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During my time in Malaysia, my country of origin, I realized just how fragile we are as human beings. We are often filled with fear—fear that someone might intervene if we openly speak about God in public. There is a constant worry that we could be hurt or imprisoned for preaching or teaching the Quran. When one speaks about God alone, there seems to be a sense of disapproval, a discomfort among those who hear the message.

In many instances, it’s clear that the devil has duped people into believing that religious devotion is a source of humiliation, that family ties or worldly pleasures take precedence over the truth and purpose of life. This reality is undoubtedly sad, but it also highlights a deeper issue: the level of weakness within our souls and the extent to which we have become dependent on the approval of others.

2:150
“Wherever you go, you shall turn your face (during the Salat) towards the Sacred Masjid. Wherever you might be, you shall turn your faces towards it, so that the people will have no argument against you, except the wicked ones among them. Do not fear them, and fear Me instead. I will then perfect My blessings upon you, that you may be guided.”

The Straight Path

God repeatedly reminds us that there is only one straight path leading to Him, and any deviation leads to confusion and a loss of awareness of His mercy and presence. In 2:150, God commands the believers to face the Ka’bah during their prayers, which became a point of contention among the Quraish, who questioned, “Why did they change the direction of their Qiblah?” (2:142).

This shift in direction was a test from God to see who would truly submit when the Qiblah was changed. It served as a reminder that, regardless of the direction one faces, what truly matters is the acknowledgment that God is present everywhere, and He alone is the focus of worship.

39:67
“They can never fathom the greatness of God. The whole earth is within His fist on the Day of Resurrection, and the universes are folded within His right hand. Be He glorified; He is much too high above needing any partners.”

This adjustment of the Qiblah was meant to unite believers and provide them with a focal point, a symbol that could help their minds understand their devotion during worship. Ultimately, however, God’s command is to fear Him above all else and to seek His approval rather than the approval of others.

The Value of Trusting God

Despite the challenges, our devotion to God should not waver due to fear of disapproval or harm. God provides us with numerous reminders that these fears are baseless. Throughout life, as we dedicate ourselves to God, we will face tests that challenge our faith and trust in His ability to save us in every situation. Each trial serves as a reminder that fear is unfounded when one places their trust in God.

Let’s consider a worst-case scenario: if I were to preach about God openly in a bustling street of a Sunni community, this might be perceived as a deviation, potentially leading to my arrest or punishment. But think about the sequence of events that must occur:

• Someone has to report you.
• The authorities must then locate you and arrest you.
• There must be evidence or a court judgment brought against you.
• This could attract media attention to the situation.
• You may face public humiliation and potentially be imprisoned or worse.

While this sequence may not unfold exactly as described, it’s clear that at each stage, there is a significant barrier that could prevent such a punishment. And at every juncture, if you trust in God, He has the power to save you.

Death is inevitable, and fearing it does not delay it by even a moment. If these fears come true, they only highlight the absence of religious freedom. God reminds us of the “spacious earth” (4:97) and encourages us to find a place where we can freely serve Him.

4:97
“Those whose lives are terminated by the angels, while in a state of wronging their souls, the angels will ask them, ‘What was the matter with you?’ They will say, ‘We were oppressed on earth.’ They will say, ‘Was God’s earth not spacious enough for you to emigrate therein?’ For these, the final abode is Hell, and a miserable destiny.”

If your trust in God is absolute, then every place becomes a safe space. Every action taken for God’s cause is righteous and guided. While physical death is certain, the salvation of your soul is not. The more you strive against disbelief and challenge the corrupt practices that prevail, the closer you come to the pure state of serving God.

Perfected Blessings

Your blessings are directly tied to your actions and willingness to surrender to God. This is the same God who created life and established the laws that govern the universe. The probability of life arising by chance is infinitesimally small, yet here we are, living by God’s will in the vast expanse of space.

Many of us have strayed far from His grace, but God gives us the opportunity to return to His path. Stand firmly with God, without hesitation or excuses. Wherever you are, God’s guidance and support are available to all who sincerely seek Him.

3:160
“If God supports you, none can defeat you. And if He abandons you, who else can support you? In God the believers shall trust.”

God’s power is absolute, and His authority cannot be challenged. The fears that linger in our hearts are remnants of past doubts. The worst that others can do is take your life, but even this is an outcome that God has already determined.

6:162-163
“Say, ‘My Contact Prayers (Salat), my worship practices, my life and my death, are all devoted absolutely to God alone, the Lord of the universe. He has no partner. This is what I am commanded to believe, and I am the first to submit.’” (Quran 6:162-163)

God has no partners and no equals. He is far beyond our comprehension. Just as we wouldn’t fear an ant attacking us, so too should we not fear a nation of disbelievers challenging a servant of God. Their efforts are futile, for God’s promise is always the truth.

10:55
“Absolutely, to God belongs everything in the heavens and the earth. Absolutely, God’s promise is truth, but most of them do not know.”

Striving for Balance

This message is not a call for reckless aggression, but rather for a deliberate and unwavering commitment to preaching God’s word, regardless of potential consequences. Everything in existence moves according to God’s will, and nothing escapes His knowledge.

God has given us the faculties of hearing, sight, and reason (67:23) so that we may appreciate His mercy and make use of every blessing. Our actions should not be governed by fear, for fear rots the soul and limits our choices.

67:6-12
“For those who disbelieved in their Lord, the retribution of Hell. What a miserable destiny! (67:6)
When they are thrown therein, they hear its furor as it fumes. (67:7)
It almost explodes with rage. Whenever a group is thrown therein, its guards would ask them, ‘Did you not receive a warner?’ (67:8)
They would answer, ‘Yes indeed; a warner did come to us, but we disbelieved and said, “God did not reveal anything. You are totally astray.”’ (67:9)
They also say, ‘Had we listened or understood, we would not have been among the dwellers of Hell!’ (67:10)
Thus, they confessed their sins. Woe to the dwellers of Hell. (67:11)”

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