(This is a summary of a few letters written by Hadhratjee Moulana In’aamul Hasan Saahib (RA) to some jamaat saathies who were going through some difficulties and hardships)
My respected brother
May Allah Ta’ala help you, assist you and make things easy for you. Please do not become perturbed. For people of Imaan, these difficult conditions are actually a Rahmah (mercy) although we do experience difficulty. In these trying conditions one should resort to abundant Taubah and Istighfaar and then make fervent dua to Allah Ta’ala. Thereafter, one should also take some steps to relieve oneself from these conditions so long as it is not anything sinful. It is hoped that Allah Ta’ala will transform this museebat (difficulty) into a Rahmat (mercy).
Tests, trials and tribulations are all from Allah Ta’ala and must afflict those involved in the work of Deen. Every person will be tested according to his ability and strength. This is the way of Allah Ta’ala and this is the sunnah of Nabi Muhammad sallallahu alayhi wasallam. Rasulullah sallallahu alayhi wasallam faced opposition from his own household. Initially in Makkah Mukarramah, Abu Lahab and Abu Jahal opposed him. In Madinah Munawwarah the Jews opposed him. In Khaibar the Jews were then defeated but another opposition reared its ugly head in the form of the Munaafiqeen (hypocrites). This is how it was and this is how it will always be. Sayyed Ahmed Shaheed (rahmatullahi alayh) had to face defeat because his own people let him down. All these conditions will come to those serving Deen. There is only one way to remain firm (in these conditions) and that is tawajjuh ilallah i.e., turn to Allah Ta’ala. If we keep on turning to Allah Ta’ala, He will keep us firm (in all these difficult conditions).
Remember that these difficult conditions do not remain forever. Conditions must change. In Surah Alam Nashrah it is mentioned that with every difficulty there are two conditions of ease. Allah Ta’ala sends down one difficulty so that we can enjoy a double ease. It is like an exam. One has to first write the exam to get the 1st position. It is for this reason that Allah Ta’ala says;
استعينوا بالصبر والصلاة
Seek (Allah’s help) with Sabr and Salaah
In difficult conditions make sabr and do that which Allah Ta’ala is commanding us to do. This is abdiyat and this is servitude. Jannah is actually the prize for the difficulties one goes through in this world. On the day of Qiyaamah when those who were afflicted with hardships in this world are called up and rewarded for their patience, those who were blessed only with comforts will then envy them. They will wish that their bodies were cut up with scissors so that they could have also obtained such high positions in the hereafter.
(Adapted from the book Da’wat ki Baseerat aur uska fahm wa idraak)