Chairman’s Presentation: Tawakkul
And a good morning to everyone.
On behalf of all present, I praise and express our gratitude to Allāh Almighty, the only one who poses all the qualities of beauty to perfection, peace, love and blessings on His final and complete messenger Muḥammad Musṭaphā (SAW), to his household, his companions and all those who follow the truth until the end of time as we understand it.
The theme for today is Tawakkul in Allāh
The meaning of Tawakkul is enshrined in the Dhikr we so often make and recite in both times of stress and success.
Hasbunallāhu Wa Ni’mal Wakeel.
Allāh is Sufficient for us, He is the Best to guide and disposer of our affairs and the Best Helper. What an Excellent Guardian and Protector He is!
Tawakkul may be defined as being a complete process of placing our entire Faith, Trust, patience and hope in Allāh, The Rabb of all the worlds, relying unconditionally on Him to direct our thoughts and deeds according to His will and plan.
This imply that we will patiently exhaust all available resources to accomplish a purpose, a mission, a goal or any endeavour in the spirit of Qur’ān and Sunnah to bring about goodness and beauty for ourselves and others.
Further, life is filled with challenges, difficulties, insurmountable obstacles and traumatic emotions which we cannot cope with independently. Despite heroic effort, a positive outlook and determination, we do not have the self- knowledge, resources or capabilities to overcome all challenges. These limitations require the support of our Rabb. The source of All Strength and Power. The Cause of all Causes. The fundamental influencing force to bring about change. Independently, at will. Therefore, on a national and international scale the Unity of Divine Will, the fundamental primary cause of all change, that we have to consider in order to comprehend world events or success in our endeavours.
By submitting to His Will and plan Allāh Almighty instils in us resilience, strength and the willingness to persevere.
Those who strengthen their faith through Dhikr, the remembrance of Allāh Almighty, are truly free. Freed from fear of failure, of opposition, lack of material resources and will be willing to make sacrifices and will never be overcome by lassitude. In addition, their belief that The Truth will prevail is strengthened. To the mind with weak Imān it will seem that Evil will always triumph, despite our efforts.
The battle of Badr is one example where a small ill resourced army, with strong Tawakkul in Allāh Almighty overcame an overwhelming force.
When confronted with major challenges mutual consultation is essential. Then a firm decision is taken in accordance with a well thought out plan of action within the parameters of Quran and Sunnah. Now Tawakkul inspires hope, increase energy levels together with a will to succeed in an atmosphere of confidence, calmness, patience, perseverance and resistance against giving up even if circumstances look bleak.
However, we must remind ourselves that without exerting effort to bring about a desired change, in other words passive Tawakkul, does not fit in Allāh’s will and plan to bring about change in human affairs. Hence denying ourselves the status of Khalīfatullāh, the agent of change in society.
When we fully place our faith and trust in Allāh Almighty, He will elevate us. Depending purely on intellect, expediency, science, human and other resources will result in a stunted personality. We simply become enslaved by creation or become enslaved by others. In most such cases- both. With the result Self-confidence is eroded since our objectives will not be achieved. And further we seek help from outside sources with disastrous consequences for the Ummah.
Let us look at the state of our Ummah.
At an international level, there is a perpetual onslaught on both Muslims and Islam. Muslim leadership has adopted a defeatist attitude as we have seen after the fall of the Ottoman Empire. A conquered mentality filled with self-pity. Seeking help from conquerors, oppressors or forging alliances with nations opposed to Islamic unity and Islamic fundamentals such as Tawakkul. This is the very cernal and crux of our failure. Dignity and honour, self-respect and independence will only be achieved by the correct implementation of Tawakkul in Tawḥīd as illustrated by Muḥammad Musṭaphā (saw).
At a local level, our immediate families and communities are affected by many negative challenges such as crime, drugs, unemployment, illiteracy, poverty, drought, H.I.V. racism and all the other anti-social behaviour as never seen before. The reason for this state of affair is multi factorial and a topic for next time Inshā Allāh. However, these life- threatening issues will not disappear by passive du’ā and ritualistic piety only. Nor by science or offering profound passive intellectual solutions outside of Islamic inspiration. Nor abdicating and dumping individual and social duties and responsibilities upon Social Workers, NGO’s and government departments. Or restricting our response to emotional outbursts at social functions. Or sounding off at local or national government institutions. Individuals need to come together to help facilitate change.
