By Imam Murtadha Gusau
In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
All praise is due to Allah, Lord of all creation. May Allah extol the mention of the Prophet in the highest company of Angels and may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, his family, his Companions and all those who follow him exactly till the Day of Judgement.
Dear respected brothers and sisters, Allah the Most High says:
"You shall certainly be tried and tested in your wealth and properties and in your personal selves, and you shall certainly hear much that will grieve you from those who received the Scripture before you (Jews and Christians) and from those who ascribe partners to Allah, but if you persevere patiently, and become Al-Muttaqun (the pious) then verily, that will be a determining factor in all affairs, and that is from the great matters (which you must hold on with all your efforts)." [Surah Ali-Imran, 3: 186]
And He Almighty says:
"If a good befalls you, it grieves them, but if some evil overtakes you, they rejoice at it. But if you remain patient and become Al-Muttaqun (the pious), not the least harm will their cunning do to you. Surely, Allah surrounds all that they do.” [Ali-Imran, 3: 120]
Dear brothers and sisters, Allah’s help to the Muslims against their enemies who wage every kind of war (economic, military, psychological, physical etc) on them is something real and true. Allah, may He be exalted, has promised that to the believers, and has told them that it is near, and that He only delays it for certain significant reasons. The one who has strong Iman (faith) and true certainty (Yaqeen) will realise that it is indeed near as the Lord, may He be exalted, has told us in the Qur'an. Allah the Most High says:
“Or you think that you will enter Paradise without such (trials) as came to those who passed away before you? They were afflicted with severe poverty and ailments and were so shaken that even the Messenger and those who believed along with him said, ‘When (will come) the Help of Allah?’ Yes! Certainly, the Help of Allah is near!” [Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:214]
Commenting on this verse, Imam Ibn Jarir at-Tabari (may Allah have mercy on him) said:
"What this means is: Or do you think that you, O believers in Allah and His Messenger, will enter Paradise without anything befalling you like that which befell those who came before you among the followers of the Prophets and Messengers, of hardship, trials and tests? You will be tested as they were tested, with “severe poverty”, which is severe hardship and want, and “ailments”, which is pain and sickness. But you have not yet been shaken as they were shaken, i.e., you have not yet suffered extreme fear and terror at the hands of your enemy, so that you think that the help of Allah is slow in coming and you say “When will Allah help us?” Then Allah told them that His help was near to them, and that He would cause them to prevail over the enemy and defeat them. Then He fulfilled what He had promised them, and made their word supreme, and extinguished the flames of war lit by those who disbelieved." [See Tafsir at-Tabari, volume 4 page 288]
Also Shaikh Muhammad Ibn Salih Al-Uthaimin (may Allah have mercy on him) mentioned some of the lessons that we learn from this Qur'anic verse. They include the following:
"1. People should not ask for help except from the One Who is able to give it, namely Allah, may He be glorified and exalted, because He says:
“‘When (will come) the Help of Allah?’”
2. The methodology of those who believe in the Messengers is the same as the methodology of the Messengers, and they say what they say, because Allah Almighty says:
"Even the Messenger and those who believed along with him said, ‘When (will come) the Help of Allah?’” So they say the same thing, seeking to expedite divine help.
3. The perfect nature of the power of Allah, may He be glorified and exalted, because He says:
“Yes! Certainly, the Help of Allah is near!”
4. The wisdom of Allah, as He withholds help for a certain period of time, even though it is near.
5. Patience at the time of calamity and trials for the sake of Allah, may He be glorified and exalted, is one of the means of entering Paradise, because what the verse means is: Have patience so that you may enter Paradise.
6. The believers are given the glad tidings of victory so as to strengthen their morale, so that they will continue in struggle, hoping for the divine help that they were told about." [See Tafsir Suratul Baqarah, volume 3 page 42]
Respected servants of Allah, know that, the help of Allah that is near is not for everyone who claims to believe or claims to be a Muslim; rather it is only for those who truly and sincerely believe in their hearts and carry out their duties as enjoined by Islam.
