Straight Path to Peace
In a world full of distractions and temptations, the call to remain firm in one's faith is more relevant than ever. At the heart of this journey lies a profound concept encapsulated in the Arabic term "istaqammu," meaning steadfastness or remaining firm. Allah (swt) assures those who say, "Our Lord is Allah" and then remain steadfast (istaqammu) that the angels will descend upon them with the promise of no fear or grief and the glad tidings of Paradise.
In the midst of life’s trials, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and lost, especially when our struggles seem invisible to those around us. As we walk the path, facing deep, personal challenges that only our connection with Allah (swt) could guide us through. It is during these moments of hardship that we can find ourselves searching for answers that are beyond the surface of our daily lives.
My journey toward the truth and deepening my faith in Allah (swt) began during one of the most challenging periods of my life. After the passing of my father, I found myself grappling with a struggle that was invisible to everyone but me. Despite the outward demands of life—caring for my children and family, and managing the household—I knew deep down that my connection with Allah (swt) was my lifeline, and I had to strive harder to understand the trials I was facing.
In October 2021, I took a screenshot of a verse from the Quran that marked the beginning of this journey: "Is he who was dead and We gave him life and made for him light by which to walk among the people like one who is in darkness, never to emerge therefrom?" (Quran 6:122). Initially, this verse was hard for me to understand, but as I continued to reflect on it, it began to resonate deeply, revealing that there was much more to learn beyond the usual busyness of life. I realized that my rushed prayers and attempts to move from one task to the next were not fulfilling my spiritual needs.
As I began to lengthen my prayers and spend more time making dua, a subtle change was introduced—I started waking up at 2:30 a.m. randomly, which prompted me to pray Tahajjud. This became a natural part of my routine, so I embraced this quiet time, pouring my heart out to Allah (swt) and seeking answers to my personal struggles. The quiet morning hours allowed me to slow down, take my time in Salah, dua and truly connect with Allah (swt).
The real testimony of my strengthened iman came in Ramadan 2023 when I had a dream that felt divinely implanted, leading me to wear the niqab. From a Muslim and American perspective, this was a challenging decision, but I had already placed my trust in Allah’s guidance, and I didn’t want to jeopardize my faith. Wearing the niqab has taught me profound lessons about Allah’s protection—not in the fabric itself, but in the commitment to His unseen protection that it symbolizes.
Though this journey has been challenging, I continued to place my trust in Allah (swt), regardless of what others have assumed, knowing that He writes our story and has always been there for me during times of loss and hardship. It has greatly strengthened my connection with the Quran and deepened my iman in ways I never could have anticipated.
Sharing my story isn't just about seeking personal comfort; it's about understanding that as Muslims, we each have a role in the larger picture, fulfilling our duty to believe in Him alone. If you reflect on your situation and the changes you've experienced over the years, you can draw a parallel between this crisis and the struggles our Prophets faced when they were tested by Allah (swt) in their faith and the delivery of His message. Through our individual journeys, we also contribute to the collective good and as we work together to achieve peace, we also help each other navigate the bigger picture that we’re all a part of.
A Perspective of Allah’s Higher Wisdom
The story of Prophet Yunus is unique and reflective on many levels, particularly in situations where one feels stuck or as if every effort has been in vain. But what truly led him to be cast into the belly of the whale? It wasn’t simply the impatience or anger he felt towards the rebellious people who rejected his message, prompting him to flee the city and board a ship. While it might seem like a dramatic reaction as we focus on the rejection of the people, the deeper issue lies in the fact that, as a prophet, Yunus allowed the people of Nineveh to cause him to doubt himself. This kind of doubt is frowned upon for a prophet. Allah mentions that Yunus was blameworthy, not because of the people's rebellion, but because he fled the city and boarded the ship, thinking he could escape by disregarding Allah's prior guidance. His self-doubt led him to give up, but Allah knew better and enveloped him in three layers of darkness, because Yunus, as a prophet, knew better than to surrender to despair.
