By Oaneela Noor | Contribution to Saudi Life

Alhamdulillah is an Arabic phrase which means “praise to Allah (swt)” or “All praise is due to Allah (Swt)”. The phrase is the combination of three basic parts: Al – which may mean ‘the’ or ‘all’ – is the definite article in Arabic. Hamd-u means the “feeling of gratitude” and Li ‘llah is the combination of preposition (li) and the noun which makes the kalima (word) ‘Allah’. Li is a preposition that means ‘for’, ‘belonging to’, etc. The word ‘Allah’ is derived from the word ‘Ilah’ that is used for God.

The phrase Alhamdulillah carries in depth the meaning that anything in existence is able to achieve praise, thanks, glorification, or gratitude only due to Allah (Swt)’s infinite mercy and grace. Alhamdulillah in theoretical sense is to be said with a profound sense of love, adoration, glory and mercy of Allah (Swt). And in practice Alhamdulillah denotes thankfulness.

Alhamdulillah, we are Muslim!

What I find is that the word of Shukr (thankfulness) is said regardless of the situation. Whether the servant of Allah is in a state of happiness or in a state of sorrow, he or she must say Alhamdulillah. This is not an oral gesture but it encompasses mind, tongue and body. When facing any situation, the person must realize that it is coming from the Supreme Rubb (Lord), because nothing on the earth can happen without the permission of Allah (Swt). Allah says, “... no calamity strikes except by Allah’ s permission...” (Qur’an 64:11) .

Allah (Swt) tests those who claim to be believers.

Our prophet (peace be upon him) has also emphasized on this belief by repeatedly using the phrase “La hawla wala quwwata illah billah” for Dhikr. It means, “There is no movement nor power except Allah’s will.”

Calamities are tests for human beings, as Allah says (interpretation of its meaning):

“Surely We will test you with fear, hunger, loss of wealth life and the fruits of your work, so give glad tidings to those who are patient” (Qur’an 2:155).

Secondly, after realizing the power and wisdom of Allah (Swt), one must make dua’, Alhamdulillah, thanking Allah that whatever happened must have been the best for the person.

This time the person has to submit his will before Allah’s Will and do what he is supposed to do in obedience to Allah’s commands.

Allah (Swt) is the most merciful in every situation; it is we, who perceive different situations in different ways. But Allah knows which situation is the most preferable and beneficial for us. Subhan Allah!

Allah (Swt) has blessed us uncountable bounties and blessings, which we do not notice or realize in our daily life. Allah (swt) mentioned this human psychology 14 centuries ago. He mentioned in the Qur’an that mankind is ungrateful despite the remarkable blessings He has bestowed upon them. We are constantly disobeying Allah (swt) due to (always) comparing, complaining and indulging into inferiority complexes. If we were to just subordinate ourselves in front Allah’s Will then we will not be worried, tense or sad, Insha’Allah!

The best remedy or solution I find is in the hadeeth that tells us to always look at those who have less than us.

We must adopt a positive approach during difficult times. It may be as a result of our mistakes and that we are being punished for them in this world. It may also be Allah‘s mercy that He is cleansing us of our sins or He is testing His beloved servants. In both situations, He may be preparing for us a great reward, increasing our ranks and degrees in the Hereafter. Alhamdulilaah-i- Rubb ul’aalameen!!!

Sometimes, it happens that we don’t like the situation we are in but we have to bear it and in the long run we’ll come to know that in fact it was perfect for you. Who knows this except Allah (swt) who is the Maalik (king/sovereign). Allah (Swt) reminds us through His verse that “...It is possible that you dislike something which is really good for you, or like something bad for you, but Allah knows ,and you do not”(Qur’an 2:216).

In any situation, person has two choices: either submit to Allah or take his own path

In submission and surrender, the person has to repent and turn to Allah (swt). In Allah (Swt) words (interpretation of the meaning):, “…And whosoever does not repent, then such are indeed zaalimoon(wrong-doers,etc).(Al-Hujuraat 49:11)

Those who submit to Allah and leave their matters in Allah‘s hands Allah (Subhaanallah) bestows them with Sabr (patience) and Sakeenah (peace).

Eemaan is between hope and fear

Because they had tawwakal (trust) in Allah that Allah will take care of their matter in the right way. Therefore, Al-mominoon (the believers) always seek help from Allah (swt) and receive in return Sakeenah (peace) in their Quloob (hearts).

One can see tawwakal in Allah from the birds

However, when the person who faces the situation of happiness or sorrow takes the matter in his own hands and starts finding ways besides Allah (Swt), i.e. through shirk or seeking help from others besides Allah (Swt), he remains tense, depressed, fearful and he tries to take revenge. This could be a major reason why many people have heart attacks or nervous breakdowns.

We must understand the concept of Taqdeer. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “Be aware that if the whole mankind gathered together in order to do something to help you, they would only be able to do something for you which Allah had already written for you. Likewise, if the whole mankind gathered together to harm you , they would only be able to do something to harm you Allah had already written to happen to you.”(Tirmidhi)

Invocation is the essence of worship

We must recall the lessons from Surah Al-Fatiha here, that Allah (Swt) has commanded us through Alhamdullilah (Kalima of thankfulness), the reason Allah (Swt) depicts through His attributes that He is Rabbi al aalammeen (praise to Allah, lord of the worlds) , Arrhamaan, (the entirely merciful) Arraheem(the especially merciful), Maliki yawmi addeen (sovereign of the day of recompense).

If we recognize His power is in, between, among and over every thing, then we will come to know we are nothing and that without His help and assistance we cannot move a single step. Finally, we will start begging in front of Him as Iyyak naabudu wa- iyyaka nasta’een (It is You we worship and You we ask for help) that we are only your servants and only we seek help from you. Only He is the more attentive word to be focused. Allah wants us to be Khaalis (pure, monotheistic) for His Hidaayah (guidance) to the assirata almustaqeem (straight path). And that is the path of deen Islam and the righteous people who were the servants of Allah (swt).

So, we need to be “only” as a servant in all situations and have tawwakul (trust) on Allah (Swt) who is the Malikul Mulk and that whatever He makes or creates the situations for us then they are the best for us. If we object or complain, it means we are pointing or blaming Allah (swt) that He (Naouz billah) has planned wrong for us or we are not happy with His planning and that is an act of Fisq (disobedience).

My intentions, my words and my actions are “Only” for you Allah(Swt).

From today, start saying Alhamdulillah! I am Muslim, Alhamdulillah! I am not handicapped, paralyzed , Alhamdulillah! I am educated and dependent on myself, Alhamdulillah! I have a good family ,Alhamdulillah! I am not sick! Alhamdulillah for whatever I have!