THE DAILY SUNNAH

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Every adversity carries within the seeds of opportunity and wisdom. 

It was in the sixth year of the hijra when our Prophet ﷺ and a group of his companions were denied the right to pilgrimage by the Quraysh. This was a special moment in the history of the Quraysh, surprisingly breaking their own laws and traditions to exercise their animosity towards Islam. These acts occurred during the Treaty of Hudaybiyah, where conditions set the Muslims in a weak position.

Right at the time when the document was being written, Abu Jandal, who had become a Muslim and been imprisoned by the pagans of Makkah, somehow escaped to the Prophet’sﷺ camp. The sight of his torture and the knowledge of his situation was a severe challenge for the Muslims. Abu Jandal implored the Prophetﷺ to help secure his release from imprisonment. But the conditions of the agreement had been concluded between them, and the boy was returned to them.

Our Prophetﷺ, ever pursuing peace, accepted these conditions, trusting in Allah’s divine plan.

In the midst of these trials, Allah reminds us of optimism.

Allah declares that the painful incident of Hudaybiyah was a victory for the Muslims - a statement that, at the time, went beyond human comprehension. Yet, as we have learned from history, the verse’s claim was indeed true. In the two years following the treaty, Islam flourished more than it ever did in the preceding twenty years.

In our times, we have seen painful tests and tribulations that echo the spirits of that time. It stirs us deeply to see the humiliation, the loss of life, the heartrending silence of those with the power to change things.

The Gaza war presents us with a similar test of faith in our present context.

Such events serve to remind us that Allah’s plans work in ways beyond our understanding. Every adversity can potentially lead to a significant victory if met with the right intentions and unwavering trust in Allah. The outcome of the Treaty of Hudaybiyah - the triumphant entry into Makkah - is a testament to this truth.

Through the heartache and loss, there are silver linings in our recent tribulations. One positive outcome is the reframing of the Palestinian cause. The ongoing crisis has once again directed global attention towards the suffering of our Palestinian brothers and sisters. For the first time, many, including non-Muslims, are beginning to question the conflict’s complexities. They are beginning to hear of the years of torment, confinement, humanitarian crisis, and dehumanization.

This renewed awareness is a victory on its own. It is a step towards empathy - a spark that could potentially fuel change. This is not to justify the sheer pain and tragedy that have unfolded but to seek wisdom amidst the struggles and help ourselves navigate these tests with unwavering faith in Allah.

We must keep our faith strong and trust Allah’s plans even when we cannot understand them. Adversities test our faith, but they also bring about opportunities. May we continue to derive consolation, sustenance, and inspiration from the stories of our Prophet and his companions as we navigate the realities of our world.

Above all, may we always remember to trust Allah, for He is the best of planners.

🪞 Reflection(s):

What adversity have you overcome that, upon reflection, had seeds of wisdom and opportunity?

How can you apply that trust to your current adversity?

Has the Gaza War brought any seeds of wisdom and opportunity in your life?

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