Now, let's draw a parallel between your experience as a collective, a community, and a cause, with the story of Prophet Yunus. His preaching can be similar to your once stable lives, while his reaction—fleeing the city and boarding the ship amidst a fierce storm—mirrors your struggle to save your lives and getting caught in the belly of the whale is like the resources you're using to fight for your lives. Each time you've encountered a storm conflict, it’s as if the whale holding you dives even deeper into the sea, signaling that Allah desires something different from you—a new approach, a different protocol, and a shift in perspective. This is why there is possibly a higher wisdom behind why this continues to happen.
The wisdom behind Prophet Yunus's dua centers on the themes of regret and accountability, emphasizing that even in the depths of darkness and solitude, Allah knows how events will unfold based on our true intentions. In that darkness, we can reflect on how Allah allowed this to happen because Yunus let the control of doubt lead him into the belly of the whale, rather than allowing the sufficiency of Allah’s lighted path to grant him the patience needed for his people. This is also why there might be a deeper reason why you’re at the heart of this challenge.
In these turbulent times, our thoughts can become overwhelmed, causing us to lose sight of our abilities and the larger purpose we are meant to serve. Just as Prophet Yunus eventually emerged with a deeper understanding, these challenges remind us to trust in Allah’s plan and the growth that comes through enduring difficult moments.
ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ وَتَطۡمَئِنُّ قُلُوبُهُم بِذِكۡرِ ٱللَّهِۗ أَلَا بِذِكۡرِ ٱللَّهِ تَطۡمَئِنُّ ٱلۡقُلُوبُ
“Those who believe (in the Oneness of Allah – Islamic Monotheism), and whose hearts find rest in the remembrance of Allah, Verily, in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find rest.”
"وَمِنْ حَيْثُ خَرَجْتَ فَوَلِّ وَجْهَكَ شَطْرَ ٱلْمَسْجِدِ ٱلْحَرَامِ ۖ وَإِنَّهُۥ لَلْحَقُّ مِن رَّبِّكَ ۗ وَمَا ٱللَّهُ بِغَـٰفِلٍ عَمَّا تَعْمَلُونَ" ١٤٩
“For every nation, there is a direction it turns toward. So strive to excel in all that is good. Wherever you are, Allah will gather you all together for judgment. Truly, Allah has power over all things.” 2:148
This verse suggests that while we may each face different circumstances, we are all still obligated to follow the deen.
The Structure of the Quran: A Journey of Faith
The Quran was revealed over a span of 23 years, and while the full wisdom behind this gradual process may elude us, it is evident that Allah, through His names and attributes, took time and patience in delivering His rulings, taking into account the way humanity was already struggling with injustice.
Injustice lies at the heart of all laws, which is why the Quran is fundamentally designed toward justice, with peace as its central theme. However, this peace is not merely a superficial concept where we fulfill the five pillars and consider our duty complete. Rather, it is a profound peace that we gradually attain as we embed the Quran within our hearts, verse by verse, realizing that our journey is vast and cannot be confined to a simple framework.
In Surah Az-Zumar, Allah (swt) tells us that He has revealed the most beautiful message in the form of a book, the Quran, which He states is a truth for all of mankind. These stories are not meant for a specific group but for all of humanity, reminding us that we each carry our individual responsibility and that no one else can bear our duty to Him. Therefore, it is our responsibility to create the connection we need and want with Him, as an ongoing test of both our patience and intentions.
Allah (swt) also tells us that He could have made us all one nation, unified in belief and practice. However, He chose instead to test us with the revelation of the Quran and the teachings of Islam, allowing us to navigate our lives with the choices and free will He has granted us. This test is not a burden but a divine opportunity to race towards what we inherently know is good for us, to grow spiritually, and to develop our moral character.
In this world, filled with diverse paths and possibilities, our intentions are the central focus. Allah, in His wisdom, confirmed the laws of attraction with degrees according to our decree, making it clear that we are responsible for what we attract into our lives based on our intentions. Whether we attract goodness or encounter trials, it is either a reward for our positive intentions or a lesson in the consequences of our misjudgments.
