SUBMISSION
by Hazrat Maulana Yunus Patel Saheb (rahmatullah alayh)
When Hazrat Ibraheem (alayhis salaam) was told to submit to Allah Ta’ala, he responded that he had submitted himself to the Rabb (Sustainer) of the Worlds. …Some Mufassireen (Commentators) say that there are approximately 18 000 worlds.
Allah Ta’ala mentions this incident as follows: “ And remember when his Rabb said to him : ‘ Submit (thy will to Me).’
“He said : ‘ I submit (my will) to the Lord and Cherisher of the Universe.” [ Surah Al - Baqarah : 131 ]
After Hazrat Ibraheem (alayhis salaam) made this declaration of submission, there followed many trials and tests.
As a young man, he was faced with opposition from his father, who was an idol-worshipper. When he invited his father to the worship of Allah Ta’ala, his father opposed and threatened him :
He (the father) said : ‘Do you reject my gods, O Ibraheem? If you stop not (this), I will indeed stone you. So get away from me safely before I punish you.’ [Surah Maryam 19 :46]
Due to Hazrat Ibraheem’s (alayhis salaam) rejection of idol-worship, and his preaching the message of Allah Ta’ala, he was thrown into the fire by Namrud and his people:
“They said, ‘Build him a furnace and throw him into the blazing fire.’ [Surah Saffaat : 97]
They said, “burn him and protect your gods if you do (anything at all)!” [Surah Ambiyaa 21 : 68 ]
It is stated that for an entire month, the people of Namrud collected firewood, which they thereafter lit, fanning it until it became an intense, blazing fire.
Using a catapult, they threw Hazrat Ibraheem (alayhis salaam) into the raging fire. However, The One who created fire and gave it the attribute to burn, now commanded the fire to become cool, as well as offer safety to Hazrat Ibraheem (alayhis salaam).
“We said, ‘O Fire ! Be you cool, and (a means of) safety for Ibraheem.” [Surah Ambiyaa 21 : 68 / 69]
After being delivered from this test, saddened with his people, he left his country (Iraq) and made Hijrah to a place where he could worship Allah Ta’ala in peace, Syria.
Having no children, Hazrat Ibraheem (alayhis salaam) thus made dua for a child:
“ O My Lord, grant me a righteous son.” [Surah Saffaat 37 : 100]
In his old age, at the age of 86, Hazrat Ibraheem (alayhis salaam) was blessed with a son.
“So We gave him the good news of a boy ready to suffer and forbear.” [Surah Saffaat 37 : 101]
When the child became of age, Hazrat Ibraheem (alayhis salaam) was commanded to slaughter his son. What a great test!
“Then, when (the son) reached (the age of) work with him, He said: ‘O my son! I see in a vision that I offer you in sacrifice: Now see what is your view?...” [Surah Saffaat 37 : 102]
What must have gone through his heart? And likewise the heart of Hazrat Ismaeel (alayhis salaam)?
But when Hazrat Ismaeel (alayhis salaam) was informed, he told his father to do whatever he had been commanded to do.
“(The son) said : ‘O my father! Do as you are commanded: You will find me, if Allah so wills, practising patience and constancy.” [Surah Saffaat 37 : 102]
Their entire lives were lives of Obedience and Submission. They were prepared to accept death but not prepared to abandon or reject the Hukm (Order) of Allah Ta’ala.
Allah Ta’ala mentions the reply of Hazrat Ismaeel (alayhis salaam). He said : “…Insha-Allah, you will find me of the patient ones.”
Look at his humility. He did not say: “I will be patient”; rather: “Insha-Allah ... if Allah wills.”
His words clearly indicate the beautiful qualities of humility, etiquette, trust in Allah Ta’ala, patience and endurance. There was no claim whatsoever of pride, or boastfulness or superiority or conceit.
Despite having to face so many trials and tribulations, none of the Ambiya (alayhis salaam) made a claim of being perfect. They did not rely on their own ability and capacity; rather they focused on Allah Ta’ala. They made the effort and trusted in Allah Ta’ala.
“So when they had both submitted their wills (To Allah)…” [Surah Saffaat 37 : 103]
The word “ Aslamaa ” alludes to the brave submission of father and son, without question. The claim of Divine Love was made manifest in this immediate surrender and compliance to Allah Ta’ala’s Command. …And as is known, despite the repeated efforts made, the knife would not cut the throat of Hazrat Ismaeel (alayhis salaam)…This being by the Will of Allah Ta’ala. Allah Ta’ala then ransomed Hazrat Ismaeel (alayhis salaam) with a ram from heaven.
Allah Ta’ala states : “Thus indeed do We reward those who do right” [Surah Saffaat 37 : 110]
Allah Ta’ala’s rewards encompass bounties of this world and bounties of the next for that person who surrenders himself to the commands of Allah Ta’ala and sacrifices his desires solely for the pleasure of Allah Ta’ala.
We learn the lessons of SUBMISSION, OBEDIENCE, SACRIFICE – attributes which are sorely lacking in our own lives.
We are commanded to submit ourselves to the Hukm (Command) of Allah Ta’ala; whichever one is directed to us.
There are different Ahkaam: sometimes it is the order of Salaah, sometimes it is the order not to perform Salaah; but at EVERY given moment the Command of Taqwa is directed to us, and that is we restrain ourselves from that which is Haraam.
Where is the truthfulness of our claim of Love and Imaan, if we cannot comply to obedience?
We have not been commanded to sacrifice our sons. We are only called to give up sins. Just don’t do the sin. Don’t cast lustful gazes, don’t commit zina, don’t gamble, don’t backbite, don’t do sins. …Don’t do and get rewards. Don’t do (sins) and become the Friend of Allah Ta’ala.
Nisbat (connection) with Allah Ta’ala is secured only on Taqwa and obedience to Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam).
Once we have established friendship with Allah Ta’ala, then no difficulty, no hardship, no adversity or suffering becomes insurmountable, as is seen in the life of Khalilullah (Friend of Allah), Hazrat Ibraheem (alayhis salaam).
We also learn that when we say we believe, then we will be tested on our claim.
Allah Ta’ala states : “Do men think that they will be left alone on saying, ‘We Believe’ and that they will not be tested?”
“We did test those before them, and Allah will certainly know those who are true from those who are false.” [Surah Ankaboot 29 : 2]
“Or do you think that you shall enter the Garden (of bliss) without such (Trials) as came to those who passed away before you…” [Surah Baqarah 2 : 214]
These tests in life are to see who still remains sincere and faithful to Allah Ta’ala – and who gives up and turns away from Allah Ta’ala. Of course, we should not be asking for tests and trials. We are weak. However, this world is a world of test.
From our side, we should always seek safety and aa’fiyat (well-being), as has been taught by Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam).
An Aalim has beautifully described the understanding and approach of a Believer in dealing with the tests of this worldly life :
“In whichever condition He keeps me,
It is the best condition for me;
Through whichever route He takes me,
It is the easiest route for me.”
In this journey of life, we are to establish and maintain our relationship with Allah Ta’ala, no matter what the circumstance and conditions we face…
For those who persevere and work hard to pass the examination of this worldly life, there will be innumerable rewards :
‘ …Those who patiently persevere will truly receive a reward without measure!” [Surah Zumar 39 : 10]
And we ask Allah Ta’ala to make us ever-submissive to Him, and that He grant us ease in the matter of life and death, grant us well-being and the ability to maintain steadfastness in all conditions of life.
