Heightened Balance

As Muslims, our faith begins with the five pillars—Shahadah, Salah, Zakah, Sawm, and Hajj. But the true depth of belief lies beyond these pillars, in the way we carry belief as a trust—an amanah—through our intentions, our perceptions, and our sense of purpose.

Allah, in His infinite wisdom, gave us this life not simply to exist in it, but to live with responsibility, regard, and respect—toward ourselves, others, and everything He created. He gave us the Qur’an as a guide and reminder, a confirmation that this life is temporary, and that belief is the tool to connect our soul to the truth of that reality.

This belief is not merely a declaration—it’s a living trust, and we are accountable for how we protect, use, or neglect it. Allah’s signs are everywhere, woven through circumstances, decisions, thoughts, and relationships. When we know something, we are responsible for it. If we try to ignore it, Allah, in His mercy, will bring it back to us—not to harm us, but because it was a lesson written for us to learn. 

Our belief, whether on the surface or in depth, is not meant to be worn invincibly, as though it shields us from accountability. It is meant to be carried carefully, used for its long-term truth, not short-term pride. It is not something to use to appear right, but something we endure to become sincere.

This is why Allah's system of laws—spiritual, moral, and natural—exists not only in what we see, but also in what sustains us unseen, like the ozone surrounding the Earth’s breath. There is balance in all things, but that doesn't mean we will always receive the outcomes we desire or expect. As a result, we may experience imbalance in our knowledge, emotions, or environments. Yet, this imbalance comes with an automatic form of accountability—whether we acknowledge it or not. It is part of the natural laws that unfold by Allah’s design. In this way, redemption becomes a form of restoration.

The Threshold of Time: A Test of Intention and Control

It is not accurate to think that Allah, in His infinite wisdom, gives us only one major test in life and bases everything on whether we pass it. We are instructed to live by the guidance of the Qur’an to help us navigate the ongoing trials of this life. In the varying span of our lives and circumstances, Allah tests us accordingly—through thresholds of time—to determine how we should proceed.

This time becomes part of the equation that determines the rank of our guidance. The delay between knowing, feeling, acting, and receiving is where the trust is tested. It’s not just about what we do; it’s about how we handle the wait, the uncertainty, and the tension between what we want to control and what we are asked to surrender. This is where our need for control is exposed.

Often, when we feel validated by a group, a culture, or an ideology, we begin to feel justified in trying to control the outcome. We may even mistake that social approval for divine approval. But confidence built on control is fragile—it cannot last, especially when Allah is at the center of all things. In His mercy, He gives us time to recognize the difference between what society rewards and what He truly values. This is where much of society misunderstands the essence of belief.

The concept of "giving it to God" by letting go of control, embracing Allah's timing, and trusting outcomes we cannot see—is often misunderstood in a world fixated on power, certainty, and ownership. In such a world, surrender is mistaken for weakness. But in Islam, surrendering to Allah is the highest form of strength.

Patience isn’t merely a virtue we try to uphold—it’s the space where divine knowledge is revealed. Through patience, we are gifted the clarity to truly see and hear beyond surface realities. Since belief itself is tied to the unseen, our intellect must reach beyond the obvious in order to grasp the deeper truth unfolding behind our experiences.

Because once a person recognizes that a situation, lesson, or opportunity is from Allah—once they feel it in their conscience, their heart, or their fitrah—and still choose to deny it, mock it, or misplace it, they are not merely turning away from advice; they are disrupting the natural balance of alignment. When that happens, the very laws Allah put in place to protect, support, and guide may begin to work against that unfulfilled trust. Not out of cruelty, but as a consequence of misusing what was divinely entrusted.