When we are faced with recurring and ongoing challenges, it is important to stay focused on the promise that Allah (swt) is closer to us than what we may perceive as closeness: “And We have already created man and know what his soul whispers to him, and We are closer to him than [his] jugular vein.” (Qaf:16) This verse highlights how Allah swt tells us he knows what's in our hearts before we even know it and it should be taken literally.
As we embrace the Quran for lessons it also offers answers, not just in the broad themes of each chapter but in the specific verses that resonate with our hearts. It is a living guide that speaks to us directly, verse by verse, in the context of our unique needs and struggles. By reading it with intention and understanding, we can uncover the solutions we need and find the strength to persevere. Each verse holds wisdom that pertains to our individual lives. This realization shifted my perspective that we each have a responsibility to seek out our path, to find our way through our struggles, and to align ourselves with the provision of His will.
The Pursuit of Knowledge in Gratitude, Righteousness, and Protection
The Quran begins and ends with a profound emphasis on our dependence on Allah. The first surah revealed by Allah (swt) was Surah Al-Alaq, which opens with the verse: "Read, ˹O Prophet,˺ in the Name of your Lord Who created."
In contrast, the final chapter revealed was Surah Al-Nasr, expressing Allah's continued support. The word "Nasr" means help, and within this short surah, Allah (swt) pairs "Nasr" with "Fatih," which signifies victory.
In the present order of the Quran that we read today, the first chapter is Surah Al-Fatiha, which encourages gratitude and focuses on the path of righteousness. The last surah, Surah Al-Nas, calls upon us to seek Allah’s protection from negative influences, which is elaborative throughout the Quran.
Together, these surahs reflect the natural cycle of living with faith: beginning with the pursuit of knowledge in the Quran, moving through the challenges we face with Allah’s support, and continuously seeking His guidance and protection. This serves as a reminder that our journey in life is guided by His wisdom, from beginning to end.
Choosing Allah’s Lighted Path
In Surah Al-Ghafir, Allah (swt) shares the stories of the messengers to guide us through their experiences and teach us profound lessons. These stories are not limited to a specific time or people but are meant for all of humanity, offering timeless wisdom and guidance. In our salawat, we stand, prostrate, and conclude by sending our compliments and salams to Allah (swt), Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), and Prophet Ibrahim (pbuh).
This affirmation establishes a continuous perspective: recognizing Allah (swt) as our ultimate source, Prophet Ibrahim as the foundation of our spiritual lineage, and Prophet Muhammad as the final messenger who exemplified Muslim service to Allah, leaving a lasting legacy for all humanity.
In Surah Al-An'am (6:131-132), Allah (swt) reminds us that patience is essential for good intentions to bear fruit. All of Allah’s Prophets have demonstrated this in their lives, showing that through the process of patience, Allah reveals His signs, giving us the time to understand and earn the path of truth. The challenges faced by Prophets Muhammad (pbuh) and Moses (pbuh), such as illiteracy and difficulty in speech, made their missions more challenging because people often judge based on superficial circumstances. However, these very challenges also sharpened their senses, making them more receptive to Allah’s inspiration.
“O you who have believed, fear Allah and believe in His Messenger; He will [then] give you a double portion of His mercy and make for you a light by which you will walk and forgive you; and Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.”
Prerequisites for Angelic Presence
The main goal is to remove any barriers between you and the higher-ranking angels that are essential for your protection and guidance. Allah (swt) hints at and elaborates on their role throughout the Quran, such as in Surah Al-Saffat:
Verses 1-10, particularly verse 8: “They cannot listen to the highest assembly ˹of angels˺ for they are pelted from every side.”
In the second verse He expresses their patrolling nature: “and those who diligently drive ˹the clouds˺,” it highlights that angels are a significant source of positive force in our guidance.
