Pre-Maal Hijrah: A spiritual revelation of a reflection (yet again)

(work of Noraini, taken from norainigallery.blogspot.com)

Beautifully embroidered or artistically painted ayahs from surah At-talaq (verses 2 and 3) in frames is a common sight on walls of shops (my butcher has it on his wall!), offices and homes of

Muslims. To the Malays, it is also known as Ayat Seribu Dinar, literally translated: Ayah of A Thousand Dinar, i.e. ayahs which promises you a wealth of rezq.

the ayah engraved on a pendant


In actual fact, the ayah is best used to decorate our hearts and souls, instead of just our walls. I don't see any harm putting it up for decoration, just like there are charts and tables in the classroom walls - for us to read the ayah in ease (provided that we do read them whole-heartedly), and be reminded of the meaning (for people like me who doesn't speak Arabic, but understands a little):

And for those who fear Allah, He prepares a way out.

And He provides for him from where he does not reckon. And whoever puts trust in Allah, so Allah is sufficient for him. Surely Allah will accomplish His purpose. And Allah has set a measure for all things.

From Tafsir Ibn Kathir, here, the end part of verse 2 and the whole of verse 3 surah At-talaq simply means:
Whoever has Taqwa of Allah in what He has commanded and avoids what He has forbidden, then Allah will make a way out for him from every difficulty and will provide for him from resources he never anticipated or thought about... Allah will execute His decisions and judgement that He made for him, in whatever way He wills and chooses

*****

At times of difficulty, sometimes the heart aches and the mind is boggled. Yet, the only thing that keeps me in control and sane is the faith in the Almighty. After decades, only now do I understand what my ustazah and ustaz were talking and preaching about; after the numerous notes I scribbled on vertically folded foolscap paper of the definitions of the main essence of Ad-deen, and the loads of lectures I attended or heard over the radio or TV while nodding vigorously. Only now do they each fall into place! Praise the Lord!

If the Deen is the ultimate way of life so perfect and flawless, then the three aspects that fall under it should be embraced to the fullest. Whilst Islam is expressed through the 5 pillars, Imaan is the submission of oneself to the Almighty, believing in His greatness in everything. Ihsan, on the other hand, is worshipping Allah as if we can see Him, and although we may not, He can certainly see us, His humble servants. These are gnostic knowledge that charms the blessed soul.

The lessons I have learnt in my life for the past year are things that I bring along with me through my journey towards the Hereafter. They were not encounters that should be marked and filed in my database, lest I nonchalantly breeze through the next episodes of my life chanting the cliche, "Life goes on..." The wonderful people I met, the vast opportunities He gave, the bitter moments I tasted, the pits I fell into, and the turmoil of emotions I succumbed to, are life experiences that are valuable but left out from my CV.

On this trying journey, I find myself trudging along the lonely path - often shouting HELP to deaf ears that I'm thinking whether it is I who have gone mute? To Him I surrender, and to Him do I trust. And here, I am reflecting and repenting to Him for all the sins done... Alhamdulillah, He has chosen to test me again and again, and I will continue being tested. His glory and wisdom proves that He wishes not to see me being carried away by the comfort of worldly contentment. I know. And I am blessed with feelings of redha.

I marvel at how much truth has been unravelled, that He loves me endlessly by never giving up on me and allowing me more than a mere second chance. :)

PS: Although this entry may sound melancholic, I am in a very peaceful and calm state, Alhamdulillah.