul Azha. Though we rejoice, relish and celebrate on the auspicious day, but it is something beyond fervour, gaiety and enthusiasm. I mean, the philosophy behind the noble ritual is something above blood and meat. Allah SWT has categorically made it clear in the holy Quran: “It is neither your flesh nor blood that pleases Allah. It is your piety” (Surah Hajj).
Though Eid ul Azha teaches us number of lessons, morals and ethics, but the crux of it is “Tawakull Alallah” (Trust in Allah). It strengthens and reinforces our faith, and refreshes our bond with Allah SWT. As we have solemnly vowed to affirm our faith in the doctrine of predestination, all good and bad comes from Allah SWT (Wal-Qadri Khairi Hee Wa Sharri Hee Minal-Lahi Ta-Aala). Syedna Ibraheem (AS) and his son Syedna Isma-eel (AS) acted on this belief. They put their souls in their palms, and proffered before their Lord. Allah SWT very often sets his dear slaves to difficult trials, in order to assess and rejuvenate their faiths (eemaan). The extraordinary determination exhibited by the father-son duo of Ibraheem and Isma-eel (AS) is quite ineffable. The firstling of a father, that too at the age of 86, must be dear to him more than his own life. But, slaughtering the same son at the command of Allah SWT is really phenomenal.
Faith (eemaan) is the preliminary prerequisite to enter the enclave of Islam. Charity, ibaadah and virtuousness are subject to our faith in Allah SWT. Hypocrites (munafiqeen) stand parallel to moomineen in their queues, but their faith is contrived. Scores of non-Muslims carry out prodigious and substantial philanthropic and charitable deeds, but their motive behind all this is mere bragging and boasting. Strong faith consolidates trust in Allah, and absolute trust in Allah is the key to win His pleasure. Steadfastness and perseverance are the pillars of faith. Your true faith in Allah liberates you from the yokes of slavery of numerous idols. Wealth, money, big houses, acquisition of land and property have become our virtual gods whom we worship day in and day out.
Contemporary Muslims are caught in chaos, confusion, stress, anxiety and lust of material pursuits. Unlike their ancestors, present-day Muslims believe in sources, not in the Creator. Syedna Ibraheem (AS) had absolute trust in Allah SWT. His feet didn’t wobble, his hands didn’t tremble and his faith didn’t shake because his trust (tawakull) in Allah SWT was solid and sheer. It was his trust and reliance on Allah SWT which ran his knife on the throat of Isma-eel (AS). And Allah SWT didn’t breach his trust but rather rewarded him with infinite bounties, blessings, favours and prizes. Our pyres will turn into beds of roses if we have that iron-willed determination and absolute trust in Allah SWT, like Ibraheem (AS) had. Tawakull Alallah is the potion for our rusty hearts, it is the remedy for our troubles, and it is the antidote for our bitten souls. Tawakull Alallah will replace our timid and coward traits with valour, bravery and fearlessness.
Tawakull Alallah is the secret of happy life. Those who trust in Allah SWT for every good and bad, don’t blame themselves or others for any misfortune or misadventure, rather they attribute to their destinies and fates. This maxim helps to reduce grief, sorrow and pains. It removes our susceptibility to fall prey to guilt. In a nutshell, faith works wonders. Even most of the psychiatrists of the world advise their patients to stick to religious teachings in order to get rid of stress and strain. This is the only way to attain salvation here and hereafter. If unwavering faith of Ibraheem is born again, it is sure to produce blooms (Ho Agar Aaj Bhee Ibraheem Ka Eemaan Paida, Aag Karsakti Hai Andaazi Gulistaan Paida).

The writer is a teacher and a columnist. [email protected]

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