This guidance is closely related to purification, wudu, and nafs (soul), where our intentions are intertwined with these aspects. This connection also brings into focus the importance of avoiding impermissible consumptions, or the distinction between halal and haram. Angels have specific criteria for where they can be present, and a simple way to understand this is by considering how it is impermissible to keep a dog in the house or to consume intoxicants.
These guidelines in our service to Allah are not meant to restrict us for the sake of restriction, but rather to help us understand that being exposed to or involved in impermissible consumptions or environments creates barriers between us and Allah, His angels, His signs, etc.
Allah (swt) is fully aware of our efforts and emphasizes this throughout the Quran. For instance, in Surah Al-Anfal, He says:
“˹Remember˺ when you cried out to your Lord for help, He answered, ‘I will reinforce you with a thousand angels—followed by many others.’”
Similarly, in Surah Al-Imran, it is stated:
“[Remember] when you said to the believers, ‘Is it not sufficient for you that your Lord should reinforce you with three thousand angels sent down?’”
Surah Yasin (36:62) tells us that humanity was already steeped in corruption and mischief at the time of the Quran’s revelation. Yet, through the Quran’s guidance, Allah (swt) sends aid from the heavens, like the angels, to help rectify our affairs.
This proves our limited understanding of the unseen world (alam al-ghaib) and the Quran principles of natural law. Also in Surah Yasin, the natural cycle of life is described: the sun does not overtake the moon, nor can the night outpace the day—each element in creation follows its ordained path, reflecting the balance and justice in Allah’s design.
In Surah Al Baqarah, verse 210 “Do they then wait for anything other than that Allah should come to them in the shadows of the clouds and the angels? (Then) the case would be already judged. And to Allah return all matters (for decision).” Allah swt describes how human nature wants proof of His Message here but the background meaning shows that His presence is accompanied by Angels as well.
Surah Fussilat or Ha-Meem, further explains the nature of a true believer, one who submits to Allah’s will. In verse 30, the term "Istaqammu" suggests that the more a person remains steadfast, the more angels are sent to assist them, creating a better environment for them. Here, the importance of intention and patience becomes clear. Through patience and perseverance, one can repel evil and transform former adversaries into friends. This emphasizes that following Allah’s (swt) guidance shields us from harm and that by achieving high moral character, we set ourselves to be freed from our enemies.
The Power of Niyyah: Setting the Intention for Peace
In Surah Al-Hashr, Allah (swt) reminds us that any actions we take against our enemies are ultimately subject to His judgment. This teaches us that we cannot use the mistreatment of others as an excuse to violate the boundaries Allah has set for us. Furthermore, it encourages us not to focus on these enemies more than our faith (iman), as harboring hatred—even within our own community—can lead to discord. Following this verse, Allah (swt) highlights a dua (supplication) to protect us from such negative feelings:
"Our Lord, forgive us and our brothers who preceded us in faith and do not place any resentment in our hearts toward those who have believed. Our Lord, indeed You are Kind and Merciful."
Additionally, Allah (swt) suggests that the challenges we face may appear strong, but they are ultimately weak. The surah also reminds us to focus on what we have sent forth for tomorrow, meaning to maintain our self-awareness and service to Him. By doing so, Allah (swt) concludes the surah by mentioning His names and attributes as He reassures us with His abilities.
Relying on Our Guardian: The Essence of Trust
The theme of Surah Al-Isra (also known as Surah Bani Isra'il) is that Allah (swt) reminds us that He is our Guardian and the one who manages all affairs. He instructs us on maintaining this connection by encouraging practices such as the Tahajjud prayer and reciting the Quran at Fajr. These actions invite angels that are set to bear witness and advocate for the improvement of our daily lives. The more we are intouch with the Quran, the more Allah (swt) advances our vision and perspective, instilling in us the understanding that His wisdom and commands may have reasons beyond our comprehension but subject to our efforts.
