Allaah (Ta’ala) says in Surat al-Baqarah (2:214), addressing the best of His Messengers, Muhammad (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam):
أم حسبتم أن تدخلوا الجنة ولما يأتكم مثل الذين من قبلكم مستهم اليأساء والضراء وزلزلوا حتى يقول الرسول والذين معه متى نصر الله ألا إن نصر الله قريب
“Do you think that you will enter Paradise without such (trials) as came to those who passed away before you? They were afflicted with severe poverty and ailments and were so shaken that even the Messenger and those who believed along with him said: ‘When (will come) the Help of Allaah?’ Yes certainly, the Help of Allaah is near.”
It is reported by al-Bukhaari that Khabbab ibn al-Aratt (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) said: “We said: ‘O Messenger of Allaah! Why do you not invoke Allaah to support us? Why do you not supplicate Allaah for us? He (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “Those who were before you (believers); a saw would be placed in the middle of the head of one of them and he would be sawn until his feet, and he would be combed with iron combs between his skin and bones, yet that would not make him change his religion.” He (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) then said: “By Allaah! This matter (religion) will spread (or expand) by Allaah until the traveler leaves San’a’ to Hadramawt (both in Yemen, but a great distance from each other) fearing only Allaah and then the wolf for the sake of his sheep. You are just a hasty people.”
This Hadeeth means that success/help only comes after succeeding in trials.
Therefore, no desperation should be practiced at times of being weak, and there is no room for losing hope at the absence of establishing the religion. Rather, one should be talking about the victory of Islam and its spreading, and about the highness of this nation and its status.
Allaah (Ta’ala) says in Surat al-Ghaafir (40:51):
إنا لننصر رسلنا والذين آمنوا في الحياة الدنيا ويوم يقوم الأشهاد
“Indeed, We will support Our Messengers and those who believe during the life of this world and on the Day when the witnesses will stand.”
Also, Allaah (Ta’ala) says in Surat as-Saffaat (37:171-173):
ولقد سبقت كلمتنا لعبادنا المرسلين، إنهم لهم المنصورون وإن جندنا لهم الغالبون
“And Our Word [i.e. Decree] has already preceded for Our servants, the Messengers. [That] indeed, they would be those given victory. And [that] indeed, Our soldiers [i.e. the believers] will be those who overcome [if not in this world, then definitely in the Hereafter].”
Also, Allaah (Ta’ala) says in Surat ar-Room (30:47):
وكان حقا علينا نصر المؤمنين
“And incumbent upon Us was support of the believers (bestowal of victory).”
In Surat Muhammad (47:7), Allaah (Ta’ala) says:
يا أيها الذين آمنوا إن تنصروا الله ينصركم ويثبت أقدامكم
“If you support Allaah[1], He will support you and keep your feet firm.”
It is a promise from Allaah that He will make easy for him [the one who supports Allaah], the means of victory such as firmness and other than that.
In Surat al-Hajj (22:40), Allaah (Ta’ala) says:
ولينصرن الله من ينصره إن الله لقوي عزيز
“And Allaah will surely support those who support Him [i.e. His Cause]. Indeed, Allaah is Powerful and Exalted in Might.”
One should look considerably in the Book of Allaah and contemplate the meaning of success and support; one should look into the facts as regards the triumph of the Religion of Allaah. Keeping these facts hidden and being heedless of them caused falling into hastiness and caused desperation for many people.
The first thing that should be considered is the support is from Allaah.
والله يؤيد بنصره من يشاء
“Allaah supports with victory whom He pleases.” [Surat Aal-‘Imran (3:13)]
وما النصر إلا من عند الله العزيز الحكيم
“And there is no victory, except from Allaah.” [Surat Aal-‘Imran (3:126)]
It is not by abundance or strength (force); but Allaah bestows guidance upon whomever He wills. He (Ta’ala) bestows upon whomever He wills by using him in obedience to Him and by him serving His (Allaah’s) Religion.
Allaah (Ta’ala) says in Surat al-Hujurat (49:17):
بل الله يمن عليكم أن هداكم للإيمان إن كنتم صادقين
“Rather Allaah has conferred favor upon you that He has guided you to the faith, if you should be truthful.”
