Bismillahir
Rahmaanir Raheem
ONCE, WHILST WALKING ON A PAVEMENT, I
saw the word “NO” painted on the cement of the pavement.
A pedestrian would read “ON” walking
in the one direction and would read “NO”, walking in the opposite
direction.
This made me think of the never-ending
efforts of shaytaan and nafs in enticing and persuading us to engage in sins.
…Shaytaan and nafs are very quick in glorifying sins, saying to us, “It’s
ON!”
This is a common catch-phrase, used to
confirm some get-together or meeting, whether at the rave club, cinema, casino,
or an illicit meeting. For many this means, it’s the place to be, it’s the thing to do.
It will bring enjoyment and gratification. You will be ‘with it.’
When a true Muslim is faced with such
an invitation to sin or is tempted to disobey Allah Ta’ala and Rasulullah (Sallallaahu 'alayhi wasallam), he boldly and assertively responds: “NO,
it’s not On!”
He addresses his nafs:
“Agreed, there is a little
stolen pleasure in sin
But what great rebellion this
is against the Sustainer (Allah Ta’ala)
(That you use His bounties
to disobey Him)
A little while of pleasure
and everlasting regret;
What stupidity it is to
bury
the Janaza of respect and
honour.”[1]
“It’s ON!” is also a
phrase which confirms a fight to take place or a fight that has started. When a
person is challenged to a fight – perhaps after school, university or college – then if the person accepts, he says: “It’s
On!” He accepts the challenge with resolve and firmness to win.
…Of
course, such fights or scuffles are not condoned and are not permissible.
Muslims are not thugs, bullies or hooligans.
However, what is definitely ON – what
is confirmed – is the fight and Jihaad against nafs and shaytaan! The person
resolves to strive against nafs and shaytaan in his efforts to please Allah
Ta’ala – and is determined to win.
So
take courage! Allah Ta’ala is on your side. You will have the support and
assistance of the One Who is All Powerful and Almighty.
May Allah Ta’ala grant us the courage
to say no to all invitations and temptations of sins and to strive against our
enemies, nafs and shaytaan.
Hazrat Maulana Yunus Patel Saheb (Rahmatullahi 'alayh)
[1] Poetry of Hazrat Maulana Hakeem Muhammad Akhtar Saheb رَحْمَةُ اللهِ عَلَيْهِ