Another verse in this surah states: "Say, 'Each works according to his manner, but your Lord is most knowing of who is best guided in way.” In this verse, Allah (swt) declares he has unique expectations for each of us, as indicated by the word "Shaklatihi," which refers to differences in preference, perspective, and experience. He then concludes Surah Al-Isra by encouraging our deepening of faith and reminding us to call upon Him by His names for help, Inshallah.
Withdrawing to the Cave: Deepening our Focus
We can draw parallels between the lessons from Surah Al-Kahf and the recent measures taken to protect ourselves during the coronavirus outbreak. The surah's guidance on dealing with difficulties is illustrated through the story of the People of the Cave, who were believers. Allah (swt) strengthened their hearts and granted them patience, allowing them to withdraw for His sake, trusting that He would protect them and guide them towards the truth. Allah reminds us that He knows best and is our Protector (Wali). Similarly, the hidden aspects of the virus were unpredictable and posed a threat to our well-being. This safety protocol can be compared to trusting Allah’s verses, which emphasize our limited knowledge of the unseen (alam al-ghaib) and the importance of avoiding influences that don’t lead to positive outcomes.
In verse 45 of Surah Al-Kahf, Allah describes rain and vegetation as the results of human effort, yet they eventually wither and scatter due to natural processes and human actions. This verse can symbolize the imbalance we create when our actions are out of context, as we focus on the concept of free will and the imbalances we impose, knowingly or unknowingly.
At the end of Surah Al-Kahf, Allah introduces Dhul-Qarnain, a man blessed with authority and resources to fulfill his mission. With Allah’s guidance, Dhul-Qarnain acquired both wisdom and strength, enabling him to construct a barrier against Gog and Magog. While Gog and Magog symbolize the hidden, negative forces that drive adverse events, Dhul-Qarnain's strength and influence by Allah (swt) were sufficient to shield himself from fear and negativity.
This is why reciting Surah Al-Kahf on Fridays is recommended, as it illuminates Allah's light of guidance from one Friday to the next. The surah’s stories and wisdom provide relatable examples of how to maintain faith and trust in Allah, with Dhul-Qarnain serving as a model of someone who succeeds by following Allah's guidance.
“He gives wisdom to whom He wills, and whoever has been given wisdom has certainly been given much good. And none will remember except those of understanding.” Quran 2:269
The Conscious Choice: Intending Peace in All Actions
In Surah Al Nisa, Allah tells us O believers! Obey Allah and obey the Messenger and those in authority among you. Should you disagree on anything, then refer it to Allah and His Messenger, if you ˹truly˺ believe in Allah and the Last Day. This is the best and fairest resolution.
“O Children of Israel, remember My favor which I have bestowed upon you and that I preferred you over the worlds.” (2:122)
Allah (swt) doesn’t wait for us to simply notice His signs; instead, He waits for us to actively seek them out. He gently reminds us to keep our tawakkul (trust in Allah) strong, sometimes testing us with confusion or ambiguity to truly measure the depth of our intentions.
As reflected in the dua from Surah Al-Qasas, "Rabbi inni maghlooban fantasir," meaning, "My Lord, indeed I am overpowered, so help me," we are reminded that facing unfair circumstances is a part of life. This dua also emphasizes that during such times, Allah expects us to make a responsible effort, relying on His aid while taking action.
In Surah Al-Maida, verse 11, Allah (swt) promises His protection, even when others seek to harm us, reminding us that He can withhold their hands and keep us safe. This assurance is echoed in Surah Al-An’aam, where Allah states that those who believe and align their lives with His guidance will neither fear nor grieve, while those who reject His signs will face consequences.
Together, these verses teach us that true freedom lies in trusting our iman (faith) and striving for ihsan (excellence in character and actions). When we place our trust in Allah and live according to His teachings, we are liberated from fear and sorrow, knowing that He is our ultimate protector.
