In current and modern times, we have been led to believe that life is supposed to be easy, safe, comfortable and convenient, and in an insatiable desire to turn this world into a paradise, we are incessantly pushing towards this goal, yet often at great cost to the world itself and at great expense to our own selves.
The truth is that the world, ad-dunya, is not and cannot be a paradise nor our home. We are but travelers, and seeking comfort and complacency upon this plane but sets us up not only for disappointment, but also predisposed us to progressive weakness both inwardly and outwardly, ultimately resulting in failure.
The reality is that this world is the domain of difficulties, and to both survive and with God’s divine and benevolent grace thrive, we must embrace the fight and the struggle, thereby developing the strength necessary to truly live.
In actuality, the necessity for struggle is a gift and an opportunity from the Divine, for thus we develop strength both inwardly and outwardly, and thus we ultimately attain to true belief.
Fight to Live
Fighting has been prescribed for you, yet while you may be averse to it. And so it is that you may be averse to a thing that is beneficial for you, and you may love a thing that is harmful for you. And God knows that which you do not know.
— Surah al-Baqarah [Holy Qur’an, 2:216]
In this brief video, I discuss the importance of a shift in paradigm and a correction in expectation through which we understand, accept and embrace the hardships of life so as to best be prepared for its inevitable and continual challenges.
Such is the nature of the world that the true battle and war is in fact within, and this is increasingly the reality of struggle now more so than ever before. Although we now generally live in relative comfort, safety and security, our greatest enemy increasingly reveals itself as our very selves.
If we fail to overcome the self, we increasingly suffer as a result of succumbing to the gravity of the world. Yet by truly becoming master over the self through discipline and the purifying power of battle, we become capable of realizing the reality of servanthood to the Divine as we become liberated from the tyranny of the lower self.
It is also important to note that it is only through discipline that we ever actually achieve ease, and that taking the path of ease, comfort, luxury, complacency and convenience actually leads to greater hardship, difficulty, pain and failure, while taking the path of hardship in fact leads ultimately to ease.
For verily, with hardship there is ease. Verily, with hardship there is ease.
— Surah ash-Sharh [Holy Qur’an, 94:5-6]
One of the most important and necessary means of developing strength and discipline is through consistent physical exercise and strenuous activity, and conscious and intentional exercise is especially vital for we are increasingly living unnatural and unhealthy sedentary lives.
Lastly, we must remember how the noble Messenger of God ﷺ lived in utter humility, refusing comfort and ease when it was offered to him, for he said explicitly that excessive comfort made it “more difficult to awaken.”
Now, more than ever, it is necessary to recall, awaken and embrace the way of the warrior so as to develop the requisite strength, clarity and fortitude necessary to truly live and to thrive, for every prophet and messenger of God was a spiritual warrior, and so must we be.
To your divine and eternal success.
Ustadh, you are a miracle in every way, shape and form. I have not personally witnessed this level of excellence in any human being. It is no wonder why you were given this name. There is not a single attribute that I do not find in yourself masha’allah. All I can say is ‘Subhanallah’ and marvel at how Allah has fashioned you coupled with your sincerity and hard work. May Allah bless you for guiding us all to the straight path. Ameen!
Beloved Jamella, what good you see is but a reflection of the state and condition of your own heart. At best, we are but mirrors to one another, and they who have light in their hearts see light in others. May Allah Almighty increase your light. Thank you sincerely for your continued love and support. You are always in our prayers.
You so amazing ihsan it really working
Thank you so much for your blessed teachings which is like a salve on the wounded heart. May you continue to grow in wisdom, abundance, joy and closeness to Allah.
May Allah Almighty always protect, bless and guide you and your loved ones sister Amina. Thank you for your sincere prayers. To your divine and eternal success.
Alhamdulillah. Asalaamu Alaikum Br.ihsan.
It would take a life long experience to realize that what you are advising is do true and invaluable and comforting. In the context of battling the four enemies
May Allah continue to bless you and your family and all associates of your mission.