Faithfulness means living in accordance with the covenant one made with God in pre-eternity. When a believer declares their faith, they are, in that moment, giving their word to God. It is as though they have taken an oath and entered into a binding agreement with Him. True faithfulness lies in fulfilling the terms of this commitment to the letter, living in a way that never breaks that solemn vow.

The declaration of faith is an affirmation that there is no true one worthy of worship and no rightful recipient of devotion other than God. As a reflection of this faithfulness, one must embody this belief not only in thought and emotion but also through speech and action. While a person’s faith, contentment, submission, and trust in God reveal their inward—or theoretical—loyalty, it is through conduct, behavior, and acts of worship that practical faithfulness is made visible. In this sense, faithfulness is not merely an internal bond with God—it is also a commitment to obey His commands and refrain from what He has forbidden.

Faith is, at its core, an inner acceptance. If a person fails to translate the demands of faith into action, they fall into a state of internal contradiction. One who proclaims belief through the declaration of divine oneness yet lives in opposition to God’s commandments is not upholding the requirements of faithfulness. In fact, such behavior amounts to breaking the very promise they made—a breach of the covenant they entered into.

A believer is someone who stands by their word. Once a promise is made, it must be honored—regardless of the cost. This is the example we see in the noble Companions: they pledged unwavering support to the Messenger of God (peace and blessings be upon him), and never deviated, even by an inch, from that promise. They upheld their word even at the cost of their lives. For salvation lies in truthfulness—in being upright in one’s state, speech, and conduct; in being completely and consistently sincere.

Human beings may be endowed with various potentials and distinctive qualities. Yet above all such attributes, the greatest honor a person can attain is servanthood to God. The very purpose of creation—for both humans and jinn—is to come to know and recognize God and to devote oneself to His worship. This purpose can also be described through its spiritual dimensions: faith, divine knowledge (ma‘rifah), love of God (mahabbah), and the joy of spiritual intimacy (dhawq rūhānī).

Throughout the Qur’an, God at times addresses humanity with the words “Yā ‘ibādī”—“O My servants.” In this address, we can sense His affection, compassion, and mercy for His creation. From another perspective, it may be understood as, “O My faithful bondsmen!” For us—weak and fallible beings who often stumble and falter in sin—such a divine call offers immense comfort and profound hope.

What is required of us, as servants of God, is to remain firmly anchored in this perspective and to reject anything that may obstruct or weaken it—just as one would cast away the accursed devil. God Almighty, who created the human being from clay, also endowed them with the capacity to ascend to the horizons of heart and spirit, to be honored with faith, spiritual knowledge, and divine love, and to attain closeness to Him. There are latent seeds within every soul—when nurtured and allowed to flourish, they enable one to become a close and intimate companion of God. This, indeed, is the station we should strive to attain.

For believers devoted to the path of faith, faithfulness holds special significance. Remaining unwavering in their loyalty to the Prophetic way—without straying even by so much as a hair’s breadth—is of the utmost importance. The truly faithful servants of God not only base their worship and devotion entirely on His command—they also tie their very existence in this world to serving His religion. So long as they have the opportunity to serve Islam, life holds value and meaning for them. But when they feel there is no longer anything more they can contribute, the light of the Hereafter begins to shine more brightly before their eyes. At that point, they can say with ease and serenity:

“O God, if my duty in this world has come to an end, then take me into Your presence.”

In saying this, they are not asking for anything that contradicts the destiny God has written for His servants. Rather, they are expressing a longing to be released from their earthly post and reunited with the Divine.

In this regard, Prophet Joseph (peace be upon him) stands as a beautiful example. At the very moment he was reunited with his parents, had become a figure of authority in Egypt, saw the religion he had shared begin to take root in people’s hearts, and witnessed consciences turning toward him—when he had reached the peak of worldly blessings and possessed all that a person might desire for happiness—he turned to God with this heartfelt plea:

“Let me die as a believer, and join me with the righteous.” (Surah Yusuf, 12:101)

If a person feels there is no meaningful duty left for them to fulfill in the service of faith, they may begin to long for release from this worldly life. This, too, is an expression of faithfulness.

Faithful servants of God never tie their worship or service to any worldly gain. They see ranks, titles, positions, and public recognition as spiritually perilous. They have no desire to be admired, to be seen everywhere, or to be fondly remembered by others. In fact, they tremble at the thought that even the slightest trace of such worldly ambition might creep into their devotion—fearing it could result in spiritual loss in the Hereafter. Their motto is simple and sincere:

“O God, if I can no longer serve Your religion, do not let me live even a moment longer!”

