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Cont'd from page 2
During this pandemic, we have to keep our faith, our mind stronger than ever. For this too will pass. We gain strength and experiences from what we go through. For whatever pain we go through, we will surely gain from that.
God promised us in the Quran:
[94:5] With pain there is gain. [94:6] Indeed, with pain there is gain.
God will test us through many things. He will test us like those before us, including the prophets and many messengers.
[2:155] We will surely test you through some fear, hunger, and loss of money, lives, and crops. Give good news to the steadfast.
[2:214] Do you expect to enter Paradise without being tested like those before you? They were tested with hardship and adversity, and were shaken up, until the messenger and those who believed with him said, “Where is GOD’s victory?” GOD’s victory is near.
[38:34] We thus put Solomon to the test; we blessed him with vast material wealth, but he steadfastly submitted.
God’s tests have a good reason, and understanding this is better for us. He tests us to show whether we are appreciative or unappreciative. [27:40] The one who possessed knowledge from the book said, “I can bring it to you in the blink of your eye.” When he saw it settled in front of him, he said, “This is a blessing from my Lord, whereby He tests me, to show whether I am appreciative or unappreciative. Whoever is appreciative is appreciative for his own good, and if one turns unappreciative, then my Lord is in no need for him, Most Honorable.”
During this pandemic, we may have some fear for what it is to come.
But we can take heart knowing that God has it all worked out for us. This too, is part of His plan. If we turn to God, He will take care of us and we will have nothing to fear.
[2:155] We will surely test you through some fear, hunger, and loss of money, lives, and crops. Give good news to the steadfast.
Growing up, there were times of fears and worries. I remember when I was very young, when my parents would be on a trip somewhere far away and I would be at home for days. I would get very worried, to the point where I would cry, thinking of the worst-case scenario.
But to what extent can we be afraid? Many people live life fearing the future. Especially at times like this, we cannot help but think what the future holds with the virus spreading all over the world. “How can we possibly survive this pandemic?” This puts fear in us human beings. I stumbled upon one quote that changed my life and it is something I try to live by. It opened up a lot about what “trusting God” means.
“There is a reason they call God a presence – because God is right here, right now.” – Elizabeth Gilbert
With this quote, my perspective on how I view my future has changed. To me, God is present, right here, right now. Which means whatever happens in the future is not of my knowledge, it is out of my reach. So therefore, I choose to trust in God, without fearing the future. For He is the best planner. This has helped me to live and be in the present moment. I live everyday embracing and cherishing everything He has given me today, right now, in this moment without worrying about my future. Being happy and appreciative of the moment you live in. That is, to me, what trusting God is.
[9:51] Say, “Nothing happens to us, except what GOD has decreed for us. He is our Lord and Master. In GOD the believers shall trust.
[3:160] If GOD supports you, none can defeat you. And if He abandons you, who else can support you? In GOD the believers shall trust.
Today as you go on about your day, try to cherish everything you see and be appreciative of everything God has provided for you, whether it’s something as small as feeling the wind against your skin, the sound of birds chirping in the trees, or the sky. Try to FEEL them in your heart and thank God while doing so.
[35:27-8] Do you not realize that God sends down from the sky water, whereby we produce fruits of various colors. Even the mountains have different colors; the peaks are white or red or some other color. And the ravens are black. Also, the people, the animals, and the livestock come in various colors. This is why the people who truly reverence God are those who are knowledgeable. God is Almighty, Forgiving.
[6:99] He is the One who sends down from the sky water, whereby we produce all kinds of plants. We produce from the green material multitudes of complex grains, palm trees with hanging clusters, and gardens of grapes, olives and pomegranate; fruits that are similar, yet dissimilar. Note their fruits as they grow and ripen. These are signs for people who believe.
As human beings, we lead such busy lives, so we tend to ignore what surrounds us. We wake up in the morning, follow the same routine every single day just to find ourselves at the end of the day lying in bed, getting ready to sleep. It is important that during this time, with many people going unemployed, we take this as a teaching, a blessing, instead of feeling too sad about it. Take this time to build a closer bond with God, be aware of nature, with what surrounds you every single day that you tend to ignore. You’ll be amazed at how much you have been missing out on. God is the greatest, He has provided us all of this for a specific purpose. Be aware, be happy, trust God, live in God’s kingdom, commemorate God frequently to sustain a righteous life. You will never have to worry ever again.