“That is Allah , your Lord; there is no deity except Him, the Creator of all things, so worship Him. And He is the Disposer of all things.” (6:102)
As believers, we must strive to make our future history better than our past. It is our actions today that shape tomorrow's outcomes. To form a change, we must start with simple and easy steps that don’t overwhelm our ability, but it is important to remember that nothing is easy in difficult situations unless Allah (swt) provides aid.
To create a positive environment and invite the presence of angels, focus on practices that strengthen your connection with Allah, inshallah. Here’s a straightforward list of tasks to help build a different approach to survival and protection:
Pray Tahajjud Regularly: Perform the Tahajjud prayer as it is a time when the blessings and mercy of Allah are abundant. This act of devotion strengthens your connection with Allah and invites the presence of angels.
Keep the Quran Close: Make it a habit to keep the Quran close to you and engage with it regularly. Its presence and recitation create the environment that attracts angels.
Recite the Quran from Fajr: Start your day by reciting the Quran after the Fajr prayer. This not only sets a positive tone for the day but also invites the blessings and protection of angels throughout your daily activities.
Recite the Quran Out Loud: Recite the Quran aloud during your recitations, especially at home, as the sound of the Quran is believed to repel negative influences and attract angels.
Commit to Daily Adhkar and Dua: Incorporate daily Adhkar (remembrance of Allah) and dua (supplications) in the morning and evening. This regular practice helps maintain a constant connection with Allah, where you prove your trust in Him and He builds your trust in Him even more.
Add More Sunnah Acts: Incorporate additional Sunnah practices into your daily routine, such as offering extra prayers, following the Prophet’s recommended behaviors, and observing Sunnah fasting. These acts attract the blessings and presence of angels.
Praying as One: The Power of Collective Peace
During Salat al-Juma'ah, the Friday prayer, holds a special place in the heart of Islam, not just as a weekly obligation but as a profound symbol of unity, blessings, and renewal of our Iman. When Muslims gather for this Friday prayer, it symbolizes the power of unity and the blessings that come from coming together with a shared purpose. It reminds us that while individual worship is vital, there is exceptional spiritual strength and connection in gathering as an Ummah.
The positive impact of these practices as a whole community can be compared to the unity experienced during the gathering of prayer. When believers come together to pray to Allah (swt), it manifests a strong and peaceful collective effort of inviting Allah’s blessings of aid and safety, which is the essence of enhancing the peace we are all seeking Inshallah.
“Or do you think that you will enter Paradise while such [trial] has not yet come to you as came to those who passed on before you? They were touched by poverty and hardship and were shaken until [even their] messenger and those who believed with him said,"When is the help of Allah ?" Unquestionably, the help of Allah is near.”
وَإِذَا سَأَلَكَ عِبَادِي عَنِّي فَإِنِّي قَرِيبٌ ۖ أُجِيبُ دَعْوَةَ ٱلدَّاعِ إِذَا دَعَانِ ۖ فَلْيَسْتَجِيبُوا۟ لِي وَلْيُؤْمِنُوا۟ بِي لَعَلَّهُمْ يَرْشُدُونَ
English Transliteration: Wa idhā sa'alaka 'ibādī 'annī fa innī qarīb; ujību da'wata d-dā'i idhā da'ān. Falyastajībū lī wal yu'minū bī la'allahum yarshudūn.
"And when My servants ask you concerning Me, indeed I am near. I respond to the invocation of the supplicant when he calls upon Me. So let them respond to Me [by obedience] and believe in Me that they may be [rightly] guided." (Quran 2:186)
وَمِنْ حَيْثُ خَرَجْتَ فَوَلِّ وَجْهَكَ شَطْرَ ٱلْمَسْجِدِ ٱلْحَرَامِ ۖ وَإِنَّهُۥ لَلْحَقُّ مِن رَّبِّكَ ۗ وَمَا ٱللَّهُ بِغَـٰفِلٍ عَمَّا تَعْمَلُونَ ١٤٩
“So from wherever you go out [for prayer, O Muhammad] turn your face toward al- Masjid al-Haram, and indeed, it is the truth from your Lord. And Allah is not unaware of what you do.”