It is, of course, natural and desirable for a person to be remembered kindly after their death—to be known for the goodness they left behind and to be honored with prayers and supplications. Who would not wish for people to say:

“May God be eternally pleased with them—for they strove tirelessly to uphold the religion, rendered great services, raised righteous generations, and left behind ongoing charities that continue to add to their book of good deeds. May God grant them His forgiveness and mercy, gladden them with Paradise, and grant them nearness to the Prophet.”

All of this is a beautiful legacy, and we believe such remembrance will benefit a person in the Hereafter. Indeed, the Qur’an tells us that Prophet Abraham (peace be upon him), who is presented as a model for all believers, once prayed:

“Grant me a good name among later generations.” (Surah al-Shu‘arā, 26:84)

However, if someone like us, in this worldly life, grounds their servanthood in recognition and praise, it can no longer be considered sincere. Such an outlook is incompatible with true devotion, genuine servanthood, or authentic faithfulness.

In summary, a faithful believer should strive to spend every moment—every minute, every second, every breath—living for their Lord. Every matter should be connected to God, and every task carried out in His name. They must endure the burdens of this world for His sake, live for Him, sit for Him, rise for Him, and do everything solely for His sake. And if the thought of living for their own sake ever arises, they should be able to present their resignation from life itself before God.

Pursuing worldly ambitions, managing ventures for personal gain, involving oneself in activities believed to offer material or spiritual returns, or seeking public acclaim—all of this stands in direct contradiction to true faithfulness. In fact, such inclinations can rightfully be described as satanic. A person who lives for God cannot at the same time serve the aims of Satan.

If one fails to do the things that bring God’s pleasure, what value is there in receiving worldly praise or being exalted by others? If their efforts were driven by the desire for recognition, they will be held accountable in the Hereafter for those very accolades:

“Tell us—were you truly as they said you were?”

And if the answer is no, they will be cast down in disgrace.

If a person cannot be a true servant, faithful to God, then holding prominent positions, overseeing institutions, or becoming someone widely admired is not a success—it is a loss. And if, like worldly people, they internalize and embrace the praise spoken about them, they will find themselves suffering one loss after another on the path where they had hoped to win.

It was believed that globalization would lead to the diminishing of cultural differences, dilute individual and group identities, and suppress nationalist sentiments. The expectation was that as the world turned into a global village, enhanced communication and transportation, coupled with the rise of pluralistic views, would erase the distinct cultural symbols, traditions, and practices of different societies. There was even speculation that people’s connections to their religions, traditions, customs, and practices would weaken. The concept of global citizenship began to be discussed. However, these forecasts did not materialize as expected. Not only did differences persist, but tolerance for them did not increase. Instead, issues such as racism, xenophobia, bigotry, and other forms of discrimination intensified. This escalation was largely due to the neglect of human and societal psychology in these predictions.

Just as the human body instinctively combats harmful microbes and bacteria, it similarly resists unfamiliar and potentially threatening foreign ideas, especially those perceived as assaults on one’s values. Many contemporary societies, concerned that globalization, modernization, and pluralism might undermine their ethical standards and value systems, reacted defensively, reinforcing their national unity and identity. Certainly, some repressive measures taken under the guise of modernization exacerbated these reactions. Faced with such pressures, people became increasingly protective of their values, constantly vigilant. It’s important to recognize that reactionary movements often lack balance, with extremes begetting further extremes. Consequently, those who viewed globalization as a threat did not merely embrace their national and religious values more tightly; they also veered towards chauvinism, racism, and xenophobia.

It’s crucial to remember that achieving any significant outcome without considering an individual’s innate characteristics, material and spiritual needs, emotions, feelings, and cherished values is unfeasible. Introducing new concepts to humanity must be done with respect for human values. Disregarding someone’s beliefs, philosophies, national, and religious sentiments only fosters disdain for the message being conveyed. Particularly, adopting a superior stance, looking down on others, and perceiving them as needing correction, invariably breeds hostility and hatred. In today’s global village, transforming identities and belongings from sources of conflict into opportunities for enrichment requires accepting everyone as they are, respecting their unique positions.