The Balance of Accountability and Mercy

Allah’s 99 Names and attributes are always at work—individually, collectively, and universally. They remind us that we live within a divine system of accountability, far more precise and just than any human-made system. His threshold of time gathers the way we conduct ourselves in various situations, and from this, certain questions shape the course of how we should proceed:

How do we handle knowledge once it’s received?
How do we respond to discomfort or delay?
How do we treat others in moments of power—or powerlessness?
Do we choose influence, or do we choose integrity?
This divine system is a reminder that Allah does not humiliate—He teaches. He does not force or oppress—but offers us the opportunity to realign with what is rightfully true.

Yet Satan, the chief deceiver, is always working against that trust. He wants us to misuse the very responsibility Allah honored us with. This is why even misdirected praise or intentional misrepresentation can become spiritual corruption. Allah warns us of those who try to manipulate truth by ignoring the source of good and crediting something irrelevant, out of envy, pride, or denial.

In Surah Al-Hashr (59:14), Allah reveals:

“They will not fight you all except within fortified cities or from behind walls. Their enmity among themselves is severe. You think they are united, but their hearts are divided. That is because they are a people who do not reason.”
This verse exposes the nature of hypocrisy—not just disbelief, but silent betrayal, backbiting, division, and the inability to face truth openly. It reflects how some people will recognize the goodness in you, yet deny its source, mislabel it, or plot against it in secret—because acknowledging it would mean surrendering to the trust they've rejected.

So the real test isn’t always about how much we do, but:

How sincere we are in what we do.
How aware we are of the signs we’re shown.
How willing we are to let go of control when the outcome is uncertain.
Belief isn’t just for our identity—it’s for our guidance. And guidance is a living process—given, tested, affirmed, and sometimes withheld—based on how we hold the trust.

The threshold of time can be seen as a reflection of what we often call “Judgment Day.” Rather than fearing it as a distant, catastrophic event, we are invited to understand it as a daily reminder to live with integrity. In reality, we experience moments of judgment every day—through the outcomes of our choices, the state of our hearts, and the lessons life returns to us. We strive to gain benefit, do good, and avoid harm, while trusting that Allah delivers results in perfect balance—whether they are pleasant, difficult, or revealing.

Surah Ibrahim (14:5–6):

And indeed We sent Musa (Moses) with Our Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations) saying: "Bring out your people from darkness into light, and remind them of the days of Allah." Verily, in this are signs for every patient, thankful person.
And (remember) when Musa said to his people: "Call to mind Allah’s Favour to you, when He delivered you from Fir‘awn’s people, who were afflicting you with a horrible torment, killing your sons and letting your women live. And in that was a tremendous trial from your Lord."

 
Surah Al-Isra (17:70–89):

