Agra | The Khateeb (preacher) of Masjid Neharwali, Muhammad Iqbal, highlighted in today’s Friday Sermon how we should react if we face difficulties or mistreatment from those we invite to Islam. He referred to Hadith number 3477 from Sahih Bukhari, which describes: “It is as if I can see the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) narrating the story of a prophet from earlier times. This prophet’s people harmed him severely, leaving him wounded and bloodied. Yet, he would clean the blood off and pray, ‘O Allah! Forgive my people, for they do not know.’” This story gives us a lesson. Reflect upon it. In Surah Ibrahim, Ayat no. 12, Allah says, “Whatever harm you may cause us, we will respond with patience.” Look at today’s situation in the light of the Quran and Hadith. The actions of those we are trying to invite to the truth are in front of everyone. Yet, we have only one choice, which is to respond with patience to all hardships, as guided by the Quran and Hadith. Any other response would go against these teachings, bringing harm instead of benefit. Even today and tomorrow, our duty remains to invite them towards goodness because they are our audience. Consider the stories of previous prophets; each faced various challenges from their people with patience. We do not find any example of them retaliating. Therefore, it is essential for a Muslim to maintain a one-sided positive relationship with those he invites to the path of Allah. This is the only solution. May Allah give us the strength to do this. Aameen.
There is only the option of patience for all the troubles received from the invited one : Muhammad Iqbal
