A Reflection on The Dynamics of Divine Promise Fulfillment

“So be patient. Indeed, the promise of Allah is truth. And let not those who have no certainty of faith to shake your firmness” (30:60). Patience is the believer’s means and weapon on the long, thorny path that may at times seem endless. Its foundation lies in trust in the promise of Allah, and its fruit is steadfastness — unwavering, free from doubt or hesitation. One should not let those who lack certainty shake their resolve, stirring within them distress, anxiety, or panic. Such turmoil can plant the seeds of despair and failure in the soul, ultimately delaying the fulfillment of the divine promise.

There are, indeed, principles a believer must understand in order to channel his/her efforts and actions along the right path and avoid becoming an obstacle to the fulfillment of Allah’s promise.

The first among these principles is that Allah’s promise is not fulfilled according to a set timeframe, but rather upon the fulfillment of its conditions. Once met, these conditions unfold according to divine laws. From one perspective, they serve as a test for the believers (Ibtila’). From another, they serve as a means of leading the wrongdoers to their downfall (Istidraj). If the test is met with patience, steadfastness, and trust—and the warnings are met with denial, arrogance, and persistent wrongdoing — until both sides reach their destined culmination. Then at that point, the promise would be fulfilled.

A clear example is that of Musa (peace be upon him) with Pharaoh. When he called upon his Lord to send punishment upon Pharaoh and his people, Allah (swt) responded: “Your supplication has been answered. So, remain steadfast and do not follow the way of those who do not know” (10:89).

The supplication was indeed accepted, but the fulfillment of the promise remained contingent upon specific conditions: steadfastness on the part of Musa and his people and avoiding the path of the ignorant and wicked, and on the other side, the tyranny of Pharaoh and his people reaching a point where their hearts were sealed. Allah’s promise had already been decreed: “And We wanted to favor those who were oppressed in the land and make them leaders and make them inheritors” (28:5). However, its fulfillment was tied to the realization of these conditions.

As stated in another verse: “And We caused the people who had been oppressed to inherit the eastern and western lands which We had blessed. And the good word of your Lord was fulfilled for the Children of Israel because of their patience. And We destroyed what Pharaoh and his people were building and what they were constructing” (7:137). This verse makes it clear that the fulfillment of Allah’s promise was conditional upon patience. It was through their steadfastness that Allah fulfilled His word to the people of Musa (peace be upon him), granting them leadership and inheritance of the land.

The believer must firmly grasp that everything Allah (swt) has stated — His promises, warnings, commands, and prohibitions — unfolds with absolute truth and perfect justice. Nothing is left unfulfilled, and no decree is unjust. “And the word of your Lord has been fulfilled in truth and justice. None can change His words, and He is the All-Hearing, the All-Knowing” (6:115). Similarly, Allah (swt) affirms: “Indeed, Allah will perfect His light, even if the disbelievers dislike it” (61:8).

The second principle the believer must strive to cultivate is the deep reassurance, trust and confidence in the promises of Allah, as affirmed in His words: “And who is truer to His covenant than Allah? Then rejoice in the bargain you have made, for that is the supreme success” (9:111). The divine promises the believer can firmly rely on are several:

• Empowerment and Victory: “Allah has decreed: I and My messengers will surely prevail. Indeed, Allah is All-Powerful, Almighty”(58:21) 

• Preservation of Guidance: “Indeed, it is We who sent down the Dhikr (the Quran), and indeed, We will surely guard it” (15:9) 

• Sustenance (Rizq): “There is no moving creature on earth whose provision is not guaranteed by Allah. And He knows its place of dwelling and place of storage. All is in a clear Record” (11:6). 

• Forgiveness: “Allah has promised those who believe and do righteous deeds among them forgiveness and a great reward” (48:29) 

• Increase through Gratitude: “And [remember] when your Lord proclaimed: 'If you are grateful, I will surely increase you [in favor]’”(14:7) 

• Protection and Tranquility through Remembrance: “So remember Me; I will remember you. And be grateful to Me and do not deny Me” (2:152). “Those who believe and whose hearts find comfort in the remembrance of Allah—surely in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find comfort” (13:28) 

• The Promise of Paradise: “Allah has promised the believing men and believing women gardens beneath which rivers flow, where they will abide forever, and splendid dwellings in Gardens of perpetual residence. But the greatest reward is Allah’s pleasure. That is the ultimate success” (9:72).

The third principle to act upon is the optimal direction of willpower, determination, and effort. A person’s concern should not be focused merely on the fulfillment of the promise, but rather on being a part of its fulfillment. In fact, the certainty in Allah’s promises builds a firm foundation that eliminates doubt and fear and instills deep reassurance. This reassurance makes patience a natural trait. The believer begins to regard divine promises with honor and confidence, acting with wisdom and aiming to be included in the journey toward their fulfillment by striving to follow the path of truth.

The aim, then, is to direct one’s will and determination toward serving in the path of Allah (swt), with the aspiration of taking part in the fulfillment of His promise, while striving to avoid falling into heedlessness. Heedlessness is to worship Allah (swt) without consciousness of His promises, without aligning one’s actions with their fulfillment, and without yearning to have a share in their realization.

The fourth principle focuses on preserving strong determination and combating the collapse of resolve. This is a crucial element in maintaining constancy, firmness, and perseverance. During the Battle of Badr, Allah’s infinite grace intervened to protect the believers’ resolve, enthusiasm, and psychological strength — for, the loss of these qualities leads to failure. “When Allah showed them to you in your dream as few. Had He shown them to you as many, you would have lost courage and disputed in the matter, but Allah saved you. Indeed, He is Knowing of what is within the breasts” (8:43).

The light in the heart — which represents the believer’s inner drive — must not be allowed to dim. The essence of this light is the servant’s hope that justice will be established on earth upon the foundation of tawḥīd (monotheism). His/her will, determination, and work must reflect this goal.

Thus, believers must elevate their reassurance by anchoring it in Allah’s promise; they must safeguard their determination from collapse and despair.

The heart’s consolation lies in remembering the "Days of Allah"— the times when His promises were fulfilled: “And on that day the believers will rejoice, at the victory willed by Allah. He gives victory to whoever He wills. For He is the Almighty, Most Merciful. [It is] the promise of Allah. Allah does not fail in His promise, but most of the people do not know” (30:4-6).