Saturday 6 February 2016

NO, it’s not ON!

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