Our Mashā’ikh have stressed repeatedly that it is impossible to attain peace and security through disobeying Allah Ta’ala جل جلاله. If we hold fast onto the protective shield of Taqwa, we will be enveloped by merciful conditions whereas if we give in to the desires of the Nafs, we will certainly be taken to task sooner or later.
We deceive ourselves when punishment is withheld and forget the power of retribution of Allah Ta’ala جل جلاله. Furthermore, we expect to be forgiven when we deliberately commit more sins. Our obstinacy in disobedience is certainly astonishing. Do we not want to realise that it is the prerogative of Allah Ta’ala جل جلاله to forgive? The lamentable situation is that we have completely misunderstood the concept of forgiveness and repentance.
If we have sinned UNINTENTIONALLY, we are remorseful of our actions, we realise our mistakes and we have no intention to disobey Allah Ta’ala جل جلاله in the future – if we then plead unto Allah Ta’ala جل جلاله to forgive us, we will be forgiven and our sins will be erased. But if we are going to persistently disobey Allah Ta’ala جل جلاله repeatedly; our agenda is to INTENTIONALLY transgress. We will be taken to task for our intransigence. We take things lightly not realising that we are treading a dangerous path. There are numerous instances which have been related from the lives of the Ahlullāh where the disciples were guilty of casting lustful glances; Sheikh Abdur Rahman ibn al-Jawzi رحمه الله has shared an incident of Ibnul Halā رحمه الله. He said; “My Sheikh saw me converse with a Christian boy and asked me why? He then admonished me saying, ‘You will suffer punishment for it certainly, even after it is after some time.’ Indeed I forgot the Qur’ān after forty years.”
We have to realise it is absolutely incorrect to think that we will not be punished if we are experiencing good health. Allah Ta’ala جل جلاله punishes when He wills. But even more important is that the greatest punishment is that we do not realise that we have sinned. The calamity is when our hearts become indifferent and our bodies become accustomed to sin. Outwardly we may be healthy but we are spiritually diseased.
We have to check our desires, reform our ways and adopt Tawqa. It may appear difficult initially but we need to understand that health will be achieved after the illness is treated. There is relief after exertion. Great care needs to be exercised with regards the company we keep and the places we frequent. The displeasure of Allah Ta’ala جل جلاله is destruction. Intelligence demands that we adopt caution. Perseverance and steadfastness are the garments of Taqwa. The impediment of sins is neutralised through devotion to Allah Ta’ala جل جلاله. We will be entitled to the help of Allah Ta’ala جل جلاله through showing commitment and pleading for His assistance.
We thus submit لا حول ولا قوة الا بالله
