"BY ALLAH THERE IS HOPE, SO IT HAPPENED WITH THE PROPHETS"

Introduction:

Prophets have always played a crucial role in Islam. They are the messengers of Allah and are chosen to carry out his message to the people. They have been sent to guide humanity and convey divine revelations to people. However, despite their piousness and upright nature, the prophets too had to face challenges and trials in their lifetimes. As Muslims, it is important for us to understand the experiences of these prophets as it will help us in overcoming challenges and trials in our own lives with hope and faith in Allah. This article is an attempt to explore the struggles, hardships and successes of the prophets and how we can learn from their examples to lead a righteous life.

Challenges and Trials of the Prophets:

The prophets were not immune to struggles and hardships. From the very beginning of their prophetic mission, they had to face opposition from their own people. They were ridiculed, mocked and rejected by those who refused to accept their message. Prophet Noah, for instance, preached the message of Allah for 950 years but was only able to convert his own family and a few followers. Similarly, Prophet Lot had to flee his place of residence after facing staunch opposition to his message. These examples show us that the struggles of the prophets were not limited to mere verbal abuse but also included threats of violence and isolation from society.

In addition to persecution and rejection, the prophets also had to overcome personal trials. Prophet Yusuf was thrown in a well by his own brothers and then sold into slavery. He was later falsely accused of attempting to rape the wife of his employer and spent several years in jail. Surah Yusuf tells us that despite these trials, Yusuf remained steadfast in his faith and Allah granted him success and prosperity. The story of Prophet Ayyub (Job), too, is a story of personal trials. He lost everything he had, including his family and wealth but never lost faith in Allah. His story serves as an example of patience and perseverance in the face of personal trials.

The Prophets as Examples of Perseverance:

The lives of the prophets serve as examples of perseverance and patience in the face of adversity. Prophet Ibrahim, for instance, was known for his unwavering faith in Allah. He was willing to sacrifice his own son, as per the will of Allah, and was ready to face any trial that came his way. Prophet Musa, too, displayed a remarkable level of perseverance in his mission. He led his people out of Egypt and across the Red Sea despite facing numerous challenges on the way. His message of freedom and justice was unwavering, and he never wavered in his faith in Allah.

The story of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is also a testament to perseverance. Despite facing intense persecution and isolation from his own people, he continued to spread the message of Islam and never wavered in his faith. The migration from Mecca to Medina, known as the Hijra, was a turning point in the early Islamic history. This event symbolizes the resilience of Prophet Muhammad and his followers and marks the beginning of the spread of Islam.

Hope and Faith in Allah:

The experiences of the prophets give us hope and faith in Allah. They show us that despite the challenges and trials that come our way, we can overcome them with faith, perseverance, and the help of Allah. The examples of the prophets teach us to rely on Allah for strength and guidance. The Quran states, “Those who have believed and whose hearts are assured by the remembrance of Allah. Unquestionably, by the remembrance of Allah, hearts are assured.” (13:28)

In times of hardship, we can find solace in the words of Allah and the examples of the prophets. It is pertinent to mention here that the message of Quran and the examples of the prophets are not just historical but relevant to our times as well. The challenges that we face today as Muslims are unique and varied but just like the prophets, we too can overcome them by relying on Allah.

Conclusion:

The experiences of the prophets are profound examples of hope, perseverance, and resilience. They provide us with the guidance and inspiration to overcome the challenges and trials that come our way and lead a righteous life. In a world of turmoil and conflict, the message of the prophets offers solace and comfort for those who seek it. The Quranic verse, “O you who have believed, seek help through patience and prayer. Indeed, Allah is with the patient.” (2:153) reinforces the message that patience and perseverance are the key to overcoming trials and tribulations. By seeking refuge in Allah, we can find the strength to persevere and emerge victorious in the face of adversity.

Freedom Fighters Ng - By Muhammad Jawad