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Why We Will Not Falter

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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)…

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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.

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8 Comments

8 Comments

  1. Abdulrehman

    September 21, 2016 at 9:38 AM

    Powerful, mash’allah.

  2. Haroon

    September 22, 2016 at 4:45 PM

    Thanks brother Essma Bengabsi for posting such a timely message at this moment! Indeed there is a blessing in every trial that Allah wills to come our way. This is a particularly difficult time for you our sisters and brothers in America. Already In the middle of a crazy election season, and then this…..
    But this is a moment to turn closer to Allah. He wants us to reflect more on our purpose on earth and spend even more time reflecting on His message in the Holy Quran, which many have gradually forgotten with the passage of time…..
    Allah is talking to you sisters and brothers in America;
    ”Has not the Time arrived for the Believers that their hearts in all humility should engage in the remembrance of Allah and of the Truth which has been revealed (to them), and that they should not become like those to whom was given Revelation before you, but long ages passed over them and their hearts grew hard? For many among them are rebellious transgressors.” Surat Al-Hadid 57:16

    Chose to become stronger and closer to Allah in this moment. Do not falter. On the Day of judgement, which is certain, we shall look back at this moment of trial with gratitude. For it will be the moment that brought us closer to the message of Allah in the Holy Quran! May Allah strengthen you in this moment. Ameen

  3. Haroon

    September 22, 2016 at 4:49 PM

    I encourage sisters and brothers to read and reflect on the Quran more in this moment. I also encourage you to engage in more chartitable deeds.
    Please check out my post on the purifying impact of charity on our hearts here http://quranreflectionseruli.blogspot.com/2016/09/charity-in-islam-five-important.html

  4. Alya Jasmine

    September 22, 2016 at 7:49 PM

    Never lose hope.

    Us Muslims are a people of hope and optimism.

    • Alya Jasmine

      September 22, 2016 at 7:51 PM

      He (Ibrahim a.s) said : And who despairs of the mercy of his Lord but the erring ones ? (those who have utterly lost their way)

      Al-Hijr 15:56

      • Haroon

        September 25, 2016 at 10:34 AM

        Very good quote for the moment sister. Allah bless!

  5. Muhammad

    September 25, 2016 at 3:54 AM

    MashAllah, most beautiful.

  6. Mansurah UmarBaba

    November 24, 2016 at 2:07 PM

    Highly touchy and meaningful. Very expressive of what and how genuine Muslims around the continent feels each time those incidents occurred.However, we shall not falter – because “the Truth will surpass falsehood, no matter how long falsehood thrived, it is bound to perish”. The light of Al-Islam is the truth. Indeed we believe that ALLAH is the truth, Muhammad(SAW) is truth, Al-Qur;an Karim is truth and Al-Islam is truth! Let the Mumin persevered and trust ALLAH (AZW). that this will come to pass and we shall all rejoice from this same earth till Jannah… i only stumbed on your website and took my time to read some of the articles. Well done brothers and sisters – Jazakumullahu khyran.

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