In Surat Muhammad (47:4), Allaah (Ta’ala) says:
ذلك ولو يشاء الله لانتصر منهم ولكن ليبلو بعضكم ببعض
“And if Allaah had willed, He could have taken vengeance upon them [Himself], but [He ordered armed struggle] to test some of you by means of others.”
The wisdom behind the trials and hardship of the believers:
In the context of the consolation of Allaah for the believers after the battle of ‘Uhud, Allaah (Ta’ala) mentions the exaltedness of the believers and the reason behind testing them in Surat Aal-‘Imran (3:139-142):
ولا تهنوا ولا تحزنوا وأنتم الأعلون إن كنتم مؤمنين، إن يمسسكم قرح فقد مس القوم قرح مثله، وتلك الأيام نداولها بين الناس وليعلم الله الذين آمنوا ويتخذ منكم شهداء والله لا يحب الظالمين، وليمحص الله الذين آمنوا ويمحق الكافرين.أم حسبتم أن تدخلوا الجنة ولما يعلم الله الذين جاهدوا منكم ويعلم الصابرين.
“Do not lose heart or fall into despair, for you will gain the upper hand if you are believers. If a wound has touched you, be sure a similar wound has touched them. Such days [of varying fortune], We give to people in turn, so that Allaah may test those who believe, to choose martyrs from among you – Allaah does not like the wrongdoers – and that Allaah may purify the believers and destroy the disbelievers. Do you think that you will enter Paradise while Allaah has not yet tested who amongst you fights [in His Cause] and who are patient? You did indeed wish for death before you encountered it.* Now you have seen it with your own eyes.”
Some Aspects of Success and Kinds of Triumph
The following illustrate some aspects of victory and support which the Muslim should know in order that he undertakes the responsibility to serve his religion and protect his Ummah; and that he will have insight regarding his matters and a proof of his path.
1- The first form of victory is the most wondrous and the strongest aspect of victory – migration (Hijrah) and bearing harm and killing. Many Prophets were killed, and many who ordered justice from among the people were expelled from their land. Many immigrated, and no one followed them, or among them were only one or two who followed them.
Allaah (Ta’ala) says in Surat at-Tawbah (9:52):
قل هل تربصون بنا إلاإحدى الحسنيين، ونحن نتربص بكم أن يصيبكم الله بعذاب من عنده أو بأيدينا
“Say, ‘Do you await for us except one of the two best things [i.e. martyrdom or victory]? While we await for you either that Allaah will afflict you with punishment from Himself or at our hand?”
Also Allaah (Ta’ala) says in Surat Aal-‘Imran (3:195):
فاستجاب لهم ربهم أني لا أضيع عمل منكم من ذكر أو أنثى بعضكم من بعض، فالذين هاجروا وأخرجوا من ديارهم وأوذوا في سبيلي وقاتلوا وقتلوا لأكفرن عنهم سيئاتهم ولأدخلنهم جنات تجري من تحتها الأنهار ثوابا من عند الله والله عنده حسن الثواب
“And their Lord responded to them, ‘Never will I allow to be lost the work of any (worker) among you, whether male or female. You are of one another. So those who immigrated or who were evicted from their homes or were harmed in My Cause, and fought and were killed – I will surely remove from them their misdeeds, and I will surely admit them to Gardens beneath which rivers flow; a reward from Allaah, and Allaah has with Him the best reward.”
In Surat an-Nisaa’ (4:100), Allaah (Ta’ala) says:
ومن يهاجر في سبيل الله يجد في الأرض مراغما كثيرا وسعة، ومن يخرج من بيته مهاجرا إلى الله ورسوله ثم يدركه الموت فقد وقع أجره على الله
“And whoever emigrates for the Cause of Allaah, will find on the earth many dwelling places and plenty to live by (sustenance). And whoever leaves His home as an emigrant to Allaah and His Messenger, and then death overtakes him – his reward has already become incumbent upon Allaah. And Allaah is Ever Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.”
So, if one emigrates or is expelled from the land, or if harm occurs as a consequence of that, then either martyrdom is attained, or the prevalence of the Religion is attained.
Emigration, imprisonment, persecution, torture, and all types of afflictions are signs of victory and highness of fame. As a result of these afflictions there is also victory, as can be seen in the increase in the numbers of followers and the termination or prevention (stopping) of enemies.
