"UNEMPLOYMENT AND ISLAM: BRINGING UP HOPE AND FINDING SOLUTIONS"

 

Today the whole world is facing the problem of unemployment including the believers of Islam, the reasons behind it can be more than one and genuine but Islam has good guidance to individuals facing this difficult situation. In this blog post, I will delve into the Islamic principles, teachings, and real-life solutions that can be useful for individuals, to navigate unemployment with constant hope for productive and valuable opportunities.

Islamic Perspectives on Unemployment and Work

Islam places a high value on work and views it as a way for people to perform their obligations, find nourishment, and give back to society. The value of employment is emphasized in Islamic teachings, and people are urged to take an active role in their communities. Islam believes that employment is a way to meet one's religious commitments as well as a way to provide for oneself. Muslims can support themselves and their loved ones and perform their obligation to support and maintain their houses by working honestly and within the law. Islam places a strong emphasis on the idea of "Barakah," which is Arabic for blessings and prosperity.

Muslims are urged to consider their labor to be an act of worship when done honestly, morally, and with a feeling of accountability. Muslims can seek Allah's pleasure and experience spiritual fulfillment in everyday life by giving their all in their careers.

Muslims can learn from the Prophet Muhammad's (Peace be upon Him) life. He worked as a trader and then as a leader, exemplifying the value of actively participating in society and making a good contribution to its advancement. Muslims are urged to model their commitment to social welfare, work ethic, and dedication to charity.

Trust in Divine Wisdom

Islam places a great deal of emphasis on the idea of “tawakkul" (dependence on Allah), especially during difficult or unemployed times. It teaches Muslims to seek career possibilities with all possible diligence while putting their faith in Allah's almighty plan. Islam emphasizes that even though people must move proactively to find work, they should find comfort and inner tranquility in knowing that Allah controls all results. Muslims can face the hardships of unemployment with perseverance, optimism, and the conviction that Allah's direction and provision would materialize in due course by fusing earnest effort with unshakeable faith in Allah's wisdom and mercy.

It must be a good sign for you if you are continuously struggling but not getting enough rewards. Allah wants you to raise your strength and stability on success. If you will get everything so easily, it could make you arrogant or overconfident but Allah wants you to be a good Muslim with success, so be patient and remain consistent in a struggle. It is not just bringing you towards success but developing you personally.

Read that blog post for more information and motivation: Why Allah allows poverty, if He is all Powerful?

Maintaining the emotional balance

Numerous emotional difficulties, including anxiety, low self-esteem, and despair, can arise as a result of unemployment. Given the significance of these difficulties, it is essential to carefully address them and look for support from a variety of sources. Islam provides consolation and inspiration through its principles in trying times. Muslims are exhorted to draw courage and resiliency from their faith. In times of difficulty, finding consolation in acts of worship, recital of the Quran, and prayer can be a relief.

 

Islam provides direction and support to help people get through unemployment, which may be a difficult and emotionally taxing situation. People can find hope and strength in trying circumstances by adhering to the Islamic values of trusting in Allah's plan, seeking comfort in worship, and finding consolation in the teachings of the Quran. It is crucial to keep in mind that difficulties are transient and that Allah rewards those who are patient and persistent. Islam encourages the value of community and caring for one another, which also encourages seeking assistance from close companions and mental health experts. Unemployed people can find comfort and determination to overcome their difficulties and restore their confidence by incorporating faith, looking for assistance, and preserving emotional well-being.

 

PROFOUND LESSONS FROM HAJJ FOR THE MODERN MUSLIM

 

Hajj, the fifth pillar of Islam, is not only a physical exercise but has splendid spiritual experiences. Every year a large number of Muslims unite by their devotion and faith and embark on this sacred journey from all around the world. Alongside the customs and acts of worship, the Hajj teaches Muslims significant teachings about unity that have endured throughout history and provide insightful information for today's Muslims. We shall examine the unifying teachings that the Hajj teaches the faithful in this blog article as well as the transformational effect of the pilgrimage.

