As Salamu Alaykoum!
Determination is one of the dominant attributes of a faithful believer. A Muslim should never lose their enthusiasm nor their devotion towards the school of life and the ultimate goal of the hereafter. A determined soul puts up with struggle and grievances in order to please Allah (swt). That is why, no difficulty proves to be a hindrance to a believers endeavours. The ultimate goal is indeed to deserve the Mercy and favour of Allah (swt), therefore, a believer shapes his life accordingly.
Whilst conversing, about Islam, with a relative, a question was raised by this young man “why do Muslims suffer the most?” The simple answer to this is that Allah (swt) puts our determination to the test in many different ways; either through difficult trials of grievances or difficult decision making.
This is clearly evident in the following verse of the Qur’an:
We shall test you with fear and hunger, with loss of life and property and crops but give glad tidings to those who patiently persevere. (Al-Baqara: 155)
The patience of a believer is continuously tested, a believer with a determined soul is most undoubtedly loved by Allah (swt) as suggested in the following verse:
How many of the prophets fought (in God’s way), and with them (fought) large bands of godly men? But they never lost heart if they met with disaster in God’s way, nor did they weaken (in will) nor give in. And God loves those who are firm and steadfast. Their only words were: “Our Lord! Forgive us our sins and anything We may have done that transgressed our duty; make us firm of foot and help us against those that resist faith.” (Al-Imran: 146-147)
Suffering is a part of this life, it is a trial that we must all undergo. It is through such trials that a determined soul grows in faith/Imaan and learns the meaning of divine love.
In order to gain divine love a believer must go through trials. I am a determined soul striving for the love of my Lord, every struggle I have been through in my life is a blessing as it has given me the ability to get closer to Allah (swt).
Live life for Allah!
WasSalaamu Alaykoum