And indeed We have honoured the Children of Adam, and We have carried them on land and sea, and have provided them with good things, and have preferred them above many of those whom We have created with a marked preference.
On the Day when We shall call together all human beings with their (respective) Imam (record of good and bad deeds or a prophet or a leader). So whosoever is given his record in his right hand, such will read their records, and they will not be dealt with unjustly in the least.
And whoever is blind in this world (i.e. does not see Allah’s Signs, and does not believe in Him), will be blind in the Hereafter, and more astray from the Path.
Verily, they were about to tempt you away from that which We have revealed (the Qur’an) unto you (O Muhammad), to fabricate something other than it against Us, and then they would certainly have taken you for a friend!
And had We not made you stand firm, you would nearly have inclined to them a little.
In that case, We would have made you taste a double portion (of punishment) in this life and a double portion after death. And then you would have found none to help you against Us.
And verily, they were about to frighten you so much as to drive you out from the land. But then they themselves would not have stayed therein after you, except for a little while.
(This was Our) Sunnah (rule or way) with the Messengers We sent before you; and you will not find any alteration in Our Sunnah.
Perform As-Salat (prayer) from midday till the darkness of the night (i.e. the Zuhr, ‘Asr, Maghrib and ‘Isha prayers) and recite the Qur’an in the early dawn (i.e. the — Fajr morning prayer). Verily, the recitation of the Qur’an in the early dawn is ever witnessed (by the angels in charge of mankind of the day and the night).
And in some parts of the night (also) offer the Salat (prayer) with it (i.e. recite the Qur’an in the prayer), as an additional prayer (Tahajjud) for you (O Muhammad). It may be that your Lord will raise you to Maqam Mahmuda (a station of praise and glory — i.e. the highest degree in Paradise).
And say: “My Lord! Cause me to enter a sound entrance and to exit a sound exit and grant me from You an authority to support (me).”
And say: “Truth (i.e. Islam or this Qur’an or Jihad against polytheists) has come and Batil (falsehood) has vanished. Surely! Batil is ever bound to vanish.”
And We send down from the Qur’an that which is a healing and a mercy to those who believe, and it increases the Zalimun (polytheists and wrong-doers) nothing but loss.
And when We bestow Our grace on man, he turns away and becomes arrogant. But when evil touches him, he is in despair.
Say: “Each one acts according to his own way, and your Lord knows best of him whose path is right.”
And they ask you (O Muhammad) concerning the Ruh (the Spirit); Say: “The Ruh is one of the things, the knowledge of which is only with my Lord. And of knowledge, you (mankind) have been given only a little.”
And if We willed, We could surely take away that which We have revealed to you. Then you would find no protector for you against Us in that respect.
Except as a mercy from your Lord. Verily! His Grace unto you is ever great.
Say: “If mankind and the jinn were together to produce the like of this Qur’an, they could not produce the like thereof, even if they helped one another.”
And indeed We have fully explained to mankind, in this Qur’an, every kind of similitude, but most of mankind refuse (the truth and accept nothing) but disbelief.

Surah Al-Hajj (22:32–49):
Thus it is [what has been mentioned in the above verses]. And whosoever honours the Symbols of Allah, then it is truly from the piety of the heart.
In them (cattle) you have benefits for a term appointed. Afterwards they are brought for sacrifice to the Ancient House (the Ka‘bah at Makkah).
And for every nation We have appointed religious ceremonies, that they may mention the Name of Allah over the beast of cattle that He has given them for food. And your God is One God, so you must submit to Him Alone (in Islam). And (O Muhammad) give glad tidings to the humble,
Whose hearts are filled with fear when Allah is mentioned; who patiently bear whatever may befall them (of calamities); and who perform As-Salat, and who spend (in Allah’s Cause) out of what We have provided them.
And the Budn (cattle) We have made them for you as among the Symbols of Allah, wherein you have much good. So mention the Name of Allah over them when they are drawn up in lines. Then, when they are down on their sides (after slaughter), eat thereof, and feed the poor who do not ask (beg) and the poor who ask (beg). Thus have We made them subject to you that you may be grateful.
It is neither their meat nor their blood that reaches Allah, but it is piety from you that reaches Him. Thus have We made them subject to you that you may magnify Allah for His Guidance to you. And give glad tidings to the Muhsinun (doers of good).
Truly, Allah defends those who believe. Verily! Allah likes not any treacherous ingrate.
Permission to fight is given to those who are fought against, because they have been wronged; and surely, Allah is Able to give them victory.
Those who have been expelled from their homes unjustly only because they said: "Our Lord is Allah." For had it not been that Allah checks one set of people by means of another, monasteries, churches, synagogues, and mosques, wherein the Name of Allah is mentioned much, would surely have been pulled down. Verily, Allah will help those who help His (Cause). Truly, Allah is All-Strong, All-Mighty.
Those (Muslim rulers) who, if We give them power in the land, (they) enjoin Iqamat-as-Salat (performing the prayer), pay the Zakat, enjoin Al-Ma‘ruf (i.e. Islamic Monotheism and all that Islam orders one to do), and forbid Al-Munkar (polytheism, disbelief and all that Islam has forbidden). And with Allah rests the end of (all) matters (of creatures).
And if they belie you (O Muhammad), so were belied the Prophets before them, (who came) with clear signs, the Scriptures, and the Book of Enlightenment.
And (remember) when We seized your enemies with punishment (in the past), they humbled not themselves, nor did they invoke (Allah) with submission to Him.
Until, when We opened for them a gate of severe torment, behold, they were plunged in despair.
It is Allah Who has created you in a state of weakness, then made after weakness strength, then after strength weakness and grey hair. He creates what He wills. And it is He Who is the All-Knowing, the All-Powerful.
And on the Day when the Hour will be established, the Mujrimun (criminals, disbelievers, polytheists, sinners) will be plunged into destruction with deep regrets, sorrows and despair.
And no intercessor will they have from those whom they made equal with Allah (partners), and they will reject and deny their partners.
And on the Day when the Hour will be established — that Day shall (all men) be separated (i.e. the believers will be separated from the disbelievers).
Then as for those who believed (in the Oneness of Allah — Islamic Monotheism) and did righteous good deeds, such shall be honoured and made to enjoy luxurious life (forever) in a Garden of Delight (Paradise).
And as for those who disbelieved and belied Our Ayat (proofs, verses, lessons, signs, revelations), such shall be brought to the torment.
So glorify Allah, when you come up to the evening (i.e. offer the Maghrib and ‘Isha prayers), and when you enter the morning (i.e. offer the Fajr prayer).
And His are all the praises and thanks in the heavens and the earth, and in the afternoon (i.e. offer the ‘Asr prayer) and when you come up to the time when the day begins to decline (i.e. offer the Zuhr prayer).
He brings out the living from the dead, and brings out the dead from the living. And He revives the earth after its death, and thus shall you be brought out (resurrected).
And among His Signs is this, that He created you from dust, and then — behold you are human beings scattered!
And among His Signs is this, that He created for you wives from among yourselves, that you may find repose in them, and He has put between you affection and mercy. Verily, in that are indeed signs for a people who reflect.
And if they belie you (O Muhammad), those before them also belied. Their Messengers came to them with clear signs, scriptures, and the enlightening Book.
Then I seized those who disbelieved, and how terrible was My rejection (punishment)!

