Those who pray are not terrified in hard times. They are not held back in times of plenty. Whoever lives in God and for God should never feel hopeless, despairing, or afraid. This person does not fail, give up, or become greedy. In our discussion on stability in Islam—stability in one's relationship with God—we confirm the need for a spiritual bond with God in both distress and happiness. The law of monotheism states:
"And whatever you have of favor - it is from Allah." Surah An-Nahl (16:53)
We must understand that everything moves by the laws God has set. He blessed us with health, and He also blessed us with pain. We must clearly understand that it is God Who blessed us with safety and fear, wealth and poverty, and all of life's advantages and disadvantages. You must believe that it is God Who makes things easy for you so you can achieve your ambitions.
God destines everything. Therefore, man must realize this fact. He must train himself to be permanently connected to his Creator. He must remember God in all his deeds. God has the power to deny man his happiness whenever He wishes. Likewise, He has the power to provide relief in times of distress.
In the Holy Quran, we see that God wants man to feel the greatness of creation in this vast universe. Man is advised not to treat natural phenomena as ordinary events he is used to. Instead, man should be thoughtful, contemplative, and grateful for everything around him. He must consider the greatness of things even in loss. He should attribute everything to God’s will. For example, the creation of day and night should not be seen as ordinary just because we are familiar with it. It should reveal God’s greatness.
"Have you not considered that if Allah should make for you the night continuous until the Day of Resurrection, what deity other than Allah could bring you light? Then will you not hear?" Surah Al-Qasas (28:71)
To appreciate the greatness of alternating days and nights, imagine life without one of them.
"Say, [O Muhammad], 'Have you considered: if Allah should make for you the day continuous until the Day of Resurrection, what deity other than Allah could bring you a night in which you may rest? Then will you not see?'" Surah Al-Qasas (28:72)
Then consider those you call upon besides God. Could they bring back the days or nights you have lost?
"And out of His mercy He made for you the night and the day that you may rest therein and [by day] seek from His bounty and [that] perhaps you will be grateful." Surah Al-Qasas (28:73)
God blesses man with these two phenomena, just as He blesses us with many others. Through them, man can realize that God created everything for his benefit. Thus, man needs only to look around and contemplate.
God's majesty is manifest in His creation. In Surah Al-Waqi'ah, God urges us to contemplate His creation. He reminds us of the sperm that produces humans, the plants and fruits of different colors and tastes, and the fire we kindle. I ask you, who among you thinks of Allah when planting or enjoying pleasures? We fail to see this greatness in ordinary events because we are used to them. Therefore, God reminds us:
"We have created you, so why do you not believe?" Surah Al-Waqi'ah (56:57)
Have you ever thought that Allah is the Creator of your existence and the world you enjoy?
"Have you seen that which you emit?" Surah Al-Waqi'ah (56:58)
Have you ever considered the sperm and the miracle of its transformation into a human?
"Is it you who creates it, or are We the Creator?" Surah Al-Waqi'ah (56:59)
Who has the power to transform your blood into sperm and then into a human? Is it you? It is by God’s will.
"It is We who have decreed death among you." Surah Al-Waqi'ah (56:60)
Allah gives you life, and it is He Who takes it back. Death should not be considered an ordinary event. God created us with a perfectly organized bodily system. When this system fails, it is by God’s will that has determined everything.
"And nothing would prevent Us from replacing you with others like you or transforming you into what you do not know." Surah Al-Waqi'ah (56:61)
"You have already known the first creation, so will you not remember?" Surah Al-Waqi'ah (56:62)
Of course, you know Who gave you life. Why then do you not reflect?
"And have you seen that [seed] which you sow?" Surah Al-Waqi'ah (56:63)
"Is it you who makes it grow, or are We the grower?" Surah Al-Waqi'ah (56:64)
Who causes the seeds to grow into plants? You only plant the seed, water it, and tend to it. Who gave that seed life? Who made the earth like a womb that embraces the seed and provides it with the elements for growth and freshness? Who gave the seed you planted the ability to live and grow? Is it you? The answer is no. You have only taken the seed, created by God, and placed it in the earth, which is full of mysteries. You are merely skilled in farming—a talent God granted you, while He created the laws that govern growth.
"If We willed, We could make it [dry] debris, and you would remain in wonder," Surah Al-Waqi'ah (56:65)
This means God can destroy it all.
"[Saying], 'Indeed, we are [now] in debt; Rather, we have been deprived.'" Surah Al-Waqi'ah (56:66-67)
Otherwise, you would be living in hopelessness and despair, if not for God.
I ask you all: who among you thinks of God while drinking water? Who thinks of God as the Creator and Source of this water? We are merely accustomed to saying, "Thank God." What we need, dear loved ones, is to live in a state of contemplation with God even while drinking water. You need to "see" God in this water. Indeed, we do not live in such a state.
"Have you seen the water that you drink?" Surah Al-Waqi'ah (56:68)
"Is it you who brought it down from the clouds, or is it We who bring it down?" Surah Al-Waqi'ah (56:69)
Have you ever considered the secrets and laws behind the rain?
"If We willed, We could make it bitter." Surah Al-Waqi'ah (56:70)
God made the sea salty, and He could make all your water salty.
"Then why are you not grateful?" Surah Al-Waqi'ah (56:70)
Why do you not thank God for the abundance He has granted you? God has made things easy for you, so be grateful.
Now, let us consider the meaning of fire. What of the trees that provide the wood you burn?
"And have you seen the fire that you ignite?" Surah Al-Waqi'ah (56:71)
"Is it you who produced its tree, or are We the producer?" Surah Al-Waqi'ah (56:72)
Who created the tree and made its wood combustible?
Indeed, dear loved ones, the Holy Quran aims to make us live with God and for God at all times, in distress and in happiness. We must consider what would happen if we were deprived of all these blessings around us. Could anyone restore them to us? We conclude that it is not merely philosophy that leads us to monotheism, but we are monotheists through the expressions, customs, and behaviors we practice throughout our lives.
"So exalt the name of your Lord, the Most Great." Surah Al-Waqi'ah (56:74)