By Raya Shokatfard                                     Part 1

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 Qur’an, 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 Qur’an 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)

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 Qur’an. 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 Qur’an to be truly preserved until the Day of Judgment.

Falsehood cannot reach it [the Qur’an] 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 Qur’an?

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

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)

Would You Like God’s Protection?

Asking forgiveness with sincerity and strengthening one’s belief in Him by leaving the unlawful acts for the lawful will ensure God’s protection and help.

[…] it is incumbent upon Us to help the believers. (Ar-Rum 30: 47)

We can surely see many stories of the Prophets and ordinary people who sought God’s protection and help and were given it.

Below is just one example of how God rescued Moses and Aaron, his brother and their people from the evil plights of Pharaoh.

We showed great kindness to Musa and Harun. We rescued them and their people from their terrible plight. We supported them, and so they were the victors.  (As-Saffat 37: 114-16)

So, would the believers trust any but God? Would their own intellect, knowledge, wealth, people they know avail them against evil without God’s help?

Ask: “Who is going to shield you from Allah if He desires evil for you or desires mercy for you?” They will find no one to protect or help them besides Allah.  (Al-Ahzab 33: 17)

Furthermore, God reminds us:

Help comes from no one but Allah, the Almighty, the All-Wise.  (Al `Imran 3: 126)

We notice repeatedly that the condition of God’s help and responding to supplications for this world and the Hereafter is for those who believe in Him:

We will certainly help Our messengers and those who believe both in the life of this world and on the Day when the witnesses stand forth.  (Ghafir 40: 51)

Would you still think that God does not care after all the verses that show you His immense mercy and caring? Have you really realized His vast compassion as well as power?

[…] Don’t you know that Allah has power over all things? Don’t you know that Allah is He to Whom the kingdom of the heavens and Earth belongs and that, besides Allah, you have no protector and no helper?  (Al-Baqarah 2: 106-7)

Closeness to God

It seems much easier to ask a parent or a friend for a favor and get an immediate response. We see and hear and believe that they are helping us. Yet, when it comes to supplicating to God, we may be reluctant because we don’t see Him, and in many cases, do not see an immediate response.

Yet, since you do believe in God, His messenger and His blessed book of guidance, the Qur’an, then see what God has to say in His own words:

If My servants ask you about Me, I am near. I answer the call of the caller when he calls on Me. They should, therefore, respond to Me and believe in Me so that, hopefully, they will be rightly guided.  (Al-Baqarah 2: 186)

Remember, that it is God that is asking you to call upon Him. Why don’t you? Be not of the second group here!

Your Lord says: “Call on Me, and I will answer you. Those who are too proud to worship Me will enter Hell in humiliation.  (Ghafir 40: 60)

The merciful God clearly instructs us with the proper manner in calling upon Him and warns against improper behavior:

Call on your Lord humbly and secretly. He does not love those who overstep the limits [that He has set for humanity]. Do not corrupt the Earth after it has been put right. Call on Him fearfully and eagerly. Allah’s mercy is close to the good-doers.  (Al-A`raf 7: 55-6)

Look at how much power God has given you on earth, He responds to your supplications and is ever ready to help you. Would you not then turn to Him?

Is He not Who responds to the oppressed when they call on Him and Who removes the evil, and has appointed you as inheritors of the earth? Is there another deity besides Allah? How little you pay heed!  (An-Naml 27: 62)

How would you feel if you know God is the only one that can help you with all your needs? He knows you better than yourself. Yet, He will never impose His will on you unless you turn, ask and believe that you are heard.

One may say that people of various religions or no religions also have their supplications answered. This is correct as God does answer the supplication of those who seek His help in this world. This means that He hears everyone and responds. Yet those calling upon other than Him believe that it is their idols, saints, or themselves who are responsible for the response. It is because He is a just God. But He would judge against them in the Day of Judgment for what they called upon besides Him.

But those who seek help directly from Him, not only for this world but strive for success in the Hereafter, are the true winners.

O our Lord! Give us good in this world and good in the Hereafter, and save us from the torment of the Fire!  (Al-Baqarah 2: 201)

God’s Infinite Justice

It is common for everyone to have experienced some injustice in their lives from other humans. Perhaps we ourselves have been unjust to some as well. Some human losses due to injustice are never amended. Such is the world we live today which creates much hopelessness for many.

Yet, the Most High is just and never wrongs anyone but is fast to forgive and shower His blessings upon even his disobedient creatures when they turn back to Him.

Likewise God encourages humans to do good to each other and obey their Lord. All actions are recorded and recompensed accordingly.

On the Day We summon every people with their records, those who are given their book in their right hand will read their book and will not be wronged by even the smallest speck. (Al-Isra’ 17: 71)

God’s Justice in the Hereafter:

Say: “Our Lord will bring us all together and then will judge between us with the truth. He is the Just Decider, the All-Knowing.”  (Saba’ 34: 26)

Summary

From various verses above, the following are important highlights to re-read and ponder upon repeatedly, for this treasure has come to you today and is for you to keep:

There are signs in that for people who believe.  (Al-An`am 6: 99)

You have no protector or helper besides Allah.  (At-Tawbah 9: 116)

There is certainly a sign in that for people who pay heed.  (An-Nahl 16: 13)

So which of your Lord’s blessings do you both then deny?  (Ar-Rahman 55: 13)

Allah does not impose on any self any more than it can bear… Pardon us, forgive us, and have mercy on us.  (Al-Baqarah 2: 286)

Call on Me, and I will answer you.  (Ghafir 40: 60)

There are certainly signs in that for people who use their intellect. … There is certainly a sign in that for people who pay heed.. so that, hopefully, you will show thanks. .. so that, hopefully you would be guided.  (An-Nahl 16: 11-5)

Remember Allah’s blessing to you. Is there any creator other than Allah providing for you from heaven and earth?  (Fatir 35: 3)

We have made the Signs clear for people who have knowledge.  (Al-An`am 6: 97)

What has deluded you in respect of your Noble Lord? Who created you, then made you upright, then proportioned you, assembling you in whatever form He will?  (Al-Infitar 82: 6-8)

You have no protector or helper besides Allah.  (Al-`Ankabut 29: 22)

We guided him on the way, whether he is thankful or unthankful.  (Al-Insan 76: 3)

He has selected you and not placed any constraint upon you in the religion.  (Al-Hajj 22: 78)

We did not send down the Qur’an 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)

Truly, there is an immense reward with Allah.  (At-Tawbah 9: 22)

If My servants ask you about Me, I am near. I answer the call of the caller when he calls on Me. They should, therefore, respond to Me and believe in Me so that, hopefully, they will be rightly guided.  (Al-Baqarah 2: 186)

And indeed We have brought them a Book elucidating everything with knowledge, as guidance and a mercy for people who believe.  (Al-A`raf 7: 52)

We have sent down the Book to you making all things clear, and as guidance, mercy, and good tidings to those who submit.  (An-Nahl 16: 89)

 

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Courtesy onislam.net with slight editorial modifications.

Raya Shokatfard has been a journalist, Islamic lecturer, propagator and consular in US and Egypt for many years and former Editor in Chief for Reading Islam Website. She holds M.S. in Journalism and Mass Communication and an M.S.D. in TV Journalism. Islamic documentary production has been her latest interest. She can be reached at: [email protected].