THE BROTHERHOOD OF HUMANITY

During Hajj, diverse groups of people from different backgrounds and local cultures unite by their faith or belief in Allah Almighty. it is a marvelous display of equality and unity. The simple white dress hides the race, social status, and nationality and all pilgrims stand in a row shoulder to shoulder, displaying unity, equality, and humility. This whole experience is a reminder to all, that in the eyes of Allah Almighty, "all individuals are equal", promoting the brotherhood of humanity among Muslims. A group of people from various walks of life participating in the same rites and traveling along the same spiritual path is proof of the Hajj's ability to unite people.

REMOVE BARRIERS

The Tawaf, or communal circle around the Kaaba, is performed by pilgrims during the Hajj. As pilgrims from all around the world gather at one focal point, this action denotes the erasure of all earthly barriers. The meaning of Tawaf instructs us to see over linguistic, cultural, and national boundaries to recognize the common thread of faith that binds Muslims all around the world. As pilgrims round the Kaaba, they see people from many racial and ethnic backgrounds coming together in worship and tearing down the barriers of prejudice and separation that predominate beyond the holy confines of Hajj.

MUTUAL SUPPORT AND COLLABORATION

Pilgrims depend on one another for help and collaboration throughout the Hajj. The difficulties encountered on the journey—physical demands, congested conditions, and shared facilities encourage pilgrims to help and show charity. This attitude of helping one another out emphasizes the worth of doing so, encouraging a sense of collective duty that goes beyond the journey. The connections made during Hajj help to reinforce the thread of solidarity across the Muslim community, whatever that may be by helping an old pilgrim or lending out supplies to other pilgrims.

GIVING UP EGO AND ARROGANCE

Each pilgrim must display humility on the Hajj. The removal of ostentatious clothing, donning of modest clothing, and the removal of worldly distinctions serve as reminders for people to put their egos aside and sincerely worship Allah. This modesty in Hajj promotes a stronger sense of togetherness and obedience to the Divine by imparting the important lesson of giving up the burden of ego and arrogance. The equality felt throughout Hajj acts as a sobering reminder that, regardless of one's status or accomplishments in the world, everyone is equal in Allah's eyes.

 

 

 

UNLEASHING THE SPLENDID SYMBOLISM OF SACRIFICE: LESSONS FROM EID-UL-ADHA

 

As the exuberant festival of Eid-ul-Adha is coming, we should delve deep into the theme of sacrifice and its profound symbolism in Islamic culture. Beyond the celebration and customary rituals, apprehending the true meaning of sacrifice can unleash the influential lessons that connect to all. Today, I will try my best to explore the compelling insights and interesting messages from the act of sacrifice,  to explain its importance and relevance to our lives in the fast-paced world.

The Sacrifice of Ibrahim: “A Testament of Adamant Faith”

The life of Prophet Ibrahim (A.S) was full of continuous trials that demonstrates his faith in the oneness of Allah Almighty in the face of adversity. The biggest trial of his life was opposition by his family member on the rejection of the concept of polytheism. Instead of following the concept like the whole society, he questioned the validity of idols and commenced the personal journey to seek a higher power. His rejection to follow the religion of his ancestors led to great conflict and opposition but his belief in the concept of true Worthy authority remained unshaken and he consistently tried to spread the message of Allah Almighty. Prophet Ibrahim (A.S) followed the command of Allah Almighty and attempted to sacrifice his beloved son. All the trials were planned to check the faith of Prophet Ibrahim (A.S) and for his personal growth. Prophet Ibrahim (A.S) never lost his courage and resilience to enlighten society with true faith. Now imagine the huge emotional turbulence, Prophet Ibrahim (A.S) has experienced on the command of Allah Almighty. He just identified that this command is from the high authority of wisdom and must be a better decision for my son’s life. The obedience of Prophet Ibrahim (A.S) to follow this command is unyielding.

The sacrifice of Prophet Ibrahim (A.S) teaches us the most beautiful and most important lessons;

1.  Believing in the Wisdom of Allah Almighty

Prophet Ibrahim (A.S) was able to submit to the will of Allah because he had a deep conviction that Allah's intentions were always superior to his own. Because of this trust, he was able to set aside his desires and comply with the order to sacrifice his adored kid. Similar to this, trusting in Allah's judgment can provide us comfort and direct us towards the greatest outcomes when we experience difficulties or discover ourselves in trying situations.