Allah the Most High says:
“Allah has promised those among you who believe, and do righteous good deeds, that He will certainly grant them succession to (the present leaders) in the earth, as He granted it to those before them, and that He will grant them the authority to practise their religion, that which He has chosen for them (i.e. Islam). And He will surely give them in exchange a safe security after their fear (provided) they (believers) worship Me and do not associate anything (in worship) with Me. But whoever disbelieved after this, they are the Fasiqun (rebellious and disobedient to Allah). And perform As-Salah (Iqamatus-Salah), and give Zakah and obey the Messenger (Prophet Muhammad, Peace be upon him) that you may receive mercy (from Allah).” [Surah An-Nur, 24:55, 56]
Commenting on the above Qur'anic verse, Imam Al-Hafiz Ibn Kathir (may Allah have mercy on him) said:
"This is a promise from Allah to His Messenger (Peace be upon him) that He will cause his Ummah to gain authority in the land, i.e., become leaders of people and rulers over them, and by means of them the people’s affairs will be put right and the people will submit to their rule, and after having being afraid of the people, they will enjoy security and will rule over them. And He, may He be glorified and exalted, did indeed do that, may He be praised. The Messenger of Allah (Peace be upon him) did not die until Allah enabled him to conquer Makkah, Khaibar, Bahrain, the entire Arabian Peninsula and all of the land of Yemen; he took the jizyah from the Magians of Hajar and from some of the border regions of greater Syria. Heraclius, the ruler of Byzantium, exchanged gifts with him, as did the ruler of Egypt and Alexandria, al-Muqawqis, the kings of Oman, and the Negus, the ruler of Abyssinia, who came to the throne after Ashamah, may Allah have mercy on him and honour him. Then when the Messenger of Allah (Peace be upon him) died, and Allah chose for him that which is with Him of honour, Abu Bakr As-Siddiq became the leader (Caliph) of the Muslims." [See Tafsir Ibn Kathir, volume 6 page 77]
Imam Shaikh Abdur-Rahman As-Sa‘di (may Allah have mercy on him) said on the same Qur'anic verse:
"This is one of the true promises of Allah, that was proven to be true and was fulfilled. He promised those among this Ummah who adhered to faith and did righteous deeds that He would grant them succession to the present rulers in the earth, and they would have control of it and be in charge of its affairs, and that He would grant them the authority to practice their religion which He has chosen for them, namely the religion of Islam, which is superior to all other religions. He has chosen it for this Ummah, because of its virtue and honour, by enabling this Ummah to establish His religion and to adhere to all its teachings and instructions, both apparent and hidden, and to apply them to themselves and to others, because others – namely the followers of other religions and all disbelievers – are subjugated and defeated. And He has promised that He will give them in exchange a safe security after their fear, as one of them could not practice his religion openly and follow what he believed in except by exposing himself to the harm of the disbelievers. Moreover, the Muslims were very few in number compared to others, and the people of the earth had united against them and were plotting and scheming against them. Allah made these promises to them at the time when this verse was revealed, at which time they had not had the experience of having power or gaining control of the land, or being able to establish the Islamic religion and enjoy complete security, so that they could worship Allah and not associate anything with Him, and not fear anybody except Allah. The first generation of this Ummah attained that level of faith and righteous deeds in such a way that they became superior to others and as a result of that Allah enabled them to subjugate lands and peoples, and they were able to conquer vast lands in the east and in the west, and they enjoyed complete security and control in the land. This is one of the dazzling and amazing signs of Allah. And this is still the case and will remain so until the Hour begins: every time the Muslims achieve a high level of Iman (faith) and righteous deeds, the promise of Allah will inevitably be fulfilled; the disbelievers and hypocrites are only given power over the Muslims, and sometimes defeat them, because of the degree of criminality, sins and shortcomings among the Muslims with regard to their level of Iman (faith) and righteous deeds." [See Tafsir As-Sa‘di, page 573]
Respected brothers and sisters, if the Muslims are sincere in their belief in their Lord and their establishing His laws, that is indicative of how they will be when Allah Almighty, gives them power in the land. These are the ones to whom Allah, may He be exalted, has promised His help and support.
