Universal Truce

It’s easy to misread the tone of the Qur’an, especially when it speaks about hell and what leads people there. Because the Qur’an is the final, unchanged revelation from Allah, many of us already carry a natural awe and seriousness toward it. And while that respect is necessary, it can also make some feel intimidated. As if picking up the Qur’an or reading just one verse will immediately demand something they’re not ready to face. As if opening the Book is like signing into something permanent they can’t walk away from.

That hesitation is real—and it's one of the most common tactics of Shaytan. He knows how to prey on those vulnerable moments when we’re reflecting, questioning, or considering turning back to Allah. He doesn't need to convince someone to reject faith outright—just enough fear or hesitation is enough to keep them stuck. That cycle of pondering, then pulling back, is familiar to many of us.

But Allah already knows this about us. That’s part of why He sent guidance in the first place—across generations, through different nations, in every form of language and leadership. We’re all the children of Adam. But in the Qur’an, Allah also makes the Children of Israel witnesses to the first book, the Torah—placing on them, and by extension humanity, the responsibility of remembering how divine guidance has always come and how it’s been treated over time.

So when Allah speaks firmly in the Qur’an, it’s not a tone of harsh control or random punishment. It’s a tone that comes after generations of watching how we respond to truth—how we negotiate, twist, delay, or outright ignore it. The Qur’an doesn’t say, “There’s Hell because life is a trick.” It’s saying something more truthful and more direct: “There is Hell because turning away from divine instruction, especially when you know better, has consequences—because that’s how the spiritual reality works.”

It’s not an emotional punishment. It’s just cause and effect.

Think of it like constantly being presented with two doors. One opens to good. One opens to harm. The Qur’an teaches us how to recognize which is which. But Shaytan makes the harmful door look easier—quicker, more appealing, more satisfying in the moment. And we often defend it because it gives us temporary relief or pleasure. But it’s the door that takes the most from us, often silently.

Meanwhile, Allah doesn’t say: “If you make a mistake, I’ll punish you immediately.” No. His mercy is vast. His patience is unmatched. He knows when you’re sincerely trying. He knows when you’re lost but still curious. He knows when you want to return but aren’t sure how. And His guidance doesn’t come to shame you—it comes to empower you with clarity.

Allah doesn’t need us to defend His message. He’s not asking us to become public speakers or religious experts. He sent the Qur’an so that we could defend ourselves—from what hurts us, from what confuses us, from what distances us from who we were created to be.

He gave us a Book that speaks a universal truth no matter the century or the culture. And His tone isn't there to trap us but remind us of the door that always leads back to Him.

I’ve been misunderstood plenty of times in my life, but one situation that stands out recently was when I was admitted to a mental ward—not because I posed any harm to myself or others, but because I conveyed a message. The Quran elaborates that anyone following Allah's guidance and the Prophets way of life can be misperceived. The essence is proclaiming the connection with Allah in an unseen entity. 

I shared a truth in following Allah's guidance. The type of message that doesn't come from casual reflection but from deep spiritual alignment. I don't hear voices in my head nor do I see visions. The revelations are from having a deeper understanding of the Quran's verses in metaphor--With Allah's guidance according to the context of my circumstances. So upon being questioned-- I referenced Allahs revelations has also attracted higher authority, like the FBI's involvement and that alone triggered the assumption that I was experiencing delusions of grandeur. 

I take responsibility for the weight of what I shared. It’s not an everyday message. It’s not something random. And I would never play with the Qur’an or use Allah’s words in vain. Even the thought of that is wrong on so many levels. But I also know that Allah doesn’t let His servants walk blindly. I understood that the doctors were doing their job based on what they know. I knew this situation was unique, and that they would need time to truly reflect on it.

They placed me on a 72-hour hold. During that time, I sat with all kinds of women—each struggling with their own mental health battles. But as the third day approached, they were still insisting that I was delusional. And honestly, nothing I said mattered at that point. Even if I placed undeniable proof on the table, I was in the ward now, and they weren’t going to let me go without feeling like they had the upper hand. That was something many of them had already decided behind the scenes. Keeping me detained was a way to "sedate" the message. 

The irony is, the FBI already knew I was focused on spiritual sedation—holding proof my spiritual work brought the peace. But the staff in the ward didn’t want to hear that. Their energy was more like, “Hold on—you’re not going anywhere until you sing the blues.”

