Relying on God, Taqwa, Steadfastness Keys to Victory
The Quranic plan is annually organized in summer with the aim of promoting memorization of the Holy Book and spreading the Quranic culture and teachings in society.
This is the 1455th year since the revelation of the Holy Quran to the Holy Prophet (PBUH) and hence the name ‘1455’.
In this plan, every week some verses of the Quran with special themes are selected and their interpretations are discussed in various TV and radio programs.
Then a competition is held about the lessons and discussions.
Following is an interpretation of verse 128 of Surah Al-A’raf of the Holy Quran, provided in the “1455 Quranic Plan”:
“Musa (Moses) said to his people: Ask help from Allah and be patient; surely the land is Allah's; He causes such of His servants to inherit it as He pleases, and the end is for those who guard (against evil) (the pious)”: [Surah Al-A’raf (7), Verse 128]
Life is a field of competition, examination and moving on the path of growth and perfection. In this field, there are many obstacles and ups and downs and it is through surmounting these obstacles and successfully passing the examinations that people achieve growth and their weaknesses turn into strengths.
The obstacles in life are the hardships people face: economic problems, illnesses, losing loved ones, and facing others’ bad behaviors. One should overcome these hurdles and the more one is acquainted with the teachings of the Holy Quran and the Infallibles (AS), the easier it will be for them to surmount the hurdles. What makes people stronger and more steadfast on this path are three great assets: trusting in God, Sabr Jameel (beautiful patience) and Taqwa (God-fearing).
God says in verse 128 of Surah Al-A’raf: “Moses told his people to seek help from God and exercise patience. The earth belongs to Him and He has made it the heritage of whichever of His servants He chooses. The final victory is for the pious ones.”
This verse actually features the plan that Prophet Moses (AS) offered Bani Israil to help them confront the threats of Pharaoh. Prophet Moses (AS) explains the conditions for defeating the enemy and reminds them that they would certainly achieve victory if they do three things:
First, they should rely on God only and seek from Him alone. (Musa (Moses) said to his people: Ask help from Allah).
Second, he tells them to be patient and steadfast and not to be frightened by enemy’s threats and attacks, emphasizing that “The earth belongs to Him and He has made it the heritage of whichever of His servants He chooses.”
Third, they should practice Taqwa because the future belongs to those who have Taqwa. (The final victory is for the pious ones.)
Trusting in God is the way of salvation for mankind. We should realize that all of the world belongs to God and is His realm. Without God’s permission, even a leaf does not move. Having such a belief, we should fulfil our responsibility and leave the result to God, remaining calm and resting assured that He is the best Muddabir (one who plans and manages best) and kindest Lord and most skillful healer.
Sabr Jameel is also a strategy for overcoming problems. Patience and steadfastness are great assets. We should be steadfast in resisting Satan’s temptations. We should have patience and steadfastness in carrying out our responsibilities and in the face of hardships and adversities, refusing to complain or resort to wrong paths.
We should remain calm and dignified when facing the bad behaviors and words of the ignorant and guide them to the right path with our own behavior. We should also tolerate improper behavior from our spouse or children, refusing to reciprocate, which would make life bitter.
Taqwa is also a key to overcoming problems and this is God’s promise to His servants. The Quran says “And for those who fear Allah, He (ever) prepares a way out.” [Surah Talaq (65), Verse 2]
These three preconditions for victory over the enemy, which are related to the fields of belief (seeking help from God), ethics (patience and steadfastness), and deeds (Taqwa and acting upon God’s commandments), were not just for Bani Israil’s victory against the enemy, but are necessary for any people seeking victory over enemies.
It is important to note that each of these conditions are requirements for the other, as Taqwa cannot be achieved without steadfastness and resisting worldly temptations, and patience and steadfastness cannot last long without faith in God.
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