Keeping The Faith

Having Faith Even in Difficulties

True faith is in keeping up hope. The following story from the Hadith shows (amongst other things) how merciful Allah was to a man who was evil, but fears his reckoning with Allah. At the point of death, he feared Allah but despair that his massive evil deeds could find His forgiveness.

The Prophet (peace be upon him) mentioned this man from the previous generation. Allah gave him both wealth and children.

When the time of his death approached, he asked his children, 'What type of father have I been to you?'

They replied: 'You have been a good father.'

He said, 'But he (i.e. I, your father) has not stored any good deeds with Allah (for the Hereafter): if he should face Allah, Allah will punish him. So listen, (O my children), when I die, burn my body till I become mere coal and then grind it into powder, and when there is a stormy wind, throw me (my ashes) in it.'

So he took a firm promise from his children (to follow his instructions).

And by Allah they (his sons) did accordingly (fulfilled their promise).

Then Allah said, 'Be!' and behold! He was re-assembled and resurrected. That man was standing there! Allah then said, 'O my slave! What made you do what you did?'

That man said, 'Fear of You.'

So Allah forgave him. (Bukhari 8.488)

The Prophet (peace be upon him) used to supplicate, “O Allah, I seek refuge in Thee from four things: Knowledge which does not profit, a heart which is not submissive, a soul which has an insatiable appetite, and a supplication which is not heard.” (Abu Dawud)