Allah’s Will and The Shaping of The Believer’s Servitude!

When Ibrahim (peace be upon him) was challenged about his Lord, the irrefutable proof he offered of the Benevolent and Merciful Creator’s existence was His guidance. Ibrahim (pbuh) declared: “Do you dispute with me concerning Allah while He has guided me?” (6:80). This statement highlights the profound reality that guidance itself serves as undeniable evidence of Allah’s existence. Without it, a person remains lost - misguided in perception, blinded to the truth, constrained in spirit, unstable in thought, confused, and restless. Such an individual is devoid of a clear direction, entrusting his/her choices to mainly instincts, which are limited and often misleading.

In other words, asserting the presence of Allah (swt) is akin to saying: “How can you argue with me about Allah when I have experienced His guidance firsthand? He has taken my hand, opened my insight, and introduced Himself to me. This personal connection is the clearest proof of His existence. I perceive Him in my conscience and awareness, just as I observe His signs in the universe around me. What need is there for further debate when His presence is so evident within me? His guidance is itself the ultimate evidence.” Gratitude for this divine guidance is demonstrated through sincere acceptance, unwavering trust in Allah, and steadfast adherence to His path. As Ibrahim (pbuh) declared: “And I do not fear what you associate with Him unless my Lord should will something. My Lord encompasses all things in knowledge; then will you not remember?” (6:80).

Ibrahim’s words, “And I do not fear that which you associate with Him,” convey a profound rejection of fear from worldly powers - whether authority, status, wealth, systems, or false gods. How could one fear anything after finding Allah (swt)? What is there to fear, and from whom? All power apart from Allah’s is feeble, and all authority besides His is truly undeserving of fear.

The phrase, “unless my Lord should will something,” highlights Ibrahim’s ultimate humility and courtesy toward Allah (swt). Despite his deep faith and submission, Ibrahim (pbuh) refrains from making absolute assertions, instead recognizing Allah’s boundless will and infinite knowledge. This reflects his complete surrender to Allah’s judgment and his acknowledgment of being under His sovereignty.

When Ibrahim adds, “My Lord encompasses all things in knowledge,” it explains the exception. Allah’s comprehensive knowledge governs all that exists, making it entirely possible for harm to reach someone for reasons beyond human comprehension. For the believer, this exception - which means the surrendering to Allah’s absolute Will - is vital, as it cultivates proper understanding, awareness, and alignment with true faith. The act of making exceptions itself reinforces the foundation of sound belief and strengthens the believer’s consciousness of Allah’s supreme power.

The unwavering stance of a believer who places his/her trust in Allah (swt) is anchored in complete surrender to His will. Such a person fears none but Allah and rejects any fear of what others may associate with Him. Yet, is this stance truly genuine?

In reality, such steadfastness intrinsically lacks two elements:

- Self-awareness and sincerity: Does one genuinely embody the sincerity they profess, or do hidden weaknesses hinder them from living up to their claims? For instance, Iblis was once among the devout, yet his arrogance barred him from obeying Allah’s command. However, sincere surrender to Allah’s will inherently involves a hope that one’s claim of sincerity would be truthful.

- Complete and comprehensive knowledge: Only Allah possesses absolute knowledge. The believer, limited in understanding, relies on surrendering to Allah’s will as a guiding light. This surrender becomes a tool for self-discovery, enabling the believer to confront the inner reality. Through the Qur’an and the Prophetic teachings, Allah’s will serves as both a guide and a mirror, uncovering the truth within the believer’s heart. Surrendering to Allah’s will thus becomes more than a stance - it is a compass for self-reflection, guidance, and alignment with divine truth, serving as both an indicator of sincerity and a measure of one’s faith.

For instance, overcoming fear - a corrosive force that paralyzes the heart and leads the soul to ruin - is achieved through surrendering to Allah’s will with complete trust in His perfect preservation, wisdom, support, and victory. When calamities strike, whether in the form of illness, the loss of a loved one, or the failure of a business, for example, the believer’s first response should not merely be to seek relief, but to strive to surrender to Allah’s will. This reflects the profound recognition of His dominion, His Lordship, and His absolute power to remove harm and grant blessings.

Such knowledge and certainty deepen faith, purify the heart, and bring tranquility and peace. As a result, the believer’s supplication transcends the immediate desire for relief and seeks to fulfill the essence of worship: “That we may glorify You much and remember You much,” as Musa (pbuh) concluded in his supplication (20:33–34). In this way, Allah’s will shapes the believers' servitude, guiding them to gratitude in times of ease and patience in times of hardship - always anchored in remembrance of Him.

This aligns with the meaning of the Prophet Muhammad's (pbuh) words:

“Wondrous is the affair of the believer! Verily, all his affairs are good. If something pleasing happens to him, he is grateful, and that is good for him. If something harmful happens to him, he is patient, and that is good for him.”

The key to a fulfilled heart is not in waiting for the outcomes of effort or the answering of supplications, but in wholeheartedly surrendering to the divine will.