Are We Worthy of Gaining a Most High Reward?
By Raghad Ebied, (London, Ontario)
Amidst the constant attacks on Islam and Muslims around the world, amidst the mass number of innocent Muslims being killed on a regular basis, and amidst the oppression and tyranny that taunts humanity, we as Muslims may start to wish we lived in an era different than this one. We wish we had lived in an era where Muslims were victorious, an era where the Islamic system of Shari'ah enforced the laws of peace, justice and equality amongst all people. We wish we had lived in an era where the Muslim woman can walk out with her Hijab confidently, not fearing potential threats or vain stares which convey peoples' judgments that this piece of cloth on a woman's head is indication of her 'oppression' and 'backwardness'.
We may have wished to live in a time when we aren't intimidated to name our children Muhammed or Osama, to live in a time when Muslims do not have to wake up every morning, and the first thought that crosses their minds is how to deal with the constant attacks, misconceptions, and misinterpretations of Islam. We all wish, wouldn't we? But the truth of the matter is, that Allah (SWT), in His infinite Wisdom, has created us now, and here. He has given us one lifetime to live and one chance to prove our existence.
Over the past 4 years, the state of the world has entirely changed; the events of 9/11 triggered the notion of the 'war on terrorism', which has led to the invasion and destruction of Afghanistan and Iraq; moreover, this 'war on terrorism', has lead to the increasing difficulty for Muslims to practice their faith freely. For those of us who have been raised in the West, it even gets tougher; because we are the minority, and we are the targets of much of the confusion and misconceptions that surround Islam. As Muslims in the West, we have an even greater role to play in dispelling these misconceptions and breaking the fear of the 'unfamiliar'. We live in a Time of extreme difficulty and darkness of Islam for a reason; what is more valued to you? To receive a high grade by cheating, or to receive that high grade because of your diligence and dedication to your studies? Similarly, doesn't the mother's love for her child grow as she carries him/her in her womb for nine months, day by day? Doesn't she feel proud to be a part of Allah’s (SWT) most miraculous miracles when she gives birth to a new life, regardless of the severe pain? It is this struggle that has earned her the honor that the Prophet describes: "The heavens are under the feet of mothers".
The essential point is that anything of value must be fought for, and gained through persistent work and endless determination. As unbelievable as it sounds, Allah (SWT) has blessed us to live in a time of weakness and sadness for Muslims, because He, in His infinite wisdom and mercy, has given each and everyone of us the chance to gain one of the most highly rewarded and respected statuses in Islam: the status of Jihad. The status of giving victory to Allah's Deen. As Muslims residing in Canada, physical Jihad is not what is expected of us, but the internal Jihad to exemplify the beauty of Islam to all is a must upon all of us. Our struggle is to continue to stand firm in the face of any obstacles or difficulties, and uphold the values and principles of Islam with our heads held up high through a confidence maintained from the reliance on the Creator, the King of the Worlds, Allah (SWT).
I look to the future through the eyes of hope and optimism because sincere faith is the source of light that fills the Believer's heart with the vision for a bright future. A bright future that will requires consistent good deeds and dedicated efforts to pave the way for Islam's victory. Let us fill our minds with the vision of hope and victory, unite our hearts with true sincerity for Allah (SWT), put our hands together in action, and we will shake the earth. In-sha-Allah.