Surah Taha 9-47

And has there come to you the story of Musa (Moses)?
When he saw a fire, he said to his family: “Wait! Verily, I have seen a fire; perhaps I can bring you some burning brand therefrom, or find some guidance at the fire.”
And when he came to it (the fire), he was called by name: “O Musa!
Verily! I am your Lord! So take off your shoes; you are in the sacred valley, Tuwa.
And I have chosen you. So listen to that which will be revealed (to you).
Verily! I am Allah! Lâ ilâha illâ Ana (none has the right to be worshipped but I), so worship Me, and perform As-Salat for My remembrance.
Verily, the Hour is coming — and I am almost hiding it — that every person may be rewarded for that which he strives.
Therefore, let not the one who believes not therein (i.e. in the Hour), but follows his own lusts, divert you therefrom, lest you perish.
And what is that in your right hand, O Musa?”
He said: “This is my stick, whereon I lean, and wherewith I beat down branches for my sheep, and wherein I find other uses.”
Allah said: “Cast it down, O Musa!”
He cast it down, and behold! It was a snake, moving quickly.
Allah said: “Grasp it, and fear not; We shall return it to its former state.
And press your hand to your side, it will come forth white and shining without any disease, another sign,
That We may show you (some) of Our Greater Signs.
Go to Fir‘awn! Verily, he has transgressed all bounds (in disbelief and disobedience, and has behaved arrogantly).”
[Musa] said: “O my Lord! Open for me my chest.
And ease my task for me.
And make loose the knot (the defect) from my tongue.
That they may understand my speech.
And appoint for me a helper from my family —
Harun (Aaron), my brother.
Increase my strength with him.
And let him share my task (of conveying Allah’s Message).
That we may glorify You much.
And remember You much.
Verily! You are Ever a Well-Seer of us.”
Allah said: “You are granted your request, O Musa!
And indeed We conferred a favor on you another time (before).
When We inspired your mother with that which We inspired:
‘Put him (the child) into a box or case or chest and put it into the river (Nile), then the river shall cast it up on the bank, and there, an enemy of Mine and an enemy of his shall take him.’ And I endued you with love from Me, in order that you may be brought up under My Eye.
When your sister went and said: ‘Shall I show you one who will nurse him?’ So We returned you to your mother, that her eye may be comforted, and she should not grieve. Then you did kill a man, but We saved you from great distress and tried you with a heavy trial. Then you stayed a number of years with the people of Midian. Then you came here according to the fixed term, O Musa!
And I have chosen you for Myself.
Go you and your brother with My Signs, and do not, you both, slacken and become weak in My remembrance.
Go, both of you, to Fir‘awn. Verily, he has transgressed all bounds.
And speak to him kindly, perhaps he may accept admonition or fear Allah.”

