Seeing the Bigger Picture: The Eternal Consequences of Faith–Eid Sermon by Sh. Faraz Rabbani
In this Eid reminder, Shaykh Faraz Rabbani advises us to look beyond the pain, suffering and hardship we encounter to see the true purpose and potential of our creation. Touching on key Quranic verses, he counsels us to look at the bigger picture.
We see so much difficulty in our lives. We deal with our weaknesses, failings and challenges. One of the greatest blessings we have, is be becoming aware of others people’s suffering. This is not so we can be afraid, but so that we can do something about it. The point of hearing is not to listen, to point is to act.
The believer sees every situation as an opportunity to do good and get closer to Allah. Our approach should not be one of analysis and criticism, but one of action. After all, the purpose of every trial is to test whom will be the best in action.
What is the potential of the human being? To know one’s Lord, and to do good.
We are told in the Qur’an, “Is not Allah the Most Wise of the Wise?” This tells us that everything that Allah does is for a reason, and it is up to us to fulfil our potential as human beings.
Allah repeatedly reminds us to seek forgiveness. However, it is not a case where we ask, and He may forgive, or may not. He says, “Call upon Me, and I will surely grant you.” The forgiveness is waiting, and Paradise is waiting. Therefore, we ask Allah to help us fulfil our potential and make us from those who do good.
There is a Russian saying, “Yesterday was bad, today is awful, and tomorrow will be even worse.” However, that is not how a believer thinks. Allah has promised us Paradise, where all the pain and brokenness will be removed. We should let go of any negativity we have, and be grateful for these immense blessings.
