Mystical Mindset and Problem-Solving – Part 2

By Kaniz Fatma, New Age Islam 6 March 2024 Are All Problems and Tragedies Mostly Caused by Sin and Disobedience? Main Points: 1. Disobedience to Allah: Various Forms 2. Disobedience to parents, lying, backbiting, slander, treachery, ignoring prayer, fury, violence, lack of patience, abusive language, and contempt for human rights. 3. Quranic Teachings on Behavioural Change 4. Follow hadiths urging for good treatment in case of mistreatment. 5. Pleasing God Almighty is the only way to overcome challenges and achieve comfort and peace. ------- (File Photo) ------- We discussed how people perceive their worries in the first part of the series, stating that concerns might be related to a variety of topics, such as life, poverty, status, honour, dignity, and so on. The people wish to self-diagnose their difficulties to find satisfaction, mental clarity, and solutions. However, they must acknowledge that their issues and pains stem from their transgressions and disobedience to the All-Powerful God. The idea that disobedience leads to strife and obedience to peace is bolstered by the Quran and the sayings of the Prophet. Let's continue learning more about in this part, and Insha'Allah, we will attempt to clear up any questions raised about this topic in the third section. Allah Almighty says, “And if only the people of the cities had believed and feared Allah, We would have opened upon them blessings from the heaven and the earth; but they denied [the messengers], so We seized them for what they were earning." (7:96) This verse discusses faith and fear. Faith signifies accurate belief, while fear suggests that a Muslim should abstain from evil behaviours. If a Muslim encounters an evil deed, he must recall Allah's fear to prevent himself from participating in such actions. This suggests that good deeds result in rewards and prosperity and that bad deeds result in hardships and punishments. He Almighty says, “And O my people, ask forgiveness of your Lord and then repent to Him. He will send [rain from] the sky upon you in showers and increase you in strength [added] to your strength. And do not turn away, [being] criminals." (11:52) “He will send [rain from] the sky upon you in [continuing] showers, and give you increase in wealth and children and provide for you gardens and provide for you rivers.” (71:11-12) These two verses speak about piety, asking for forgiveness, and turning from sins in order to receive benefits and favours. When an intelligent and knowledgeable person realises that sins and disobedience are the sources of all sufferings and pains, they must turn from their sins and disobedience to Allah Almighty. “And whoever fears Allah - He will make for him a way out and will provide for him from where he does not expect. And whoever relies upon Allah - then He is sufficient for him. Indeed, Allah will accomplish His purpose. Allah has already set for everything a [decreed] extent.” (65:2-3) This verse describes devotion as the source of salvation and an abundance of divine blessings. It also implies that sin and disobedience are the causes of hardships, a shortage of food, and a decline in blessings. Allah says, “And Allah presents an example: a city which was safe and secure, its provision coming to it in abundance from every location, but it denied the favours of Allah. So Allah made it taste the envelopment of hunger and fear for what they had been doing.” (16:112) When read in context, this verse serves as a mirror that lets people in every country and community see and evaluate their circumstances. Upon repeatedly reading the verse translation with our current circumstances in mind, it will become evident that there is no distinction between us and the inhabitants of these settlements mentioned in this verse, regardless of whether we currently identify as members of the majority or the minority. Acts of disobedience to Allah Almighty are frequent in today's world and can take many different forms, including disobedience to parents, lying, backbiting, slander, treachery, ignoring prayer, fury, violence, lack of patience, abusive language, and contempt for other human rights. These are not just the actions of Muslims in India; they also happen in countries where the majority of people are Muslims, such as Pakistan, which was established in the name of Islam. We should have followed Allah's instructions, demonstrated the sincerity of our faith, and thanked Allah for the great bounty that is life. But we disregarded religious and moral teachings, which is why we are presently facing adverse conditions. If we assess our behaviour from a moral and religious standpoint, we can notice that it has become more and more non-Islamic. rather than confronting and resolving these problems as Muslims, we are wasting time on meaningless subjects. We must acknowledge that our present conditions are the result of our actions. Thus, we should continuously remind ourselves of the Quranic verses stated above and seek guidance to alter our behaviour first. Remember that we should not put up with behaviour that involves anyone harassing, discriminating against, or mistreating Muslims because of their religion or faith. A hadith that states that you should treat someone nicely if they mistreat you must be followed. As Muslims, we maintain that all blessings in the world, including wealth, status and honour, health and physical well-being, peace and tranquillity, etc., are owned and preserved by Allah Almighty. Given that Allah Ta'ala is the proprietor and custodian of all blessings, contemplate whether anything can be appropriated without the consent of the All-Powerful, within whose realm neither theft nor force can occur. No, not at all! The conclusion is that pleasing Allah is the only way to go through challenges and obtain comfort and peace of mind. The first step to pleasing Allah Almighty is to ask for forgiveness. Following that, one needs to behave well and carry out good things. ----- Kaniz Fatma is a classic Islamic scholar and a regular columnist for New Age Islam. Part One: Mystical Mindset and Problem-Solving – Part 1 URL: https://newageislam.com/debating-islam/mystical-mindset-problem-solving-part-2/d/131858 New Age Islam, Islam Online, Islamic Website, African Muslim News, Arab World News, South Asia News, Indian Muslim News, World Muslim News, Women in Islam, Islamic Feminism, Arab Women, Women In Arab, Islamophobia in America, Muslim Women in West, Islam Women and Feminism