Why Do I Have These Abilities? | Why Me? EP. 6 | Dr. Omar Suleiman's Ramadan Series on Qadar

Summary

This powerful script reflects on the blessings of health and the challenges of illness and disability. It emphasizes that both physical strength and weakness serve as opportunities for spiritual growth and closeness to Allah. Through stories of resilience and faith, including the example of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and his companions, it highlights the importance of patience, humility, and the reward of perseverance in hardship. The message is clear: disabilities and challenges are not disabilities in the sight of Allah; they are pathways to spiritual elevation and a reminder of life's ultimate purpose.

Takeaways

• 😀 Health is a great blessing that provides strength, mobility, and opportunities, but illness and disability also carry great rewards in the eyes of Allah.
• 😀 Illness is a hardship that is easier to recognize in others, but it can be hard to witness in those close to us. It is a test for the individual and their family.
• 😀 Serving someone who is ill or disabled is a great act of patience and dedication, and Allah records the efforts of those who support them.
• 😀 The story of 'Urwa ibn Az-Zubair shows that gratitude, patience, and faith in times of hardship lead to spiritual growth and closeness to Allah.
• 😀 True disability is spiritual blindness, deafness, and an inability to recognize Allah's blessings, not physical limitations.
• 😀 People with disabilities or illness may be spiritually healthier, as Allah uses these challenges to elevate their ranks in the hereafter.
• 😀 The companions of the Prophet (SallAllahu 'Alaihi Wasallam) showed resilience despite their physical challenges, such as blindness, missing limbs, or other disabilities.
• 😀 Allah values intentions more than abilities, and He rewards believers for their intentions, even when physical abilities limit them.
• 😀 Abilities are opportunities to please Allah, and using them to help others, especially those with fewer abilities, is a form of worship.
• 😀 It is important to be humble and not take physical or mental blessings for granted, as Allah may take them away at any moment, teaching us to appreciate what we have.

Q & A

What is the central message of the transcript?

The central message of the transcript is that while good health is a blessing, illness and disability also carry profound spiritual rewards. The speaker emphasizes the importance of patience, gratitude, and faith in navigating physical or emotional challenges, and highlights how these experiences can lead to spiritual growth and closer connection to Allah.

How does the speaker define 'disability' in the context of the transcript?

The speaker suggests that true disability is not physical, but spiritual. The inability to see, hear, or understand the signs of Allah in life is considered the real disability, while physical challenges or limitations are seen as tests from Allah that can lead to greater spiritual health and rewards.

What example does the speaker use to illustrate the concept of patience in the face of hardship?

The speaker uses the example of 'Urwa ibn Az-Zubair, who after losing his son and having his leg amputated, expressed gratitude to Allah. He acknowledged the blessings that remained and made a powerful prayer, demonstrating remarkable patience and faith in the face of personal trials.

How does the speaker explain the concept of disability as a test not only for the individual but also for the family?

The speaker explains that when a person faces illness or disability, it is a test for the entire family. The patience, tireless care, and support provided by loved ones during such times are recorded by Allah and can lead to spiritual growth for both the individual and the family.

What does the speaker say about the role of intentions in Islam, especially in relation to physical abilities?

In Islam, abilities are not as important as the intentions behind them. The speaker emphasizes that it's not about physical strength or intelligence, but rather about how one uses their abilities to please Allah. The intention to do good and seek Allah’s reward is what matters most.

How does the speaker address the challenge of missed opportunities due to physical limitations?

The speaker acknowledges that those with physical limitations may feel that they are missing out on certain opportunities to perform good deeds, such as fasting or praying in specific ways. However, they are assured that Allah grants them rewards and does not consider them deficient in their faith due to these limitations.

What examples from the lives of the Prophet’s companions does the speaker use to highlight how disability did not define their value?

The speaker mentions several companions who overcame physical challenges, such as Abdullah ibn Um Maktoum (who was blind), Nusaybah (who lost an arm), and Abu 'Ubaidah (who was missing his teeth). Despite their physical limitations, they were highly regarded for their faith and actions.

How does the Prophet Muhammad (SallAllahu 'Alaihi Wasallam) demonstrate compassion towards those with disabilities?

The Prophet Muhammad (SallAllahu 'Alaihi Wasallam) showed great compassion towards those with disabilities. He welcomed and helped people with physical and mental challenges, such as the blind, those with leprosy, and individuals with mental illnesses, by treating them with respect, dignity, and kindness.

What does the speaker suggest about the relationship between physical abilities and arrogance?

The speaker suggests that physical abilities, such as strength and intelligence, can lead to arrogance if not viewed with humility. The story of Qarun, who attributed his wealth and power solely to his own knowledge, is used to illustrate how such abilities can be a source of arrogance if one fails to recognize that all blessings come from Allah.

What is the significance of the phrase 'Allah has given you a headstart with some other blessing' in the context of disabilities and abilities?

The phrase 'Allah has given you a headstart with some other blessing' emphasizes that while a person may lack certain abilities or face challenges, Allah compensates by providing other blessings. These could be spiritual strengths, qualities of patience or humility, or opportunities for growth that can lead to greater rewards in the hereafter.