They wanted to put me on medication even though my assessment went great and I was responding authentically and comfortably. So I refused the medication and defended my stance. Bottom line is it falls under freedom of speech. And I never posed danger to myself or others. 

But they clung to their code of principles, suppressing the essence of the situation. They ended up taking me to medical court. And by then, I could tell the court had already been briefed. The doctor gave them the rundown, because everything about the way they approached me proved they weren’t interested in starting from zero. They weren’t interested in why I was there—they just wanted to enforce protocol. 

So I was cornered and they ordered medication based on a misdiagnosis. And the medication lowered my already low blood pressure. It was a terrible move—especially for someone like me who doesn’t even take capsules from vitamins. I’ve always leaned toward natural healing—Chinese herbs, food, spiritual alignment. I don’t believe in suppressing symptoms. I search for the root. I believe in curing, not coping. The medication wasn't good at all.

The worst part? My assessment went very well. I was articulate, coherent, stable. But they overrode that too. But they had to work ona solution because they stuck to the original reason for my detainment. They didn’t treat a symptom or try to understand the actual concern. Instead, they attempted to provoke an episode by misreading my devotion, as if I was just a desperate woman fasting, away from her kids, desperate for God's forgiveness. They also tried to use my remembrance of Allah to strengthen their case. As if asking spiritual questions about worship as proof of mental instability. Even though they had confirmation that the FBI was already aware of my case, and that my intentions were rooted in peace.

We don’t need to keep treating those who speak sincerely about Allah’s message as if they’re a threat to be silenced. Allah is already making it clear—this is a message meant for all of us. And when He chooses to uncover what’s false, no system or structure can stand in the way.

Instead of turning to labels, control, or division, maybe it’s time we pause and reflect on why the truth feels unsettling. Perhaps it’s not the truth that’s the problem, but what it asks us to let go of. And in that discomfort, there’s an opportunity—not for conflict, but for clarity. Because the Quran is cool once you open your heart for the truth, you'll learn it was never supposed to be perceived the way people make it out to seem. 

In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

O you who believe! Do not put yourselves forward before Allah and His Messenger, and fear Allah. Verily! Allah is All-Hearing, All-Knowing.

O you who believe! Raise not your voices above the voice of the Prophet, nor speak aloud to him in talk as you speak aloud to one another, lest your deeds should be rendered fruitless while you perceive not.

Verily, those who lower their voices in the presence of Allah's Messenger, they are the ones whose hearts Allah has tested for piety. For them is forgiveness and a great reward.

Verily, those who call you from behind the dwellings, most of them have no sense.

And if they had patience till you could come out to them, it would have been better for them. And Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.

O you who believe! If a Fasiq (liar — evil person) comes to you with any news, verify it, lest you should harm people in ignorance, and afterwards you become regretful for what you have done.

And know that among you there is the Messenger of Allah. If he were to obey you in many matters, you would surely be in trouble, but Allah has endeared the Faith to you and has beautified it in your hearts, and has made disbelief, wickedness and disobedience hateful to you. Such are they who are the rightly guided.

(A grace) from Allah and His Favour. And Allah is All-Knowing, All-Wise.

And if two parties or groups among the believers fall to fighting, then make peace between them both. But if one of them rebels against the other, then fight you all against the one that which rebels till it complies with the Command of Allah. Then if it complies, then make reconciliation between them justly, and be equitable. Verily! Allah loves those who are equitable.

The believers are nothing else than brothers. So make reconciliation between your brothers, and fear Allah, that you may receive mercy.

O you who believe! Let not a group scoff at another group, it may be that the latter are better than the former; nor let (some) women scoff at other women, it may be that the latter are better than the former; nor defame one another, nor insult one another by nicknames. How bad is it to insult one's brother after having Faith. And whosoever does not repent, then such are indeed Zalimun (wrong-doers).

O you who believe! Avoid much suspicion; indeed some suspicions are sins. And spy not, neither backbite one another. Would one of you like to eat the flesh of his dead brother? You would hate it (so hate backbiting). And fear Allah. Verily, Allah is the One Who forgives and accepts repentance, Most Merciful.

O mankind! We have created you from a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, that you may know one another. Verily, the most honourable of you with Allah is that (believer) who has At-Taqwa (piety). Verily, Allah is All-Knowing, All-Aware.