2. Perseverance and patience

Since Prophet Ibrahim (A.S) had a firm belief in Allah, his path was defined by patience and perseverance. He endured a great deal of opposition, rejection, and difficulty while maintaining his faith. Similar to this, when we face difficulties or setbacks, clinging to our faith in Allah's direction and relying on His might enables us to survive and conquer challenges, encouraging personal development and perseverance.

3. Increasing our faith

Our faith is strengthened and our relationship with Allah is deepened when we remain firm in our religion in the face of hardship. Prophet Ibrahim's (A.S) steadfast devotion in the face of various hardships showed his unshakeable dedication to Allah. Similarly, when we encounter challenges, clinging firmly to the presence of Allah.

The conclusion to summarize the lessons is;

1. When we remain confident in Allah's guidance amid difficulty, our trust and relationship with Him are strengthened.

2. We must hold firm to our convictions and have faith that Allah's purposes are greater than our own, just like Prophet Ibrahim (A.S) did.

3. Our unwavering faith gives us the fundamental character traits of patience and tenacity, which enable us to overcome obstacles and advance spiritually.

4. We find contentment and feel Allah's presence in our life when we have steadfast faith in Him and submit to His will.

 

The Significance of Compassion in Islam: Strengthening the Heart

 

Walking along the roadsides, seeing homeless poor children, old people on the footpaths. I know you feel more compassion for them and most of us say;

When I will be a rich or I will have a good income, I will help these people. Some more determined will say; I will eradicate this poverty and distress from the world. Some of us do prayer to Allah on that scene, that may Allah make them able to help these poor people or may Allah help these poor people. All these thoughts and actions are really good. ALHAMDULILLAH

But being students or jobholders and having a lot of thoughts in our mind or due to busy routine or schedule we never try to show compassion to these poor people that we all can do.

When small poor children see the hostility or cold-heartedness around them, they evolve and grow the same as they observe in their environment and this is how we are developing our society.

Showing compassion is the most fundamental teaching of Islam. The first Kalmah that, we say to read the Quran or to start anything; is بِسْمِ ٱللّٰهِ ٱلرَّحْمٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ‎  (bi-semi llāhi r-raḥmāni r-raḥīmi),  here we praise Allah by calling Him the most Merciful and Compassionate. Then the very first chapter of the Holy Quran contains 2^nd verse (ٱلرَّحْمٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ ); that is again praising Allah Almighty by calling Him Compassionate.

Our Prophet Muhammad has the title of Rahmatal-lil-Aalamin. The repetition of verses in the Holy Quran, having the word “reham" shows the importance of compassion. The Prophet (P.B.U.H) set a wonderful example of compassion and was the personification of this virtue.

The Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) said:

“I commenced the prayer, and I intended to make it long, but I heard a child crying, so I cut my prayer short because of the distress I knew his mother would be feeling.

The Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) kissed the children, took the orphan boy to His home and one day a Bedouin came to the Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) and asked: 

"Do you kiss your sons?"

"I have ten children and I have never kissed any of them."

The Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) looked at him and said:

“The one who does not show compassion will not be shown mercy.”

(Bukhari and Muslim)

 

This is how our prophet nurtured the hearts to develop more compassion in society. We all are living our lives depending on one another. If we will not be kind to each other, and to our environment, we may lose all the beauty of this life and most importantly the beauty of emotions or kindness. Try to show compassion to everyone, it will start controlling your anger and will make you happy in return.

Showing compassion is important and easy, let's show compassion to anyone, by just giving a cold-water bottle in this hot summer season. The person could be anyone, rich, poor, male or female. When you will do this, people may start developing the courage to show compassion to others as well. Let's try to nurture the heart. Let's try to make a bond of kindness, love, and respect.

“It is not the compassion of any one of you towards his friend, but it is compassion towards all people and compassion towards the common folk.” Reported by al-Tabarani; its men are rijal al-sahih.

