“The wound is where the Light enters you.” ~ Mawlana Rumi
When we are in need, broken, that is when reality opens to us. The reality that we, as human beings, were not created to take on the weight of this life, nor steer it however we wish. And that we, as human beings, are not the possessors of complete power and might, or wealth or glory. And therein lies our cure. Allah will suffice us.
Because, had all power and ability been placed into our hands, we would often make decisions which would eventually destroy us. Decisions which we would either regret when it is too late, or decisions which take us beyond recognition of our true selves. How many times have we looked back at a point in our lives, and thought, “Alhamdulillah (thank Allah) that didn’t work out!”
The reality of our affairs is ultimately known by Allah alone. This is what tawakkul (trust in Allah) and yaqeen (certainty) is; to believe firmly that Allah will ordain for us that which is beneficial for us whether we perceive the goodness of a situation or not. What we perceive as loss or gain may be the opposite in reality – and Divine Wisdom knows the truth.
But perhaps you hate a thing and it is good for you; and perhaps you love a thing and it is bad for you. And Allah Knows, while you know not. [Qur’an 2:216]
Everything happens for a reason; the Sufis say there is a hikmah (wisdom) in all things, which we cannot comprehend within the confines of our limited minds. This is why sabr (patience) is such an essential part of faith. Allah is telling us: wait, and you will see; wait, and let the story unfold; wait and have trust in Me, and you will be rewarded. Mawlana Rumi likens it to the state of an ant walking over an intricate carpet design, complaining to Allah: “What are all these strange bumps, colours and patterns, as though they have been made as a meaningless obstacle course!” The ant, in its tiny form and size, is unable to perceive the beauty of the carpet as seen through the eyes of the carpet maker. Every hurdle we stumble upon is often the start of another beautiful design in life’s carpet.
And by Allah, in those moments of weakness and distress, where we recognise our own fragility and smallness, our weakness and flaws, our utter humanness, we become the most enriched at heart. To taste need at the Door of God is to empty one’s hands so they may be filled with incredible alms from the King.
For if your hands were full (of this world and its desires), how would you receive anything more?
And if your hands were full, with what humility would you beg the Most Generous?
And if your hands were full, what right would you have to hope for alms?
We must taste need in order to taste the sweetness of His Giving!
Amongst the extraordinary secrets of life is the moment you find yourself heavy-heartedly turning to Him. There is a sweetness in that pain, and a Light in that darkness. For one who turns to the Most Merciful is never sent away deprived. And one who devotes himself to the Most Merciful, what hasn’t he gained?