In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
Praise is due to Allah, Lord of the worlds, may the blessings and peace be upon our beloved master Muhammad, the last of Prophets, on his family, and all his companions.
Dear brothers and sisters! Know that, in times of insecurity and fear, Islam calls Muslim believers to strengthen their Iman (their faith), to practice patience, and to place their complete reliance solely on Allah, who is the ultimate source of all security and peace.
True strength lies in recognising our dependence on Allah. The Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) said:
“Tie your camel first, then put your trust in Allah.”
This means taking practical steps to ensure safety while placing ultimate reliance on Allah’s plan.
And also this Prophetic Hadith “Tie your camel first, then put your trust in Allah” means that one must first take all necessary and reasonable actions and steps to protect their interests, and then rely on Allah for the outcome. It emphasises that true tawakkul, or trust in Allah, is a combination of diligent effort and spiritual reliance, rather than passivity. Islam encourages Muslim believers to use their intellect and capabilities for preparation while trusting that Allah will guide and provide.
The saying comes from a story where a man asked the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) if he should tie up his camel and then trust in Allah. The Prophet replied, “Tie it, and then trust in Allah.”
This Prophetic Hadith illustrates the balance between personal responsibility and spiritual reliance. It shows that faith is not an excuse for inaction, nor is action without faith sufficient.
The “tying your camel” part is a metaphor for taking all practical and reasonable steps. This can include taking all the necessary actions and steps to face the insecurity, seeking knowledge, getting a job, preparing for a test, or taking precautions against any harm.
The “trust in Allah” part means after doing your best, you leave the final result to Allah Almighty. It’s about accepting that while you can control your efforts, you cannot control the outcome, and you rely on Allah’s plan and will for the final result.
The message is relevant to all aspects of life. For example, one should study diligently for an exam before trusting Allah to help them pass, and one should seek medical treatment while trusting Allah for healing. It teaches that striving is a form of Ibadah (worship) and is commanded by Allah Almighty.
Respected brothers and sisters! Hardships and trials are an integral part of a Muslim believer’s life and a means to test and strengthen faith, expiate sins, and elevate one’s rank. Allah Almighty says:
“Indeed, with hardship [will be] ease.” [Qur’an, 94:6]
This is a divine promise that provides hope and resilience.
And consistently remembering Allah (Zikr) and turning to Him in prayer and supplication (Du’a) provides solace and tranquility. Du’a is the weapon of the believer, and we should call upon Allah with certainty that He will answer.
Times of calamity are a call to return to Allah in sincere repentance. Seeking forgiveness removes anxiety, provides relief, and can lead to provision from sources one never expected.
The story of the mother of the Prophet Musa (Peace be upon him) is a powerful example of faith amidst extreme fear and insecurity. When faced with the Pharaoh’s decree to kill all newborn boys, she was divinely inspired to place her infant son in a river to save him. This act, seemingly counterintuitive and fraught with danger, required immense trust in Allah’s protection. Despite her heart nearly shattering with fear and sadness, she obeyed the command. Allah protected Prophet Musa and, by His perfect plan, returned the child to her, even arranging for her to be paid to nurse him in the Pharaoh’s own household. This narrative demonstrates that Allah can provide a way out from the most hopeless situations, far beyond human imagination, when one places their complete trust in Him.
Allah the Most High says:
“And whoever fears Allah – He will make for him a way out and provide for him from where he does not expect. And whoever relies upon Allah – then He is sufficient for him.” [Qur’an, 65:2-3]
And Allah Almighty says:
“Say, ‘O My servants who have transgressed against themselves [by sinning], do not despair of the mercy of Allah. Indeed, Allah forgives all sins. Indeed, it is He who is The Forgiving, The Merciful.'” [Qur’an, 39:53]
And the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) said:
“The strong believer is better and more beloved to Allah than the weak believer, although both are good. Strive for that which will benefit you, seek the help of Allah, and do not feel helpless.”
Let’s all be prayerful, we shouldn’t play with Du’a. The powerful invocation of:
“Hasbunallah Wa Ni’mal-Wakil” (Allah alone is sufficient for us, and He is the best Protector) is very important and was recited by Prophet Ibrahim (Peace be upon him) when he was about to be thrown into the fire, which then became a source of coolness and tranquility.
