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what’s going on and understand the other perspective. No one is hurt and the work may get done more efficiently. We may even become friends and develop a greater sense of cooperation.
We also see this principle of trusting in God when it comes to our biggest enemy, Satan. We know that jinns and Satan have “worldly power”. If they can move palaces faster than the speed of light (27:38-40), they could in theory move nuclear bombs. But God tells us that if we seek refuge in Him, we can have faith that God will protect us from Satan.
[16:98] When you read the Quran, you shall seek refuge in GOD from Satan the rejected. [16:99] He has no power over those who believe and trust in their Lord.
The system God points out is that we must believe in God and trust in God, then Satan will have no power. And none of us want Satan to have power, so we must work on that belief and trust. Because the flip side is that if we don’t trust God, Satan will whisper and try to put fear and doubt and all kinds of anxiety and pessimism in our hearts.
[3:173] When the people say to them, “People have mobilized against you; you should fear them,” this only strengthens their faith and they say, “GOD suffices us; He is the best Protector.”
[3:174] They have deserved GOD’s blessings and grace. No harm ever touches them, for they have attained GOD’s approval. GOD possesses infinite grace.
Fear: The Devil’s Tool
[3:175] It is the devil’s system to instill fear into his subjects. Do not fear them and fear Me instead, if you are believers. [3:176] Do not be saddened by those who hasten to disbelieve.
They never hurt GOD in the least. Instead, GOD has willed that they will have no share in the Hereafter. They have incurred a terrible retribution.
Even if powerful people are actively conspiring, God is in control; no one can harm us. [58:10] Secret conspiracy is the devil’s idea, through which he seeks to hurt those who believed. However, he cannot hurt them against GOD’s will. In GOD the believers shall trust.
Many of the Quran’s verses regarding trust in God and God’s support concern war. If we can trust God in war where we face arrows or bullets and people actively trying to kill us, then whatever else we face in life is “tame” compared to that.
[2:250] When they faced Goliath and his troops, they prayed, “Our Lord, grant us steadfastness, strengthen our foothold, and support us against the disbelieving people.”
David and Goliath is a classic story of the little guy winning against the big guy. It shows us what God’s support can do. We see here that the believers were praying for steadfastness and God’s support. And God gave it to them. Recall also God’s support in the battle of Badr (3:123-4), and for Muhammed in the cave (9:40).
If we can trust God, our faith strengthens when we are faced with a test. God gives us confidence.
[33:22] When the true believers saw the parties (ready to attack), they said, “This is what GOD and His messenger have promised us, and GOD and His messenger are truthful.” This (dangerous situation) only strengthened their faith and augmented their submission.
[26:61] When both parties saw each other, Moses’ people said, “We will be caught.” [26:62] He said, “No way. My Lord is with me; He will guide me.” [26:63] We then inspired Moses: “Strike the sea with your staff,” whereupon it parted. Each part was like a great hill.
If we truly trust in God, we can be assured of God’s support. So, since He is Omnipotent, if we suffer a setback, it doesn’t mean God could not protect us but that we stepped out of His “bubble of protection”
If we truly trust in God, we can be assured of God’s support. So, since He is Omnipotent, if we suffer a setback, it doesn’t mean God could not protect us but that we stepped out of His “bubble of protection” or perhaps it’s part of a test to distinguish who is a believer and will steadfastly worship God alone under all circumstances.
[3:165-166] Now that you have suffered a setback, and even though you inflicted twice as much suffering (upon your enemy), you said, “Why did this happen to us?” Say, “This is a consequence of your own deeds.” GOD is Omnipotent. What afflicted you the day the two armies clashed was in accordance with GOD’s will, and to distinguish the believers.
God doesn’t need anything from us, but support is a two-way street. The end of 22:39 says: Absolutely, GOD supports those who support Him. GOD is Powerful, Almighty.
And 47:7 says the same: O you who believe, if you support GOD, He will support you, and strengthen your foothold.
How can we support God? [61:10] O you who believe, let Me inform you of a trade that will save you from painful retribution. [61:11] Believe in GOD and His messenger and strive in the cause of GOD with your money and your lives. This is the best deal for you, if you only knew.
[61:12] In return, He forgives your sins, and admits you into gardens with flowing streams, with beautiful mansions in the gardens of Eden. This is the greatest triumph. [61:13] Additionally, you get something you truly love: support from GOD and guaranteed victory. Give good news to the believers. [61:14] O you who believe, be GOD’s supporters, like the disciples of Jesus, son of Mary. When he said to them, “Who are my supporters towards GOD,” they said, “We are GOD’s supporters.” Thus, a group from the Children of Israel believed, and another group disbelieved. We helped those who believed against their enemy, until they won.
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