ولكن المنافقين لا يعلمون
“But the hypocrites know not.” [Surat al-Munafiqun 63:8]
The utmost explanation for this kind of support and success is Allaah’s Statement regarding the emigration of His Prophet Muhammad (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) in Surat Tawbah (9:40):
إلا تنصروه فقد نصره الله إذ أخرجه الذين كفروا ثاني اثنين إذ هما في الغار إذ يقول لصاحبه لا تحزن إن الله معنا فأنزل الله سكينته عليه وأيده بجنود لم تروها وجعل كلمة الذين كفروا السفلى وكلمة الله هي العليا والله عزيز حكيم
“If you help him [Muhammad (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam)] not (it does not matter), for Allaah did indeed help him when the disbelievers drove him out, the second of two, when they [Muhammad (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) and Abu Bakr (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu)] were in the cave, and he (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said to his Companion [Abu Bakr (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu)]: ‘Be not sad (or afraid), surely Allaah is with us.‘ Then Allaah sent down His Sakeenah (calmness, tranquility, peace, etc.) upon him, and strengthened him with forces (angels) which you saw not, and made the word of those who disbelieved the lowermost, while it was the Word of Allaah that became the uppermost, and Allaah is All-Mighty, All-Wise.”
Allaah granted victory to His Prophet Muhammad (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) and his Companions over those who had opposed him, disbelieved in him and showed hostility towards him. He caused His Word and His Religion to prevail over all other religions, commanded him to emigrate from his people to Al-Madinah, where He (Ta’ala) gave him supporters and helpers. Then Allaah (Ta’ala) caused him to prevail over the idolaters on the day of Badr, when He granted him victory over them and he humiliated them, killing their leaders and taking their elite prisoners, driving them before him in chains. Then he did them the favor of accepting ransom from them. Shortly after that, Allaah enabled him to conquer Makkah, and he rejoiced in his return to his homeland, the sacred and holy land of Al-Haram. Through him, Allaah saved it from its disbelief and Shirk. Then Allaah enabled him to conquer Yemen, and the entire Arabian Peninsula submitted to him, and the people entered the religion of Allaah in crowds. Then Allaah took him (in death), because of His high status and honor, and He established his Companions as his Khalifahs. They conveyed the religion of Allaah from him and called mankind to Allaah. They conquered many regions, countries and cities, and opened people’s hearts, until the call of Muhammad (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) spread throughout the world. This religion will continue to prevail until the Hour begins.
Allaah (Ta’ala) mentions Ibraheem’s (‘Alayhis-salaam) declaration of his Hijrah in Surat al-Ankabut (29:26):
وقال إني مهاجر إلى ربي إنه هو العزيز الحكيم
“I will emigrate for the sake of my Lord. Verily, He is the All-Mighty, the All-Wise.”
Ibn Taymiyyah (Rahimahullaah) said: “How would my enemy take vengeance on me while Jannah is in my breast; my killing is a martyrdom, and my expulsion is a spiritual journey, and imprisonment is seclusion.”
Here the people of Truth will know who are truly triumphant and who are defeated.
2- The second form of support is correct evidence and convincing proof.
Ibn Katheer (Rahimahullaah) said regarding the verse in Surat as-Saffaat (37:171-172):
ولقد سبقت كلمتنا لعبادنا المرسلين، إنهم لهم المنصورون
“And Verily, Our Word has gone forth of old for Our servants, the Messengers, that they verily would be made triumphant.” Meaning: It has already been stated in the first Book (in the preserved Tablet) that the Messengers and their followers will ultimately prevail over their people, who disbelieved in them and went against them. They would prevail them in this world and the Hereafter, and how Allaah destroyed the disbelievers and saved His believing servants. [Tafseer Ibn Katheer]
At-Tabari (Rahimahullaah) said: “It has already been stated in the Mother of the Book (Al-Lauh al-Mahfudh, i.e. the preserved Tablet), for them will be victory and prevalence by proofs.”
This is explained in Surat al-An’aam (6:83) when Allaah (Ta’ala) says about Ibraheem [Abraham (‘Alayhis-salaam)]:
وتلك حجتنا آتيناها إبراهيم على قومه نرفع درجات من نشاء، إن ربك حكيم عليم
“And that was Our conclusive argumentwhich We gave Ibraheem against his people. We raise whom We will in degrees (and that elevation is victory). Certainly your Lord is All-Wise, All-Knowing.”