Allah the Most High says:
“Those (Muslim leaders) who, if We give them power in the land, (they) order for Iqamatus-Salah. (i.e. to perform the five compulsory congregational Salah (prayers), to pay the Zakah and they enjoin Al-Ma'ruf (i.e. Islamic Monotheism and all that Islam orders one to do), and forbid Al-Munkar (i.e. disbelief, polytheism and all that Islam has forbidden). And with Allah rests the end of (all) matters (of creatures).” [Surah Al-Hajj, 22:41]
Shaikh Muhammad Al-Amin Ash-Shinqiti (may Allah have mercy on him) said, after quoting verses which mention the help of Allah to the believers:
"The words “Those (Muslim leaders) who, if We give them power in the land” [Surah Al-Hajj, 22:41] indicate that there is no promise of help from Allah unless the believers establish prayer, give Zakah, enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong. If Allah gives power in the land to some people, and grants them authority, yet despite that they do not establish prayer or give Zakah or enjoin what is right or forbid what is wrong, then they have no promise of help from Allah, because they are not counted as belonging to His party or as being among His close friends to whom He has promised His help. Rather they are the party and close friends of the Shaitan. If they seek help from Allah based on the fact that He has promised it to them, then their likeness is that of a hired worker who refuses to do the work for which he was hired, then demands his wages. The one who is like that is not rational at all. Allah, may He be exalted, says [in the preceding verse]: “Truly, Allah is Most Strong, All-Mighty” [Surah Al-Hajj, 22:40]. The “Most Strong” is the one who overwhelms and is not overwhelmed by anything, as we have stated above several times. These verses are indicative of the validity of the caliphate of the Rightly-Guided Caliphs: Allah helped them against their enemies because they supported His religion, and they established prayer, gave Zakah, enjoined what is right and forbade what is wrong. So Allah gave them power and caused them to succeed the former leaders in the land, as He says: “Allah has promised those among you who believe, and do righteous good deeds, that He will certainly grant them succession to (the present leaders) in the earth..” [Surah An-Nur, 24:55] The truth is that the verses mentioned above include the Companions of the Messenger of Allah (Peace be upon him), as well as those who support the religion of Allah in the most perfect manner. And Allah knows best." [See Adwa’ul-Bayan, volume 5 page 272]
My beloved people, in addition to the above, it must be understood that there are means of attaining divine help; whoever wants divine help without taking these measures is acting in a manner contrary to Islamic teaching and common sense. Shaikh Sa‘id Ibn Ali Ibn Wahb al-Qahtani (may Allah have mercy on him) said:
It is known for certain that there are means of attaining divine help for the Muslims against their enemies, by Allah’s leave. These means include the following:
1. Faith and righteous deeds
Allah Almighty says:
“Allah has promised those among you who believe, and do righteous good deeds, that He will certainly grant them succession to (the present leaders) in the earth, as He granted it to those before them, and that He will grant them the authority to practise their religion, that which He has chosen for them (i.e. Islam). And He will surely give them in exchange a safe security after their fear (provided) they (believers) worship Me and do not associate anything (in worship) with Me. But whoever disbelieved after this, they are the Fasiqun (rebellious and disobedient to Allah).” [Surah An-Nur, 24:55]
2. Supporting and helping the religion of Allah
One of the greatest means of attaining divine help is supporting the religion of Allah, may He be exalted, and adhering to it in word, belief and deed, and calling others to it.