A Positive Form of Nationalism

Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, who was part of Arab society but brought a message for all humanity, exemplified model behavior in all aspects, including how he dealt with diverse cultures and nationalities. This approach is a key reason why Islam rapidly gained acceptance not only among Arab tribes but also among various races and cultures. The Prophet’s message initially spread within the Quraysh tribe, then to other competing or warring tribes, and eventually reached the vast populations of the then-superpowers, the Byzantine and Sassanian Empires. Importantly, the Messenger of God employed nationalism in a balanced manner, advocating for a positive form of nationalism that respects the national sentiments of different tribes and peoples, as opposed to a negative, exclusionary nationalism. He rejected the idea that lineage and race are bases for superiority but did not deny their existence. Instead, he used these identities and the emotions tied to them to protect and nurture the religion, faith, and society he was establishing.

Similarly, the Ottoman Empire’s long-standing success in unifying and effectively ruling diverse cultures and nations under one state is attributed to these dynamics. Following the Prophet’s companions, the Ottomans created a nearly perfect state system, adopting an inclusive governance style that allowed them to sustain peace among numerous nations for an extended period. In promoting their values, they neither belittled others nor disrespected, attacked, or oppressed other cultures, languages, or religions. These groups were able to be present as they wished to be, and nobody was disturbed from this self-presence. They avoided racism, did not turn national feelings into chauvinism, did not look down upon other races, nor did they exert undue pressure on them.

Fostering unity: “being a unifier”

For centuries, Islam has functioned as a super-identity, bringing together numerous nations under a single umbrella. It has tempered ideologies like tribalism, racism, and nationalism, acting as a remedy against divisive and fragmenting forces, thereby fostering unity. However, the contemporary landscape has shifted. There are many who are not just indifferent but are extremely intolerant towards religious values, to the point of being unable to bear the mention of religion. In striving to be a unifier, it’s essential to consider the sentiments of such individuals.

Religion serves as a crucial means of preventing conflicts and unifying people globally. When channeled correctly, the formidable influence of Islam can mitigate, soften, or even eradicate issues like racism, radicalism, violence, anarchy, and terrorism. This is substantiated by the extensive historical experience of Muslims. However, it is critical that those representing Islam do so accurately and present it to humanity appropriately. In today’s world, where methodology and communication styles are pivotal, if not handled carefully, religion can sometimes produce effects contrary to its intended purpose in society. If believers are not mindful of their words, concepts, language, and style, they risk causing unintended distress. Thus, employing a communication style that avoids provoking negative reactions and conveying messages through universally accepted values is extremely important.

Likewise, one may hold the Ottoman Empire in high regard for its mission and contributions to Islam. Its successful governance over diverse nations for four centuries, especially in contrast to today’s complex global issues, might be seen as remarkable. The effectiveness of the Ottoman legal and administrative system in creating a relatively problem-free environment can be a subject of admiration.

Respecting and acknowledging identities and Belongings

In today’s world, almost every country is home to various political and non-political movements and factions, each representing their own national and religious values. For the attainment of peace and harmony in a world free of conflict and discord, it is crucial for everyone to act in a balanced way when representing and expressing their beliefs. People can harbor love for their nation and cherish it. The key is not to perceive oneself as superior to others or to define oneself through antagonism towards others. This involves respecting the sentiments, emotions, and thoughts of others, and acknowledging their identities and belongings. Likewise, these factions and movements should not aspire to seize others’ lands or territories, nor should they advocate for the dominance of one race over others. Without sensible and balanced actions, there is a risk of self-destructing we may cause to our world. The countries that have turned into bloodbaths are stark examples of this.

There is much to discuss on these topics. However, echoing Jules Verne’s sentiment at the conclusion of Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea, humanity may not yet be ready for such an exploration. Intellectuals, or those perceived as intellectuals, might not be prepared to listen to and comprehend certain truths. In this context, it might be wise to leave some matters to time. Rushing into actions could inadvertently provoke new reactions and ignite fresh conflicts. If we aim to address the issues of our time, our responsibility lies in reaching a state where we can directly engage with the problems and challenges of our era, achieve a position where we can meaningfully contribute to humanity, and elevate ourselves to a level where our actions are exemplary and our integrity is unquestionable.

