Why is it so hard for us to be thankful for all that we have in this dunya? Why is it so hard for us to express our gratitude? Why is it so hard for us to admit, to ponder, on Allah’s greatness?

Telling everyone that we are Muslims is easy. Claiming Islam on paper is easier. Our problem is, when it comes to practicing it. With everything that Allah has blessed us with in this dunya; why do we still turn blind eye, and heart?

Why do we need to wait for a miracle, or something out of the ordinary? Why do we have to wait for the word “Allah” in a tomato for us to accept Allah’s blessings? Why do we have to wait for the myth of a prayer mat prostrate to Allah, to accept Allah’s greatness? Why do we have to wait for a tsunami or earthquake, to repent? Isn’t it enough that we are alive and breathing in this world, to show Allah’s greatness? Isn’t seeing everything around us enough to make us a humble servant?

Allah has given us everything in this dunya. Allah has blessed us with the joy of dunya. Not just in terms of wealth, but family and friends too. What have we done to show our gratitude? Complaining? Neglecting our obligations as a servant of Allah? Transgressing against His orders? Committing shirk? The world is just a loan. Nothing in this world will remain. And yet, why do we chase this world? “… The life of this world is only the enjoyment of deception.” (3:185)

Why are we arrogant? Why is it hard to prostrate and pray to Allah? Why are we egoistical maniacs; that we fail to see Allah’s blessings right in front of us? With everything that has been presented in front of us, dare we say “I will repent when I get older”? Ah, fool. We don’t even know when we are going to die. Why do we not have fear for Allah? Why do we not have fear for the Hell fire? Remember, Iblis was arrogant. Do we want to follow the footsteps of Iblis?

Oh brothers and sisters, what are we looking for in this dunya, if it’s not attaining Allah’s pleasure? What do we hope for, if it’s not Allah’s forgiveness?

Ask ourselves this:

فَبِأَىِّ ءَالَآءِ رَبِّكُمَا تُكَذِّبَانِ

“Then which of the favours of your Lord will you deny?” (Surah Ar-Rahman)

Anisah Matasim,
Writer, AAT