His people had argued with him concerning Allaah (see verses 80-82). Similarly, Allaah’s Statement in Surat al-Baqarah (2:258):
فبهت الذي كفر
“So the disbeliever was overwhelmed (by astonishment).”
And the word “Baht” in Arabic language is defeat. The disbeliever was defeated and Allaah’s Prophet Ibraheem (‘Alayhis-salaam) was triumphant by al-Hujjah (clear convincing proof – or argument).
3- The third form of support is firmness and being patient against the opponent, hoping for the reward from Allaah.
In Surat Muhammad (47:7), Allaah (Ta’ala) promises that whoever will support Him (His Religion) with statement and actions, He will support him and make easy for him the means of victory such as firmness and other than that.
يا أيها الذين آمنوا إن تنصروا الله ينصركم ويثبت أقدامكم
“O you who believe! If you help (in the Cause of) Allaah, He will help you and make your foothold firm.”
Firmness means: He keeps their hearts firm with patience, giving them strength and tranquility in their hearts; He (Ta’ala) also makes their bodies endure all that patiently, and He helps them against their enemies.
There is no greater support and utmost guidance and success other than to be kept firm by Allaah, and to be upright and guided to overcome one’s lusts and obstacles with courage and firmness.
This kind of victory is an internal success which will be followed with an apparent success.
ربنا أفرغ علينا صبرا وثبت أقدامنا وانصرنا على القوم الكافرين
“Our Lord! Pour forth on us patience and set firm our feet and make us victorious over the disbelieving people.” [Surat al-Baqarah (2:250)]
ربنا اغفر لنا ذنوبنا وإسرافنا في أمرنا وثبت أقدامنا وانصرنا على القوم الكافرين
“Our Lord! Forgive us our sins and our transgression (in keeping our duties to You), establish our feet firmly, and give us victory over the disbelieving folk.” [Surat Aal-‘Imran (3:147)]
Allaah (Ta’ala) said to His Prophet Muhammad (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) in Surat al-Isra’ (17:74):
ولولا أن ثبتناك لقد كدت تركن إليهم شيئا قليلا
“And had We not made you stand firm, you would nearly have inclined to them a little.”
See how resolute (determined) the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) was; he stayed firm in front of all what the Quraish presented to him of kingship, wealth, nobility, etc. Also look considerably at the firmness of Abu Bakr (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) on the day of the death of Prophet Muhammad (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam), on the day of apostasy of some Arab tribes, and on the day of fighting those who refused to pay the Zakaat. Also the firmness of Imaam Ahmad (Rahimahullaah) in the trial of those who claimed that the Qur’an was created, and see how victory succeeded these events.
In conclusion:
If one contemplates the aspects and forms of victory, he will know the vastness of Allaah’s Grace and Wisdom. These forms could be gathered for some of Allaah’s servants, as they were gathered for our Prophet Muhammad (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam). He (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) became victorious, similar to Prophet Musa [Moses (’Alayhis-salaam)].
- By the prevalence of the Religion and its completion
- By the destruction of the beliers
- By Hijrah
- By the clear and convincing proofs, and
- by Allaah’s protection for him from His enemies.
As for Prophet Ibraheem [Abraham (’Alayhis-salaam)], Allaah gave him the victory by al-Hujjah, the argument and convincing proof, and by Hijrah, while Prophet Nuh [Noah (’Alayhis-salaam)], Hud, Saalih, Lut, and Shu’aib (’Alayhimus-salaam) became victorious by patience, firmness and destruction of their enemies and their rescue from them. The believers who were with them were few.
The responsibility of the Muslim is to be sure that he is walking on the Right Path, in accordance with the Sunnah of the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam). He (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “Hold fast to my Sunnah and the examples of the Rightly Guided Caliphs who will come after me. Adhere to them and hold them fast. Beware of newly invented matters (in religion) because every invented matter is an innovation and every innovation is a misguidance.” [Abu Dawoud and at-Tirmidhi]
In another Hadeeth reported by at-Tirmidhi, he (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “My Ummah will be separated into 73 sects, all of them will be in Hell except one nation (group) and that which is in accordance to me and my Companions.”
