Reflection 3.0 - CCUB 2621 Section 204

 A Really Hard Test (Friday Sermon) by Nouman Ali Khan

This khutbah focuses on verse 11 until 14 of Surah At-Taghabun. Nouman Ali Khan started his sermon by reminding us that it is important to look at the content of the Quran both through a specific verse and its meaning, and as a whole such as the relation from one verse to another. This is extremely important to keep in mind as he dissected the mentioned verses.

The first major takeaway in my opinion is the reminder that the word “musibah” can refer to good things and bad things because both can be used to test us in this world. For example, family relations and friendships are good things especially when they can offer a listening ear at times of difficulties. However, this in of itself can also be a trial to Muslims because we should not put our dependence on other humans above our dependence of Allah S.A.W. He is the One who gives us a trial, and He is the only One who can guides us out of the trouble as long as we have imaan.

Not only should we be wary of putting people’s guidance above Allah’s, we should also be careful not to think that our own judgement is better than His. We might think that we know better cause we’re the one going through the problem but, again, Allah is the One who puts us there and He knows of all the consequences that our action will bring even though we don’t. The best and only thing to do is put faith in Allah, accept His guidance and obey His commands. 

Going back to the previous point about our families can also be a trial for us, Allah has mentioned in verse 14 to beware. This is another reminder that our love towards Allah, His messengers and Islam should be above our love towards our own family members. However, in the same verse, Allah gives us the option to forgive them should they wrong us and show remorse for their actions. Allah is the Most Forgiving and allows His followers to forgive each other as long as they show growth. Nouman Ali Khan highlighted that this is an option, and personally I think this shows that Islam acknowledges that humans have emotions which include sadness and anger. While forgiveness is rewarded, it remains as a choice and not forced onto people who have been hurt.

In short, whatever we may perceive as good can actually be a trial for our imaan and this includes family and friends. While reliance on other humans are natural, our reliance on Allah must be prioritized. Lastly, beware of our loved ones and our relationship with them, and keep in mind that Allah gives us the power to also forgive them.