Surah Taha 52-76

[Musa] said: "The knowledge thereof is with my Lord, in a Record. My Lord neither errs nor forgets."
He Who has made for you the earth like a bed spread out; and has opened roads (ways and paths) for you therein; and has sent down water (rain) from the sky. And We have brought forth with it various kinds of vegetation.
Eat and pasture your cattle; verily, in this are signs for men of understanding.
From the earth We created you, and into it We shall return you, and from it We shall bring you out once again.
And indeed We showed him [Fir‘awn] all Our Signs and Evidences, but he denied and refused.
He said: "Have you come to drive us out of our land with your magic, O Musa?
Then verily, we can produce magic the like thereof. So appoint a meeting between us and you, which we will not fail to keep, neither we nor you, in an open place where both shall have a just and equal chance."
[Musa] said: "Your appointed meeting is the day of the festival, and let the people assemble when the sun has risen (forenoon)."
So Fir‘awn withdrew, devised his plot and then came back.
Musa said to them: "Woe to you! Invent not a lie against Allah, lest He should destroy you completely by a torment. And surely, he who invents a lie will fail miserably."
Then they debated with one another what they must do, and they kept their talk secret.
They said: "Verily! These are two magicians. Their object is to drive you out from your land with magic, and overcome your chiefs and nobles."
"So devise your plot, and then assemble in line. And whoever overcomes this day will be indeed successful."
They said: "O Musa! Either you throw first or we be the first to throw?"
[Musa] said: "Nay, throw you (first)!" Then behold! Their ropes and their sticks, by their magic, appeared to him as though they moved fast.
So Musa conceived fear in himself.
We said: "Fear not! Surely, you will have the upper hand.
And throw that which is in your right hand! It will swallow up that which they have made. That which they have made is only a magician’s trick, and the magician will never be successful, whatever amount (of skill) he may attain."
So the magicians fell down prostrate. They said: "We believe in the Lord of Harun and Musa."
Fir‘awn said: "Believe you in him (Musa) before I give you permission? Verily, he is your chief who has taught you magic. So I will surely cut off your hands and feet on opposite sides, and I will surely crucify you on the trunks of date palms, and you shall know which of us [I (Fir‘awn) or the Lord of Musa] can give the severe and more lasting torment."
They said: "We prefer you not over the clear signs that have come to us, and to Him (Allah) Who created us. So decree whatever you desire to decree, for you can only decree (regarding) the life of this world.
Verily! We have believed in our Lord, that He may forgive us our faults, and the magic to which you did compel us. And Allah is Better (to reward) and more Lasting (in punishment)."
Verily, whoever comes to his Lord as a Mujrim (criminal, polytheist, disbeliever in the Oneness of Allah), then surely, for him is Hell, wherein he will neither die nor live.
But whoever comes to Him as a believer, and has done righteous good deeds, for such are the high ranks (in the Hereafter),
Everlasting Gardens (Adn Paradise), under which rivers flow, wherein they will abide forever. Such is the reward of those who purify themselves (by abstaining from all kinds of sins and evil deeds which Allah has forbidden and by doing all that Allah has ordained).

