When mercy rises from the hearts
Indeed, the disasters, calamities, and events happening today have been mentioned in the past by the tongues of prophets, Imams (peace be upon them), and many knowledgeable scholars.
Any affliction that occurs is either a test from Allah the Almighty for His creation or a punishment for them. The Second option is more common because many people deserve punishment due to their negligence of the rulings of their Lord, their attachment to worldly matters, and the hardness of their hearts, which have become harder than stones.
When a person belittles their religion and brotherhood and focuses on the love of the world, as for following their desires and adding onto their profit; while people around them die from extreme poverty, then little justice is seen in their actions.
If they were to listen to the Noble Quran, adhere to its teachings, and act upon its guidance, they would not have faced what they are facing now and what they will face in the near future. This is a precise reality that the Quran has clearly indicated, if only there were aware hearts and attentive ears. Allah, the Most Blessed and Exalted, said: “And if only the people of the cities had believed and feared Allah, We would have opened upon them blessings from the heaven and the earth; but they denied [the messengers], so We seized them for what they were earning.” (Quran 7:96)
Many claimants of faith and piety criticize Qarun, yet deep down, they wish they possessed the jewels and treasures he had. Allah knows what they conceal and what they reveal.
We condemn every oppressor, and many of us are oppressors without realizing it or not caring. What is the difference between Pharaoh and Qarun on one hand, and those whose hearts are filled with mercy and people around them are in desperate need of mercy on the other?
Do these people think that frequent prayers, abundant pilgrimage, fasting, and reciting the Quran multiple times will intercede for them if they are unjust to their fellow believers in religion?
Do these simple-minded individuals not know that blessings will not last for them, and the One who enriched them for years is capable of impoverishing them in an instant?
Do they not realize that what they possess is not truly theirs, but rather they are entrusted with it by Allah Almighty to test them with what He has entrusted them with? The words of Allah (swt) are clear to everyone, as He said: “Believe in Allah and His Messenger and spend out of that in which He has made you successors. For those who have believed among you and spent, there will be a great reward.” (Quran 57:7)
How can you be humble in your prayers while hearing your neighbor’s cries and knowing about your brother’s hunger and illness, yet you do not stand by their side?
Most Muslims must reconsider their Islam before death overtakes them and they become among the losers, as Allah (swt) says: “Say, ‘Shall we [believers] inform you of the greatest losers as to [their] deeds? [They are] those whose effort is lost in worldly life, while they think that they are doing well in work.'” (Quran 18:103-104)
O Allah, bear witness that I have conveyed this message many times, and I have reminded my brothers and sisters of what benefits them in this world and the Hereafter, which is the least I can do for them.
What we see warns of danger, as mercy no longer finds a place in hearts. It is our duty as believers in Allah (swt) to restore that mercy to our hearts because without it, our lives have no meaning. It should not be hidden from our minds that “the merciful will be shown mercy by the Most Merciful.” (Hadith)
I ask Allah, the Most High and Almighty, that this message serves as a source of motivation and rectification for them.
I am one of those who need admonition, and I appreciate every brother and sister who works on rectifying me and correcting my words and actions. It is not permissible for any of us to be arrogant or boastful, as we are all prone to sin except those whom Allah has shown mercy.
O Allah, have mercy on us, protect us, and guide us to what is beneficial for our religion and worldly affairs. You are the Guide.
