Approaching the West — Page 130
A pproaching the West—130 and most impressive reconciliation between God and human suffering in action. Therefore, for us Muslims and all others, the important matter is to learn how to handle human sufferings, retaining full faith in a Loving God! The Holy Qur’ ā n teaches us, … truly righteous is … the patient in poverty and afflictions and the steadfast in the time of war; … (2:178) Again, in the Holy Qur’ ā n we read, O ye who believe, seek [God’s] help through perseverance and Prayer; surely, Allah is with those who patiently persevere [ Ṣā bir ī n]. And say not of those who are slain in the way of Allah that they are dead; nay they are living, only you perceive not [their life]. And We will try you with something of fear and hunger, and loss of wealth and lives and fruits [of your toil]; but give glad tidings to those who patiently persevere. Who, when a misfortune overtakes them, say, ‘Surely, to Allah we belong and to Him shall we return. ’ It is these on whom descend blessings from their Lord and also mercy [ra ḥ mah], and it is these who are rightly guided. (2:154-158) At the end, I would like to say, All praise belongs to God, the Lord of all the universes, Most Gracious, Ever Merciful, and the Master of the Day of Judgment.