Surah Rum 6-30
(It is) a Promise of Allah. Allah fails not in His Promise, but most of men know not.
They know only the outside appearance of the life of the world, and they are heedless of the Hereafter.
Do they not think deeply about themselves? Allah has created the heavens and the earth, and all that is between them, in truth and for an appointed term. And indeed many of mankind deny the meeting with their Lord.
Do they not travel in the land and see what was the end of those before them? They were superior to them in strength and in tilled the earth and populated it in greater numbers than these have done, and there came to them their Messengers with clear proofs. Surely, Allah wronged them not, but they used to wrong themselves.
Then evil was the end of those who did evil, because they belied the Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) of Allah and made mock of them.
Allah (Alone) originates the creation, then He will repeat it, then to Him you will be returned.
And on the Day when the Hour will be established, the Mujrimun (criminals, disbelievers, polytheists, sinners) will be plunged into destruction with deep regrets, sorrows, and despair.
No intercessors will they have from those whom they made equal with Allah (partners), and they will reject and deny their partners.
And on the Day when the Hour will be established — that Day shall (all men) be separated (i.e. the believers will be separated from the disbelievers).
Then as for those who believed (in the Oneness of Allah — Islamic Monotheism) and did righteous good deeds, such shall be honoured and made to enjoy luxurious life (in Paradise).
And as for those who disbelieved and belied Our Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) and the meeting of the Hereafter, such shall be brought forth to the torment.
So glorify Allah, when you reach the evening and when you enter the morning.
And His are all the praises and thanks in the heavens and the earth; and (glorify Him) in the afternoon and when you enter the time of the Zuhr (noon) prayer.
He brings out the living from the dead, and brings out the dead from the living. And He revives the earth after its death, and thus shall you be brought out (resurrected).
And among His Signs is this, that He created you from dust, and then — behold you are human beings scattered!
And among His Signs is this, that He created for you wives from among yourselves, that you may find repose in them, and He has put between you affection and mercy. Verily, in that are indeed signs for a people who reflect.
And among His Signs is the creation of the heavens and the earth, and the differences of your languages and colours. Verily, in that are indeed signs for men of sound knowledge.
And among His Signs is your sleep by night and by day, and your seeking of His Bounty. Verily, in that are indeed signs for a people who listen.
And among His Signs is that He shows you the lightning, by way of both fear and hope, and He sends down water (rain) from the sky, and therewith revives the earth after its death. Verily, in that are indeed signs for a people who understand.
And among His Signs is that the heaven and the earth stand by His Command, then afterwards when He will call you by a single call, behold, you will come out from the earth (i.e. from your graves for reckoning and recompense).
To Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and the earth. All are obedient to Him.
And He it is Who originates the creation, then He will repeat it, and this is easier for Him. His is the Highest description (i.e. none has the right to be worshipped but He, and there is nothing comparable unto Him) in the heavens and in the earth. And He is the All-Mighty, the All-Wise.
He sets forth for you a parable from your ownselves: Do you have partners among those whom your right hands possess (i.e. your slaves) to share as equals in the wealth We have bestowed on you, whom you fear as you fear each other? Thus do We explain the signs in detail to a people who have sense.
Nay, but those who do wrong follow their own lusts without knowledge. Then who will guide him whom Allah has sent astray? And for such there will be no helpers.
So set you (O Muhammad) your face towards the religion (of pure Islamic Monotheism) Hanif (worship none but Allah Alone), Allah’s Fitrah (i.e. Allah’s Islamic Monotheism), with which He has created mankind. No change let there be in the religion of Allah (i.e. to join none in worship with Allah). That is the straight religion, but most men know not.