The bedouins say: "We believe." Say: "You believe not but you only say, 'We have surrendered (in Islam),' for Faith has not yet entered your hearts. But if you obey Allah and His Messenger, He will not decrease anything in reward for your deeds. Verily, Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful."

Only those are the believers who have believed in Allah and His Messenger, and afterward doubt not but strive with their wealth and their lives for the Cause of Allah. Those! They are the truthful.

Say: "Will you inform Allah about your religion while Allah knows all that is in the heavens and all that is in the earth, and Allah is All-Knowing of everything

By those winds that scatter dust.
And those clouds that bear heavy weight of water.
And those ships that float with ease and grace.
And those angels who distribute provisions by Allah's Command.

Verily, that which you are promised is surely true.
And verily, the Recompense is sure to happen.
By the heaven full of paths.
Certainly, you have different ideas about the truth.
Turned aside therefrom is he who is turned aside.
Woe to the liars,
Who are under a cover of heedlessness.
They ask: "When will be the Day of Recompense?"
(It will be) a Day when they will be tried over the Fire!
"Taste you your trial! This is what you used to ask to be hastened!"

Verily, the Muttaqun (the pious) will be in the midst of Gardens and Springs,
Taking joy in the things which their Lord has given them. Verily, they were before this Muhsinun (good-doers).
They used to sleep but little by night.
And in the hours before dawn, they were (found) asking (Allah) for forgiveness.
And in their properties there was the right of the beggar, and the poor who does not ask others.

And on the earth are signs for those who have Faith with certainty.
And also in your own selves. Will you not then see?
And in the heaven is your provision, and that which you are promised.
Then by the Lord of the heaven and the earth, it is the truth, just as you can speak.

Has the story reached you, of the honored guests of Ibrahim?
When they came in to him and said: "Salam (peace)!" He answered: "Salam," and said: "You are a people unknown to me."
Then he turned to his household, and brought out a roasted calf.
And placed it before them, (saying): "Will you not eat?"
Then he conceived a fear of them. They said: "Fear not." And they gave him glad tidings of a son having knowledge.
Then his wife came forward with a loud voice: she smote her face, and said: "A barren old woman!"

They said: "Even so says your Lord. Verily, He is the All-Wise, the All-Knower."
(Ibrahim) said: "Then for what purpose have you come, O Messengers?"
They said: "We have been sent to a people who are Mujrimun (criminals),
To send down upon them stones of baked clay,
Marked by your Lord for those who trespass beyond bounds."
So We brought out from therein the believers.
But We found not there any household of the Muslims except one [the family of Lout].
And We have left there a sign for those who fear the painful torment.

And in Musa (Moses) too (there is a sign), when We sent him to Fir'aun (Pharaoh) with a manifest authority.
But he turned away along with his hosts, and said: "A sorcerer, or a madman."
So We took him and his hosts, and dumped them into the sea, while he was blameworthy.

And in 'Ad (there is also a sign), when We sent against them the barren wind.
It spared nothing that it reached, but blew it into broken spreads of rotten ruins.

And in Thamud (there is also a sign), when they were told: "Enjoy yourselves for a while!"
But they insolently defied the Command of their Lord, so the thunderbolt seized them while they were looking.
Then they were unable to rise up, nor could they help themselves.

And (so were) the people of Nuh (Noah) before them. Verily, they were a people who were rebellious.

With power did We construct the heaven. Verily, We are Able to extend the vastness of space thereof.
And We have spread out the earth: how Excellent Spreader (thereof) are We!
And of everything We have created pairs, that you may remember (the Grace of Allah).

So flee to Allah. Verily, I am a plain warner to you from Him.
And set not up (or worship) any other god along with Allah. Verily, I (Muhammad) am a plain warner to you from Him.

Likewise, no Messenger came to those before them but they said: "A sorcerer or a madman!"
Have they transmitted this saying to these (pagans)? Nay, they are themselves a people transgressing beyond bounds!
So turn away (O Muhammad) from them, you are not blamed.
And remind (them), for verily, the reminding profits the believers.

And I created not the jinn and mankind except that they should worship Me (Alone).
I seek not any provision from them nor do I ask that they should feed Me.
Verily, Allah is the All-Provider, Owner of Power, the Most Strong.
And verily, for those who do wrong, there is a portion of torment like the portion of their fellows, so let them not ask Me to hasten it.
Then woe to those who disbelieve from their Day which they have been promised.