If You Know Islam, There Is No Reason To Be Sad
Shaykh 'Aa’idh bin 'Abdullah al-Qarnee
“Don’t Be Sad” (p. 178-181)
Miserable are those souls that are ignorant of Islam or that know Islam but have not been guided to it. Today, Muslims need preaching worldwide, for Islam is a great message that must be conveyed to the masses. The words of this preaching and call need to be clear, concise, and inviting because the happiness of humanity as a whole lies in this true Religion.
The Qur’an informs:
“And whoever seeks a religion other than Islam, it will never be accepted of him…” (3:85)
A famous caller to Islam settled in Munich, Germany some years ago. Upon reaching the entrance of this city, he noticed a large placard in German language written, “You don’t know Yokohama Tires.” He latter put up a sign beside it and it was just as large. He wrote on it, “You do not know Islam. If you wish to know about it, call us at this number.” There was an inundation of calls from native Germans. In one year alone, thousands of people accepted Islam at this man’s hands. He also established a mosque, an Islamic centre, and a school.
Most human beings are confused and are in dire need of this great religion. They need Islam so that a peaceful and serene life can take the place of the chaotic one which they are presently leading.
The verse of the noble Qur’an reads:
“Wherewith Allah guides all those who seek His Good Pleasure to ways of peace, and He brings them out of darkness by His Will unto light and guides them to a Straight Way [Islamic Monotheism].” (5:16)
A worshipper, who was found living in a remote area, and who never had prior contact with other men, said:
“I never thought that anyone in the world worshipped other than Allah.”
Allah, the Exalted, says:
“But few of My slaves are grateful.” (34:13)
“And if you obey most of those on earth, they will mislead you far away from Allah’s path.” (6:116)
“And most of mankind will not believe even if you desire it eagerly.” (12:103)
One scholar informed me that during the time when Sudan was a colony under the British Empire, a desert nomand came to the capital city, Khartoum. As he saw a British policeman walking in the centre of the city, he asked a passerby, “Who is that?” He was told that the man was a foreign policeman and that he was a disbeliever. The nomad asked, “A disbeliever in what?” “A disbeliever in Allah” was the reply. Living in the desert for so long, this man’s inborn nature - unspoiled by evil ideas - had remained intact, and so, when he heard something so absurd, it made him astonished and sick. He said, “And does anyone disbelieve in Allah!” He then grabbed hold of his stomach and vomited from sheer disgust at what he heard.
“What is the matter with them, that they believe not?” (84:20)
Asma’ee, a great scholar, narrated: A nomad heard a man reciting:
*"Then, by the Lord of the heaven and the earth, it is true , just as it is the truth that you can speak." (51:23)
The nomad said, Allah is All-High, and who else is there to swear upon.
One should think well of his Lord and should seek His favour and mercy. In an authentic hadith the Prophet said that our Lord laugs. A desert Bedouin said after hearing this, “We are not bereft of a Lord who laughs well.”
“And He it is Who sends down the rain after they have despaired…” (42:28)
“Surely, Allah’s Mercy is [ever] near unto the good-doers.” (7:56)
“Yes! Certainly, the Help of Allah is near!” (2:214)
Whoever reads the biographies of great men shall become aware of some common factors or features. Here are some of them:
- The value of a person is according to the good he does. This is the saying of the fourth Caliph of Islam 'Ali. It means that a person’s knowledge, character, worship, and generosity are the yardsticks by which we measure his worth.
“And verily, a believing slave is better than a [free] Mushrik [idolator, etc.], even though he pleases you.” (2:221)
- In proportion to one’s determination, striving, and sacrifice, one will find his status. Glory is not given out at random.
Think not that honour and glory is a “date” that you eat. The noble Qur’an reads:
“And if they had intended to march out, certainly, they would have made some preparation for it…” (9:46)
“And strive hard in Allah’s Cause as you ought to strive [with sincerity and with all your efforts that His Name should be superior.]” (22:78)
- Every person - by the will of Allah - is the maker of his own history. He writes his life’s story with his good and bad deeds.
Allah, the Exalted, All-Glorious, says:
“We record that which they send before [them], and their traces [their footsteps and walking on the earth with their legs to the mosques for the five compulsory congregational prayers, Jihad (holy fighting in Allah’s Cause) and all other good and evil they did, and that which they leave behind]…” (36:12)
- Life is short and passes quickly. Do not make it shorter by sinning, by worrying, or by quarrelling and depressions.
“They Day they see it, [it will be] as if they had not tarried [in this world] except an afternoon or a morning.” (79:46)