THE RIVER OF ABUNDANCE

A river gushing forth from the mountains is an embodiment of vigour and indomitable force. It is absolutely resolute to pave a course for itself no matter what hurdles come in its path; it cuts through them to move forward with an unbeatable zeal. It doesn’t hesitate to dive into the steep gorges; its only aim is to move ahead, taking into its stride every rock and boulder. Meandering through plains and valleys, it nourishes its banks with life-essential nutrients, quenches the thirst of hundreds with its pristine waters and fills the bellies of the multitude with its treasure. Its aspiration for service doesn’t end here; it further branches into streams that spread out across hundreds of miles carrying its essence and laying forth its goodness before merging into the limitless ocean.

Apparently, the river looks like an entity but, it is indeed made up of millions of tiny droplets that work together relentlessly, night and day, with all their energy. It is their collaborative effort that brings the river to life and helps fulfil its vision. The Ummah of our beloved Prophet Muhammed (SAW) is that river which can embrace and endure every hardship and carve out a path of success no matter what challenges it has to face while bringing forth goodness till it reaches its ultimate abode of never-ending peace and tranquility. As we demonstrate patience in the face of adversity, stand up against injustice, rise to reach out to the neighbour in need and submit the innermost desires of our being only to seek the pleasure of the Lord of the Heavens and the Earth, we become the strength and the face of the Ummah.

Each one of us is the vicegerent of Allah. Our Khaliq has created us with a beautiful Fitrah and has bestowed us with unique abilities. These abilities are, but tools that have to be used to fulfil our responsibility towards ourselves, our families and every life that we touch upon. A servant subservient to Allah who has Imaan in his heart is like a light which dispels darkness from every corner and illuminates every entity that comes across. It is not possible that we as Muslims can make our brothers feel distressed in our presence or fail to alleviate the suffering of those in pain. It is highly inconceivable that we remain quiet or sleep calmly in our beds when the world around us is in times of tribulation.

It is time dear brothers and sisters, that we spend every minute of our life, every ounce of our energy and every iota of our effort to become a Trustee of Allah. It is time to collaborate and contribute. Let’s seek forgiveness and guidance from Al Ghafoor ur Raheem, the Exceedingly Forgiving, the Bestower of mercy. The journey towards success cannot be taken alone, let’s join our hands and do righteous deeds while encouraging each other to hold on to the truth and remain steadfast, for the tests of the life of this world are short-lived while the bounties of the hereafter are forever. Let’s be the droplets of water that make up the river of abundance.

Thumma afeedoo min haythu afada alnnasu waistaghfiroo Allaha inna Allaha ghafoorun raheemun and surge onward together with the multitude of all the other people who surge onward, [184] and ask God to forgive you your sins: for, VERILY, God is much-forgiving, a dispenser of grace. – 2:199