Returning to Allah means acknowledging His sovereignty and finding peace and strength in His promise that He will never abandon those who sincerely turn to Him In Shaa Allah!
Dear brothers and sisters! Come back to Allah, even if you’ve slipped a thousand times. His door is open, His mercy is boundless, and His forgiveness is waiting for you.
Allah the Most High says:
“Say, “O My servants who have transgressed against themselves [by sinning], do not despair of the mercy of Allah. Indeed, Allah forgives all sins. Indeed, it is He who is the Forgiving, the Merciful.” [Surah Az-Zumar, 53]
And He the Almighty says:
“…and fear Allah so that you may be successful.” [Qur’an, 2:189]
The fear of Allah not only guides our decisions but also helps us navigate challenges with integrity and purpose. True success lies in achieving our goals while remaining mindful of our duties as Muslim believers, ensuring that our actions are pleasing to Him.
As we seek success in this life, remember that our ultimate aim is the hereafter. Balancing our aspirations with spirituality can lead us toward achieving a deeper sense of fulfillment and contentment.
Yes, I repeat it, in facing insecurities, success comes only from Allah!
And there’s no any apology, this my statement, “In facing insecurities, success comes only from Allah,” is true, and is an expression of the Islamic principle of trust in Allah and is rooted in Qur’anic verses that emphasise His ultimate control over all outcomes. This belief highlights that while human effort is necessary, the ultimate source of success and the removal of difficulties is Allah alone.
The belief is that Allah’s aid is the only thing that guarantees success. The Qur’an states:
“If Allah should aid you, no one can overcome you; but if He should forsake you, who is there that can aid you after Him? And upon Allah let the believers rely.” [Qur’an, 3:160]
Islam mandates that individuals must strive and put in their best effort (known as jihad or struggle, which includes inner striving against one’s own weaknesses). However, one’s success is ultimately attributed to Allah’s will and not one’s own capabilities, which helps prevent pride and arrogance.
Placing total reliance on Allah provides peace of mind and resilience against fear and pressure.
True success is not merely worldly achievements like weapons, wealth or status, but rather earning Allah’s pleasure, purifying one’s soul, and securing a place in Paradise in the Hereafter.
Therefore to combat insecurities, one is encouraged to seek refuge with Allah from the whispers of Shaitan (Satan) and to make Du’a (supplication) seriously for help and guidance.
The general sentiment is that while one must take the necessary practical steps and work hard, the final outcome rests with Allah’s decree and assistance.
Finally, there’s no any doubt, that there’s a serious security threats in Nigeria, especially in the North. But we shouldn’t despair, by the Grace of Almighty Allah we are going to crush all the terrorists, all the insurgents, all the bandits and their collaborators, their sympathisers, their supporters and their financiers!
Nigeria have the political will together with Allah’s power! We have the resources! We will crush them! Nigeria will succeed In Shaa Allah!
May the Almighty Allah takes control of this bizarre situations and save Nigeria from disintegrating.
Ya Allah, ruin all the individuals or group of people, who plots to ruin the North and Nigeria.
Ya Allah, The All knower, reveal and destroy all the perpetrators and sponsors behind the current spate of killings, kidnapping and banditry in our dear states.
Ya Allah, make their mission unaccomplished.
Ya Allah, You know the enemies of peace in our midst, Ya Allah, expose them and make their lives devastated and unpeaceful, the way they are devastating the lives of innocent people.
Ya Allah, forgive us and bring lasting peace and harmony to the North, to Nigeria and world as a whole, ameen Ya Hayyu Ya Qayyum!
Wassalamu alaikum wa rahmatullah wa bara ka tuh.
All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of the worlds. Prayers, peace and mercy are upon our beloved master, Muhammad, the son of Abdullah (Peace be upon him), his family and Companions.
Murtadha Muhammad Gusau is the Chief Imam of Nagazi-Uvete Jumu’ah and the late Alhaji Abdur-Rahman Okene’s Mosques, Okene, Kogi State, Nigeria. He can be reached via: [email protected] or +2348038289761 or +2348024192217.
