THE ENLIGHTENED THINKER
Each soul holds a material desire. Some
hearts burn for wealth, some burn for praise. The heart of a believer is
burning under another fire, which burns only with purity to Allah swt,
with a fire of Taqwa that protects the soul with each breath. We were
created by Allah swt in order to do something great. He swt says: "And
I did not create the jinn and mankind except to worship Me." (TMQ
S51 V56).
Worship does not only take place in
Salah, fasting and Zakah. It is in the slightest intention in the
breast. The intention alone will make a weary footstep, a murmuring Dua,
and even a forced smile, to Sadaqah. The Prophet s.a.w also said: "The
intentions judge actions" (Bukhari, Muslim). A sincere deed is immortal.
The body which does it may disintegrate into dust, but its reward
continues on like a star which never fades.
The barrier that covers this sincerity
is known as Taqwa. Allah swt reminds the believers that it is a
repetition. He swt says: "O you who have believed, fear Allah as He should
be feared and do not die except as Muslims [in submission to Him]". (TMQ
S3 V 102). Taqwa is the awareness that Allah swt is with us all the time when
the world has forgotten us. It wakes the heart on its drowsiness caused by desires.
It mumbles softly to oppose all sins which seem to be innocent.
The reality of dunya is such that it
entices us to sell our future life in order to achieve temporary profit. The
believer makes an alternative choice. The Prophet s.a.w said: "Be to this
dunya as a stranger or as a traveler". (Bukhari). A traveler does not put palaces
on the roadside, but continues on the way to the last home.
Paradise awaits those who are able to
walk steadily, patiently, and with Ikhlaas. Allah swt lays a promise of
happiness unthinkable to the sincere people. He swt says: "And Allah will
save those who feared Him by their attainment; no evil will touch them, nor
will they grieve." (TMQ S39 V61).
This is the true victory. Not applause
from people, not the number of followers. When the heart comes before Allah swt
and He swt is pleased with it, then it has been truly victorious. All trials in
life are made easy when it is towards Allah swt. Sickness turns into cleansing,
failure becomes a lesson, and delays become divine timing.
Allow all intents to soar up high, let us be more sincere and let every breath carry Taqwa. Allah swt sees our struggle and observes our every little actions. Allah swt will never permit our work to pass in vain. He swt says: "Indeed, the righteous will be among gardens and rivers, In a seat of honor near a Sovereign, Perfect in Ability." (TMQ S54 V54, 55).
May Allah swt bring our hearts to life
through Ikhlaas and resolute on Taqwa until we get back to Him swt with smiles.
Ameen.
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