Emotions like resentment, enmity, hatred, and jealousy, which, if left unchecked, can render us morally blind, deaf, and heartless. These emotions have the power to transform humans into aggressive beasts and, in extreme cases, strip us of our humanity. Surveying our surroundings, it becomes evident that numerous individuals have succumbed to the influence of these negative emotions, consequently committing significant crimes. A believer is tasked with the responsibility of maintaining their willpower, regulating these emotions, and persisting in a righteous life. They ought to lean on the grace and power of God to navigate challenging situations where others might slip, stumble, and fall. In the face of mistreatment, they should steadfastly uphold their character and unwavering stance, refusing to compromise.

As expressed in the Qur’an, humanity, honored as the finest of creation, is created in the most exquisite manner, both physically and spiritually (Tin, 95:4). Described as a dignified and noble being (Isra, 17:70), humans bear the responsibility of showcasing conduct that aligns with this perfection of creation. Their task is to lead a life in harmony with righteousness and steadfastness, bestowed upon them by God throughout their lifetime, and to steadfastly adhere to the righteous path without deviation. It is incumbent upon them not to allow the inherent negative emotions in their nature to lead them astray.

Particularly in the contemporary world, where emotionally challenging situations are prevalent, preserving equilibrium in both emotions and thoughts becomes increasingly vital. Those who let their grudges, jealousy, and arrogance control them are like people attempting to destroy something valuable achieved through hard work and effort, much like setting fire to a hard-earned harvest. The injustices, dominations, and oppressions that occur can disrupt even the balance of the most steadfast individuals. In times of trials, when calamities and tribulations follow one another, it is crucial to strengthen one’s connection with the Almighty and maintain an unwavering stance by diligently nurturing one’s willpower. This effort to stand tall and remain free from all kinds of deviations and aberrations represents a remarkable endeavor and determination.

God is our witness that our only goal is to raise the noble name of Muhammad (peace be upon him) everywhere, to guide the younger generations by providing them with educational opportunities, and to strive for global peace and security. We have always advocated love, peace, brotherhood and sisterhood, tolerance, humanity, and developed projects and institutions to preserve these humane values. Individuals who have committed themselves to service, just like the noble Companions of our Prophet, disseminate the truths instilled in their hearts by God to eager souls worldwide through intentional and voluntary migrations. They did not look back, did not think of themselves, harbored no expectations, and refrained from becoming attached to the worldly life. In the places they went, they worked like laborers, constructing institutions that would serve their goals, investing their own efforts into these projects. They did what was necessary for the peace and well-being of humanity, and they said what needed to be said. With the permission and grace of God, they achieved remarkable successes in a short period.

But, you see, tyrants and silent devils – those who remain silent in the face of tyrants’ oppression and injustices – have never been absent from the face of the earth. Pharaohs, Nimrods, Yazids, Hajjajs, and hypocritical oppressors have existed in every era, and they will continue to exist in the future. These narcissistic individuals, enslaved by their egos, have, through their oppression and cruelty, inflicted harm on those who stand up for the cause of God. They have killed some, forced some to abandon their homeland, imprisoned some, and seized the wealth and property of others who earned their livelihood through honest labor. Their cruelty and oppression have extended to women, children, and the elderly. The names and titles of the oppressors may change, but their atrocities have always been the same. This persistence is rooted in the shared ethical flaws resembling those of Pharaoh, as described in the Qur’an. Deluded by their reign, they thought of their personal interests, considered their worldly life to be eternal, and forgot about the Hereafter. Throughout the cycle of history, suffering has become the constant fate of the Prophets and their faithful followers.

Nonetheless, no act of oppression has ever benefited its perpetrators. Oppressors, deeply immersed in the atrocities they committed up to their throats, have shaped their own malevolent destinies and impending destruction. They experienced the consequences of the torment and suffering they imposed on innocent people. The multitude of prayers, supplications, cries, and tears of the oppressed and victimized people reached the heavens, invoking the protective care and intervention of God (ghayratullah). The Most Compassionate One, in His divine mercy, initially granted respite and opportunities for repentance to the oppressors. However, when His intervention commenced, He dealt with these ruthless oppressors who inflicted harm on the innocent in a manner that rendered them beyond redemption. Additionally, there were occasions when oppressors, due to their savage, ruthless, and treacherous schemes devised and executed through collaborators, faced condemnation in the court of human conscience, attracting curses and condemnation upon them.

