Tomorrow is a mystery
And today is a gift
That’s why it is called
THE PRESENT
Let us recall the lives of our Prophets. When Prophet Ibrahim (AS) saw in his dream one night, that he was slaughtering his son, Ismail; he immediately related the dream to his son. The Holy Quran mentions this in the following verse: “Thereafter, when he (the boy) reached an age in which he could work with him, he (Ibrahim) said, “O my little son, I have seen in a dream that I am slaughtering you, so consider, what is your opinion?” He said, “O my dear father, do what you have been ordered to do. You will find me, Insha’Allah, (if Allah wills) one of
those who endure patiently.”” [37:102] Although he loved his son dearly, he knew that the need of the moment was to fulfill the commandment, so both of them set out to carry it. Allah rewarded them by replacing Prophet Ismail (AS) with a sheep. The Holy Quran says: “So, (it was a great episode) when both of them submitted themselves (to Allah’s will), and he laid him on his forehead (to slaughter him). And then We called out to him, “O Ibrahim. You did make the dream come true.” This is how We reward those who are good in their deeds. This was indeed a trial that clearly demonstrated (their obedience). And We ransomed him with a great sacrifice.” [37:102-107]
Furthermore, studying the life of Prophet Yaqoob (AS) also gives us the same lesson. His sons threw his dearest child Yusuf (AS) in the well and then lied to their father about his death. Whilst he knew that his sons were lying but still he said: “Rather, your inner desires have tempted you to do something. So, patience is best. It is Allah whose help is sought against what you describe.’’ [12:18]. Later on, after many years when Yousuf (AS) became the ruler of Egypt and his brothers finally recognized him, he said: “Allah has been very kind to us. Surely, whoever fears Allah and observes patience, Allah does not let the reward of such good people to go to waste.” [12:90]. All the above incidents teach us that whenever calamity befell the
Prophets, they always faced them with great endurance.
Interestingly, let us imagine that your best friend comes to our place with a beautifully wrapped gift in her hand. The moment you see it you start analyzing and guessing what could be inside. Now it could be something that you really like or maybe something exactly opposite your taste. Now what happens when you unwrap the gift and find your favorite earrings in it, the one you badly wanted last month, you become excited and thank your friend from the bottom of your heart. On the other hand, if you find that it contains a funky multicolored top whose very sight is unbearable to you, you still force a smile on your face and patiently thank her for the thought behind the gift. The present moment should also be treated likewise, either with thankfulness for the bounties and good times, or, patience for the trials and difficult times. Allah says in the Holy Quran: “If you express gratitude, I shall certainly give you more, and if you are ungrateful, then My punishment is severe.” [14:7] In another verse, Allah says: “Certainly, We shall test you with fear, hunger, loss of wealth, lives and fruits; but give glad tidings to the patient—those who, when afflicted with calamity say, “Truly to Allah we belong, and truly to Him shall we return.” It is those who will be awarded blessings and mercy from their Lord; and it is those who are the guided ones.” [2:155–157]
Thus, a believer shows gratitude and thankfulness for all the wonderful blessings that Allah grants him. And he displays patience and submission during sickness and hardships, hunger and afflictions. The point to be remembered is that patience should be observed from the moment the hardship appears as practiced by all the Prophets. Wounds heal with time so does the intensity of a hardship decrease with time.Therefore, if one complains, cries and blames fate at the beginning of a suffering and later on accepts it then, he has lost the reward that is promised for those who show patience from the very start of troubles.
So my dear friends, live your present moment to the fullest, while fulfilling the commands of Allah, being thankful to Him, and following the Sunnah of our beloved Prophet S.A.W., without dwelling on the past or worrying incessantly about the future. Have tawakkal, remember Allah always and be hopeful, something good is always in store by His grace in’sha’Allah!