Additionally, when compassion is practiced collectively, it has a contagious impact that leads to a more compassionate and peaceful society, where empathy and caring serve as the cornerstones of social cohesiveness and general well-being. In the end, adopting compassion as a way of life has transformative effects on both individuals and society as a whole.

WAYS TO DEVELOP SINCERITY IN WORSHIP

WAYS TO DEVELOP SINCERITY IN WORSHIP 

Achieving and developing a high degree of sincerity in worship and actions, is what every Muslim should constantly try to realize. There are some ways through which we can achieve sincerity and in worship of Allah Almighty and actions.

1. Improve your Secret Life

Secret Life means private life. In Islam we have excellent importance for our privacy. But it is the nature of man to have fear of visible authorities and in privacy, we cannot hide ourselves from Allah. With this belief, improvement in private life can develop sincerity in worship. "The primary stage of sincerity is that, your private and your public life should be similar".

2. Ask Allah Almighty for sincerity

Having deep fear for Allah Almighty, we should ask Him for sincerity and this is practiced by our Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace be Upon Him). Asking right path for your heart that interact with wrong beliefs. If a person attain Allah Almighty's guidance to develop sincerity that is the wonderful way to be strong and sincere believer.

3. Keep pure Intentions

Our intensions should always be closed to achieve the happiness of Allah Almighty and right cause or objectives of our doings. Good intentions can help us in transforming the attraction into rewarding action. For instance, our acts of eating, drinking, exercising with intension of attaining more strength to perform more worship of Allah Almighty can develop sincerity.

4. Adopt Patience to endure hardships in life

Hardships are the critical tests in a person's life. These are hard to bear if person doesn't have strong belief on Allah Almighty. The belief that every thing is just from Allah Almighty and every hardship has fruits behind it, can help a person in developing sincerity. The example of Life of Holy Prophet Muhammad Peace be Upon Him is like, how much his life was full of hardships but than his life is also a testament to success.

5. Keep motivated to do good deeds

Motivation is the inner quality that trigger to do something. If it trigger to do good deeds, with time the sincerity will be developed. It is the required element that should be developed by first. It is the development of determination and dedication. It is the sign of sincerity to practices strong determination for good deeds.

NATURAL DISASTERS IN THE LIGHT OF ISLAM

 

NATURAL DISASTERS AND ISLAM

What are the causes of Natural Disasters in light of the Glorious Quran? What type of lessons we can learn from Natural disasters?

Natural disasters are natural events caused by natural forces of the earth, including floods, tsunamis, hurricanes, earthquakes, droughts, and snowstorms. Natural calamities and disasters have been affecting different portions of the earth throughout the earth's history. Science created different fields of study relevant to natural disasters, including hydrology, seismology, geology, and meteorology. According to science, the first notable disaster on earth was the Lisbon Earthquake of the year 1755, but 1400 years ago in the scriptural foundation of Islam (the Glorious Quran), Allah Almighty mentioned several natural disasters and their reasons. So, the need of the hour is to seek knowledge and guidance from the Glorious Quran and Hadith about every simple or complex matter.

According to the Holy Quran and Hadith, we can say that;

1. Natural disasters are warnings from Allah Almighty to sinners

Allah Almighty does not need the worship of any creature. He commands us to worship Him for our benefit. It is not difficult for Allah Almighty to destroy the whole earth, but He always warns the sinners through natural disasters on different portions of the earth. In the Glorious Quran, Allah Almighty mentioned that;

And if Allah Almighty were to punish men for that which they earned, He would not leave a moving (living) creature on the surface of the earth, but He gives them respite to an appointed term, and when their term comes, then verily, Allah is Ever All-Seer of His slaves. (Surah Al-Fatir: 45)

 

    2. Natural disasters are punishment for disbelievers or who cross Allah Almighty's limits

It has been proved from the history of natural disasters in the Holy Quran that immoral acts can cause Allah Almighty's punishment in the temporary life of the earth. For example;

 