Sooner or later, you will witness the severe repercussions faced by today’s tyrants. You will observe how those who disturb the equilibrium of God’s justice ultimately encounter their own calamities. I assert this with confidence in the name and justice of God, Al-Haqq. Our hope is that, before they meet their fates, God, in His mercy, guides them towards genuine faith and humanity. May He unveil their eyes, reveal the path of truth to them, and bestow guidance upon the Straight Path. May He grant wisdom, understanding, and reason to those who support them through their perspectives, rulings, words, and writings. May He enlighten the minds of the masses who have chosen silence in the face of such oppression, leading their hearts to a recognition of justice and truth. I earnestly desire that the oppressors abandon their injustices and open their eyes to true faith!

In essence, the oppressor will continue to act in line with their character, but, in the end, they will face the consequences of their actions. Moreover, threats, pressures, forced migrations, and massacres, much like in the past, will persist for those advocating truth and justice both today and in the future. Individuals who wholeheartedly believe in God should persist on their journey, mindful of all these challenges. While oppressors act in alignment with their nature, believers should be well aware of their responsibilities and fulfill them. They ought to endure what needs endurance and confront what requires confrontation. The crucial factor is the ability to remain steadfast in the face of repeated waves of oppression, to continue progressing without succumbing to negativity, and to take proactive measures that render the endured hardships meaningful. The noble Companions of the Prophet endured the scorching deserts, suffered beneath the rocks, and faced boycotts at the Valley of Abu Talib [1]. They were forced to leave their homes, but later, with Divine permission, they conquered hearts. They endured hardships, yet they managed to turn barren lands into lush gardens and paradises. Their sweat and tears turned into clouds of mercy descending from the sky, transforming the places they visited into orchards and gardens. If today’s dedicated individuals want to revive arid deserts, they must remember that they need to follow the same path.

If you have tested the path you are walking on with the fundamental criteria of the Qur’an, the Sunnah of the Prophet, and the way of the righteous predecessors and believe it to be correct, then from now on, your task is to continue walking straight without deviating, without getting lost, and without falling into error. Deviating from this path means deviating from the path of the Qur’an, the Sunnah, and our righteous predecessors. Those who deviate from their path are beyond recovery. Have you ever heard the Companions of the Prophet who endured years of boycott, persecution, and torture ever saying, “Enough is enough” or wavering in their commitment? Since they didn’t, it’s only fitting that we refrain from uttering the words, “Enough is enough.” Those who don’t say “enough” today may find themselves expressing “thanks” tomorrow by the will of the Almighty. [translator’s note: This distinction emphasizes that “enough” implies reaching a breaking point or expressing a complaint, while “thanks” conveys a sense of accomplishment, gratitude for enduring, succeeding, and blessings received.]

We cannot ignore human nature. Faced with the suffering and hardship, we, as humans, experience sorrow; our hearts ache. Each act of tyranny inflicts a piercing blow, stirring deep emotions within us. To remain unmoved by the countless atrocities committed by tyrants would be a display of indifference and insensitivity. However, as emphasized earlier, we stay unwavering on our path, preventing our emotions from overpowering us, and avoiding the transformation of our sorrow into complaints in the face of these adversities. Through our words and attitudes, we strive not to shatter the spiritual strength of those around us, steering clear of leading them into despair. Just as we have faith that the pressures encountered thus far will pave the way for progress, we contemplate the potential gains from the hardships we endure. With patience and acceptance, we seek God’s help and favor. God has never upended the course of those who walk in His path; as long as they maintain their course, He has never abandoned them midway. Even when subjected to hardships along the way, He has held their hands and guided them to the shores of safety.

Note

1. The Valley of Abu Talib, also known as She’eb Abi Talib, was a location where members of Banu Hashim and Banu Al-Muttalib, both Muslims and non-Muslims, were forced to depart from Mecca and endure a painful three-year boycott imposed by the Meccan polytheists in the early years of Islam. This valley was situated as a subsection of one of the gorges running down to Makkah, nestled between Mount Abu Qubais to the south and Mount Abyad to the north. The severity of the boycott led to months of extreme suffering. Food was in such short supply that they resorted to eating the leaves of trees. The women, particularly the children and infants, cried from hunger, and their cries echoed throughout the valley. The Quraysh prohibited merchants from selling goods to them and inflated prices to hinder them from acquiring essential items. This dire situation persisted for a lengthy three years. Besides a few compassionate Qurayshi individuals who covertly supplied them with food, they were left entirely abandoned.