Why We Will Not Falter

by Essma Bengabsia

Today we’ve witnessed the identification and arrest of the man who was announced responsible for the bombings in New York and New Jersey… a Muslim. To our disappointment, a Muslim… again. We had that hope we always have when we hear of yet another violent tragedy in our nation: “please don’t be a Muslim.” The scenarios ran through our heads – the hate crimes, the raids by police officers, the increased surveillance on our mosques… Yet we had hope that it won’t be a Muslim. We had hope it would be some young, white boy who would be dismissed as “mentally ill,” and life would go on. We had hope, and once we saw the name “Ahmad” in our phones’ alerts and news headlines, the hope was crushed.

Again the hyper-caution overwhelmed us. How will we stay safe? Can Islamophobia really get any worst? What will the news headlines say? How will they attribute this heinous act to all Muslims this time? Now, Mayor DeBlasio will officially recognize this as an act of “terrorism,” right? Because before, although it was intentional, it was not labeled “terrorism” (since no one was sure if the perpetrator identified as Muslim)…

Again we walked outside our homes in a routine we’ve gotten too accustomed to since 9/11. The elevated tenseness in our bodies, the increased speed with which we walk down the streets, the extra distance we give ourselves away from the subway edge, and the overly kind smiles we desperately give those around us in hopes they won’t hate us… or worse.

And again, the headlines painted all Muslims as perpetrators. Those in the subways frowned at us – seemingly extra, today. Our social media feeds flooded with Muslims reasserting they condemn terrorism, and more Muslims expressing their exhaustion at the all-too familiar routine.

As hard as these times are, we cannot falter. Friends, family, Muslims everywhere: we will not falter. These are times of difficulty and tribulation, but know that “verily with hardship comes ease,” that every problem is an opportunity in disguise, and that in these times of difficulty are greater opportunities for us to further please The Most Merciful.

Despite the difficulties in these times, let us not forget the much-harsher difficulties that the greatest of all creation endured (peace be upon him). The struggles of the Prophet and his Companions are not only a standing emblem of patience, but also a representation of the ongoing struggles of believers from the start. Nonetheless, they have not faltered – they have remained steadfast through economic strikes, sieges, battles, lost loved ones, life threats, and tortures – all that they may please their Creator and continue His Message to their children and their descendants and the descendants of all of humanity… us.

Sisters and brothers, we live on a great legacy of the best humans to have ever lived – the Prophets, the Companions, the great heroes of Islam. In these times of trials and tribulations, let us not falter in fear but rather bask in the glory of the tests that Our Lord bestows upon us. Let us bask in the glory that He has chosen each of us to live in this country, at this time, to carry the banner of Islam and represent His Message – the message that was so gracefully carried by His greatest creation – the message that was passed onto us.

Let us bask in the glory that of the 1.6 billion Muslims living on Earth, He has chosen to burden us with this tribulation – that of the 1.6 billion, we are His representatives of the strength and might and character to carry the banner of Islam through these times.

Let us smile with pride at the legacy that our foremothers and forefathers have left for us – that Mohamed Fetih and Salahuddin al-Ayoubi and Nusaibah bint Ka’b and Rab’a Al’adawiya have all struggled to keep going, and that we too shall struggle to pass on.

Sisters and brothers, let us not falter – for the sake of Our Creator, for the sake of our heroic ancestors, and for the sake of our descendants. Let us continue the legacy of our religion and leave a great legacy for our children and our children’s children to follow through.

Let us be the people that leave good wherever they are. Let us be those who give back to our nation and our society far more than we take – let us tackle social injustices, undo pre-established injustices, and reinforce justices for us and our nations at large.

Sisters and brothers, let us not falter – we must not, cannot, and will not falter. Let us not feel exhausted or exasperated, let us not hesitate for a moment as we refresh our faith each day and wholeheartedly rejuvenate our commitment – publicly and privately – to the Most Powerful, Exalted is He.

Let us bask in the glory of this honor that Our Creator has bestowed upon us. Let us seize these opportunities, fulfill our duties, and prepare for the ease that Al-Haqq, The Truth, has promised us is soon to come.