I'd like to think that I'm a strong person. In fact, I always tell myself that I am a strong person. I had, afterall, moved to live in another country on my own at the age of 19, lived thousands of miles away from home for more than seven years, and I've had my share of tragic moments in life.
For the past two weeks though, I felt so much hurt and sorrow, and for things that are happening at a place far away from home. Growing up, we've all sympathized and felt sorry for the wars that were happening around the world. In fact, the Gaza/Israel conflict have been going on for many years now, and apart from thinking that I feel sorry for them, it never affected me at all. I carried on with my life, with the usual daily routines, basically lived my life just like many others.
But for the past two weeks, I suddenly had an awakening. The suffering of the Palestinian really made my heart sink. I was actually crying for them, at random times, at random places. At home, at work, while driving - whenever I think of them, my heart goes out to them and I cry. I cry and cry. For all the martyrs, for the families they left behind, for the mothers, for the children and babies. I honestly wonder, how can the Israelis be so cruel and heartless - the fact that they have the heart to deliberately attack young children and babies, the fact that they are able to cheer and celebrate the loss of innocent lives - how can they have such cold hearts?
It made me realize all the more, how the Quran is true. It has been said over and over, on how the Jews have such cold and twisted hearts, and how they are the ones who go astray (as clearly stated in al-Fatihah, the surah that we recite daily). If the Jews wanted to prove Islam is wrong, all they have to do is make peace - but they won't and they can't, for the Quran is true. The prophecies of our Nabis are true. And yes, that is why despite what the world thinks, on how oppressed the Muslims all over the world are, on how weak we may seem to them, we have faith in knowing that Allah will provide for us victory, and only He knows when is the best time.
Only those who do not have strong faith cries, 'But where is His help?'
Indeed these trial times is a test of faith, and only those who think, only those who seek for His mercy and guidance, will find peace and victory - if not here, surely in the Hereafter.
Apart from the deep sadness that I have for our fellow sisters and brothers there, our country is hit with yet another tragedy. Another flight disaster. So random, so unexpected, and just like that - it happened.
Indeed this dunya is temporary, and indeed it could happen to any one of us.
It surely happened to a friend of mine, who is good friends with the co-pilot. And they were friends of my cousin. And MH17, is a flight that my family and I have been on before. It could have hit so close to home.
I hope that Allah keeps our hearts steady, that He continues to give His light to us, and that we can be steadfast in our ibadah and secure a place in Jannah. Ameen.
