By Liyana Mohd Khafiz�

In one of our Friday circle, we were discussing the proclamation of The Shahadah of La Ilaha Illallah (bearing witness that there is none worthy of worship except Allah) as not just being a statement of belief but also as an active commitment to living our lives in a way that reflects true love and devotion to Allah. There are profound wisdom in the blessed proclamation of the Shahadah.

Understanding “La Ilaha Illallah”: The Core of Our Faith

One of the key wisdom at the core of “La Ilaha Illallah” lies in its encapsulation of “I” and “Allah.” It symbolises the contingent existence of human beings (“I”) and the necessary existence of Allah. This proclamation serves as a reminder that our very existence relies on Allah, and nothing can exist without Him. It urges us to release arrogance and recognize Allah as the sole provider of our needs. Often, we fall into the trap of attributing achievements solely to our efforts, forgetting that Allah’s grace and guidance play a pivotal role.

EMBRACING THE TRUTH THAT ALLAH FULFILS OUR NEEDS FOSTERS HUMILITY AND GRATITUDE, DRAWING US CLOSER TO WHOLEHEARTEDLY LIVING “LA ILAHA ILLALLAH.”

With this wisdom, I contemplate how profoundly my understanding of the Shahadah has deepened as I embarked on the journey of caring for my mother during her illness. Her battle with cancer, which came to a poignant end in November 2020, exposed the fragility of human life, the limitations of our abilities, and the undeniable reality of mortality.

Within the context of “La Ilaha Illallah,” the pronoun “I” took on a new dimension, representing not just our contingent existence but also our vulnerability and helplessness in the face of life’s trials. Despite my efforts to ease my mother’s pain and provide comfort, I realised that Allah held complete control over our lives and destinies. Her struggle and eventual passing served as a profound reminder of our utter dependence on Allah for everything.

“Allah,” the second part of the shahadah, embodies necessary existence—the eternal and self-sufficient One. Amidst the challenges I faced as a caregiver, I initially failed to recognize Allah’s constant presence offering strength and guidance. Eventually, I came to understand that His mercy knows no bounds, and He had been by my side all along, during my most difficult days even when I had failed to worship him.

Reflecting on this journey, I find myself embracing the essence of “La Ilaha Illallah” more deeply, acknowledging Allah’s centrality in our lives.

Life After Loss: Embracing Allah’s Love and Pleasure and Seeking Beneficial Knowledge

Guilty of occasionally indulging in pop culture, I recently came across a heart-breaking article about a young Hollywood actor’s untimely demise at the tender age of 25. The piece suggested that he might have taken his own life, grappling with the heavy burden of depression after losing his father. As I read about his struggles, my heart couldn’t help but empathise, triggering memories of my own journey through the pain of losing a parent.

In the funeral of my mother’s passing, I found myself seeking solace and guidance, yearning to forge a deeper connection with Allah through prayer. It was during this difficult time that I stumbled upon Converts Central (CC), and the events they organized. Little did I know that these encounters would be the catalysts for profound change in my life.

As I immersed myself in New Muslim Circle sessions, I was moved by the notion that being a true friend of Allah entails a continuous pursuit of beneficial knowledge. In my heart, I yearn to be considered as Allah’s true friend, dedicated to a lifelong journey of seeking beneficial knowledge and embracing Islam as a way of life, all while holding our beloved Prophet Muhammad ﷺ dear in my heart.

Where once grief consumed me, through the grace of Allah, the pain transformed into a driving force, motivating me to lead a meaningful life dedicated to His love and pleasure. I humbly acknowledge that I am not always the perfect embodiment of a devout Muslim, yet through His infinite mercy, I always find my way back to Him.

The journey since my mother’s departure has been unexpected, and Alhamdullilah, I am grateful for every second of it; the highs, the lows and the so-so’s. It has taught me that Allah has indeed chosen to guide me towards Him. I have learned to witness the countless blessings He has bestowed upon me, answering my prayers in this world; some were granted swiftly, while others required patience. But these answered prayers have deepened my faith, leading me to believe that if He responds to my supplications in this world, He surely listens to my pleas to forgive my mother and grant her eternal mercy in the Hereafter.

As I continue my journey, I hold on to the hope that one day, by Allah’s grace, I will be reunited with my beloved mother in Jannah on the Day of Judgment together with the people we love. Until then, I am committed to embracing the knowledge that Allah has graciously revealed to us and seeking His Love and Guidance in every aspect of my life.

May Allah’s Mercy and Blessings be upon us all as we navigate the challenges of this world and strive to draw closer to Him. Amin.