Agra | The preacher of Masjid Neharwali, Muhammad Iqbal, in today’s Friday sermon, gave this message to the Namazis : Do not be troubled thinking that a certain person doesn’t even pray regularly, yet they are very prosperous. He said that we should not think like that, I perform my prayers regularly, help others as much as I can, by Allah’s grace, I even stand before my Lord in the night, fast all my fasts, have performed Hajj and Umrah, and pay my Zakat on time. Despite all this, I remain troubled, while that other person continues to progress despite engaging in all sorts of wrongdoings. He has a luxurious house, a fine car, and a thriving business – all the things needed for a grand life. Allah keeps giving him everything. This is human nature, that ‘Waswasa’ (thoughts of doubt) enter the mind, and often, a person falls prey to these satanic doubts. Allah’s principle is that He provides air for everyone to breathe, whether they worship Him or not. There are many more examples that can be given, but we need to understand one important thing, there is a big difference between the two situations, which we are failing to understand. Consider this example : a parrot is in a cage, and bread is given to it, and there is also a rat in a cage, and bread is given to it too. Understand the difference, the bread given to the parrot is to fill its stomach so that it doesn’t remain hungry, while the bread given to the rat is a trap to catch it. What happens to it after being caught needs no explanation. The day we understand this difference, our thinking will change immediately, God willing. My Lord is very Merciful; He even gives a chance to the ungrateful, hoping they might return to the right path. Always remember this : He tests by giving, and He tests by taking away. May Allah include us among His grateful servants.
