By
Maryam Sakeenah and Umm Amal – Hiba Magazine’s Team Writers
It is usually in the throes of trials and setbacks that we turn to God. This, however, is a natural human response when the going gets tough and we feel vulnerable, lost and weak- hence in need to reach out to our Creator to lift us.
The real test of faith- and one that is often not adequately emphasized as a trial- is when we experience success and gain, achievement and happiness. Turning to Allah (swt) in such times is an attitude that reflects a true, sincere and heartfelt spiritual connection.
That is because modern secular materialistic society tends to celebrate happiness oblivious of God. Connecting to God in ease and happiness is, therefore, a true reflection of faith as it does not come out of need and dependency, but out of humility and mindfulness of Divinity as it shapes our lives.
Given the influence of individualist modern cultures, in times of happiness and instances of achievement, it is easy to inflate one’s sense of self by attributing success to one’s own merit and personal effort.
As opposed to this, in the religious understanding, human effort alone is not the decisive factor for success. What is decisive is Allah’s (swt) will and decree, as the Quran says: “And while they plan, Allah also plans; and the Best of Planners is Allah.” (Al Anfal 8:30)
Understanding that success is by Allah’s (swt) decree that makes our efforts bear fruit, enables us to direct our attention to Allah (swt) than to ourselves, as all effort can come to naught if Allah does not decree its fruition. This keeps us humble and grounded. It also makes us deeply grateful to Allah (swt).
The best illustration of this attitude is from the Prophet’s (sa) response to the extraordinary victory at the Conquest of Makkah. It is reported that as he entered the city he had conquered, his head was bowed in humbleness and submission to Allah (swt). This was refreshingly different from the norms at the time when conquerers would enter subjugated lands with boastful triumph, pride and celebration. It is an act of a man who had surrendered his human ego completely to Allah (swt). It is only possible through immense faith.
It was also the Prophet’s (sa) attribution of victory to Allah that made him capable of such unprecedented magnanimity, declaring a general amnesty for all- most of whom had been his bitter foes.
Staying humble in triumph and success keeps us approachable and kind towards others as we desist from pride, arrogance and showing off. It keeps us rooted in faith and tames the ego so that we do not obsess over our achievements and gains. We acknowledge that these are worldly blessings which are temporal and fleeting, and by the Grace of Allah alone.
Most importantly, the lasting, meaningful success or ‘Fauz ul azeem’ (the greatest victory) is salvation in the Hereafter. Whether we are eligible for that victory or not is known only to Allah (swt), hence for us is to constantly strive without complacency.
The faith-based response to happiness also enables us to celebrate it with simplicity and moderation. It prevents us from arrogantly celebrating oneself and making a show of one’s achievements and blessings. It presents us from lavishness and extravagance in celebration. As Allah (swt) says in the Quran about those who reject faith: “He says, ‘Indeed I have wasted wealth in abundance!’ Does he think that no one sees him?” (Al Balad 90:6)
Faith motivates us to express gratitude by sharing our blessings and joy with others through charity and inclusiveness. This is also the spirit of Islamic festivals- charity, selflessness, sharing and strengthening communal ties.
The simple and communal spirit of the two Eids captures in essence how occasions of joy ought to be celebrated- with devotion and gratitude to God as we spread joy and cheer among His slaves on earth.
Eid-ul-Fitr marks the ending of 30 day’s intense worship through Siyam and Qiyam solely for Allah (swt). It is a command from Allah (swt) to celebrate three days in good faith of acceptance of that worship. That too begins with Salat-ul-Eid on the first day. Similarly Eid-ul-Adha is a celebration of prophet Ibrahim’s family’s devotion, sacrifice and submission to Allah (swt). The first ten days pilgrims perform Hajj and the non-pilgrims engage in glorifying Allah (swt) with exclusive prayer, fasts, charity, remembrance of Allah (swt). The Eid day again commences with Salat-e-Eid to bow before Allah (swt).
An important lesson about success was revealed in Surah Al-Kahf (18:83-101). The incident revolves around King Zulqarnain and his ability to resist the Fitnah (trial) of power. In fact it portrays the legendary character and competence of this powerful king who was a true slave of Allah (swt) and his response upon achieving success.
While travelling as he reached a remote and undiscovered land between two mountains he met with a people whose language was unknown. Since he was committed to solve their problem, he break through the communication barrier. They narrated their plea of devastation at the hands of the beastly Gog Magog. In return they were ready to pay King Zulqarnain heavy taxes for protection from the invading tribe.
King Zulqarnain informed the people that he did not need their wealth as what Allah (swt) had granted him was of higher value. However they could provide man power to enable him to seal the partings that allowed access to the enemy into their lands. Hence he was creating synergy by merging resources and also not usurping the wealth of a desperate and weak people.
The manner in which King Zulqarnain built this barrier under his personal supervision, signifies an advanced architectural marvel of its times. He ordered huge iron sheets to raise a humungous iron wall. Next fire was ignited and the iron wall turned red hot. Molten copper was poured over the wall to form a solid structure after it cooled down. A wall that could neither be scaled, nor penetrated.
The climax of the story comes when the mega project is completed, this king instead of taking all the credit and boasting about it, simply attributes it to Allah (swt). He states about the great wall: “This is a mercy from my Lord. But when the promise of my Lord comes, He will make it leveled and ever is the promise of my Lord true.”
King Zulqarnain never lost his faith in Allah (swt). He remembered the reality when he could have easily been swayed by his success. The king knew Who had granted him the power, position and resources. He acknowledged that the world was temporary and that one day this mighty wall shall perish by Allah’s (swt) order. What was given to him in the world was only by Allah’s (swt) mercy.
King Zulqarnain’s story holds invaluable lessons for us as to how to deal with the bounty of success and not to fall into trial of faith and lose it.
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