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- The Ummah Needs Strong Believers
Al Salam Alaikum 🌱
Our Islamic faith encourages us to seek strength -- not just in physical terms but also emotionally, mentally, financially, and, of course, spiritually.
The Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) said, "The strong believer is better and more beloved to Allah than the weak believer, while there is good in both."
This Hadith, or saying of the Prophet (PBUH), has profoundly impacted my journey as a Faith-First Entrepreneur.
💪 Understanding the Concept of a Strong Believer
Being a strong believer involves more than just physical strength.
It's about having strong faith and conviction, emotional resilience, mental fortitude, and a never-ending pursuit of beneficial knowledge that brings us closer to our Creator.
Faith is the foundation. A strong believer has unwavering faith in God, His promises, and His plan.
This faith becomes a beacon of light in times of darkness, guiding us through life's ups and downs.
Emotional strength is about patience and perseverance.
We are taught to remain steadfast during trials and tribulations, to keep our hearts tied to God, and to maintain a positive outlook.
Mental strength is closely tied to our pursuit of beneficial knowledge. Islam encourages us to continuously seek knowledge about our faith, the world, and ourselves. This lifelong learning cultivates a strong mind, critical thinking, and better decision-making.
🕸️ The Multifaceted Strength of a Believer
The resilience of the Palestinian people in the face of genocide is a powerful embodiment of emotional and spiritual strength.
Their unwavering faith and resilience in the face of horrific challenges have actualized the concept of a strong believer.
The Palestinians continue to inspire the global Islamic community (Ummah) and beyond with their steadfast commitment to their faith, their land, and their identity, even amidst unimaginable hardships.
Their resilience serves as a beacon of hope and a testament to the potency of faith and emotional strength.
It reminds us of the profound strength of patience, perseverance, and an unwavering belief in God’s plan. Their struggle has highlighted the power of spiritual and emotional strength in overcoming adversity.
However, for the Ummah to truly thrive and carry forward the universal message of Islam, we must strive to become strong believers - not just emotionally and spiritually but also mentally, physically, and financially.
Mental strength is needed to understand, interpret, and address the complex challenges of the modern world.
A strong believer seeks knowledge continuously, fostering critical thinking and informed decision-making to guide the Ummah toward holistic growth and actual progression.
In today's world, we are constantly bombarded with distractions, many of which are a product of our times. We must possess mental strength and a strong moral compass rooted in a faith-based worldview.
This will enable us to discern the realities of our day-to-day lives and navigate the distractions to seek God’s truth and wisdom.
Physical strength is also crucial. Islam encourages caring for our health and well-being, recognizing that a healthy body is a vessel for worship and service.
Strong believers prioritizing their physical health contribute to a robust and active community that can effectively work towards communal goals.
Financial strength is equally important.
Economic stability and financial independence allow us to pay our Zakah (obligatory almsgiving), start God-centered, purpose-driven businesses, support charitable causes, alleviate hardships within our communities, and contribute to the development of the Ummah.
Financially strong believers can significantly impact the community's well-being and economic positioning, fostering a culture of generosity and mutual support.
🪴 My Personal Journey
I've always been drawn to the concept of the strong believer. It resonated with me, pushing me to strive for strength in all aspects of life. This pursuit has shaped my journey in profound ways.
A decade ago, in 2014, I took up strength training. This helped me translate my strength gains from the gym to everyday life and became a physical manifestation of the inner strength I was cultivating.
I’ll go so far as to say that all physically abled people must commit to a physical practice or program to strengthen their muscles and sharpen their minds. This commitment complements our spiritual and emotional growth, reinforcing that we must strive for strength in all aspects of life.
Developing emotional resilience has been a challenging yet rewarding part of my journey.
Life has thrown curveballs, and there were times when I felt my heart waver. But each time, I was reminded of the Prophet's words and the importance of patience and perseverance.
It's been a journey of growing, healing, and becoming more resilient.
Throughout my life, I have consumed Islamic knowledge sporadically. However, my approach towards beneficial knowledge has become more intentional and structured in the last few years. This quest for knowledge has been an enriching experience.
It has deepened my connection with God, given me a better understanding of my purpose in life, and empowered me to make informed decisions and contribute positively to the Ummah, inshAllah (God willing).
My faith has been my anchor, grounding me during storms and guiding me toward God’s path. It's been a constant reminder of the bigger picture, the divine plan we are all a part of.
🗓️ A Stronger YOU in the Last 10 Days
We are a day away from the last ten days of Ramadan, a time of increased devotion and seeking Laylatul Qadr (The Night of Decree). Now is the time to strive to end the holy month on a spiritual high.
This period aligns perfectly with the concept of being a strong believer.
As we enter these final days, we intensify our prayers, recitation of the Quran, acts of charity, and supplications. This mirrors a strong believer's emotional resilience and unwavering faith as we push ourselves to make the most of these blessed nights despite the physical fatigue that might come with them.
During these last ten days, we strive to be strong believers who persevere in worship, are more God-conscious, seek beneficial knowledge, wisdom, and comfort through the Quran, and maintain our faith despite the challenges.
Furthermore, the search for Laylatul Qadr in the last ten days epitomizes the journey of a strong believer. It's a quest filled with hope, patience, and an unwavering belief in God’s promises.
As we navigate through the last ten days of Ramadan, we strive to embody the characteristics of a strong believer.
Let's use this time to deepen our faith, strengthen our resilience, and recommit to our lifelong pursuit of beneficial knowledge.
In doing so, we can end Ramadan on a spiritual high and carry these blessings forward into the rest of the year inshAllah (God willing).
🔴 A Call to Action: Embracing Our Role in the Ummah
Let this be a rallying call, stirring all our hearts to embark on a lifelong journey towards becoming the best version of ourselves.
Our faith calls for more than personal growth; it beckons us to become pillars of strength for our families, torchbearers in our communities, and active contributors to the Ummah.
This life is not about seeking happiness or personal fulfillment.
Life is about serving a purpose greater than ourselves.
Our beloved Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) and God Himself urge us to strive towards this noble goal.
The Ummah today needs us to carry the message forward and live it in every action we take.
So, let us rise to this calling, and in doing so, may we find ourselves more beloved to God and more valuable to the Ummah we are proud to be part of.
As you prepare for the last ten nights of Ramadan, take some time to ponder and reflect on what it means to be a strong believer. Consider these self-reflection questions:
What does being a 'strong believer' mean to you personally?
How does your faith guide you during challenging times?
What actions can you take to deepen your faith and strengthen your emotional resilience?
What role does the pursuit of beneficial knowledge play in your life as a believer?
How can you carry the spiritual high of Ramadan through to the rest of the year?
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