“And there is not a thing but its treasures are with us but we only send down thereof in due and ascertainable measures”[1]
As outlined in the Quran, Islamic tradition sees the world as a place of trial designed by the God to test who will be best in deeds. [3] Hence, at some point in our lives we endure some difficulties, easy or hard. Some times it is some people people or some extraordinary events standing in our way or sometimes it is various misfortunes and suffering weighing on our shoulders. According to the teachings of Fethullah Gulen, at these times of hardships, the believer must be true to his or her faith by perceiving these predicaments as an exercise of God’s will, whose boundaries are beyond limits of our inadequate reasoning, thereby trusting himself/herself to the Lord’s will. Gulen teaches us that in the pursuit of God’s satisfaction or “Rida”, a true believer stands his ground firm against all the dangers and disturbances without any hesitation or complaint.[4]
The backbone of Gulen’s approach towards difficulties lies in the relationship of man with the Creator. In Quran, Allah says “And I created not the Jinn and mankind except that they should worship Me” [5]. This means humans are servants of God and in times of difficulties they should avoid complaining. According to the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon Him), true patience against problems or “Sabr” is the one that is shown at the first sight of any trouble. Making this as the base of his approach, Gulen recommends silence when the difficulties first hit. This way the believer keeps clear of any protests against God. This is also related to the concept of “tefekkur “ in Islam. Contemplating carefully before speaking or taking any action is highly praised in Hadiths and in the writings of Gulen, who goes on to say that it is necessary for Muslims to speak wisely by reflecting upon the issue first while carefully examining the things and the situations around us. Clearly this avoids any regrets later by decreasing the possibility of rush and unwise decisions.
Scholars like Fethullah Gulen, who maintain that things that are seen harsh or unfair on the outside have many beauties hidden inside, see sufferings as a means of cleansing and another form of God’s Mercy. It is important for believers to refrain from casting stones against the divine destiny in the face of seemingly ugly appearances of the problems they go through and complain from God. Quran says that believers will be tested by fear, hunger and loss in goods and lives, while those who are patient will be rewarded.[6]
To sum up, Muslims see predicament as trials from God as part of their destiny and their journey in this world. Responding with patience while seeking refuge in God instead of criticizing Him is the path followed by true followers and recommended by scholars like Fethullah Gulen.[7]
[1] Holy Quran Chapter 15, verse 21.
[2] Bediuzzaman Said Nursi explains the concept of fate in his Words book’s 26th Word. Contrary to common approach to the issue by Islamic scholars, Nursi applies tools of reasoning and logic to the topic making it more understandable and rational.
[3] See Chapter 18 verse 7
[4] See Gulen’s book Kalb Ibresi “Compass of the Heart” for this. This is explained in the first chapter.
[5] The Holy Quran, Chapter 51 verse 56.
[6] See the Holy Quran Chapter 2 verses 155 and 156
[7] For a lecture on patience please see: http://en.fgulen.com/sufism-1/884-sabr-patience
Published on fethullah-gulen.net, 16 November 2012, Friday
