In the name of Allah the most gracious the most merciful.
Dead Aid
There are two types of changes one instantaneous and the other gradual. In this Qur’anic verse, the type of change that we are looking at is a gradual not instantaneous one, a change found parallel to motion and manifesting itself in a linear continuation of time. Change needs to be looked at realistically, it goes both ways, it can either be progress which is a change in the direction of growth or getting closer to a specified and intended goal or regress which is moving away from a specified and intended goal.
Verily, Allah will not change the condition of a people as long as they do not change their state themselves
al-Ra’d 13:11
Looking at the status and situation of the so-called “Native Black Muslim” in most of our communities, in which direction are we moving? Are we moving in the direction of growth or regress? Do we have goals we are moving towards? If we have goals, are they in line with the verse of the Quran that I mentioned above. Whereby Allah will be the bringer of change in our lives, are we really moving in the direction whereby we are the drivers of this change and Allah lays the road for us to be able get to that destiny, or are we passengers in this vehicle of change. Whereby we are not the ones in control of the change that is happening around us.
There is absolutely no food better consumed than consuming from the earnings of one’s own hand, and the prophet of Allah, David (AS) would eat from the labour of his hand.*
Kanz al- ‘Ummal, no. 9223, Prophet Muhammad (saw)
Humans are the only creatures with the gift to plan because only human beings have the ability to perceive universal concepts hence the ability to plan beyond our personal needs and desires, therefore only those who are able to plan beyond their personal interests and set goals that are beyond their carnal desires are living up to this gift. The gift of humanity. Are we moving in a direction that confirms our humanity, established in our ability to change our situation by setting goals with a thread of brotherly unity and honour and pride in our humanity?
Let us reclaim our humanity and cut ourselves from aid that makes us less human and the cap-in-hand syndrome that cripples our humanity and deprives us of the blessing that Allah has made ready for us. Let us change our condition so Allah can elevate us to greatness as a people.
Know that those who are wary of their duty to Allah will find through Him a way out of the troubles of trials, and a light from darkness.
Imam ‘Ali (as), Nahj al-Balagha, Sermon 183
By Sh. Mohau Mokoatle