وَمَآ أَصَٰبَكُم مِّن مُّصِيبَةٖ فَبِمَا كَسَبَتۡ أَيۡدِيكُمۡ وَيَعۡفُواْ عَن كَثِيرٖ

And whatever misfortune befalls you, it is because of what your hands have earned. And He pardons much. (Ash-Shura:30)

 

       3.  Natural disasters are  test for Believers

Allah Almighty mentioned in the Glorious Quran that this life is the test for human beings. This life cannot be a paradise for a reason. It cannot easy always for a reason. Unfortunately, some of us forget the meaning of life and start complaining to Allah Almighty. Allah Almighty made this life temporary and neither of its good things is eternal nor the bad things are forever. These are the part of our test and those who will pass the test will get good life hereafter.

Allah Almighty mentioned in the Holy Quran;

كُلُّ نَفۡسٖ ذَآئِقَةُ ٱلۡمَوۡتِۗ وَنَبۡلُوكُم بِٱلشَّرِّ وَٱلۡخَيۡرِ فِتۡنَةٗۖ وَإِلَيۡنَا تُرۡجَعُونَ

"Every soul will taste death. And We test you with evil and with good as a trial, and to Us, you will be returned" (Surah Al-Anbiya: 35).

 

Examples from human history

Warning and punishment for Pharaoh

Pharaoh was insubordinate to Allah Almighty and refused the signs brought by Prophet Musa (A.S). He was warned by Allah Almighty from time to time but he did not improve himself. As a result, he was finally grabbed by Allah Almighty and drowned.

 

Punishment for The Tribe of Prophet Noah (A.S)

The Tribe of Prophet Noah (A.S) refused his message and practiced polytheism. As a result, they drowned in the flood.

Allah Almighty mentioned it in Surah Al-Qamar from verse 9 to 16;

9. The people of Noah denied before them, and they denied Our servant and said, "A madman," and he was repelled. 10. So he invoked his Lord, "Indeed, I am overpowered, so help." 11. Then We opened the gates of the heaven with rain pouring down. 12. And caused the earth to burst with springs, and the waters met for a matter already predestined. 13. And We carried him on a [construction of] planks and nails, 14. Sailing under Our observation as reward for he who had been denied  16. And how [severe] were My punishment and warning.

Therefore, Muslims have to be strong and careful about their actions. If people around them are facing any Natural disaster, it can be a kind of test for them. They should help them. Sometimes Allah Almighty gives us answers when we forget Him and start believing on ourselves more than Him.  It can be one of the side effects of our heedlessness to Allah Almighty’s limits that we tell ourselves we are so powerful and can do anything. Although it is correct humanity have been blessed with great abilities to modify the world, Satan (the biggest enemy of man) can use this to mislead and deceive people into thinking they are not in need of anyone or anything, even Allah Almighty. Disasters remind us in an instant that this idea is foolish and only leads people down a dark path. No dear reader, we are not all-powerful, only Allah Almighty is All- Powerful. We are the creation of The All-Powerful and are His slaves. When we live our lives with this understanding, we are humble in our power and use the gifts we are given from Him to make the world a better place, not to destroy it.

 

 

 

 

 

If Allah is all-powerful and merciful, then why does He allow poverty, violation, and sufferings on earth?

 

If Allah is all-powerful and merciful, then why does He allow poverty, violation, and sufferings on earth?

Why people are homeless? Why people are suffering from pain? Why there are different kinds of violations in the world? Why innocent children are handicapped? Why innocent girls are getting raped? Why there are deadly diseases in the world of Allah Almighty?

According to the report of the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF), each year 3.1 million children die from hunger and malnutrition. United Nations Human Rights Office (UNHRO) estimates over the past 10 years more than 499, 657 civilians killed in Syria's civil war. According, to an estimated report 1.9 million women and 3.2 million men are physically harassed in the United States. World health organization reported 14.9 million deaths because of the COVID-19 pandemic in the years 2020 and 2021.

The Quran starts with the words “In the name of Allah, the Beneficent and Merciful." These words are found at the start of every Surah. Quran declares that Allah is All-powerful, the Creator of the Universe, and the Lord of all living and nonliving things.

