"Advice to those who strive in Allah's way ..."

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from a posting on my FaceBook, commenting upon a

discussion which requires mediation - ISLAH

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As-salaa-mu 'alaykum waraHmatullaahi wabarakaa-tuh.

It-taqillaah! It-taqillaah!It-taqillaah! (Be conscious of Allah and have reverential fear of Him). I direct this advise to myself and all of you with this reminder:

Our purpose of intellectual exchanges (exhortation with one another) must come from a genuine and sincere intention towards upholding truth – guided by the unchanging Divine principles which have been transmitted through an unbroken chain of reliable scholars/transmitters. Let us not forget that this must also be accompanied with as-Sobr’-patience/constancy- (Q:Surah al-‘Asr’).

I have come to realize that it is in the second aspect – exhortation towards Sobr’ – that is most difficult.

Sound logic cannot compel one who refuses to think, and truth would only be received by only those who sincerely sought after it. No matter how pure or sincere one’s intention to share the truth, and no matter how good one’s arguments, it may not necessarily be welcomed by everyone nor should we expect it to be so, that is if 'sincerity' meant that we do it for Allah’s redha alone.

Also no matter what has transpired, it must be conceded that our communication skills are never perfect. To assume otherwise is bordering on arrogance. And we have to beware that satan is ever waiting to seize the opportunity to plant the seeds of enmity and rancour in our hearts. Na-‘uudzu billaah!

"O Allah do not make us to harbour hatred and rancour in our hearts, towards believers ... but do forgive us all and guide us to being merciful and loving towards each other!"

Thus, it is indeed very true that we, who strive to exhort one another to the truth, would have to encounter many sorts of unpleasant responses and even antagonistic remarks from others – especially those who may disagree with our view. Perhaps the imperfect manner presented may lead us to misunderstand others, or others misunderstanding our responses. Yet, inculcating Sobr’ would motivate us to accept these, often cynical remarks or even ad hom inem from others with thanks to Allah, Who wish us not to become people who are losers.

I also know that it can be difficult at times, but such is the way of our beloved Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. as commanded by Allah SWT:

فَٱعۡفُ عَنۡہُمۡ وَٱسۡتَغۡفِرۡ لَهُمۡ وَشَاوِرۡهُمۡ فِى ٱلۡأَمۡرِ‌ۖ

.

فَإِذَا عَزَمۡتَ فَتَوَكَّلۡ عَلَى ٱللَّهِ‌ۚ

“...so pass over (their faults), and ask for (Allah's) forgiveness for them; and consult them in affairs (of moment). Then when thou hast taken a decision, put thy trust in Allah.”

(Qur'an:Surah Aali 'imran:3: 159)

waAllaahu a’lam

was-salaam

zhulkeflee

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