In people, there are emotions like resentment, enmity, hatred, and jealousy, which, if left unchecked, can render them morally blind, deaf, and heartless. These feelings can even transform them into aggressive beasts and, in extreme cases, strip them of their humanity. Observing our surroundings, we can see many individuals who have succumbed to the influence of these negative emotions and, as a result, have committed great crimes. In this context, it is the duty of a believer to uphold their willpower, control these emotions, and continue their life on the path of righteousness. They should rely on the grace and power of Allah to navigate these slippery slopes, where others may slip, stumble, and fall. Faced with ill treatment, they should never compromise their character or alter their stance.
In the expression of the Qur’an, humankind, honored as the best of creation, has been created in the most beautiful manner, both in material and spiritual aspects (Tin, 95:4). They are a dignified and noble being (Isra, 17:70). Endowed with such great bounties, the duty placed upon the shoulders of this special being is to exhibit behavior befitting this perfection of creation, to live in alignment with the righteousness and steadfastness throughout the lifetime bestowed by Allah, and to never deviate from the path. They should not allow the negative emotions inherent in their nature to lead them astray.
Especially in today’s world, where situations that agitate emotions are quite common, maintaining balance in one’s emotions and thoughts becomes even more crucial. Those who succumb to their grudges, jealousy, and arrogance are like the unfortunate ones attempting to set fire to a harvest reaped with tremendous toil and effort. The injustices, dominations, and oppressions that occur can even disturb the balance of the most steadfast individuals. In times of trials when calamities and tribulations follow one another, it is of utmost importance to strengthen one’s connection with the Almighty and to maintain an unwavering stance by giving due diligence to one’s willpower. This effort to stand tall and remain free from all kinds of deviations and aberrations is a remarkable endeavor and determination.
Allah is our witness that our only goal is to raise the banner of the noble name of Muhammad (peace be upon him) everywhere[1], to guide the young generations by providing them with educational opportunities, and to strive for global peace and security. We have always advocated love, peace, brotherhood and sisterhood, tolerance, humanity, and developed projects and institutions to preserve these humane values. Those who have dedicated themselves to service, just like the noble Companions of our Prophet, spread the truths poured into their hearts by Allah to thirsty souls all around the world, making intentional, voluntary migrations. They did not look back, did not think of themselves, did not have expectations, and did not get attached to the worldly life. In the places they went, they worked like laborers to build institutions that would serve their goals, and they put their own efforts into these constructions. They did what was necessary for the peace and well-being of humanity, and they said what needed to be said. With the permission and grace of Allah, they achieved remarkable successes in a short period.
But, you see, tyrants and the silent devils – those who remain silent in the face of tyrants’ oppression and injustices – have never been absent from the face of the earth. Pharaohs, Nimrods, Yazids, Hajjajs, and hypocritical oppressors have existed in every era, and they will continue to exist in the future. These narcissistic souls enslaved by their egos have, with their oppression and cruelty, almost made those who stand up for the cause of Allah bleed. They have killed some, forced some to abandon their homeland, imprisoned some, and seized the wealth and property of others who earned their livelihood through honest labor. Their cruelty and oppression have extended to women, children, and the elderly. The names and titles of the oppressors may change, but their atrocities have always been the same. This is because all of them have the ethics of Pharaoh described in the Qur’an. Deluded by their reign, they thought of their personal interests, considered their worldly life to be eternal, and forgot about the Hereafter. Throughout the cycle of history, suffering has become the constant fate of the Prophets and their faithful followers.
However, no act of oppression has ever benefited those who committed it. Oppressors, with the atrocities they committed up to their throats, have prepared their own evil destinies and destruction. They have suffered the consequences of the torment and suffering they imposed on innocent people. The abundance of prayers and supplications, cries and tears of the oppressed and victimized people have reached the heavens and mobilized ghayratullah, the help of Allah.[2] God Almighty, The Most Compassionate One, gave the oppressors respite and chances to repent at the beginning, but when His Divine intervention began, He dealt with these ruthless oppressors who inflicted harm on the innocent in such a way that they were beyond redemption. Moreover, there were times when oppressors, because of their savage, ruthless, and treacherous schemes that they had ruthlessly devised and staged through collaborators, were condemned in the court of human conscience, and curses were directed at, and showered upon, them.
Whether I see it or not, I cannot say, but you will witness the dire consequences of today’s tyrants. You will see how those who disrupt the balance of Allah’s justice eventually face their own disasters. I say this as an expression of trust in the name and justice of Allah, Al-Haqq. We hope that, before they face their disasters, Allah in His mercy guides them to true Islam and humanity. May He open their eyes, show them the path of truth, grant them guidance to the Straight Path. May He grant wisdom, understanding, and reason to those who support them with their views, fatwas, words, and writings. May He open the eyes of the masses who have chosen to remain silent in the face of all these oppressions and guide their hearts to a sense of justice and truth. I wish the oppressors would abandon their injustices; I wish they would open their eyes to true faith!