لِلّٰهِ مُلْكُ السَّمٰوٰتِ وَ الْاَرْضِ وَ مَا فِیْهِنَّؕ-وَ هُوَ عَلٰى كُلِّ شَیْءٍ قَدِیْرٌ۠

To Allah, ˹alone˺ belongs the kingdom of the heavens and the earth and everything within. And He is Most Capable of everything. (Surah Al-Maidah, verse: 120)

Allah is capable of everything, which means He is also capable of all these sufferings, violations, and hunger.

مَآ أَصَابَ مِن مُّصِيبَةٍ إِلَّا بِإِذْنِ ٱللَّهِ  وَمَن يُؤْمِنۢ بِٱللَّهِ يَهْدِ قَلْبَهُۥ  وَٱللَّهُ بِكُلِّ شَىْءٍ عَلِيمٌۭ

In no way is there any affliction that afflicts, except it be by the permission of Allah. And whoever believes in Allah, He will guide his heart, and Allah is Ever-Knowing of everything. (Surah At-Taghabun, verse: 11)

Allah mentioned in the Quran Surah Al-Mulk verse number 02;

ٱلَّذِى خَلَقَ ٱلْمَوْتَ وَٱلْحَيَوٰةَ لِيَبْلُوَكُمْ أَيُّكُمْ أَحْسَنُ عَمَلًۭا  وَهُوَ ٱلْعَزِيزُ ٱلْغَفُورُ

He who created death and life—to test you—which of you is best in conduct. He is the Almighty, the Forgiving.(Surah Al-Mulk, verse;02)

This life of the world is the test for the hereafter. This test includes many sub-tests and these tests are a means for a human to fulfill the promise that he had made with Allah to do his worship before coming on the earth. Through tests, Allah Almighty distinguishes between us because their results expose the faith and lack of faith. Allah mentioned in the Quran in Surah Al. Baqarah verse: 155

وَلَنَبْلُوَنَّكُم بِشَىْءٍۢ مِّنَ ٱلْخَوْفِ وَٱلْجُوعِ وَنَقْصٍۢ مِّنَ ٱلْأَمْوَٰلِ وَٱلْأَنفُسِ وَٱلثَّمَرَٰتِ  وَبَشِّرِ ٱلصَّـبرِينَ

We will certainly test you with a touch of fear and famine and loss of property, life, and crops. Give good news to those who patiently endure. (Surah Al-Baqrah, verse: 155)

Allah is saying, every human being will be tested with fear and hunger, with the loss of goods and lives, and with human toils but will give glad tidings to those who patiently preserve. As I mentioned this life is the test for the hereafter and Allah Almighty tests different human beings in different ways. Allah does not have the same paper or exam paper for everyone that keeps on differing every year. So he tests some people with wealth, some with health, some with poverty, and some with diseases do they yet have faith in Allah Almighty? There are some people whose children are handicapped, they are test for their parents. Depending upon how you will react, will you get angry with Allah Almighty or will you accept it with OKAY, you will get the reward in the hereafter. No verse of the Quran says that it's difficult for the poor to get a place in Paradise. In fact, it is easy for poor people to get Jannah.

Prophet Muhammad (peace be Upon Him) said;

(It was reported) from the Prophet (PBUH) who said: "Indeed greater reward comes with a greater trial. And indeed, when Allah loves a people He subjects them to trials, so whoever is content, then for him is pleasure, and whoever is discontent, then for him is wrath."(Jami` at-Tirmidhi Hadith no; 2396)

The sufferings and violations happening in the world are a test for all of us. Many of us are suffering from difficulties, but consider the above Hadith that you are loved by Allah Almighty, He wants to wash all your sins in this world. He has set a beautiful place in Paradise for you. This is Allah's way to manage the world.  Allah is All-powerful and merciful, but he wants to test you in different ways. All the hunger deaths, rape cases, diseases, and violations are just for the test of human beings. The violations Muslims are facing in Syria, Myanmar, and Kashmir are tests for whole Muslim society otherwise it is not tough for Allah Almighty to say the word "Kun" for vanishing the whole violation.