Nothing Happens Without Allah’s Permission

“Bismillah (In the name of God)”

In life, we make plans. We use our status or authority to make people do what we want.  A boss or parent might get angry when her/his instructions were not followed and fear grows when we forget who is in control. We worry about the future, people’s actions, and unexpected change. But Allah reminds us:

“Say: Nothing will happen to us except what Allah has decreed for us. He is our Protector.” (9:51)

This verse frees the heart. What was meant for you will never miss you—and what was never written for you will never reach you. It also reminds me of my introduction to Islam.  The first time I heard the word Muslim, it meant nothing to me. However, I always remember what happened that day.

I was studying to be a paralegal after work.  The courses were Monday to Friday from 6:00-9:00 PM.  The school was located on 42^nd Street on either 10^th or 11^th Avenue.  At that time, the neighborhood had a bad reputation.  I was rushing to get to the train station on a cold winter night when out of nowhere, I heard a voice calling, Miss, Miss I looked around to see where that voice was coming from. I saw a man selling scented oil dressed in a long white robe calling to me again. He added, “Don’t be afraid, I’m not going to hurt you. I just want to share something with you because, I had a good day.”  

I slowly walked towards him. He then pointed to his stall of oil in front of him and said, “Choose the oils that you would like and the bottle size so I could give you some.”

I was surprised by his request and stepped back. He said, “I am serious, in my religion when you have, you suppose to share and I choose you to share with.”

So, I chose three oils and the smallest bottle sizes. He poured the first oil in the small bottle and the other two into a medium size bottle. Again, he said “Which other oil would you like?”

I told him, “No more, that’s it.”

He replied, “I told you I had a good day today, I sold for a lot of money, and I want to share my success with you.” He took out some of his largest size bottles and started to pour the scented oils. I asked him to stop after two big bottles because I didn’t want to take advantage of his kindness.

I was worried about what happened because he gave me five bottles of oil and I felt it was expensive.  I didn’t know how my family would react to the story.  Luckily, my aunt felt happy for what had happened to me and said something like “God bless you or God love you.”  I have made at least two or three different encounters with Muslims but that never phase me or understood what they were talking about.

Six years later, I married a Muslim and he brought the Quran to me and I converted in Islam. It’s true, you will always get what Allah (God) decree for you.

When you rely on Allah, fear turns into faith.

Ask yourself

1. What am I afraid of right now?
2. Do I believe Allah is protecting me?
3. How can I surrender my worries to Him?

Prayer

O Allah, calm my heart with trust in Your decree. Ameen