Bismillahir-Rahman ar-Rahim,
On Muharram 1, 1430 A.H.
By the grace of Allah and His beloveds, I once again feel the need to type my thoughts.
As of sunset on 12/28/08, we entered into 1430 A.H.. One thousand, four hundred and
thirty years since the momentous event of Allah's Messenger - sal Allahu alayhi wa sallim -
migrating to the city of safety - Madinah.
Where is our refuge, today?
In the past 2 months alone, a constant barrage of "doom and gloom" news permeated
the media. For those of us who observe daily events with discernment, it is clear we
are ALL enmeshed in an economic crisis that is still unraveling.
Most of us are so intensely drugged by these media outlets; so, we could not
avoid noticing the decline:
- Stock markets slide, with historic losses
- Banks and major industries seek government bailouts
- Countries declaring bankruptcy
- Unusual extremes of weather
- Hunger a real possibility in lands of prosperity
- Bloodshed and strife, where might prevails
In the midst of all these trials - which are still going on and WORSENING, at the time
of this writing - our heedlessness still makes the wealthier of us wonder, what will happen
on the night of Dec 31, 2008? Who will go to Times Square and watch the ball come down?
Who will be with me on that night, and make me happy to ring in the new year?
There is no "happy new year" greeting that can be said with an iota of sincerity.
Our Sheykh is saying, that major fitan (tribulations) are headed our way.
The question still stands - where can safety be found today?
Many sayings of our holy Prophet - sal Allahu alayhi wa sallim - warn us of
the Last Day. Our Sheykh keeps warning us of the trials therein; of which the Dajjal
is only a part, will be immense and unprecedented in human history.
There is a sound tradition (paraphrased here) where Ali ibn Abi Talib (ra) asked
the holy Prophet - sal Allahu alayhi wa sallim - on what can be done when the trials come?
The advice given by Rasulullah - sal Allahu alayhi wa sallim - was 'Kitab-ullah'
(the book of Allah - ie. the holy Qur'an).
But who will be our exemplars in this endeavor, to help us LIVE this knowledge we absorb?
Where do we discover the living Sunnat right before our very eyes, especially
in these trying times? To whom do we give our ALLEGIANCE?
It can only be - to the true inheritors of the Prophets.
Where can we find them?
A hadith qudsi clearly states, that if we walk to our Lord, then He runs to us.
And the book of our Lord states - to obey the messenger of Allah, will grant us His love,
and promised safety. Everlasting success, in this life AND the next. No fear, and no grief.
In this Muharram, may we all run to the true inheritors of our holy Prophet
- alayhi salat was salam. And may Allah subhana wa ta'ala assist us in finding them,
loving them and serving them. Amin.
Please spare a moment for me in your du'as.
