The Faith of Abraham (a.s.) I

بِسۡمِ ٱللهِ ٱلرَّحۡمَـٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ

The following is a transcript of discourse delivered by Mawlana Wafi’ Muhammad. 

Today, we will reflect on one important lesson that Allah (s.w.t.) has Preserved in the Holy Qur’an which demonstrates true reliance and submission to Him.  Pharaoh had everything we could think about regarding material assets.  However, none of those things saved him from the Wrath of Allah (s.w.t.).  On the contrary when Prophet Abraham (a.s.) left Egypt and he was migrating with Prophet Lot (a.s.); he gave Lot (a.s.) the option to choose firstly where he would like to reside.  Lot (a.s.) selected the area that was very fertile and Abraham (a.s.) went on another route and look at the outcome. 

The people of Lot (a.s.), because of their material blessings and acquisitions became so diverted and wayward that Allah (s.w.t.) Destroyed most of them, and their cities, Sodom, and Gomorrah.  On the other hand, we look at what Abraham did (a.s.); he planted a small insignificant seed, Ishmael (a.s.) and his mother in Makkah.  And they came to rest there with no wealth, no property, and no assets, but look at how Allah (s.w.t.) Took Care of them and Caused them to grow. 

This is important for us to keep in mind.  Some people believe that in order for one to be righteous, he must have plenty of wealth in order to give charity, and so forth.  Whilst charity is important and beneficial, it does not only equate to material wealth.  We must have a good heart, we must be compassionate, and we must not harbour hate and malice and things of that nature.  These are things that are more valuable.  The lesson that we can take from Prophet Abraham (a.s.) is that of true submission. 

Abraham (a.s.) had such faith in Allah (s.w.t.) that when he was young and the people decided to throw him into the fire; while he was being flung into the fire, Gabriel (a.s.) flew to him and asked, “Do you need any help?” 

Abraham (a.s.) replied, “From you?  No, Allah is my Protector and the Best of Helpers.” 

And the fire had the opposite effect.  All those who gathered to look at Abraham’s (a.s.) fate were burnt to death because of the extreme heat from the fire, whilst inside the fire, Abraham (a.s.) was so comfortable that he actually slept.  This is a real eye opener for the people at that time and even for us.  It demonstrates the Work of Allah (s.w.t.) on one hand and the faith and trust in Him on the other. 

Prophet Lot (a.s.) selected the area he wanted to go to and Abraham (a.s.) gave no objections.  And look at who prospered and whose legacy lives on.  We must understand one thing; if we put our faith and trust firmly in our Lord, He will Take Care of us.  A lot of people cannot understand this.  They say we must have faith in Allah (s.w.t.) but we have to act.  This is true to an extent.  Allah (s.w.t.) Says: 

سُوۡرَةُ الجُمُعَة

فَإِذَا قُضِيَتِ ٱلصَّلَوٰةُ فَٱنتَشِرُواْ فِى ٱلۡأَرۡضِ وَٱبۡتَغُواْ مِن فَضۡلِ ٱللَّهِ وَٱذۡكُرُواْ ٱللَّهَ كَثِيرً۬ا لَّعَلَّكُمۡ تُفۡلِحُونَ (١٠) 

And when the prayer is finished, then may you disperse through the land, and seek of the Bounty of Allah: and celebrate the praises of Allah often (and without stint): that you may prosper. (Surah al-Jumu’ah:10) 

But we must understand that everything is dependent on Allah (s.w.t.), even our ability to act.  We must keep this one thing in mind at all times; our Lord will never let you down if we have our faith and trust in Him.  Yes, He will Try us; Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.) is reported to have said, “Verily if Allah Loves a people, He tries them (with trials)”.  He will Try us, but we must beg Him to Make the trials easy for us.  Abraham (a.s.) went through so many trials but he knew one thing, that is Allah (s.w.t.) would never let him down.  And he knew that creatures could not have helped him. 

We say this ever so often to remind ourselves that we must have true unwavering faith and trust in Allah (s.w.t.).  We look back at some of the trying issues we would have been faced with and look at how Allah (s.w.t.) Resolved it; sometimes in manners that we may not have seen coming.  We do not know; only Allah (s.w.t.) is All-Knowing.  Our spiritual exercises that we engage in every week will help us to strengthen our faith and reliance on our Lord.  We must always remember whatever Allah (s.w.t.) has Decreed for us will come to pass.  But as Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.) is reported to have said, “Du’a averts Decree.”  For example, if a difficulty was Decreed upon us and we sincerely made du’a for Allah (s.w.t.) to Alleviate and Lessen the burden of trials, the Decree will come to pass but in another dimension.  It can come to pass as a bad dream or something else. 

We must always remember that we have no say in our lives; it is only Allah (s.w.t.) that can Help.  We can do such things that will help us as we go along, for example sending salutations will bring barakah for us; if we give charity, it can help us.  We must keep this in mind and remember if we live like this, with real faith in your Lord, He Says: 

سُوۡرَةُ الاٴعلی

بَلۡ تُؤۡثِرُونَ ٱلۡحَيَوٰةَ ٱلدُّنۡيَا (١٦) وَٱلۡأَخِرَةُ خَيۡرٌ۬ وَأَبۡقَىٰٓ (١٧) 

Nay (behold), you prefer the life of this world; but the hereafter is better and more enduring. (Surah al-‘Ala:16-17) 

Some people interpret it to mean only the hereafter but here it means in this verse later in our life as well.  If we are trying to get close to our Lord; He will Take Care of us and never let us down.  Getting close to Him also means getting peace of mind, to understand that even though we are faced with tests and trials, Allah (s.w.t.) will Open a way out of them for us and He Knows what is best for us. 

Abraham’s (a.s.) lesson is a lesson of faith, reliance, and submission in Allah (s.w.t.); no matter what the condition; and we sincerely beg Allah (s.w.t.) to Grant us reliance and trust in Him just like His Khalilullah (a.s.), insha’Allah.  May Allah (s.w.t.) Enable us to develop and culture true faith, trust, and submission in Him, especially when we are faced with trying times and difficulties.  May Allah (s.w.t.) Bless us all, Guide us, and always Take Care of our affairs, insha’Allah.