In essence, the oppressor will continue to act in line with their character, but, in the end, they will face the consequences of their actions. Additionally, threats, pressures, forced migrations, and massacres, just as in the past, will not leave those who stand for truth and justice today or tomorrow. People who believe in Allah with all their hearts should continue on their path, taking all of these into account. While oppressors act in line with their character, the believers should also know very well what they need to do and fulfill it. They should endure what they need to endure and stand up to what they need to confront. What matters is the ability to stand firm in the face of recurring waves of oppression, to keep moving forward without getting caught up in negativity, and to take proactive actions that make the hardships endured worthwhile.
The noble Companions of the Prophet endured the scorching deserts, suffered beneath the rocks, and faced boycotts at the Valley of Abu Talib[3]. They were forced to leave their homes, but later, with Divine permission, they conquered hearts. They endured hardships, yet they managed to turn barren lands into lush gardens and paradises. Their sweat and tears turned into mercy clouds descending from the sky, transforming the places they visited into orchards and gardens. If today’s dedicated individuals want to revive arid deserts, they must remember that they need to follow the same path.
If you have tested the path you are walking on with the fundamental criteria of the Qur’an, the Sunnah of the Prophet, and the way of the righteous predecessors and believe it to be correct, then from now on, your task is to continue walking straight without deviating, without getting lost, and without falling into error. Deviating from this path means deviating from the path of the Qur’an, the Sunnah, and our righteous predecessors. Those who deviate from their path are beyond recovery. Have you ever heard the Companions of the Prophet who endured years of boycott, persecution, and torture ever saying, “Enough is enough” or wavering in their commitment. If they didn’t say it, it’s only fitting that we refrain from uttering, “Enough is enough.” Those who don’t say “enough” today may find themselves saying “thanks” tomorrow by the will of the Almighty. [translator’s note: This distinction emphasizes that “enough” implies reaching a breaking point or expressing a complaint, while “thanks” conveys a sense of accomplishment, gratitude for enduring, succeeding, and blessings received.]
We cannot ignore human nature. Faced with the suffering and hardship, we, as humans, feel sorrow; our hearts ache. Each tyranny’s cruelties pierce us like a spear. Not being saddened by the numerous atrocities committed by tyrants is indifference and insensitivity. However, as mentioned earlier, we do not deviate from our path, do not let our emotions overpower us, and do not turn our sorrow into complaints in the face of all these adversities. With our words and attitudes, we do not break the spiritual strength of the people around us, and we do not lead them into despair. Just as we have believed that the pressures we have faced so far will lead to progress, we think about the gains from the hardships we endure, and we seek Allah’s help and favor with patience and consent. Allah has never turned those who walk in His path upside down, as long as they maintain their course, He has never abandoned them halfway. Even if they are subjected to some hardships at a point along the way, He has held their hands and brought them to the shores of safety.۞
This text is derived from the Sohbet (the Q&A session) conducted on March 6, 2016.
[1] Translator’s note: ‘Raising the banner of the noble name of Muhammad (peace be upon him)’ everywhere is not driven by military, political, or ideological agendas. Instead, it represents the exaltation of Muhammad’s honorable name, indicating the propagation of his message for the betterment and redemption of humanity. The aim is to shield them from vice and pave the way for their happiness in this world and the Hereafter. This interpretation is consistent with the subsequent sentences and the overall theme of the text.
[2] “Ghayratullah” refers to “Divine aid” or “assistance from God” in the context of the text, it represents the idea that, when faced with challenges and hardships, those who are steadfast in their faith and continue their efforts may receive Divine assistance or guidance from God.
[3] The Valley of Abu Talib, also known as She’eb Abi Talib, was a location where members of Banu Hashim and Banu Al-Muttalib, both Muslims and non-Muslims, were forced to depart from Mecca and endure a painful three-year boycott imposed by the Meccan polytheists in the early years of Islam. This valley was situated as a subsection of one of the gorges running down to Makkah, nestled between Mount Abu Qubais to the south and Mount Abyad to the north. The severity of the boycott led to months of extreme suffering. Food was in such short supply that they had to resort to eating tree leaves. The women, particularly the children and infants, cried from hunger, and their cries echoed throughout the valley. The Quraysh prohibited merchants from selling goods to them and inflated prices to hinder them from acquiring essential items. This dire situation persisted for a lengthy three years. Besides a few compassionate Qurayshi individuals who covertly supplied them with food, they were left entirely abandoned.
