Hastening to the Obedience of Allah

[السابقون السابقون أولئك المقربون]

“And the forerunners, the forerunners - Those are the ones brought near [to Allah]” [al Waqiah: 10-11]

This verse gives a clear message to people; a message of ultimate success. But is there a possibility to attain success without putting in effort? And what are the things that demand our effort? Expending our energies in the right way is a big challenge faced by the Muslim Ummah, especially our youth. By the time this youth reaches middle age, it has already established itself as an important part of capitalist machinery. All those important things that were put on hold to be done at a later age become unimportant. From ibadaat (worshipping) to striving in the way of Allah. Putting things off till tomorrow means that they are less important for today’s life. We need to see that what would have happened if Salahhudin Ayyubi did not show courage against all odds and if Muhammad bin Qasim would have waited to get his ID card.

One big example of ignoring the most important need of today is the absence of the Khilafah. When it becomes clear that staying without the Amir is sinful for all Muslims then what makes it less important than my everyday tasks? Understanding the need of struggle is required. Muslims not only lost their oneness in the form of a State as a result of laziness but they also lost the immense amount of knowledge and wealth owned by the Ummah. Then it was negligence of ijtihad that led to such big destruction and now it is the negligence of being attached to the true cause. We can regain all the lost treasures, be it wealth or knowledge, only if we trace back the footsteps of the Companions and the Followers. How they faced all the difficulties with courage and did not delay the task that needed to be done.

We, the Muslims of today, must learn that involving ourselves with daily ibadaat and regular charities do not necessarily prove our piety, but really an environment has been created where these small charities and religious gatherings are portrayed as sufficient to gain Allah’s pleasure. It must be brought to your notice that never it was easy to live the life of a striving Muslim.

[أَمْ حَسِبْتُمْ أَن تَدْخُلُواْ الْجَنَّةَ وَلَمَّا يَأْتِكُم مَّثَلُ الَّذِينَ خَلَوْاْ مِن قَبْلِكُم مَّسَّتْهُمُ الْبَأْسَاء وَالضَّرَّاء وَزُلْزِلُواْ حَتَّى يَقُولَ الرَّسُولُ وَالَّذِينَ آمَنُواْ مَعَهُ مَتَى نَصْرُ اللّهِ أَلا إِنَّ نَصْرَ اللّهِ قَرِيبٌ]

“Or think you that you will enter Paradise without such (trials) as came to those who passed away before you? They were afflicted with severe poverty and ailments and were so shaken that even the Messenger and those who believed along with him said, "When (will come) the Help of Allah?" Yes! Certainly, the Help of Allah is near!” [2:214]

For Muslims, this is the time to wake up, rise and perform the duties that have been prescribed by the Almighty. No amount of worldly tasks are enough to delay the work for the establishment of Khilafah. No excuse can justify the negligence. Focus on the task and channelizing of energies is what is required and Allah’s help will come inshaAllah.

Written for the Central Media Office of Hizb ut Tahrir by
Ikhlaq Jehan
Member of the Central Media Office of Hizb ut Tahrir