Mokhtar Stork
Introduction
[updated]: Muslims worldwide notably those of Gaza are undergoing tremendous trials and tribulation. It is a test of faith and belief in Allah. Today, Islam is being put to the test as it was during the Prophet Muhammad’s lifetime. The genocide of Gaza is nothing short of the extermination of a people. The world has become indifferent to what is going on when they know the truth. Why has global leadership sunk so low to become even worse than an animal in the wild? Do we all not possess a conscience? Even an animal in the wild has compassion over its kind, but what we are witnessing today is beyond human decency. Why does the global leadership allow Israel to dictate how the world should be run with American support. Every UN resolution against Israel continues to be vetoed by America in support of crimes against humanity.
Trials and Tribulations
In these days of trials and tribulations, Muslims worldwide need to possess firmness of faith in Allah. Reflect upon the life of the Prophet (s.a.w.). At the time, the Prophet (s.a.w.) had to face the force of Quraish, under the leadership of Abu Jahal and Abu Lahab. Muslims then were tortured and killed at will. Even in later years when Islam was established at Makkah and Madinah, the Muslims had to face the might of Rome and Persia, but they managed to succeed. If you think that it was due to the Prophet’s presence, you are mistaken, because Prophet’s example becomes a model of how we should conduct ourselves today and in the future. It is based on pure faith and belief in Allah. To be honest, the Prophet (s.a.w.) never enjoyed a break during his whole life, so why are we complaining? Instead, we should develop firmness of faith, steadfastness and reliance in Allah. To survive, we need to give up being overly engrossed with the glitter of this deceptive life. We need to realise that firmness of faith in silence is far more better than a lot of slogans and rhetoric.
God is not the copyright of any race or community. He is the Lord of Creation and the Lord of Mankind. He created this creation and us and has a Master Plan in place. We have difficulty understanding it because as humans, we cannot think beyond our own whims and fancies.
Every retired Muslim politician still has glories of returning to power rather than repentance and reform. The whole world is consumed by greed and power, rather than servitude. As the days go by injustices go unchecked. It has produced nothing but global misery and suffering. Be assured that 'every dog will have its day' and when that day arrives, no mercy will be shown to the aggressor by Allah or by those who suffered.Generations of ill-will will foster within the hearts of man, seeking revenge. 'Even a stone will cry out,' said the Prophet (s.a.w.) in reference to a Jew hiding behind it.
A Matter of Faith and Belief in Allah
Survival and success are due to firmness of faith in Allah and His Rasul. If you are questioning Allah's presence over Gaza, be aware that the Qur’an, the revealed word of Allah to Muhammad, will never let you down. When the World Trade Building was bombed on Sept 11th 2001, Christians at the time also questioned the whereabouts of God. Seldom do people reflect upon their actions and why are they facing calamities and disasters. As such, it is natural and normal for Muslims to raise questions concerning Allah over Gaza but be assured, every innocent child or grown-up killed in Gaza is a martyr. I recall, during the COVID-19 crisis, Muslims going for Hajj or Umrah, were prepared to die, so why should any oppressed Palestinians feel abandoned or for that matter any suppressed Muslims worldwide feel the same. Allah never abandons anyone. They however, abandon Him. As for the hypocrites, they will witness their own hypocrisy.
Suffering is intended to reshape a person, a community, and a nation; to bring about resilience, steadfastness, and preparedness to face the ultimate challenge. This however, does not mean, Muslims worldwide should not respond emotionally or resort to violence. They should abide by Allah commands. Turn to Allah, develop firmness of faith, and know that justice will arrive when Allah deems it fit.
Time For Reflection
We are in the era of Dajjal. It is an era of terror, fear, intimidation and even slaughter at will. There is nothing much we can do about. Even those who ‘believe’ and who are in power are helpless out of their own doing. "It is the love of this life" that has brought about the destruction of the Ummah said the Prophet (s.a.w.).
What Muslims are going through is nothing but the reshaping of the Ummah by Allah; a time of reflection; a time to ponder over returning to the ‘Straight Path’ or continue to be humiliated and subjugated. Ever Muslim nation including its leadership, needs to take a good look at its self. Our woes will only multiply until we submit and surrender to Allah. These is no escape from this purification. Muslims as a whole need to turn to Allah inwardly and develop spiritual qualities, because it is these qualities that are going to sustain them in this era of Dajjal.
As for the non-Muslim world, it is also a matter of time before they too are consumed by their own greed, lack of justice and evil. Mankind is at a crossroads. It needs to choose between moral righteousness or to live a life of decadence. Everyone in this world including its global leadership is running out of time. We are moving towards total destruction, there is no resemblance of law and order whatsoever. The powerful rule and the weak tag along in support of such out of fear and security. The only path left open to us is to return to the path of Allah (God). [12 Aug 2025]