Allah the Most High says:
“O you who believe! If you help (in the cause of) Allah, He will help you, and make your foothold firm. But those who disbelieve (in the Oneness of Allah Islamic Monotheism), for them is destruction, and (Allah) will make their deeds vain.” [Surah Muhammad, 47:7, 8]
3. Putting one’s trust in Allah whilst taking appropriate measures
Putting one’s trust in Allah whilst making ready one’s resources is one of the greatest factors in victory.
Allah Almighty says:
“Then when you have taken a decision, put your trust in Allah, certainly, Allah loves those who put their trust (in Him).” [Surah Ali-Imran, 3:159]
It is an essential part of putting one’s trust in Allah to take appropriate measures, because putting one’s trust in Him is based on two important foundations:
(a) Depending on Allah and trusting in His promise and help
(b) Taking appropriate measures as prescribed in Islam. Hence Allah, may He be exalted, says:
“And make ready against them all you can of power, including steeds of war to threaten the enemies of Allah and your enemies, and others besides whom, you may not know but whom Allah does know. And whatever you shall spend in the Cause of Allah shall be repaid unto you, and you shall not be treated unjustly.” [Surah Al-Anfal, 8:60]
4. Mutual consultation among those in authority to mobilise and prepare the Muslim armies
The Messenger of Allah (Peace be upon him) used to consult his companions, despite the fact that his reasoning was perfect and his opinion was sound, in obedience to the command of Allah, and so as to make his companions feel included in the decision-making process. Allah, may He be glorified, says:
“...and who (conduct) their affairs by mutual consultation.” [Surah Ash-Shura, 42:38]
5. Standing firm when meeting the enemy in struggle
One of the factors of divine help is standing firm when meeting the enemy in struggle, and not fleeing.
It was narrated from Abdullahi Ibn Abi Awfa (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (Peace be upon him) said:
“O people, do not wish to meet the enemy, and ask Allah to keep you safe and sound, but if you do meet them, then be patient and steadfast, and know that Paradise lies in the shade of the swords.”
6. Courage, heroism and self-sacrifice
Among the greatest means of attaining divine help is acquiring the characteristics of courage and self-sacrifice, and believing that struggle neither brings forward nor puts back the time of death.
Allah the Most High says:
“Wheresoever you may be, death will overtake you even if you are in fortresses built up strong and high.” [Surah An-Nisa, 4:78]
7. Du'a (supplication) and remembering Allah (Zikr) a great deal
Among the greatest and most powerful factors of victory is seeking the help of Allah and remembering Him a great deal, because He is the Most Strong Who is able to defeat His enemies and grant victory to His close friends.
Allah may He be exalted says:
“And when My slaves ask you (O Muhammad Peace be upon you) concerning Me, then (answer them), I am indeed near (to them by My Knowledge). I respond to the invocations of the supplicant when he calls on Me (without any mediator or intercessor). So let them obey Me and believe in Me, so that they may be led aright.” [Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:186]
8. Obedience to Allah and His Messenger (Peace be upon him)
Obedience to Allah and His Messenger (Peace be upon him) is one of the greatest factors of victory.
Allah may He be exalted says:
“And whosoever obeys Allah and His Messenger (Peace be upon him), fears Allah, and keeps his duty (to Him), such are the successful ones.” [Surah An-Nur, 24:52]
9. Being united and not differing
The Muslims must fulfil the factors of attaining divine help and victory, especially relying on Allah and helping one another, and avoiding disputes and division.
Allah may He be exalted says:
“And obey Allah and His Messenger, and do not dispute (with one another) lest you lose courage and your strength depart, and be patient. Surely, Allah is with those who are As-Sabirin (the patient ones, etc.).” [Surah Al-Anfal, 8:46]
10. Patience and steadfastness
It is essential to be patient in all our affairs, and especially to be patient when facing the enemies of Allah and His Messenger.
