Reflections on the Reality of Rahmah
Reflections on the Reality of Rahmah
Ehsanul “Shifa” Sadequee
November 2016
Bismillaahir-Rahmaanir-Raheem. wal-HamduLillaahi Rabbil-'Aalameen.
And the best of peace and blessings be upon the Last of Prophets, and his family and Companions, and all those who follow them excellently till the Last Day.
An American Muslim scholar once pointed out the difference in the reaction of a Christian to poverty and suffering in the world and the reaction of a true Muslim. The Christian responds by saying to himself, "Oh these poor people, let me go and feed them..." Whereas the Muslim sees the bigger picture and is enraged, and responds by saying, "Who is responsible for the suffering of these poor people?"
I reflected upon this point that this scholar made, and realized that there are two types of people in the world: People of riyaa' (for show, to impress people) and people of Ikhlaas (sincerity to Allaah), many are people of hypocrisy, fakers, actors and pretenders on the one hand, who are more concerned with making an outward image/reputation of themselves to others as if they are "compassionate, caring, sympathetic and loving." While on the other hand, there are those who are unconcerned about what others say, pre-occupied by worries of how to answer to Allaah for the choices they make in this life - people who have little to say, whose actions speak louder than their words.
Human beings are one big family. For many people who shout this today, it is nothing but an empty, feel-good, dry-eyed slogan - which they raise to appear as if they are compassionate people. To true Muslims though, they know that all humans are the Children of Aadam in reality; hence, there are real, serious duties and responsibilities on everybody's shoulders. And just like if we saw a small hungry child outside a home in the cold, the proper reaction - above and beyond the emotional compassion felt for the child - would entail outrage against the older family members of that child, because it is their responsibility to take care of their weak family member. The proper response - from those who possess authentic compassion - requires bringing to account those who neglected and ignored their duties towards that child, thus causing the child to suffer. Likewise is the parallel in the larger human family.
If we understand this, we will be able to better understand InShaa'Allaah, the reality of the Rahmah (compassion and care) with which the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) described the best of his Companions, Aboo Bakr (may Allaah be pleased with him): "The one from my Ummah who has the most Rahmah for my Ummah is Aboo Bakr..." And it is this same Aboo Bakr who fought against those apostates who refused to pay the Zakaat. If we understand the deep implications of Rahmah, we may realize why Allaah praises those Believers who "fear Ar-Rahmaan [the Most Compassionate]" in a number of verses in the Qur'aan: such as in YaaSeen:11, Qaaf:33. And in other verses, Allaah warns of punishment from Ar-Rahmaan: such as in Maryam:45, Al-Anbiyaa':42, and YaaSeen:23.
Likewise, we will better understand the oft-quoted and misunderstood verse, where Allaah describes the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him): "Indeed, We have not sent you, except as a rahmah for all the worlds." Al-Anbiyaa':107.
All praise belongs to Allaah, the Most Merciful of those who have mercy - for only through His Guidance - this great blessing called Islaam, did we learn the true implications of compassion and care - He taught us how to care. For indeed, we have seen for way too long those who have been deprived of this great blessing of Islaam - their "compassion and care" incomplete, misdirected, unguided, little temporary sparks that vanish into thin air.
If we want to learn how to be sincerely compassionate, first sincerely ask the Almighty to direct you and guide you towards His Pleasure, and then embark upon studying Islaam seriously, taking actions and practicing accountability. All good is in the Hands of Allaah.
May Allaah make this be of benefit to whomsoever it reaches, and may Allaah accept it from me as a good deed and good word. If what I have said is correct, it is by Allaah's Guidance, and to Him is all praise. And if I have said anything wrong, it is from my ownself. May Allaah give us refuge from all misguidance. Aameen. wal-HamduLillaahi Rabbil-'Aalameen.
Shifa Sadequee
