Don't lose Hope in these trying times.

There is a day of Badr for us, And a day of uhud for us.... There is a day of hudaybiyya for us, And a day of Fath e Makkah for us.

In sha Allah As Muslims we always look to the life of nabi صلى الله عليه وسلم for answers and guidance regarding the situations we face. He صلى الله عليه وسلم is our teacher and the example we seek to emulate in every aspect of our lives. Recent events have created turmoil around the globe. Even among our Muslim community the differences have caused great division, turning people against each other. I have spent much time reflecting over this. The situations we face are unprecedented and the uncertainty is bound to cause great anxiety and trepidation. The incident of the Battle of UHUD came to mind. On the battle field victory was almost certain, they had the upper hand... Thats when things changed. The archers, Believing that the enemy were no longer a threat, became filled with the desire for Dunya . They were enticed by the prospect of booty and worldly gain. They disregarded the command of nabi صلى الله عليه وسلم and left their posts. Rendering the Muslims vulnerable. The Muslims suffered greatly from this reversal. The archers’ behaviour led to the martyrdom of many strong and dedicated Companions. The archers, believing that battle was over, left their specified position, this is referred to in the Qur’an:

‘Allah was true in His promise towards you when you blasted them by His leave; until you lost heart and quarrelled about the matter and were rebellious, after He had shown you that you longed for. Some of you there are that desire this world, and some of you there are desire the Next World. Then He turned you from them, that He might try you, and He has pardoned you and Allah is bounteous to the believers.‘(3: 152) How did nabi صلى الله عليه وسلم react? Their aspirations cost the Muslims dearly, many lost loved ones and family members as a result of their actions . The Muslim felt hurt and betrayed by their actions. This happens in our time as well. We are negatively affected by the actions of others. People we consider leaders make decisions that leave us vulnerable or that result in us being forced into unfavorable positions. When this happens we look to the example of our greatest of teachers صلى الله عليه وسلم we take lessons from his actions. Rasulullah ﷺ beautiful manner was spoken about in Surat Al-Imran.

“So by mercy from Allah you were lenient with them. And if you had been rude [in speech] and harsh in heart, they would have disbanded from about you” (Al mran: 159).

This leniency and softness motivated the people to fight harder and strive to obey him more, which proved fruitful for the struggle. These men are (RadiAllahu wa Radu an!) Allah has declared that He is pleased with them! When people make mistakes, don't become become rude towards them.

Stay kind to people, even after they did wrong. Give people another chance and do not let their mistake distract you from being unified. A disunited Ummah is easy prey for wandering predators. The fact that the haramain is closed and people who had plans for umrah and hajj are now unable to make that journey is indeed another unprecedented dilemma facing the Ummah today. This reminded me of the incident of Hudaybiyya. When the Muslims donned their ihram and proceeded towards makkah but were prevented from entering. The Muslims signed a treaty that on the outside looked like a disadvantage to the Muslims but resulted in nothing but goodness, blessing and, as Allah called it in the Qur’an, "a Great Victory" Things may seem difficult now, and we may feel lost and forlorn because of the way things are unfolding around us. We should not become despondent and lose hope in the Mercy of Allah. With all the conspiracy theories flying around We should remember that even if the whole world were to gather to harm us, Nothing will reach us except what Allah has already decreed for us. Not a leaf falls without His Knowledge and Permission. (6:59) He has promised us His Divine closeness through the difficulty and guaranteed us ease with it. Know that what is coming is better than what is gone and that what is with Allah is best for those who have piety and persevere. May Allah grant us the ability to remain steadfast through the days

of difficulty and allow us the opportunity of witnessing the days of glory. Ummi Muhammed The Millennial Muslimah