Allah may He be exalted says:
“O you who believe! Endure and be more patient (than your enemy), and guard your territory by stationing army units permanently at the places from where the enemy can attack you, and fear Allah, so that you may be successful.” [Surah Ali- Imran, 3:200]
11. Sincerity to Allah alone
The struggler, fighter or warrior cannot be a true mujahid, striving for the sake of Allah unless his intention is sincerely and purely for the sake of Allah alone.
Allah the Most High says:
“And be not like those who come out of their homes boastfully and to be seen of men.” [Surah Al-Anfal, 8:47]
12. Longing for that which is with Allah
One of the things that helps to bring victory against the enemies is longing for the bounty and grace of Allah and for happiness in this world and in the hereafter.
13. Appointing people of faith, sincere Muslims, as leaders
Another means of attaining divine help and victory is giving positions of leadership in the politics, army, military campaigns, regiments and battle fronts to those who are known for their complete Iman (faith) and righteous deeds, then the next best, then the next best.
Allah Almighty says:
“Verily, the most honourable of you with Allah is that (believer) who has At-Taqwa (i.e. one of the Muttaqun (pious)). Verily, Allah is All-Knowing, All-Aware.” [Surah Al-Hujurat, 49:13]
14. Seeking protection by adhering to guidelines that save us from doom, defeat and punishment
These guidelines may be summed up as follows:
Firstly: Repenting and seeking forgiveness for all acts of disobedience and sin, both major and minor. And repentance cannot be accepted unless it fulfils the following conditions:
- Giving up and refraining from all sins
- Resolving not to go back to them
- Regretting what one has done.
If the sin has to do with the rights of another person, then there is a fourth condition, which is to seek forgiveness from the person who was affected.
Secondly: Fearing Allah, may He be exalted. This means that a person makes his fear of Allah’s wrath, anger and punishment a barrier that will protect him from that.
Thirdly: Doing all obligatory duties and following them up with nafil (supererogatory) actions.
Fourthly: Enjoining what is good and forbidding what is evil.
Fifthly: Following the example of the Prophet (Peace be upon him) in all beliefs, words and deeds.
Sixthly: Du'a (supplication) and beseeching Allah.
[See Al-Jihad fi Sabilillah: Fadluhu wa Maratibuhu wa Asbabun-Nasr alal-A‘da’, by Shaikh Sa‘id Ibn Ali Ibn Wahb al-Qahtani, page 21-30]
Allah the Most High says:
"Verily, those who disbelieve spend their wealth to hinder (men) from the Path of Allah, and so will they continue to spend it; but in the end it will become an anguish for them. Then they will be overcome. And those who disbelieve will be gathered unto Hell." [Surah Al-Anfal, 36]
And He says:
"They (enemies) want to extinguish Allah's Light (with which Muhammad Peace be upon him has been sent - Islamic Monotheism) with their mouths, but Allah will not allow except that His Light should be perfected even though the disbelievers hate (it)." [Surah At-Tawbah, 32]
And He says:
"They intend to put out the Light of Allah (i.e. the religion of Islam, this Qur'an, and Prophet Muhammad Peace be upon him) with their mouths. But Allah will complete His Light even though the disbelievers hate (it)." [Surah As-Saff, 8]
All praise is due to Allah, Lord of the worlds. May the peace, blessings and salutations of Allah be upon our noble Messenger, Muhammad, and upon his family, his Companions and his true followers.
The perfect knowledge belongs to Allah the Almighty. Our last prayer is all praise is due to Allah, the Lord of the Worlds. And May the peace and blessing be upon our beloved Prophet, his Family, his Companions and his Brothers till the Day of Resurrection.
Murtadha Muhammad Gusau is the Chief Imam of Nagazi-Uvete Jumu’ah and the late Alhaji Abdur-Rahman Okene’s Mosques, Okene, Kogi State, Nigeria. He can be reached via: gusaumurtada@gmail.com or +2348038289761.
This Jumu’ah Khutbah (Friday Sermon) was prepared for delivery today, Friday, Safar 26, 1441 A. H. (October 25, 2019).