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Being Positive

I had been undergoing medical diagnoses for some time, ever since an anomaly had been found in some test results, and after much deliberation it was decided that I needed to have an operation. Patients generally fear operations due to the risk to life inherent in them, whereas a situation where death seems imminent or probable should actually be regarded as a positive opportunity. The time and place of each individual's death has been decreed and is unavoidable, and such circumstances as an operation do not bring the appointed time any closer. Therefore, being faced with the possibility of death is in one way a blessing as it creates a sense of urgency and importance in mending one's relationship with Allāh ta'ālā and rectifying one's dealings and relations with the creation.

Alhamdulillāh, through the Grace and Fadl of Allāh ta'ālā, I was able to take such positive steps before my operation and I tried to prepare as well as possible for the Hereafter.

A Sincere Resolution

Another cause of anxiety before an operation is the prospect of not being able to adhere to the Commands of Allāh ta'ālā during the stay in hospital. Living in a non-Islamic culture, many of us give up even attempting to be particular about our Islamic ethos. We cannot consider ourselves exempt from any requirement of Dīn or assume we will not be taken to task for neglecting it unless we have tried to the best of our ability to carry it out. Often it is little more than cowardliness or our sense of inferiority that makes us feel helpless. There can never be an excuse for not trying and not requesting that one's religious needs be met. As it is, the culture in our country is amenable to accommodating the religious and social needs of all communities, and health professionals are usually very helpful in this regard. It is my judgement that had Muslims, as a whole, been particular with regards to adherence of Allāh ta'ālā's Commands, we would have had no problems anywhere in having our needs accommodated.

Of course, if circumstances prevail and someone is compelled to compromise, then it is hoped from the Mercy of Allāh ta'ālā that he will be pardoned. But the way of Allāh ta'ālā is that whenever a person resolves to fulfil His command, He creates the means and resources to pave the path to success. Concern for wanting to follow the Commands of Allāh ta'ālā and eagerness to do so have an effect and attract Allāh ta'ālā's assistance. A couple of incidents from the lives of our pious predecessors help illustrate this.

Hadrat Mawlānā Ashraf 'Alī Thānwī rahimahullāh was once travelling when he stopped at a train station. As it was salāh time and it was also raining, one of Hadrat's associates had arranged with the station master to accommodate Hadrat. Hadrat's nature was naturally moulded according to the Sharī'ah, so the thought came to mind while proceeding to the room that the lantern that would be lighting it would belong to the rail company and therefore would not be permitted for his personal use. Hadrat began to pray to Allāh ta'ālā for assistance, as the intricacy of this Command would be difficult for a non-Muslim to appreciate. Hadrat was in this dilemma and was thinking of how to solve this problem when the station master offered his personal lantern to the assistant and told him to use it instead of the company's lantern.

We can learn from this incident that making a firm intention to adhere to the Commands of Allāh ta'ālā and making an effort will surely attract Allāh ta'ālā's assistance and He will not let His bondsman fail.

Allāh ta'ālā's Assistance Prior to the Operation

It was the sheer Mercy and Grace of Allāh ta'ālā that the whole procedure went with much ease and His assistance could be witnessed at every stage. I can only attribute all this to the sheer Grace of Allāh ta'ālā, which remained throughout, as a result of the blessings and the barakāt of all my well-wishers, especially my beloved mother, and the affectionate pious elders who carried out good deeds and remained busy in du'ā, beseeching Allāh ta'ālā to shower His Mercy upon this humble one.

It is not possible to enumerate the Mercies of Allāh ta'ālā in this short article, but I felt it would bring much happiness to my well wishers, who are all eager to know of my wellbeing, if I pen a few points and mention a few of the events and incidents that not only demonstrate the assistance of Allāh ta'ālā but also serve as a guidance for those who may be faced with such a situation.

At the time of the Operation

 

Translation: O Allāh, I have submitted myself to You, I have turned my face to You, I have entrusted my affairs to You, and I have made You my protector, hoping (for Your mercy) and fearing (Your punishment). There is no refuge, and no escape, except to You. I have believed in Your Book that You have revealed, and the Prophet who You have sent.

After reading the above du'ā, I recited istighfār, durūd sharīf and the kalimah and then asked the anaesthetist to proceed, after which I continued reciting istighfār, durūd sharīf and the kalimah until I lost consciousness. I can only thank Allāh ta'ālā for His mercy and kindness that He put such thoughts in my mind.

Post Operation

I have only penned a few events to demonstrate the Fadl of Allāh ta'ālā and the barakāt of du'ā and also to point out that if we make an effort to fulfil the Commands of Allāh ta'ālā with a sincere intention, His assistance comes to our aid. Every event that took place was nothing but the sheer Grace and Mercy of Allāh ta'ālā upon which no amount of gratitude is enough. Allāhumma lakal-hamdu walakash-shukru. I end by sharing with readers the message I sent to my well-wishers prior to my operation:

Bismillāhir-Rahmānir-Rahīm

Assalāmu 'alaykum warahmatullāhi wabarakātuh

I have been overwhelmed by the affection of the many many people who have sent me messages of support and du'ās in recent days, from this country and from around the world. May Allāh reward them all with Divine Love.

I humbly request everyone to favour me with the following during my life and after:

1. Continue making du'ā for me.

2. Do whatever you are able to by way of isāl-uth-thawāb for me.

3. Try hard to bring into your lives the teachings that I have been striving to convey to the Ummah throughout my life.

Jazākumullāh Ahsanal-jazā

 

© Riyādul Jannah (Oct 2014)