“The decision of the matter, before and after (these events) is only with Allaah (belongs to Allaah) [the defeat and victory]” [Surat ar-Room (30:4)]
“He helps whom He wills, and He is All-Mighty, the Most Merciful.” [Surat ar-Room (30:5)]
We are not but His slaves.We seek nearness to Him by worshiping Him, and we believe with certainty that the Command belongs to Allaah;He raises whomever He wills and degrades whomever He wills; He gives and withholds; honors whomever He wills and disgraces whomever He wills and He gives victory to whomever He wills. He is al-Muqaddim, al-Mu’akhkhir, Laa ilaaha illa Huwa (none has the right to be worshipped except Him).
Bear in mind that victory is the victory of the Religion and not the victory of people (persons).It is the victory of morals and correct Aqeedah.
How do you know if Islam is triumphant or not? Islam becomes triumphant by the appearance of its rituals, such as:
- Tawheed of Allaah
- Establishing the Salaat
- Giving the Zakaat
- Attending congregational prayer
- Joining the Ma’roof and forbidding the Munkar
- Populating the Haramain with pilgrims (the increasing number of those who perform Hajj and Umrah), etc.
The Religion of Islam is the fastest growing religion that is spreading all over the world.
Allaah (Ta’ala) says in Surat an-Nasr (110:1-3):
إذا جاء نصر الله والفتح ورأيت الناس يدخلون في دين الله أفواجا. فسبح بحمد ربك واستغفره إنه كان توابا
“When there comes the Help of Allaah [to you, O Muhammad (salla Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) against your enemies] and the Conquest (of Makkah). And you see that the people enter Allaah’s religion (Islam) in crowds. So glorify the Praises of your Lord, and ask His forgiveness. Verily, He is the One Who accepts the repentance and Who forgives.”
The Muslims should rejoice and give glad tidings to others and think good of Allaah.
Allaah says in Surat al-Munafiqun (63:8):
ولله العزة ولرسوله وللمؤمنين ولكن المنافقين لا يعلمون
“And to Allaah belongs all honor, and to His Messenger, and to the believers but the hypocrites do not know.”
So support the Religion of Allaah, and He will give you support and victory.
Allaah (Ta’ala) also says in Surat Muhammad (47:7) (interpretation of the meaning):
“If you support Allaah, He will support you and plant firmly your feet.”
The obstacles in the way of victory
The causes, or what prevents the victory from coming: Oppression, committing sins, inclining toward those who do wrong, and heedlessness of (what should be) the foremost in our lives. The most important matter is the Tawheed of Allaah and fulfillment of it. Then, staying away from factionalism (partisanship).
Lastly, one should not be hasty in seeking the victory. The Religion of the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) is protected and triumphant; no force on earth can overcome it. The Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “(Remember) that a group of this nation (true Muslims, real followers of Islamic Monotheism) will remain obedient to Allaah’s Order, [i.e. strictly follow Allaah’s Book (the Qur’an) and the Prophet’s Sunnah (legal ways)] and they will not be harmed by anyone who will oppose them (going on a different path) till Allaah’s Order (Day of Judgment) is established.” [Al-Bukhaari and Muslim]
And Allaah (Ta’ala) says in Surat as-Saff (61:8):
يريدون ليطفئوا نور الله بأفواههم والله متم نوره ولو كره الكافرون
“They want to extinguish the Light of Allaah with their mouths, but Allaah will perfect His Light, although the disbelievers dislike it. “
Allaah (Ta’ala) also says in Surat Yusuf (12:21):
والله غالب على أمره ولكن أكثر الناس لا يعلمون
“And Allaah is predominant over His affair, but most of the people do not know.”
…….
[1] Supporting Allaah means, 1- Establishing His Religion 2- Calling (people) to it (Da’wah) 3- Jihaad against His enemy. The intention when doing all the previous matters should be to seek Allaah’s Countenance
……..
📚 Sources:
- Summarized from Khutbah of al-Haram of Makkah “The Aspects of Victory of the Muslim Nation” by Shaikh Saalih ibn Humaid conducted on 2/12/1435 A.H.
- Tayseer al-Kareem by Shaikh as-Sa’dee
- Tafseer Ibn Katheer
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