In the Name of Allah, Most Merciful, Most Compassionate
Assalaamu alaykum
Dear Friends
I pray that you are well.
Allah Almighty says,
إِنَّا جَعَلْنَا مَا عَلَى ٱلْأَرْضِ زِينَةً لَّهَا لِنَبْلُوَهُمْ أَيُّهُمْ أَحْسَنُ عَمَلًا ﴿٧[Qur'an Al-Kahf 18:7]
Indeed, We have made that which is on the earth adornment for it that We may test them [as to] which of them is best in deed. (7)
Allah created everything, which includes, all living forms, vegetation, mountains, minerals and everything else present on the earth. And they are its adornment. That there are snakes, scorpions, beasts and many harmful and fatal things may lead someone to doubt as to how can they be called 'an adornment for it.' This doubt is unfounded because everything in this world considered harmful, fatal or plain and maybe be so in a restricted sense but, in terms of the totality of creation, nothing is bad.
Everything, no matter how bad, has been invested with many benefits by Allah Almighty on other counts. The medical use of poisonous and fatal life forms in the interest of human beings is an example.
Human tragedies too, like the recent MH370 plane disappearance, is considered bad by most people, but the coming together of people from many communities, nations and governments of the world to help find the plane will, inshaAllah, find its way to promote peace in the world.
Khidr alayhissalaam killing an innocent boy, as the story was told in Surah Kahf, is egregious according to Prophet Musa's (alayhissalaam) and our standard, but we know now the reality behind this. Allah is All Merciful and All Knowing. Allah had saved the boy from becoming a life trial (through his infidelity and rebellion) for his parents when he grew up, causing much pain for them and at the same time protected the parents from this pain which would endanger their faith because of their love for him.
Things that are considered bad are not that bad in terms of the function of this entire universe.
The simplest acts tilt the world toward peace. Global peace is a personal choice, minute by minute, hour by hour. Ask yourself, "Am I going to add to the fighting in the world? Or offer up something greater?"
The first step to global peace is to find your inner peace. It's hard to stay peaceful if we're overwhelmed by life. Find some peace, calm, and stability in your inner world so you can be in your outer world. Do whatever soothes you daily. Islam has provided daily routines for us achieve this -- in the prescribed prayers and so on. All we need is to implement them in our daily lives.
Allah says in the Qur'an that He did not create us for any foolish purpose. He tells us that He created us for the purpose of worshiping Him, Alone and without any partners. So make Allah the title of your life. Even when things are bad in your eyes, which really is not, you glorify the Creator, you continue your worship, you increase your worship, you try to perfect your worship. You worship Him in every moment of your life, not just when things are peaceful, good and easy. Disconnect yourself from conflict and just breathe for a while. Center yourself and tap into the peace you already carry within.
Heal your anger. It's normal to get angry. Channel that frustration into something greater. Think of your anger as rocket fuel that can launch your dreams -- not scald people around you. View it as a surge of energy to create what you really want and need. Apply the teachings of the Prophet, Allah bless him and grant him peace, when you become angry. We step away from the vise of anger and step into the lives we really want. If we can transform our anger into a higher dream, we take a stand for peace.
Focus on the positive. Others may want to waste their precious time focusing on the perceived ugliness in the world. Be the one who focuses on the positive, and watch the miracle happen. Our thoughts are powerful. What we pay attention to expands. Attract peace with your thoughts. Notice peaceful people and places, tune out violence.
Recognize that conflicts can't be avoided. Whether you're hosting a family gathering or conferencing with your staff or helping families of victims, conflict will pop up as surely as that annoying neighbor blasting his speakers with music or guests attacking your integrity. But we can learn to navigate the conflicts more confidently and use the tension as an opportunity to express our views honestly and peacefully. The next time conflict surfaces, keep breathing, stay calm, thoughtfully speak your truth, listen to others, and try to find some shared ground. Realize that your frustration may be about the situation, not the person. Set the intention to find a resolution. Try to find the humor. Agree to disagree, if necessary. Be the bridge to resolve conflict.
More often than not, people demonize and fear people because they don't know. When you have incorrect perceptions of others, it's easier to fear, even hate. Get to know the genuine in others. Meet people of other cultures, religions, and backgrounds. Find shared experiences, hopes, and beliefs. Connect on these shared grounds, and peace will flow out from those moments.
Wars are not just found outside, they can even break out even at the dinner table. Practice self responsibility. With rights, there are duties but people are more inclined to demand their rights while neglecting their responsibilities. Do your duty first. Don't be pointing fingers at others. It serves no one any good.
Forgive and pardon people. Being obsessed with anger only destroys you. If you can't change what happened, then change your thoughts about it. Let it go. Forgiveness isn't about forgetting, it's about being at peace in your own skin. It's about getting on with your life.
Allah Almighty said, "The one who pardons and reconciles his reward is upon Allah;" (Qur'an 42:40). Tabarani relates that the Prophet sallallahu alayhi wassallam said, "A caller will call [on the Day of Rising], ‘Let him stand whose reward is upon Allah and let him enter paradise’ Then he will call a second time, ‘Let him stand whose reward is upon Allah and let him enter paradise’ It will be said, ‘Who is the one whose reward is upon Allah, Mighty and Majestic?’ He will say, ‘Those who pardon people.’ Then he will call a third time, ‘Let him stand whose reward is upon Allah and let him enter paradise.’ Then so and so many thousand will stand and enter paradise without reckoning." Imagine being among that fortunate group and having all of our many sins forgiven and receiving our reward directly from Allah!
Serve people, don't wait for people to serve you. Everybody can become great because everybody can serve. You don't need a college degree or wait until you have whole library of knowledge to serve. You don't need mansions, Rolls-Royce cars, million dollars or be presidents to be great. You only need a heart full of grace and love. Serve the world with your peaceful heart and you will be big.
Believe that peace can happen anytime, anyplace. Love the idea of living in harmony more than the idea of living in chaos. We don't stop asking Allah to bring peace in our hearts and in this the world. Have trust in Allah that He only wants good for us and He will facilitate good for us.
Du'a for peace.
Allahumma Antas-Salaam wa minkas-Salaam, tabarakta ya Dhal-Jalaali wal-Ikraam
(Oh Allah, You are Peace and from You comes Peace. Blessed are You, Oh Owner of Majesty and honor.) [Muslim]
Allahumma innaa nas-aluka wal amaan e wal imaan fid dunya wal akhrah
(Oh Allah we ask of you peace and faith in this world and in the hereafter.)
Allahumma Antas-Salaamu wa minkas-Salaamu, wa ilaiyka yarjihusSalaamu, hayyena Rabbana bissalaami wa adkhilna darassalaami, tabarakta Rabbana, wa ta'alaiyta Ya dhal-jalaali wal-Ikraam
(Oh Allah, You are Peace and from You comes Peace, for all other creatures; Peace always turns towards You. Oh our Creator and Cherisher, keep us alive with peace, and let us enter the Home of Peace (paradise)
Blessed are You, Oh Lord, and Exhalted, Oh Owner of Majesty and honor.)
Ameen.
May Allah grant us tawfiq. Ameen.
Please don't forget us in your night prayers. Jazakum Allahu khairan.
And Allah knows best.
Wassalaam
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