Let us briefly look at solutions.
The essence of our solution must be driven by Lā ilāha illallāh Muḥammadur Rasūlullāh enshrining the central principals of equality, justice, fairness and upholding human dignity.
As Muslims, we need to work twice as hard as anyone else to find solutions. We need to achieve and maintain the best standards in this life and make meaningful sacrifices in the hope of achieving the best in the hereafter through our steadfastness in belief, obedience to the Quran and Sunnah and constantly praying for the mercy and compassion of Allāh (SWT).
Strategically it is necessary for individuals and organisations to inter act with other organisations or persons to galvanise joint effort in facing problems. It is the duty of the Muslim community to educate themselves with all the realities of life. Sacrifice their youth, time, health and wealth to serve their families and the whole of humanity as best as they can. Should we refuse this Amānat (trust), as a united community, we will face severe consequences in this life. And will be held accountable in the next life. Muslims, by virtue of Qur’ān, Sunnah and the constant guidance of Allāh Almighty has the best potential to reform individuals and society
In summary I wish to draw attention to where our efforts must be directed.
Firstly, the youth. Right on our doorstep are the children of Pooke se bos. These children require religious education, formal schooling and integration into society. To this end we must co-ordinate with other providers. e.g. teachers, social workers psychologists and legal help. These children are alienated from mainstream society, they face poverty and are destined for a life of crime and misery, with absolutely no thought of belief in Allāh Almighty. These children will become rebellious and take revenge against society.
The second target are the host of young men and women who are qualified. We need to harness them to form joint ventures and projects to facilitate the formation of a competent leadership for the Muslim community.
Allāh, The All Knowing, says in a very late Meccan Sūrah, at a time when Tawḥīd was firmly established.
‘Verily Allāh does not change the condition of a people until they change that which is within themselves’ (Sarah Ra’d verse 11)
In the context of Tawakkul it simply implies that:
Allāh, The Merciful, The Compassionate created us in the best of moulds. Created us with eloquence, intelligence, showered us with His Grace, His Mercy, granted us each opportunity to repent and to return to goodness, constantly sent guidance through the Ambiyãh, offering us all the instruments and processes to keep us on the path of good conduct and to be a benefit to society.
If we fail to conform to our innate nature of seeking goodness and beauty or change our nature to evil or submit to evil, or passively accept injustices, we only have ourselves to blame when the wrath of Allāh, The Tremendous, descends upon us. We will find no helpers. Not even one to intercede on our behalf on that dreadful day, except by Allāh’s permission.
The Muslim Assembly is a well- established, multi-functional organisation, with adequate infrastructure and platforms to deal effectively with most everyday challenges but we need human resources. I humbly appeal to all present to strengthen this organisation with your presence, expertise, research and resources to bring about effective positive change within ourselves, within our families and within our immediate community with a view of benefitting the broader community. Insha Allāh. We will then be in a better position to influence change in our community, world views and foreign policies.
I take this opportunity to pay tribute to my predecessor, my teacher and mentor for over twenty years, the longest serving Chairman and Senior Director of the Muslim Assembly. And in many ways the spirit of the Muslim Assembly.
The illustrious Author Hadji Moosa Vallie Ismail.
Uncle Moosa served the Muslim Assembly well with unconditional love and loyalty since 1970.
Much of the achievements realised by the Muslim Assembly, is attributed to his leadership and untiring efforts.
Mubarak uncle Moosa on the launch of your Book entitled
Understanding the beliefs and practices of Islam
Because of time constraints I will not comment too much on the book. Shegh Thaffier Najjar will officiate the launch and comment on the book.
I urge everyone present to purchase a copy of the book. It is well written, well researched and presents the reader with a practical and holistic over view of Islam strictly in accordance to The Glorious Qur’ān and Sunnah.
Uncle Moosa has unselfishly donated all proceeds of the book for two purposes only
- To print more books and
- To subsidise students at The Muslim Assembly Evening classes who cannot afford to buy the book.
Once again Mubārak and Jazākallāh uncle Moosa for your lifetime contribution towards the Muslim Assembly and Muslim community. May Allāh Almighty be well pleased with you and you with Him. May Allah Almighty always surround you and your family with goodness and beauty in Tawḥīd Inshā Allāh.