Day 8: The Beloved of Allah

“Allah is the Protecting Friend of those who have faith: from the depths of darkness He will lead them forth into light.  Of those who reject faith the patrons are the Evil Ones: from light they will lead them forth into the depths of darkness.  They will be companions of the fire to dwell therein (for ever).” Qur'an 2 verse 257

The above verse is one of the most profound verses of the revealed scriptures I have ever read. It gives hope to me as a person and in so many ways resonates with my inner desires. That God is a friend of anyone and this can really be any ordinary person. How can I not desire to be befriended by Allah? We value friendship of people who are more powerful than ourselves, or more pious, or richer or more knowledgeable, why not Allah who is far beyond anything and anyone and in every way.

He promises not only just to be a friend but a protecting one. Protects from the ultimate misfortunes of Hell, Punishment, Evil, Harm and Calamity. To earn His protection and friendship, he only requires true faith. True faith is in every decision we make in every moments. Do you choose God’s guidance and instructions over personal desires and pleasure? Do you seek His pleasure and nearness to Him or you drift ever so often into personal passion and mundane acknowledgement? If in every decision you choose the Supreme over the Self, then you will be close to him and will be God’s friend, beloved and protected.

“… My servant draws not near to Me with anything more loved by Me than the religious duties I have enjoined upon him, and My servant continues to draw near to Me with supererogatory works so that I shall love him.  When I love him I am his hearing with which he hears, his seeing with which he sees, his hand with which he strikes and his foot with which he walks.  Were he to ask [something] of Me, I would surely give it to him, and were he to ask Me for refuge, I would surely grant him it.  I do not hesitate about anything as much as I hesitate about [seizing] the soul of My faithful servant: he hates death and I hate hurting him.”

Once you have gained nearness to Him, he promises never to leave you in darkness, you will forever be in the light of His guidance and His love.

- Contributed by Shamsideen AbuSuad, UK.