Iftiqar (the state of poverty to Allah)
This is the most desirable state to be in, and this was the state attained by the Messengers, Prophets and the most noble of the believers. It comes with the awareness of who we are, who we’re dealing with and the purpose of life. Those in poverty to Allah realise that nothing is within their control, and this puts them into a state of fear of Allah and makes them worried and mindful about the unseen and the Hereafter. It makes them conscious and concerned that Allah SWT can, at any time and without warning or explanation, change any circumstances, even their own iman.
In the first battle between the Muslims and the disbelievers from the Quraish of Mekkah (the Battle of Badr) the believers were a small number and ill-equipped, and had to face a fully equipped army almost four times their number. However, the Muslims in Badr were in a status of poverty to Allah, which led them to having absolute tawakkul or reliance on Allah. This reliance on Allah gave them the full support from Allah, and Allah gave them victory over the non-believers.
In the battle of Uhud, the believers were almost victorious, but some of them disobeyed the direct orders of Rasulullah SAW, and as a result they were defeated and many of them were killed in battle.
In the battle of Hunayn, when the Muslims were initially arrogant of their power, numbers and weaponry, Allah caused them to face a defeat because they lost their status of poverty to Allah.
Allah has already given you victory in many regions and [even] on the day of Hunayn, when your great number pleased you, but it did not avail you at all, and the earth was confining for you with its vastness; then you turned back, fleeing. (Al Qur’an 9:25)
The lesson to be learnt is that the status of poverty to Allah will lead one to full trust, reliance, faith and complete surrender to Allah. This is when one will have complete support from Allah.
It is You we worship and You we ask for help. (Al Qur’an 1:5)
This journey is so delicate and fragile. We have to examine and assess ourselves constantly. We should scrutinize our ikhlas (sincerity) and niyyah (intention) all the time, and purify them so that all our actions are for the sake of Allah alone. Any slip up in these will cause us to fall.
Remember, that even if we fall, we have to get back up quickly, and beg Allah to support us and accept us. If we slip and try to give excuses or make justifications, we will continue from one slip up to another while believing that we are trying to do “good”. This is what the majority of people are doing. This is why we need iftiqar, to always need Allah to support us with His guidance, vision, light (noor) and wisdom. We have to constantly question ourselves on whether our actions are for Allah or not.
It is crucial to always remember the two elements of success: thank Allah and show gratitude, and believe in Him.
